SBI PO Selection Process 2026

☞   The recruitment process consists of three stages:

Phase I: Preliminary Examination

Phase II: Main Examination

• Objective Test
• Descriptive Test

Phase III

• Psychometric Test
• Group Exercise
• Personal Interview

Candidates must qualify each stage separately.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The preliminary examination serves as the screening stage.

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

Key Points

• Online Objective Test
• Separate timing for each section
• No sectional cut-off
• Approximately 10 times vacancies shortlisted for mains

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Objective Test

Section	Questions	Marks	Time
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	60	50 Min
Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	60	45 Min
General Awareness/Economy/Banking	60	60	45 Min
English Language	40	20	40 Min
Total	170	200	180 Min

Descriptive Test

Component	Marks
Email Writing	Included
Situation Analysis	Included
Report Writing / Precis Writing	Included
Total	30

Duration: 30 Minutes

The descriptive paper is conducted immediately after the objective examination.

Negative Marking

For both Preliminary and Main Objective Examinations:

• 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• No deduction for unanswered questions.

Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

Group Exercise and Interview Marks

Component	Marks
Group Exercise	20
Personal Interview	30
Total	50

The psychometric test is qualifying in nature and helps the interview panel assess the personality profile of candidates.

Final Selection Formula

The final merit list is prepared using:

Stage	Weightage
Mains Examination	75%
Group Exercise & Interview	25%
Final Total	100%