Complete SBI PO Syllabus 2026: Prelims, Mains & Interview Topic-Wise Breakdown

The SBI PO syllabus 2026 covers three stages of the SBI PO exam: Prelims, Mains, and Phase III (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview). The official SBI PO notification does not publish a topic-wise syllabus. It only lists the sections and marks.

The topic-wise SBI PO exam syllabus in this article is based on analysis of previous year SBI PO question papers.

This article breaks down the complete SBI PO syllabus 2026 topic by topic, SBI PO prelims syllabus, the SBI PO mains syllabus, the descriptive paper, and the Phase III. and also tells you what’s changed this year, which topics matter the most, and how this syllabus compares with IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, and RBI Grade B.

What is the SBI PO Syllabus 2026 Overview?

The SBI PO notification 2026 mentions only the section names and marks. It does not give a topic-wise syllabus.

The SBI bank PO syllabus is spread across three phases. Each phase tests different skills.

What is the SBI PO Prelims Syllabus?

The SBI PO prelims syllabus has three sections. Each section is separately timed for 20 minutes.

• No sectional cut-off in Prelims.
• Negative marking is 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
• Prelims marks do not count in the final merit list.

Here is the decoded SBI bank PO syllabus for the 2026 prelims.

What is the SBI PO Reasoning Syllabus for Prelims?

1. Alphabetical, Alphanumeric Series
2. Coding & Decoding
3. Syllogism
4. Direction Sense
5. Logical Reasoning
6. Data Sufficiency
7. Ranking & Order
8. Alphabet Test
9. Seating Arrangement
10. Coded Inequalities
11. Puzzles
12. Blood Relation
13. Machine Input Output
14. Tabulation
15. Inequalities

What is the SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Prelims?

1. Simplification/ Approximation
2. Number Series
3. Data Interpretation
4. Quadratic Equation
5. Percentage
6. Ratio & Proportion
7. Profit & Loss, Discount
8. Simple & Compound Interest
9. Time & Work
10. Pipes & Cistern
11. Time, Speed, & Distance 
12. Trains & Boats
13. Mixture
14. Average
15. Ages
16. Partnership
17. Area & Volume
18. Probability

What is the SBI PO English Syllabus for Prelims?

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Cloze Test
3. Error Detection
4. Para Jumbles/Rearrangement
5. Match the Column
6. Paragraph Based Questions
7. Synonyms
8. Antonyms
9. Phrasal Verbs
10. Idioms & Phrases
11. One Word Substitution
12. Active Passive Voice
13. Narration

What is the SBI PO Mains Syllabus?

The SBI PO mains syllabus has four objective sections and one descriptive paper.

• Sectional cut-offs apply in Mains.
• Negative marking is 1/4th of marks per question.
• Marks per question vary: Reasoning-1.5, DI-2, GA-1, English-0.5

What is the SBI PO Data Analysis and Interpretation Syllabus for Mains?

1. Tabular Graph
2. Line Graph
3. Bar Graph
4. Charts & Tables
5. Missing Case DI
6. Radar Graph Caselet
7. Probability
8. Data Sufficiency
9. Let it Case DI
10. Permutation and Combination
11. Pie Charts
12. Code Inequalities
13. Course of Action
14. Critical Reasoning
15. Analytical and Decision Making

What is the SBI PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus for Mains?

1. Verbal Reasoning
2. Syllogism
3. Circular Seating Arrangement
4. Linear Seating Arrangement
5. Double Lineup
6. Scheduling
7. Input Output
8. Blood Relations
9. Directions and Distances
10. Ordering and Ranking
11. Data Sufficiency
12. Coding and Decoding
13. Computer Aptitude for SBI PO Mains: Networking, DBMS, and Software Basics
14. Internet
15. Memory
16. Keyboard Shortcuts
17. Computer Abbreviation
18. Microsoft Office
19. Computer Hardware
20. Computer Software
21. Computer Fundamentals/ Terminologies

Note: Computer Aptitude, although mentioned in the syllabus, is not asked in the exam. However, you must cover the basics.

What is the General/Economy/Banking Awareness Syllabus for Mains?

1. Current Affairs
2. Financial Awareness
3. General Knowledge
4. Static Awareness
5. Banking Terminologies Knowledge
6. Banking Awareness
7. Principles of Insurance

What is the SBI PO English Syllabus for Mains?

1. Reading Comprehension
2. Grammar
3. Verbal Ability
4. Vocabulary
5. Sentence Improvement
6. Word Association
7. Para Jumbles
8. Error Spotting
9. Sentence Correction / Word Replacement

What is the SBI PO Descriptive Paper Syllabus?

The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Mains Objective Test.

It carries 30 marks and lasts 30 minutes. Answers are typed on a computer.

Structure of the Descriptive Paper:

Total questions to attempt: 3 (one from each type)

The descriptive paper is evaluated only if the candidate clears the Objective Test cut-offs.

1. Email Writing

• Write a formal or semi-formal email on a professional or organisational situation.
• Tested on appropriate tone, clear structure (Subject, Salutation, Body, Closing), logical communication.
• Common situations consist of complaint resolution, service request, official correspondence, internal communication.
• Typically 150 to 200 words expected.

2. Situation Analysis

• A real-world or hypothetical problem is presented.
• Tests your ability to identify the key issue, structure a logical response, and propose practical solutions.
• Requires analytical thinking, structured writing, clear conclusion.
• Typically 200 to 250 words expected.

3. Report Writing

• Write a structured report on a given topic or event.
• Tested on clarity, objectivity, logical flow, ability to summarise and recommend.
• Format is typically Title, Introduction, Findings/Analysis, Recommendations, Conclusion.
• Typically 200 to 250 words expected.

4. Precis Writing

• A passage of 400 to 600 words is given.
• Summarise it in 120 to 150 words while retaining the main idea.
• Tested on comprehension, selection of key points, conciseness, language accuracy.
• Do not add your own opinion. Retain the original argument.

What is the SBI PO Interview Syllabus?

The official SBI PO 2026 notification does not publish a syllabus for the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, or Interview.

Based on previous year candidate experience and the nature of these stages, the following framework applies.

Psychometric Test

Statement-based questions with five response options: Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.

Example statements:

• “I prefer working alone rather than as part of a team”
• “I enjoy being a leader in group settings”
• “I never make a mistake at work”
• “I need little supervision to complete my tasks”
• Non-scoring but mandatory
• Findings are shared with the Interview panel
• Answer honestly. There are no universally correct answers.

Group Exercise

Topics typically revolve around:

• Current banking and financial issues
• Socio-economic challenges (financial inclusion, rural banking, digital payments)
• General management and leadership situations
• Current affairs-linked topics

What is Evaluated:

• Communication skills: clarity, fluency, confidence
• Leadership: initiating discussion, guiding the group
• Team participation: listening, building on others’ points
• Subject knowledge: awareness of the topic
• Composure and objectivity

Personal Interview

Banking and Current Affairs questions:

• Current monetary policy: repo rate, CRR, SLR values and their purpose
• Recent RBI decisions and circulars
• NPA, SARFAESI, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code
• Priority Sector Lending targets and categories
• Budget highlights and government schemes
• India’s GDP, inflation, fiscal deficit data

Personal background questions:

• Tell me about yourself
• Your educational background
• Work experience (if any)
• Why banking? Why SBI specifically?
• Strengths and weaknesses

Situational and behavioural questions:

• How would you handle an aggressive customer?
• What would you do if your manager gives an instruction you believe is incorrect?
• Describe a situation where you worked under pressure.

Questions on SBI PO role:

• What is your understanding of financial inclusion?
• What does a Probationary Officer do in the first year?
• What is SBI’s recent initiative in digital banking?

How Difficult is the SBI PO Syllabus for Beginners?

The syllabus is moderate for beginners. Here’s why:

• Prelims syllabus is manageable. Most topics are covered in Class 10–12 mathematics and English.
• Mains adds GA and computer aptitude, which require different preparation (daily reading).
• The real challenge isn’t the topics. It’s the speed and accuracy required under time pressure.

If you’re starting from scratch:

• Prelims-level concepts: 6–8 weeks to build
• Mains concepts: Additional 6–8 weeks
• Mock test phase + revision: 4–6 weeks
• Total: ~4–5 months for a realistic first attempt

How Long Does it Take to Complete the SBI PO Syllabus?

Critical note: GA cannot be crammed. Start daily current affairs from week 1, not week 10.

How Should You Cover the Complete SBI PO Syllabus?

Here is how you should cover it:

• Concept phase (Weeks 1-8): Topic by topic, section by section; solve 50-100 practice questions per topic
• Mock phase (Weeks 9-12): Full Prelims mocks every 2-3 days; analyze every wrong answer
• Post-Prelims to Mains: 4-6 weeks; focus on GA, advanced DI, Descriptive practice
• Mains Mocks: At least 3-4 full Mains mocks before exam day

By familiarizing yourself with the subjects and topics that are covered in the exam, you can tailor your SBI PO preparation strategy and qualify the exam quickly.