Sbi Po Papers 2026
Last Updated: March 2026
SBI PO 2026: Complete Exam Guide, Previous Papers & Preparation Strategy
📋 Table of Contents
- Exam Overview
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern
- Syllabus
- Quantitative Aptitude Questions
- Reasoning Questions
- General Awareness Questions
- English Language Questions
- Previous Year Cutoff
- Preparation Strategy
- Recommended Books
- FAQ
Exam Overview
The State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) examination is considered the most prestigious banking exam in India. SBI, being the largest public sector bank, offers excellent career growth, lucrative salary, and unmatched job security, making this exam highly competitive.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Posts Offered | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Bank | State Bank of India & Associates |
| Selection Stages | Preliminary, Mains, Psychometric Test, Interview, Group Exercise |
| Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
Why SBI PO?
- Salary: Highest among public sector banks
- Career Growth: Fast-track promotions
- Posting: Pan-India opportunities
- Perks: Best-in-class benefits and allowances
- Prestige: Most respected banking job in India
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University
- Candidates in the final year/Semester of graduation can apply provisionally
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwD (General): 10 years
- PwD (OBC): 13 years
- PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
- Domicile of J&K (1980-1989): 5 years
Exam Pattern
Phase 1: Preliminary Examination
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important:
- Sectional timing (20 minutes per section)
- Sectional cutoff applicable
- 0.25 negative marking for wrong answers
- Prelims is qualifying only - marks not counted for final selection
- 10 times the number of vacancies qualify for Mains
Phase 2: Main Examination
Objective Test
| Section | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| 2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 3 | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 4 | English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
Descriptive Test
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 1 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 1 | 25 | |
| Total | 2 | 50 |
Key Points:
- Both objective and descriptive tests are conducted online
- Descriptive test is immediately after objective test
- Candidates must qualify in both
- 0.25 negative marking in objective test
Phase 3: Group Exercise & Interview
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Group Exercise:
- Group Discussion or other group activities
- Tests communication skills, leadership qualities, and teamwork
Interview:
- Tests personality, banking knowledge, and general awareness
- Questions on background, education, current affairs, banking sector
Final Selection
- Weightage: Mains (70%) + Group Exercise & Interview (30%)
- Preliminary exam marks are not counted
- Merit list prepared based on combined scores
Syllabus
Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims)
- Simplification/Approximation
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Interpretation (Basic)
- Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Problems on Ages, Mixtures & Alligations, Boats & Streams, Partnership
Data Analysis & Interpretation (Mains)
- Advanced Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Radar Graphs)
- Caselet DI
- Missing DI
- Data Sufficiency
- Arithmetic Topics (Advanced Level)
- Quantity Comparison
Reasoning Ability (Prelims)
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Order & Ranking
- Alpha-Numeric Series
- Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square)
- Puzzles (Floor-based, Month/Date-based)
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (Mains)
- All Prelims topics at advanced level
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption, Course of Action)
- Computer Basics: Hardware, Software, Operating Systems
- DBMS, Networking, Internet
- Cyber Security
- Computer Abbreviations
English Language
- Reading Comprehension (including economic/banking passages)
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection/Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Word Replacement
- Connectors/Starters
- Paragraph Completion
General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs (National & International - Last 6-8 months)
- Banking & Financial Awareness (High weightage)
- Static GK
- Government Schemes (Economic focus)
- RBI Notifications & Policies
- Monetary Policy
- Economic Survey & Budget Highlights
- Banking Terminology
- Financial Markets
- SBI Related News
Quantitative Aptitude Questions
Question 1
Approximate value: 24.98% of 799.89 + 15.12% of 420.15 - 8.95% of 650 = ?
Solution: Approximating: = 25% of 800 + 15% of 420 - 9% of 650 = 200 + 63 - 58.5 ≈ 204.5 ≈ 205
Question 2
What comes next: 7, 20, 46, 98, 202, ?
Solution: Pattern: ×2 + 6, ×2 + 6, ×2 + 6... 7 × 2 + 6 = 20 20 × 2 + 6 = 46 46 × 2 + 6 = 98 98 × 2 + 6 = 202 202 × 2 + 6 = 410
Question 3
A vessel contains a mixture of milk and water in the ratio 5:3. If 16 liters of mixture is removed and replaced with water, the ratio becomes 1:1. Find the initial quantity of milk.
Solution: Let total = 8x liters Milk = 5x, Water = 3x After removing 16L (10L milk, 6L water) and adding 16L water: Milk = 5x - 10, Water = 3x - 6 + 16 = 3x + 10 New ratio = 1:1 5x - 10 = 3x + 10 2x = 20, x = 10 Initial milk = 50 liters
Question 4
A shopkeeper marks an article 60% above cost price and gives two successive discounts of 20% and 10%. What is his profit percentage?
Solution: Let CP = ₹100 MP = ₹160 After 1st discount: 160 × 0.80 = ₹128 After 2nd discount: 128 × 0.90 = ₹115.20 Profit = 15.20%
Shortcut: Equivalent discount = 20 + 10 - (20×10)/100 = 28% SP = 160 × 0.72 = 115.20 Profit = 15.20%
Question 5
The average weight of 8 persons increases by 2.5 kg when a new person replaces one of them weighing 55 kg. Find the weight of the new person.
Solution: Increase in total weight = 8 × 2.5 = 20 kg New person's weight = 55 + 20 = 75 kg
Question 6
A, B, and C can complete a work in 12, 15, and 20 days respectively. They start together but A leaves after 3 days and B leaves 2 days before completion. How many days will the work be completed?
Solution: LCM of 12, 15, 20 = 60 (Total work) A's efficiency = 5, B's = 4, C's = 3 Work done by A in 3 days = 15 Let total time = x days Work by B = 4(x-2) Work by C = 3x 15 + 4(x-2) + 3x = 60 15 + 4x - 8 + 3x = 60 7x = 53 x = 7.57 days ≈ 8 days
Question 7
The compound interest on a sum for 2 years at 15% per annum is ₹6450. Find the simple interest for the same sum at the same rate for the same period.
Solution: CI = P[(1.15)² - 1] = P × 0.3225 = 6450 P = ₹20,000 SI = (20000 × 15 × 2)/100 = ₹6000
Question 8
A man covers a distance of 180 km in 4 hours, partly by bus at 60 km/hr and partly by car at 30 km/hr. Find the distance covered by bus.
Solution: Let distance by bus = x km Time by bus = x/60 Time by car = (180-x)/30 x/60 + (180-x)/30 = 4 x + 360 - 2x = 240 x = 120 km
Question 9
The ratio of present ages of father and son is 7:2. After 10 years, the ratio will be 5:2. Find the sum of their present ages.
Solution: Let ages be 7x and 2x (7x + 10)/(2x + 10) = 5/2 14x + 20 = 10x + 50 4x = 30, x = 7.5 Sum = 9x = 9 × 7.5 = 67.5 years
Question 10
Study the table and answer:
| Company | Revenue (₹ Cr) | Profit (₹ Cr) |
|---|---|---|
| A | 500 | 100 |
| B | 400 | 60 |
| C | 600 | 90 |
| D | 300 | 45 |
What is the average profit percentage of all companies?
Solution: Company A: 100/500 × 100 = 20% Company B: 60/400 × 100 = 15% Company C: 90/600 × 100 = 15% Company D: 45/300 × 100 = 15% Average = (20 + 15 + 15 + 15)/4 = 16.25%
Question 11
Solve the equations and compare x and y: x² - 15x + 56 = 0 y² - 12y + 35 = 0
Solution: x² - 15x + 56 = 0 x² - 7x - 8x + 56 = 0 (x - 7)(x - 8) = 0 x = 7 or 8
y² - 12y + 35 = 0 y² - 7y - 5y + 35 = 0 (y - 7)(y - 5) = 0 y = 7 or 5
Comparing: When x=7, y=7 (equal) or y=5 (x>y) When x=8, y=7 (x>y) or y=5 (x>y) x ≥ y
Question 12
A circular park of radius 21m has a 7m wide road around it. Find the area of the road.
Solution: Inner radius r = 21m Outer radius R = 28m Area = π(R² - r²) = (22/7)(784 - 441) = (22/7) × 343 = 1078 m²
Question 13
A bag contains 5 red, 7 blue, and 8 green balls. If three balls are drawn at random, what is the probability that at least one is blue?
Solution: P(at least one blue) = 1 - P(no blue) = 1 - (¹³C₃/²⁰C₃) = 1 - 286/1140 = 1 - 143/570 = 427/570
Question 14
If the side of a square is increased by 30%, by what percentage does its area increase?
Solution: New side = 1.30 times original New area = (1.30)² = 1.69 times original Increase = 0.69 = 69%
Shortcut: For two-dimensional figures, (a + b + ab/100)% = 30 + 30 + (30×30)/100 = 60 + 9 = 69%
Question 15
The sum of two numbers is 45 and their difference is 9. Find their product.
Solution: x + y = 45 x - y = 9 Adding: 2x = 54, x = 27 y = 18 Product = 27 × 18 = 486
Reasoning Questions
Question 1
Statement: The government has decided to ban the use of plastic bags in all major cities.
Assumptions: I. Plastic bags cause environmental pollution. II. People will cooperate with the government's decision.
Solution: Both assumptions are implicit. The decision is based on the fact that plastic causes pollution (I), and the government expects cooperation (II). Both I and II are implicit
Question 2
Eight persons P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W sit around a circular table facing center. P is third to the right of Q. R is second to the left of Q. S is opposite to P. T sits between U and V. W is not adjacent to P. Who sits third to the left of T?
Solution: Arrangement (clockwise): Q, R, _, _, P, _, _, _ S opposite P, so S at Q's position relative... Let me reconsider. Clockwise: Q at position 1 P is 3rd right = position 6 R is 2nd left of Q = position 7 S opposite P = position 2 T between U and V, W not adjacent to P Arrangement: Q(1), S(2), _, _, _, P(6), R(7), _ W not adjacent to P, so W at 3, 4, or 8 T between U and V If T at 4: U at 3, V at 5 or vice versa, W at 8 Third to left of T(4) = position 1 = Q
Question 3
Statements: All books are pens. Some pens are pencils. No pencil is an eraser.
Conclusions: I. Some books are pencils. II. No pen is an eraser. III. Some pens are not erasers.
Solution: I. Doesn't follow II. Doesn't follow (only some pencils are not erasers) III. Follows (since some pens are pencils and no pencil is eraser) Only III follows
Question 4
Input: 48 mark 26 note down 12 82 ink 64 all Step I: 12 48 mark 26 note down ink 64 all 82 Step II: 12 26 48 mark note ink 64 all down 82 Step III: ?
What is Step III?
Solution: Pattern: Numbers arranged ascending from left, words arranged descending (alphabetically) from right Step III: 12 26 48 mark ink 64 all note down 82 12 26 48 64 all ink mark note down 82
Question 5
If 'MEANDER' is coded as 'PNBMEDS', how will 'MORNING' be coded?
Solution: M(13)→P(16): +3 E(5)→N(14): +9 A(1)→B(2): +1 N(14)→M(13): -1 D(4)→E(5): +1 E(5)→D(4): -1 R(18)→S(19): +1
MORNING: M(+3)P, O(+9)X, R(+1)S, N(-1)M, I(+1)J, N(-1)M, G(+1)H PXSMJMH
Question 6
In a certain code: 'he is smart' = 'ka la ni' 'she is clever' = 'ka ti si' 'he likes her' = 'ni ma ro'
What is the code for 'smart'?
Solution: 'is' = ka (common in 1st and 2nd) 'he' = ni (common in 1st and 3rd) 'smart' = la
Question 7
Six persons A, B, C, D, E, F have different weights. A is heavier than B but lighter than C. D is lighter than E but heavier than F. C is not the heaviest. E is lighter than B. Who is the lightest?
Solution: C > A > B > E > D > F F is the lightest
Question 8
Find the odd one out: 11-120, 13-168, 15-224, 17-290
Solution: Pattern: n² - 1 11² - 1 = 121 - 1 = 120 ✓ 13² - 1 = 169 - 1 = 168 ✓ 15² - 1 = 225 - 1 = 224 ✓ 17² - 1 = 289 - 1 = 288 ≠ 290 17-290 is the odd one out
Question 9
Pointing to a photograph, a woman said, "He is the son of the only daughter of my mother's husband." How is the man related to the woman?
Solution: Woman's mother's husband = Woman's father Only daughter of father = Woman herself Son of woman = Son The man is the woman's son.
Question 10
Complete the series: AZ, CX, EV, GT, ?
Solution: A(1)→Z(26): +1, -1 C(3)→X(24): +2, -2 E(5)→V(22): +3, -3 G(7)→T(20): +4, -4 Next: I(9)→R(18): +5, -5 IR
General Awareness Questions
Question 1
What is the tagline of SBI?
Question 2
What is the current SLR (Statutory Liquidity Ratio) as per RBI norms?
Question 3
Who is the current Chairman of SBI (2026)?
Question 4
What is the full form of NABARD?
Question 5
Which organization regulates the insurance sector in India?
Question 6
What is the minimum paid-up capital for a Small Finance Bank?
Question 7
Which scheme provides life insurance cover of ₹2 lakh at a premium of ₹330 per annum?
Question 8
What is the full form of GST?
Question 9
Which index is used to measure inflation in India?
Question 10
What is the current FDI limit in the insurance sector?
English Language Questions
Question 1
Fill in the blanks with appropriate words: "The government has _______ several measures to _______ the economy from the impact of the pandemic." a) implemented, protect b) removed, save c) cancelled, help d) ignored, boost
Question 2
Find the error: "The RBI has raised the repo rate by 25 basis points (a)/ in an attempt to curb inflation (b)/ which have been rising steadily (c)/ over the past few months. (d)"
Question 3
Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning: PRAGMATIC a) Idealistic b) Practical c) Theoretical d) Visionary
Question 4
Rearrange the sentences to form a meaningful paragraph: P. However, with the advent of digital banking, this is changing rapidly. Q. Banking in India has traditionally been a brick-and-mortar business. R. Today, customers can perform most banking transactions from their smartphones. S. This transformation has made banking more accessible and convenient.
Question 5
Fill in the blank with the appropriate idiom: "The new manager has _______ and implemented several positive changes in the department." a) broken the ice b) hit the ground running c) bitten the bullet d) faced the music
Previous Year Cutoff
SBI PO Prelims Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 58.50/100 |
| 2024 | 60.75/100 |
| 2025 | 59.25/100 |
SBI PO Mains Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks (Out of 200) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 88.00 |
| 2024 | 92.50 |
| 2025 | 90.25 |
SBI PO Final Cutoff (UR Category)
| Year | Cutoff Marks (Normalized) |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 52.50 |
| 2024 | 55.75 |
| 2025 | 54.25 |
Note: SBI PO has very high competition. Cutoffs vary by category. Aim for 15-20 marks above the cutoff for safe selection.
Preparation Strategy
3-Month Preparation Plan
Month 1: Foundation & Concepts
Week 1-2: Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification, Number Series, Quadratic Equations
- Basic Arithmetic concepts
- Daily: 60 questions
Week 3-4: Reasoning
- Syllogism, Inequalities, Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Basic puzzles
- Daily: 60 questions
Month 2: Advanced Topics & Speed
Week 1-2: Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs
- Caselet DI, Missing DI
- Daily: 4-5 sets
Week 3-4: English & GA
- Reading Comprehension strategy
- Grammar rules
- Banking Awareness concepts
- Current Affairs
Month 3: Mastery & Practice
Week 1-2:
- Advanced puzzles (floor-based, scheduling)
- Complex DI sets
- Previous year papers (2018-2025)
- Sectional tests
Week 3-4:
- Full-length mock tests (daily)
- Descriptive writing practice (Letter & Essay)
- Group Discussion preparation
- Interview preparation
Daily Study Schedule for SBI PO
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 5:30 - 6:30 AM | Current Affairs & Banking News |
| 6:30 - 9:00 AM | Quantitative Aptitude |
| 9:00 - 10:00 AM | Breakfast Break |
| 10:00 - 12:30 PM | Reasoning Ability |
| 12:30 - 1:30 PM | Lunch |
| 1:30 - 3:00 PM | English Language |
| 3:00 - 4:30 PM | General Awareness |
| 5:00 - 7:00 PM | Mock Test |
| 7:00 - 8:00 PM | Analysis & Revision |
| 8:00 - 9:00 PM | Descriptive Writing Practice |
Subject-wise Strategy
Data Analysis & Interpretation (Mains Focus):
- Practice 5-6 DI sets daily
- Focus on calculation speed
- Learn to approximate quickly
- Master percentage calculations
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- Seating arrangement and puzzles are crucial (40-50% of section)
- Practice 4-5 sets daily
- Time yourself (max 6-7 minutes per set)
- Learn computer basics thoroughly
English Language:
- Read The Hindu/Indian Express editorial daily
- Focus on Reading Comprehension
- Learn 25 new words daily
- Practice grammar exercises
General Awareness:
- Read current affairs of last 8 months
- Focus on banking and economic news
- Follow RBI circulars
- Prepare Government schemes thoroughly
Interview & Group Exercise Preparation
Group Exercise:
- Practice GD with friends/coaching groups
- Read newspapers for current topics
- Develop clear, logical thinking
- Practice active listening
Interview Tips:
- Prepare introduction thoroughly
- Know your graduation subjects well
- Stay updated on banking news
- Prepare for questions on SBI
- Dress professionally
- Be confident and polite
Recommended Books
Quantitative Aptitude
- "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma
- "Data Interpretation" by Arun Sharma (TMH)
Reasoning
- "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
- "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey
English
- "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
- "Descriptive English" by S.P. Bakshi
General Awareness
- "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications
- "Lucent's General Knowledge"
- "Manorama Year Book"
Online Resources
- Websites: AffairsCloud, BankersAdda, Gradeup
- YouTube: Study IQ, Adda247, WiFiStudy
- Apps: Gradeup, Testbook, Oliveboard
- Mock Tests: Oliveboard, PracticeMock, Testbook
FAQ
Q1. What is the salary of an SBI PO?
A: The basic pay is ₹41,960 (Scale I). The gross salary is approximately ₹65,000-72,000 per month including allowances (DA, HRA, CCA, etc.). Total CTC is around ₹8-10 lakhs per annum.
Q2. Is there any bond period for SBI PO?
A: Yes, selected candidates need to execute a bond of ₹2 lakh to serve the bank for a minimum period of 3 years. This excludes the probation period.
Q3. How many times can I attempt SBI PO?
A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts. You can appear as long as you meet the age criteria.
Q4. What is the training period for SBI PO?
A: The probation period is 2 years, which may be extended by the bank if required. During this period, candidates undergo training at SBI training centers.
Q5. What is the difference between IBPS PO and SBI PO?
A:
- SBI PO has higher salary and better perks
- SBI PO exam is considered tougher
- SBI has Group Exercise round while IBPS has only Interview
- SBI has faster career progression
- IBPS PO leads to various public sector banks while SBI PO leads only to SBI
All the best for SBI PO 2026! It's the dream job for many banking aspirants. Stay focused, work hard, and success will be yours! 🏆
Disclaimer: This guide is for educational purposes. Always refer to the official SBI notification for latest updates.