SBI PO Exam Preparation

SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2026

The SBI PO eligibility criteria define who can apply for the Probationary Officer recruitment process based on age, education, nationality, and attempt limits. Candidates must hold a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university, and their age must be between 21 and 30 years at the time of application. Certain relaxations in the upper age limit are available for reserved categories as per Government guidelines. The bank also specifies the maximum number of attempts, where General and EWS category candidates are allowed up to 4 attempts, while OBC and SC/ST candidates receive additional exemptions. Meeting all eligibility norms is mandatory to participate in the SBI PO selection process.

SBI PO Age Limit 2026

The age limit for the SBI PO recruitment requires candidates to be at least 21 years old and not older than 30 years at the time of registration. The upper age limit is relaxed for reserved categories as per Government rules, allowing additional years for OBC, SC/ST, and other eligible groups. The age criteria ensure that applicants fall within the specified range before participating in the selection process for the Probationary Officer post.

• Minimum Age: 21 years
• Maximum Age: 30 years

SBI PO Age Relaxation

Age relaxation is provided to reserved categories as per government norms, extending the upper age limit for eligible groups.

SBI PO Educational Qualification 2026

To apply for SBI PO 2026, candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. Those who are in the final year or semester of graduation can apply provisionally, provided they submit proof of passing the degree at the time of the interview. Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) must ensure that the date of passing the IDD meets the eligibility criteria mentioned in the official notification. Professional qualifications such as Chartered Accountant (CA), Cost Accountant (CWA), or Engineering degrees are also considered eligible for the SBI PO application.

SBI PO Nationality 2026

Candidates for the SBI PO exam must be Indian citizens or meet specific eligibility criteria for certain groups. Below are the details:

This includes subjects of Nepal or Bhutan, Tibetan refugees who arrived in India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle permanently, and persons of Indian origin who migrated from countries like Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Vietnam, or East African nations such as Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Zambia, Ethiopia, Zaire, and Malawi, with the intention of permanent settlement in India.

Applicants from Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees, or persons of Indian origin must provide a Government of India-issued eligibility certificate to be considered for the recruitment process.

How to calculate the percentage?

Candidates must make sure that they are filling the application form according to SBI PO percentage criteria as marks will be considered according to this only.

• The candidature will be cancelled if the mark sheet or provisional certificate issued by the University/Institute is not by the date mentioned by the bank. The result of any examination posted on the website of the University/Institute will be taken as the final date of passing that exam or semester.
• The candidate should indicate the percentage obtained in Graduation calculated to the nearest two decimals in the online application where CGPA/ OGPA is awarded, the same should be converted into the percentage and indicated in the online application.
• If called for the interview, an aspirant will have to show the original certificate issued under the concerned authority stating the norms of the university regarding the conversion of grade into percentage and the percentage of marks scored by the candidate
• Calculation of Percentage: The percentage will be calculated by the marks arrived in the mark sheet and dividing the total marks obtained by the candidate in all the subjects in all semester(s)/year(s) by aggregate maximum marks into all the subjects irrespective of honors/optional/additional optional subject, if any. Marks obtained in a fraction of percentage will be ignored i.e. 59.99% will be treated as less than 60% and 54.99% will be treated as less than 55%.

Note:- benchmark disabilities would be eligible for reservation. “Benchmark disability” means a person with not less than 40% of a specified disability

SBI PO Number of Attempts

General and EWS candidates can attempt the SBI PO exam up to 4 times. Candidates from OBC, EWS, or unreserved PwBD categories can attempt up to 7 times. SC, ST, and reserved PwBD candidates have no restriction on attempts. All applicants must meet the age eligibility criteria.

SBI PO Exam Pattern

The SBI PO exam pattern follows a three-stage selection process that includes Prelims, Mains, and Phase III (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview). The Preliminary exam is objective and qualifying in nature, while the Main exam includes both objective and descriptive tests, with marks counted for the final merit. Candidates who clear the Main exam proceed to Phase III, where communication skills, personality traits, and overall suitability for the role are evaluated. The final selection is based on combined performance in the Main exam and Phase III assessment.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern

The SBI PO Prelims is the initial screening stage conducted in an online, objective format. The test carries 100 questions for 100 marks and is held for a total duration of 60 minutes, with 20 minutes allotted to each section. The paper consists of three sections — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability — all structured to evaluate speed and accuracy. A penalty of 0.25 marks is applied for every wrong answer. The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature, and scores are used only to shortlist candidates for the Mains examination, without contributing to the final merit list.

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The SBI PO Mains exam includes an Objective Test and a Descriptive Test conducted on the same day. The objective portion has four sections — Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language — for a total of 200 marks with a duration of 3 hours and sectional timing. The Descriptive Test evaluates writing skills through essay and letter writing for 50 marks, to be completed in 30 minutes. A penalty of 0.25 marks is applied for each incorrect answer in the objective test, and candidates must meet sectional as well as overall cut-offs to qualify for the next stage. The marks obtained in the Mains exam play a major role in the final selection process.

SBI PO Interview

The SBI PO Interview is the final phase of the selection process, conducted after the Mains exam. A panel evaluates the candidate’s communication, confidence, banking awareness, and overall suitability for the role. This stage is usually held along with a Group Exercise, carrying a total of 50 marks, and plays an important role in the final merit list.

• Group Discussion consists of 20 marks.
• The Personal Interview is of 30 marks.
• The final score will be the sum of SBI PO Main and Group Discussion and Interview.
• The OBC aspirants, who will clear Group Discussion and interview under the ‘OBC’ category, will need to submit the OBC certificate, containing the ‘Non-Creamy Layer’ clause. 
• The result will be published on SBI official website at sbi.co.in/careers

SBI PO Exam Syllabus

The SBI PO syllabus is divided into two stages: Prelims and Mains. The Prelims syllabus covers three subjects — English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains syllabus includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. It also includes a Descriptive Test for essay and letter writing. Knowing the syllabus helps candidates focus on important topics and prepare effectively for each stage. Below is the detailed syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus

The SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026 forms the first stage of the recruitment process and serves as the initial screening round. The prelims exam evaluates candidates through three sections – English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability – in a 60-minute online test carrying 100 marks. Candidates earn 1 mark for every correct answer, while 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong response, making accuracy and speed equally important.

Understanding the detailed syllabus allows candidates to plan their preparation effectively, prioritize important topics, and manage time during the exam. Consistent practice across all sections is key to clearing the prelims and moving to the mains stage.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus

The SBI PO Syllabus Mains 2026 is more comprehensive compared to the prelims and directly influences the final merit list. The mains exam features an objective test covering four key sections — Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness — followed by a separate descriptive paper assessing written communication skills through essay and letter writing. The descriptive test carries additional marks and is conducted for 30 minutes

This stage focuses on deeper analytical ability, financial and banking awareness, reading comprehension, and formal writing skills. Since mains performance decides the shortlisting for the interview round, candidates are expected to build strong conceptual understanding and improve accuracy through consistent practice.

SBI PO Descriptive Test

The SBI PO Descriptive Test forms an essential part of the mains examination and evaluates a candidate’s written communication skills in English. This section carries 50 marks and is conducted for 30 minutes, immediately after the objective test. Candidates are typically required to write an essay and a letter on formal, social, or banking-related topics. The test measures clarity of thought, grammar, expression, structure, tone, and the ability to communicate effectively in a professional context.

SBI PO Salary 2026

The SBI PO Salary 2026 is considered one of the most attractive salary packages in the banking sector, offering competitive pay along with job security and multiple allowances. The initial basic salary for an SBI Probationary Officer (JMGS-I) is ₹56,480, including advanced increments as per the latest Bipartite Settlement. The full salary structure follows the scale ₹48,480-2000/7-62,480-2340/2-67,160-2680/7-85,920, with the maximum basic salary reaching ₹85,920.

Beyond the basic pay, POs receive several salary components such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or lease rent, Medical Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, and Performance-linked allowances, which increase the overall salary package. With periodic revisions and structured growth, the SBI PO position continues to offer one of the most rewarding salary structures for banking aspirants.

SBI PO Salary Structure

The SBI PO salary structure includes basic pay along with several allowances. These combined components make the overall salary attractive for new officers. The gross monthly salary of an SBI PO usually falls between ₹90,000 and ₹95,000. After deductions, the in-hand salary is generally ₹80,000 to ₹85,000. The exact amount can change based on the posting location. Components such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or lease accommodation, Medical Allowance, City Compensatory Allowance, and other perks contribute to the total salary package.

SBI PO Salary In-Hand 2026

The SBI PO (Probationary Officer) salary is one of the most attractive in the banking sector. The in-hand salary of an SBI PO is calculated after deductions such as Provident Fund (PF), Professional Tax (PT), and Income Tax. Here’s a breakdown:

• For a newly appointed SBI PO, the in-hand salary ranges from ₹80,000 to ₹85,000 per month, depending on the location and the applicable allowances.
• Metro Cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, etc.): The salary is on the higher side due to the HRA and other perks.
• Non-Metro and Rural Areas: The salary might be slightly lower due to reduced HRA but still competitive.

SBI PO Allowances

Along with the basic salary, SBI Probationary Officers receive several allowances that enhance their overall salary package. These allowances vary based on the place of posting, job role, and bank policies. Common allowances offered to SBI POs include Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or lease accommodation, City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Medical Allowance, Travel Allowance, and other banking-related perks.

In metro cities, lease rent and compensatory allowances tend to be higher, while in smaller cities the structure may differ. These additional components significantly contribute to the total compensation.

SBI PO Salary Increment

SBI POs are entitled to yearly increments that follow a fixed cycle throughout their service period. The pay scale is structured in stages, ensuring steady salary growth as officers move through the increment slabs.

SBI PO Job Profile

The role of SBI Probationary Officer (PO) is a prestigious position that offers dynamic responsibilities in one of India's largest and most prestigious banks. As an SBI PO, you will be entrusted with a wide range of tasks including customer service, account management, loan processing and business development. Additionally, you will be involved in branch operations, team management and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Customer Service & Account Management

• Handling customer queries and resolving banking-related issues.
• Assisting customers with account openings, loans, and other financial services.

Banking Operations & Supervision

• Managing daily branch activities, cash transactions, and document verification.
• Supervising clerical staff and ensuring smooth banking operations.

Loans & Credit Processing

• Evaluating and approving loans, including personal, home, and business loans.
• Conducting risk assessment and financial analysis of loan applicants.

Sales & Business Development

• Promoting and selling banking products like insurance, credit cards, mutual funds, etc.
• Meeting business targets for revenue growth and customer acquisition.

Training & Leadership Development

• Undergoing a probation period with rotational assignments in various departments.
• Preparing for managerial roles through extensive training programs.

SBI PO Promotion & Career Growth

SBI offers a well-structured promotion system for Probationary Officers, allowing them to progress from entry-level managerial posts to senior leadership roles. Promotions are based on performance, experience, and departmental exams, and officers can move into roles across operations, credit, treasury, or specialised domains. With consistent growth, an SBI PO can rise from Assistant Manager to top executive positions over time.

1. Probationary Officer (PO) – Entry-level managerial position
2. Assistant Manager (Scale-I) – After completion of the probation period
3. Deputy Manager (Scale-II) – Promotion through internal exams or experience
4. Manager (Scale-III) – Based on experience and performance
5. Chief Manager (Scale-IV) – Higher responsibilities with better perks
6. Assistant General Manager (AGM) (Scale-V)
7. Deputy General Manager (DGM) (Scale-VI)
8. General Manager (GM) (Scale-VII)
9. Chief General Manager (CGM)
10. Deputy Managing Director (DMD)
11. Managing Director (MD) – Top leadership position

The SBI PO promotion policy provides an opportunity for the meritorious and exceptionally brilliant officers to reach the Top Management Grade in a reasonably quick time. SBI also offers Foreign postings to selected officers based on their performances. It has over 190 foreign offices in 36 different countries.

All the best for your exam preparation! 

SBI PO Vacancy 2025 Out

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI PO 2025 Notification, announcing a total of 541 vacancies for the post of Probationary Officer (PO). These vacancies are distributed across various categories including General, SC, ST, OBC, and EWS. Interested candidates can check the detailed category-wise vacancy distribution in the table given below.

SBI PO Vacancy 2024 Out

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the Probationary Officer (PO) Notification for 2024-25, announced 600 vacancies.

SBI PO Vacancies 2023

SBI PO PwD Vacancies 2023

SBI PO Vacancies 2022

SBI PO :- Previous Vacancies (2016 To 2021)

SBI PO Mains Result 2025- Out

The SBI PO Mains Result 2025 has been released on the official website of the State Bank of India (sbi.co.in). Candidates who appeared in the Phase 2 (Mains) examination can now check their result by logging in with their registration details or by downloading the result PDF. The list of shortlisted candidates has been published for the Interview round, which is the final stage of the SBI PO selection process. Candidates who have qualified are advised to prepare for the interview and stay updated on the official website for further instructions and schedule announcements.

SBI PO Prelims Result 2025

The State Bank of India (SBI) has declared the SBI PO Prelims Result 2025 on its official website. Candidates who appeared in the preliminary examination can now check their qualifying status by logging in with their registration number and date of birth. Those who clear the prelims will be shortlisted for the SBI PO Mains Exam, which is the next stage of the selection process. The category-wise cut-off marks are given below.

SBI PO Mains Result 2025 – Declared

State Bank of India (SBI) has officially declared the SBI PO Mains Result 2025 on May 21, 2025. The result is now available on the official SBI website - sbi.co.in. Candidates who appeared for the SBI PO Mains exam 2025 can now check their result and download the result PDF. Download Result PDF

SBI PO Main Cut Off 2023

SBI PO Mains Result 2023 has been released on its official website sbi.co.in/web/careers/. And shortlisted candidates eligible for Phase – III (Psychometric Test), SBI PO Psychometric Test will be conducted from 16.01.2024 and Personal Interview will be conducted from 24 Jan To 30 Jan 2024. SBI PO final cut-off marks will be prepared from the combined marks of Main Exam and Interview. We will update SBI PO Final Cut Off 2023 soon.

SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2023

SBI has released category wise SBI PO Preliminary cut-off. Given in the table below.

SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2022

The category-wise SBI PO Preliminary Cut Off 2022 has been released along with SBI PO Result 2022 and SBI PO Prelims Score Card 2022 on 17th January 2023.

SBI PO Mains Cut Off 2022

The category-wise cut-off for SBI PO 2023 Mains exam will be updated after it is declared by the State Bank of India (SBI).

SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2021

SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2021 has been released by SBI

SBI PO Mains Cut Off 2021

Below are the category-wise SBI PO Mains cut-off marks for shortlisting Group Exercise and Interview, as officially released with the SBI PO Score Card.

SBI PO Final Cut Off 2021

SBI PO 2021 Interview Qualifying Marks

SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2020

SBI PO Mains Cut Off 2020

SBI PO 2020 Interview Qualifying Marks

SBI PO Final Cut-Off 2020

SBI PO 2019 Prelims Cut Off

SBI PO Mains Cut Off 2019

SBI PO 2019 Interview Qualifying Marks

SBI PO Final Cut-Off 2019

All the best for your exam preparation!