SBI PO recruitment is an annual selection process conducted by the State Bank of India to hire Probationary Officers for its branches nationwide. The examination is held in three phases—Preliminary Test, Main Examination, and Interview along with Psychometric assessments. Graduates from any stream are eligible to apply, making it one of the most sought-after banking jobs in India.
Selected candidates undergo training and probation before taking up managerial duties. With an excellent salary, job stability, and strong promotion opportunities, SBI PO attracts a large number of aspirants every year.
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SBI PO Notification 2026 - Overview Table
The SBI PO Recruitment Overview 2026 provides a quick snapshot of essential exam details, including the conducting body, post name, exam level, and selection stages. This summary table helps candidates understand the key highlights of the SBI Probationary Officer exam before beginning their preparation.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Exam Level | Moderate to Difficult |
| Exam Stages | 1. Prelims 2. Mains 3. Psychometric Test, Group Exercises & Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Frequency | Once Every Year |
| Number of Attempts | General/EWS – 4, OBC – 9, SC/ST – No Limit (applicable for mains exam only) |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years (General) 21 to 33 years (OBC) 21 to 35 years (SC/ST) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Application Fees | General/OBC/EWS – ₹750; SC/ST/PwD – No Fees |
| Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers |
SBI PO 2026 Notification Out
The SBI PO 2026 Notification was released on 18 June 2026 for 1500 Probationary Officer vacancies. The online application process is active from 18 June to 8 July 2026. As per the official schedule, the SBI PO Prelims exam will be held in August 2026, while the Mains exam is scheduled for September 2026. Candidates should complete the application process before the last date and keep checking the official SBI recruitment portal for admit card, exam date and further updates.
SBI PO Previous Year Notification Trends
Analysing SBI PO notification trends over the past six recruitment cycles helps aspirants understand SBI’s changing exam calendar and prepare in advance. The table below presents the official notification release dates from previous years. By studying these trends, candidates can identify the usual notification window, align their preparation timeline, and stay ready for the next SBI PO recruitment announcement.
| Recruitment Year | Notification Period |
|---|---|
| 2026-27 | June 2025 |
| 2025-26 | June 2025 |
| 2024-25 | December 2024 |
| 2023-24 | September 2023 |
| 2022-23 | September 2022 |
| 2021-22 | October 2021 |
| 2020-21 | November 2020 |
SBI PO Important Dates for 2026 Exam cycle
The SBI PO 2026 important dates provide aspirants with a complete roadmap for the exam cycle, covering key milestones such as the notification release, start and last date to apply, Prelims, and Mains exam dates. This table-based overview helps candidates stay organized and plan their preparation effectively. By keeping track of all critical deadlines in one place, aspirants can avoid missing updates and ensure they are fully prepared for every stage of the SBI Probationary Officer recruitment process 2026.
| Event | Dates |
|---|---|
| SBI PO Notification Release | 18 June, 2026 |
| Start of Online Application | 18 June, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 08 July, 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | August, 2026 |
| SBI PO Prelims Exam Date | August, 2026 |
| Prelims Result | September, 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | September, 2026 |
| SBI PO Mains Exam Date | September, 2026 |
| Mains Result | October, 2026 |
| Psychometric Test | October-November |
| Interview & Group Exercises | October-November |
| Provisional Allotment | November-December |
SBI PO 2026 Category-Wise Vacancies
SBI has announced a total of 1500 SBI PO vacancies for 2026, including both regular and backlog posts. The table below shows the category-wise vacancy distribution for SC, ST, OBC, EWS and UR candidates.
| Category | UR | OBC | EWS | SC | ST | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Vacancies | 588 | 390 | 144 | 216 | 108 | 1446 |
| Backlog Vacancies | -- | -- | -- | 18 | 36 | 54 |
| Total Vacancies | 588 | 390 | 144 | 234 | 144 | 1500 |
SBI PO Vacancy Trends Over The Years
SBI PO vacancy trends show notable fluctuations over the years. After lower vacancies in 2024 and 2025, SBI has increased the vacancies to 1500 in 2026, indicating stronger recruitment this year.
| Year | SBI PO Vacancy |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 1500 |
| 2025 | 541 |
| 2024 | 600 |
| 2023 | 2000 |
| 2022 | 1673 |
| 2021 | 2056 |
| 2020 | 2000 |
SBI PO 2026 Recruitment: Apply Online
Here is a complete step-by-step guide to apply for SBI PO 2026, covering all stages of the online process.
1. Visit the official SBI career Portal:
Go to the official SBI website and open the "Career" section. Under the latest announcements, find the SBI PO recruitment link. Click on "New Registration" to begin the application process.
2. Complete the online registration:
Enter your basic details such as name, mobile number, and email ID. After submitting the information, you will receive a registration number and password. These credentials are required to log in and fill out the application form.
3. Fill the detailed application form:
Log in using your registration details and carefully enter your personal information, education qualifications, category details, exam centre preference, and other required fields. Ensure all entries are accurate to avoid future issues.
4. Upload documents as per SBI specifications:
Upload your passport-sized photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration in the required size and format. SBI has strict guidelines for file size, resolution, and format, so follow them properly to avoid rejection.
5. Pay the application fee and submit:
After completing all sections, proceed to the payment page. Pay the fee online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking. Once the payment is successful, submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
SBI PO Selection Process
The recruitment process for a probationary officer (PO) at the State Bank of India is a comprehensive 3-stage evaluation designed to test a candidate's aptitude, analytical ability and communication skills. The three Phases of selection are:
Phase 1: Preliminary Examination
- Acts as a first screening round.
- Objective type test covering English language, Quantitative aptitude, and Reasoning ability.
- Marks of Prelims are not counted in the final merit list.
- Candidates roughly 10 times the vacancy count are shortlisted for next stage
Phase 2: Main Examination
- Acts as a core Evaluation.
- Covers both objective and descriptive test
- Carry 75% weightage in final score
- Candidates roughly 3 times the vacancy count are shortlisted for next stage.
Phase 3: Psychometric test, Group Exercise & Interview
- Psychometric test evaluates personality traits and behavioural suitability.
- Followed by group discussion and interview.
- This stage carries 25% weightage.
Final selection table
| Selection Stage | Component | Max Marks | Final Weightage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phase I | Preliminary Exam | 100 | Qualifying Only |
| Phase II | Mains (Obj + Desc) | 250 | 75% |
| Phase III | Group Exercise & Interview | 30 | 25% |
| Total | Combined Merit | 280 | 100% |
SBI PO Exam Pattern For 2026 Recruitment
The SBI PO exam structure follows a three-stage selection process designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude and professional readiness. It begins with the Prelims exam for basic screening, followed by the Mains exam that tests advanced skills, and finally the Interview stage, which evaluates personality, confidence, and overall suitability for the role.
Prelim Examination
| Sr. No. | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | English | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | English & Hindi | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes | ||
Main Examination
| Sr. No. | Name of Tests (Not by Sequence) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes | |
| 4 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes | |
| 2 | General / Economy / Banking Awareness. | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes | |
| 3 | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes | |
| TOTAL | 170 | 200 | 3 hours | ||
| 5 | Descriptive Paper | 3 | 30 | 30 minutes | |
SBI PO 2026 : Exam Syllabus
Here is well structured syllabus for Prelims and Mains exams. A clear understanding of the syllabus helps aspirants prepare in a focused and effective way.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus
SBI PO Mains Syllabus
How to Prepare for SBI PO 2026 Exam - Prelims and Mains
The first step in SBI PO preparation is building a strong foundation in the Preliminary Exam subjects—English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Focus on understanding concepts before attempting speed-based questions. Solve topic-wise practice questions daily, improve calculation speed through regular arithmetic practice, and strengthen vocabulary and reading comprehension skills. Consistent revision and sectional mock tests are essential for identifying weak areas and improving accuracy.
Once the basics are clear, start taking full-length mock tests regularly. Analyze every mock test carefully to understand mistakes, time management issues, and question selection strategies. Since SBI PO Prelims is highly competitive, speed and accuracy are equally important. Aim to develop shortcut techniques, improve question-solving efficiency, and practice under real exam conditions. Daily mock analysis often contributes more to score improvement than simply attempting additional tests.
For the Mains Exam, shift your focus toward high-level Reasoning, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and descriptive writing. Read current affairs regularly, especially banking and financial news, and maintain short notes for revision. Practice essay and letter writing to prepare for the descriptive section. The key to SBI PO Mains success is a balanced approach that combines advanced problem-solving, current affairs preparation, regular mock tests, and continuous revision over the final weeks before the exam.
SBI PO Salary, Promotion & Career Growth
The starting basic pay for an SBI Probationary Officer is ₹48,480 along with four advance increments under the pay scale of ₹48,480–85,920. In addition to the basic pay, selected candidates are entitled to benefits such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Provident Fund, NPS, medical benefits, leave fare concession and lease rental facility as per SBI rules. The approximate annual CTC at the initial pay scale in Mumbai is ₹21.97 lakh.
Talking about promotion, SBI has a clear and fair system. After completing training, a PO is promoted to Assistant Manager. With experience and good performance, they can move up to Manager, Chief Manager, Assistant General Manager, and even higher positions. Promotions depend on your performance, experience, and sometimes internal exams.
Overall, SBI PO is a strong career option with good growth. It gives financial security and many chances to move to higher positions over time. As you gain experience, you also get more responsibility and a better salary. It is a stable and respected job in the banking sector.
Eligibility Criteria For SBI PO 2026 Exam
Before applying for the SBI PO exam, candidates must ensure they meet specific eligibility requirements, including age, educational qualifications, nationality, category-based relaxations, and a clean financial and moral record.
Nationality:
Only Indian nationals are eligible to apply.Age Criteria:
Applicants should be between 21 and 30 years old. Candidates must have been born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996 (both days inclusive) as per official notification. Age relaxation includes- SC/ST candidates: up to 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): up to 3 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- PWD candidates: 10 to 15 years
Educational Qualification:
Graduation in any field from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government (examples: BA, BSc, BCom, BTech, CA).Final Year Students:
Those who are in the Final Year/ Semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally subject to the condition that, if called for interview, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 30.09.2026