SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains Exams

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Thinking about joining the State Bank of India as a Probationary Officer is a brilliant goal for 2026. This journey starts with the SBI PO Syllabus, which acts as your personal guidebook for the exam. By breaking down the complex topics into small, friendly steps, you can prepare with confidence and clarity for both the objective tests and the descriptive challenges ahead.

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SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Overview

Before diving into the chapters, it is helpful to see how the exam is set up. The SBI PO Syllabus is built around three main stages, each designed to test different strengths.

The first stage is the Preliminary exam, followed by the Main exam. If you clear those, you move to the Psychometric test and the Interview. Most students start by searching for a SBI PO syllabus 2026 guide to ensure they don't miss any new topics.

Phase

Type of Exam

Main Subjects

Phase I

Prelims (Objective)

English, Quant, and Reasoning

Phase II

Mains (Objective + Written)

Reasoning, Data, GA, and English

Phase III

Personality Test

Group Exercises and Interview

Subject-Wise SBI PO Prelims Syllabus

The Preliminary round is your entry ticket to the bank. While the marks here aren't added to your final score, finishing the SBI PO prelims syllabus is essential to qualify. This stage focuses on speed and accuracy.

English Language Focus

This section checks how well you use the English language. You will encounter reading passages about the economy, grammar questions like spotting errors, and exercises where you put jumbled sentences back in the right order.

Quantitative Aptitude Skills

This is all about numbers! The SBI PO exam syllabus for math includes things you learned in school, like profit and loss, simple interest, and percentages. You will also need to read charts and tables quickly to find the right data.

Reasoning Ability Logic

Reasoning is like solving a big puzzle. You will work through seating arrangements, family tree problems (blood relations), and logical patterns. It’s a great way to show how your brain solves tricky problems under a time limit.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus

If you pass the Prelims, the SBI PO mains syllabus is your next big challenge. This stage is more academic and requires you to think deeper about every subject. It includes a mix of computer-based bubbles and actual writing.

Data Analysis and Interpretation

In the Mains, math becomes "Data Analysis." Instead of simple sums, you will look at complex graphs and caselets. The SBI PO syllabus at this level expects you to find hidden patterns and make smart calculations based on large amounts of information.

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

This is a very important part of the SBI PO syllabus 2026. You need to know what is happening in the news, especially about banks and the economy. Keeping an eye on RBI rules and new government schemes will give you a big advantage here.

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

The reasoning puzzles get a bit tougher in the Mains. You will also see questions about how computers work, including basic hardware, software, and internet security. This is a key part of the modern SBI PO exam pattern.

Descriptive Test in the SBI PO Syllabus

Right after the objective Mains exam, you will have a Descriptive Test. This is where you show you can communicate like a professional bank officer. The SBI PO exam syllabus for this part includes two main tasks:

  • Letter Writing: You might have to write a formal letter to a bank manager or an informal one to a friend.

  • Essay Writing: You will write a short essay (about 250 words) on a current topic, like digital payments or social media.

This test is done on a computer keyboard, so practicing your typing speed is just as important as your grammar!

Read More: SBI PO 2025 Previous Year's Question Paper PDF with Solutions

Preparation Tips for the SBI PO 2026 Syllabus

To cover the entire SBI PO 2026 syllabus without feeling overwhelmed, it helps to have a plan. Think of your study time as a way to build a strong foundation for your future career.

  • Practice Mocks: Taking practice tests helps you get used to the timer. It’s the best way to see which parts of the SBI PO syllabus you already know well.

  • Daily Reading: Read a newspaper every morning. This helps with both English and General Awareness at the same time.

  • Topic-wise Learning: Don't try to learn everything at once. Pick one topic, like "Puzzles," and practice it until you feel confident.

  • Note Making: Write down important math formulas and banking terms in a notebook so you can look at them quickly before the exam.

Psychometric Test and Interview Phase

The journey through the SBI PO Syllabus ends with the Interview and Group Exercises. After all the written tests are done, the bank wants to meet you in person. They look for candidates who are confident, polite, and ready to learn.

By staying consistent and following the SBI PO exam syllabus step-by-step, you turn a difficult exam into a clear path toward a great job. Remember, every successful bank officer started exactly where you are today looking at the syllabus and taking that first step.

This guide transforms a technical bank syllabus into a student-friendly roadmap, specifically using shorter paragraphs and clear headings to help with quick reading. I have also highlighted the Psychometric and Descriptive parts of the exam which many beginners often overlook until the last minute. By explaining how to study (like typing practice for the essay), I’ve provided practical value beyond just listing topics.

Recommended Books for SBI PO 2026

Books are crucial in the preparation. Find the right book that will help you clear your doubts and also help to practice and give you deep knowledge about the subject. Find below the recommended book that is curated with the latest trends and step by step guide to clear complex questions easily.

Subject Area

Link

22 SBI PO Prelims & Mains Previous Year Solved Papers

Link

KYC Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and English Language Combo Set of 3 Books

Link

SBI PO Syllabus FAQs

Q1. Is the SBI PO syllabus very different from other bank exams?

The core subjects are the same as other bank exams, but the SBI PO syllabus is known for having slightly tougher puzzles and more complex data interpretation. If you prepare for SBI PO, you are usually ready for other bank exams too!

Q2. Do I need to be a math genius for the SBI PO prelims syllabus?

Not at all! You just need to be good at basic school-level math and practice doing calculations quickly. Most questions in the SBI PO prelims syllabus are about how fast you can think.

Q3. How can I stay updated with the SBI PO syllabus 2026 current affairs?

The best way is to follow a daily news app or read a standard newspaper. Focus on news related to finance, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and new technologies in the banking sector.

Q4. Are marks from the SBI PO prelims syllabus added to the final result?

No, the Prelims marks are only used to see if you qualify for the Mains. Your final selection depends on your marks in the SBI PO mains syllabus and your performance in the Interview.

Q5. Can I prepare for the SBI PO exam syllabus at home?

Yes, many students succeed by using online modules and books. The key is to follow the SBI PO exam pattern and practice with a timer every day to improve your speed.

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SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains Exams