SBI PO Syllabus 2026
SBI PO 2026 Syllabus – Prelims & Mains Subject Wise Detailed Topics
Check SBI PO syllabus 2026 including Prelims and Mains subject wise syllabus, important topics, exam pattern and preparation strategy.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026
Detailed Theory + Topic-Wise Tables for Prelims, Mains, Descriptive Test, Psychometric Test & Interview
The SBI PO 2026 examination is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, reasoning ability, banking awareness, communication skills, analytical thinking, leadership qualities, and decision-making skills. The recruitment process consists of Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview.
Unlike many other competitive exams, SBI PO focuses heavily on practical banking aptitude, analytical reasoning, current financial awareness, and managerial capabilities. Therefore, understanding the syllabus in depth is crucial for effective preparation.
SBI PO 2026 Exam Structure
Phase | Examination | Marks | Qualifying Nature |
|---|---|---|---|
Phase I | Preliminary Exam | 100 | Qualifying |
Phase II | Mains Objective Test | 200 | Merit Based |
Phase II | Descriptive Test | 30 | Merit Based |
Phase III | Psychometric Test | Qualifying | Personality Assessment |
Phase III | Group Exercise | 20 | Merit Based |
Phase III | Interview | 30 | Merit Based |
Final Merit = Mains (Objective + Descriptive) + Group Exercise + Interview
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026
The Preliminary Examination serves as the first screening stage. The syllabus is designed to test basic aptitude, reasoning skills, and English language proficiency.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
English Language Syllabus (Prelims)
Theory
The English section evaluates a candidate's reading ability, grammar knowledge, vocabulary strength, and comprehension skills. Recent SBI PO examinations have shifted towards contextual English rather than traditional grammar-based questions.
Detailed Topic-Wise Syllabus
Topic | Concepts Covered | Expected Weightage |
|---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Inference, Vocabulary, Theme, Tone | 10-15 Questions |
Cloze Test | Contextual Fillers | 5-7 Questions |
Error Detection | Grammar & Usage | 3-5 Questions |
Sentence Improvement | Grammar Application | 3-5 Questions |
Word Swap | New Pattern Questions | 3-5 Questions |
Match the Column | Phrase Matching | 4-6 Questions |
Para Jumbles | Sentence Rearrangement | 3-5 Questions |
Fillers | Single & Double Fillers | 2-4 Questions |
Connectors | Sentence Linking | 2-3 Questions |
Phrase Replacement | Contextual Grammar | 2-3 Questions |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, Antonyms | Integrated |
Most Important Areas
High Priority Topics |
|---|
Reading Comprehension |
Cloze Test |
Word Swap |
Match the Column |
Error Detection |
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Prelims)
Theory
The Quantitative Aptitude section evaluates numerical ability, arithmetic skills, and data interpretation. SBI increasingly focuses on application-based arithmetic rather than formula-based mathematics.
Arithmetic Syllabus
Chapter | Topics Included | Importance |
|---|---|---|
Percentage | Increase-Decrease, Applications | Very High |
Ratio & Proportion | Sharing, Comparison | High |
Average | Weighted Average | High |
Profit & Loss | Marked Price, Discount | Very High |
Simple Interest | Banking Applications | Medium |
Compound Interest | CI Calculations | Medium |
Time & Work | Efficiency, Pipes & Cistern | High |
Time, Speed & Distance | Trains, Boats | High |
Ages | Family Age Problems | Medium |
Mixture & Allegation | Ratio Based Questions | High |
Partnership | Business Profit Sharing | Medium |
Advanced Quant Topics
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Number Series | Very High |
Quadratic Equations | High |
Simplification | Medium |
Approximation | Medium |
Probability | Low |
Permutation & Combination | Low |
Data Interpretation
DI Type | Expected Frequency |
|---|---|
Table DI | Very High |
Pie Chart DI | High |
Bar Graph DI | High |
Line Graph DI | High |
Missing DI | High |
Caselet DI | Very High |
Most Important Areas
High Priority Topics |
|---|
Data Interpretation |
Percentage |
Profit & Loss |
Time & Work |
Number Series |
Reasoning Ability Syllabus (Prelims)
Theory
Reasoning Ability is usually the highest-scoring section for serious aspirants. SBI mainly asks puzzles and seating arrangement-based questions.
Puzzle & Arrangement
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Linear Arrangement | Very High |
Circular Arrangement | Very High |
Square Arrangement | High |
Floor Based Puzzle | Very High |
Box Puzzle | High |
Month & Date Puzzle | High |
Scheduling Puzzle | High |
Logical Reasoning
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Syllogism | High |
Inequality | Medium |
Coding-Decoding | Medium |
Blood Relation | Medium |
Direction Sense | Medium |
Ranking & Order | Medium |
Alphanumeric Series | Medium |
Analytical Reasoning
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Input Output | High |
Data Sufficiency | Medium |
Logical Reasoning | High |
Most Important Areas
High Priority Topics |
|---|
Seating Arrangement |
Floor Puzzle |
Box Puzzle |
Input Output |
Syllogism |
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026
The Mains Examination determines the final merit shortlist for Interview.
SBI PO Mains Pattern
Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 |
English Language | 40 | 20 |
Total | 170 | 200 |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (Mains)
Theory
The Mains Reasoning section is much more analytical than Prelims and includes critical reasoning, decision-making, and computer aptitude.
Advanced Reasoning Topics
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
High-Level Puzzle | Very High |
Seating Arrangement | Very High |
Input Output | High |
Critical Reasoning | High |
Cause & Effect | Medium |
Statement-Assumption | Medium |
Statement-Conclusion | Medium |
Course of Action | Medium |
Decision Making | High |
Logical Reasoning | High |
Computer Aptitude
Topic | Concepts |
|---|---|
Computer Fundamentals | Basic Concepts |
Hardware | Devices & Components |
Software | System & Application |
Operating System | Windows, Linux |
Networking | LAN, WAN, MAN |
Internet | WWW, Browser |
Cyber Security | Malware, Viruses |
MS Office | Word, Excel, PPT |
Memory Devices | RAM, ROM |
Database | DBMS Basics |
Data Analysis & Interpretation (Mains)
Theory
This is the highest-scoring section in SBI PO Mains. Questions are lengthy and require strong calculation speed.
Detailed Syllabus
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Caselet DI | Very High |
Table DI | Very High |
Bar Graph DI | High |
Pie Chart DI | High |
Radar DI | Medium |
Missing DI | High |
Quantity Comparison | High |
Data Sufficiency | High |
Probability | Medium |
Permutation & Combination | Medium |
General, Economy & Banking Awareness
Theory
This section can be a game changer because it requires less calculation and more conceptual clarity.
Banking Awareness
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
RBI Functions | Very High |
Monetary Policy | Very High |
Repo Rate | High |
Reverse Repo Rate | High |
CRR | High |
SLR | High |
Basel Norms | Medium |
NPA | High |
Financial Inclusion | High |
Banking Ombudsman | Medium |
Digital Banking | Very High |
UPI | Very High |
NEFT | High |
RTGS | High |
IMPS | High |
NPCI | High |
Economy Awareness
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Budget | Very High |
Economic Survey | Very High |
GDP | High |
Inflation | High |
Fiscal Deficit | High |
Capital Market | Medium |
Money Market | Medium |
Current Affairs
Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
Banking News | Last 6 Months |
Economy News | Last 6 Months |
National Affairs | Last 6 Months |
International Affairs | Last 6 Months |
Awards | Last 6 Months |
Sports | Last 6 Months |
Government Schemes | Last 6 Months |
Summits | Last 6 Months |
English Language (Mains)
Theory
The English section in SBI PO Mains tests advanced comprehension and editorial understanding.
Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Very High |
Editorial RC | Very High |
Cloze Test | High |
Error Detection | Medium |
Word Swap | Medium |
Connectors | Medium |
Para Jumbles | Medium |
Vocabulary | High |
Descriptive English Syllabus
Theory
The Descriptive Test evaluates professional communication skills expected from a future banking officer.
Component | Topics |
|---|---|
Email Writing | Official Emails, Customer Communication |
Situation Analysis | Banking & Business Scenarios |
Report Writing | Banking Reports |
Precis Writing | Editorial & Economic Topics |
Frequently Asked Themes
Theme |
|---|
Digital Banking |
Financial Literacy |
Cyber Security |
Artificial Intelligence |
Financial Inclusion |
Women Empowerment |
Sustainable Development |
Banking Reforms |
Psychometric Test Syllabus
Theory
There is no fixed syllabus. The assessment evaluates personality traits required for managerial roles.
Parameter Evaluated |
|---|
Leadership |
Integrity |
Emotional Intelligence |
Teamwork |
Decision Making |
Risk Management |
Customer Orientation |
Adaptability |
Interview Syllabus
Theory
The interview panel evaluates personality, communication skills, banking awareness, and suitability for an officer role.
Area | Topics |
|---|---|
Banking Awareness | RBI, Banking System |
Economy | Budget, Inflation |
Current Affairs | Last 6 Months |
Personal Background | Education, Family |
Work Experience | If Applicable |
Situational Questions | Leadership & Ethics |
SBI Specific Questions | History, Services, Initiatives |
SBI PO 2026 Most Important Topics (80% Coverage Strategy)
Subject | Most Important Topics |
|---|---|
Quant | Data Interpretation, Arithmetic |
Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement |
English | Reading Comprehension |
Banking | RBI, Monetary Policy |
Current Affairs | Last 6 Months |
Descriptive | Email Writing |
Interview | Banking + Current Affairs |
Preparation Priority Ranking
Priority | Area | Expected Contribution |
|---|---|---|
1 | Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 25-30 Marks |
2 | Data Interpretation | 20-25 Marks |
3 | Banking Awareness | 30-40 Marks |
4 | Current Affairs | 20-25 Marks |
5 | Reading Comprehension | 10-15 Marks |
6 | Arithmetic | 10-15 Marks |
7 | Descriptive English | 30 Marks |
8 | Interview Preparation | 50 Marks |
This comprehensive syllabus covers every major topic repeatedly asked in SBI PO examinations and provides both conceptual understanding and topic-wise weightage for strategic preparation.