• Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in both Prelims and Mains objective tests.
• Sectional Timing: Both Prelims and Mains exams have specific sectional timings that candidates must adhere to.
• Qualifying Nature: The Prelims exam is qualifying in nature, and its marks are not counted for the final merit list.
• Sectional Cut-off: There is no sectional cut-off for Prelims, but an overall cut-off applies. For Mains, sectional cut-offs are applicable.
• Language of Exam: The objective tests are generally bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English Language section.

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2026

Quantitative Aptitude

• Simplification / Approximation: Basic calculations, square roots, cube roots, percentages.
• Number Series: Missing number, wrong number series.
• Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations to find relations between variables.
• Data Interpretation: Tabular, Bar, Line, Pie, Caselet, Missing DI.
• Ratio & Proportion: Basic concepts and problem-solving.
• Percentage: Calculations and applications.
• Profit & Loss: Cost price, selling price, discount, markup.
• Mixtures & Alligations: Problems involving mixing quantities.
• Simple Interest & Compound Interest: Calculations and applications.
• Work & Time: Efficiency, individual and combined work.
• Time & Distance: Speed, distance, time, trains, boats and streams.
• Mensuration: Area and volume of 2D and 3D shapes (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere).
• Permutation, Combination & Probability: Basic concepts and problem-solving.
• Number Systems: Divisibility rules, HCF, LCM.
• Surds & Indices: Rules and applications.

Reasoning Ability

• Puzzles: Floor-based, Box-based, Day/Month/Year-based, Categorized puzzles.
• Seating Arrangement: Circular, Linear, Square, Rectangular arrangements.
• Syllogism: Traditional and reverse syllogism.
• Inequalities: Coded and direct inequalities.
• Coding-Decoding: Old and new pattern coding.
• Blood Relations: Family tree, coded blood relations.
• Direction & Distance: Problems based on directions and distances.
• Alphanumeric Series: Series of alphabets, numbers, and symbols.
• Order & Ranking: Arranging persons/items based on given conditions.
• Data Sufficiency: Determining if given statements are sufficient to answer a question.
• Input-Output: Machine input-output problems.
• Logical Reasoning: Statement & Assumption, Statement & Conclusion, Course of Action, Cause & Effect.

English Language

• Reading Comprehension: Passages with questions on theme, inference, vocabulary.
• Cloze Test: Filling blanks in a passage with appropriate words.
• Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
• Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
• Fill in the Blanks: Single and double fillers.
• Sentence Improvement/Correction: Replacing underlined parts of sentences.
• Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Word Usage.
• Paragraph Completion: Completing a paragraph with the most suitable sentence.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2026

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

• Reasoning:
  • Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Advanced level, complex conditions.
  • Syllogism: Reverse syllogism, advanced concepts.
  • Input-Output: New pattern input-output.
  • Data Sufficiency: With 3-4 statements.
  • Coded Inequalities: Advanced coding.
  • Blood Relations: Coded blood relations, complex family trees.
  • Direction & Distance: Advanced problems.
  • Logical Reasoning: Critical Reasoning, Course of Action, Cause & Effect, Statement & Argument, Inference.
  • Double Lineup, Scheduling: Complex arrangement problems.
• Computer Aptitude:
  • Fundamentals of Computer: Hardware, Software, Operating System.
  • MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint basics.
  • Internet & Networking: Basic concepts, types of networks, protocols.
  • Memory: Types of memory, storage devices.
  • Keyboard Shortcuts: Important shortcuts.
  • Computer Abbreviations: Common computer terms.
  • Basics of Logic Gates: Introduction to logic gates.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Data Interpretation: Advanced level Tabular, Line, Bar, Pie, Radar, Caselet DI.
• Missing Case DI, Let it Case DI: Complex data interpretation sets.
• Data Sufficiency: Questions with multiple statements.
• Probability: Advanced probability problems.
• Permutation and Combination: Advanced problems.
• Quantity Based Questions: Comparing two quantities.

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

• Current Affairs: National & International news, sports, awards, recent appointments (last 6-8 months).
• Financial Awareness: Banking terms, financial markets, monetary policy, budget.
• Banking Awareness: History of banking, RBI functions, types of banks, banking reforms.
• Economy News: Economic surveys, reports, government schemes.
• Static Awareness: Capitals & Currencies, Important Days, National Parks, Dams, Power Plants, etc.
• Government Schemes & Policies: Recent government initiatives.
• Principles of Insurance: Basic insurance concepts.

English Language (Mains)

• Reading Comprehension: Longer and more complex passages, inferential questions.
• Grammar: Advanced error spotting, sentence correction, phrase replacement.
• Vocabulary: Contextual usage, synonyms, antonyms, phrasal verbs.
• Verbal Ability: Para jumbles, sentence connectors, paragraph completion.
• Descriptive Test: Essay Writing and Letter Writing.

• Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the complete SBI PO Prelims and Mains syllabus and the latest exam pattern, including sectional timings and marking scheme.
• Build Strong Concepts: Focus on clearing your fundamental concepts in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Use standard textbooks and online resources.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic and disciplined daily/weekly study plan, allocating sufficient time to each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.
• Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of questions daily from each section. Consistent practice is vital for improving speed and accuracy.
• Attempt Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests regularly to simulate exam conditions, manage time effectively, and identify areas needing improvement.
• Analyze Mock Test Performance: After each mock test, thoroughly analyze your performance to understand mistakes, identify weak topics, and refine your strategy.
• Focus on Current Affairs: Read newspapers and magazines daily to stay updated on current affairs, banking, and economic news for the General Awareness section.
• Improve English Skills: Work on your grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Practice descriptive writing (essay and letter) for the Mains exam.
• Learn Time-Saving Techniques: Master shortcuts and tricks for quantitative aptitude and reasoning to solve questions quickly and efficiently.
• Revision is Key: Regularly revise all topics, especially formulas, concepts, and current affairs, to retain information effectively.