SBI PO 2026 Notification Update: Expected Date, Eligibility, Application Process and Exam Pattern Explained

The State Bank of India’s Probationary Officer (SBI PO) examination is considered one of the most prestigious and competitive banking exams in the country. Every year, thousands of aspirants prepare rigorously to secure a Probationary Officer post in SBI branches. As 2026 approaches, candidates are eagerly waiting for the SBI PO 2026 notification and related details.

Before beginning preparation, it is essential to understand the exam structure, eligibility rules, and selection process clearly.

Overview of SBI PO 2026 Examination

The SBI PO exam is conducted at the national level and is held once a year. The recruitment process is fully online and includes multiple stages designed to assess candidates’ aptitude, knowledge, and personality.

• Exam Name: SBI Probationary Officer (PO)

• Conducting Authority: State Bank of India

• Exam Level: National

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer-Based Test)

• Selection Stages: Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Interview

• Official Website: sbi.co.in/careers

SBI PO 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

As of now, SBI has not officially announced the dates for the 2026 recruitment cycle. However, based on previous trends, the notification is expected to be released soon.

• Notification Release: To be announced

• Application Start Date: Will be notified

• Exam Dates: To be declared along with notification

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates to avoid missing important deadlines.

Eligibility Criteria for SBI PO 2026

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility requirements set by SBI.

Age Limit

Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university. Final-year or final-semester students may also apply, provided they submit proof of passing during the interview stage.

Number of Attempts

• General: 4 attempts

• General (PwD) / OBC: 7 attempts

• SC/ST: No limit

SBI PO 2026 Application Process

The application process is completely online. Once the notification is released, the application link will be activated on the official SBI careers portal.

Application Fee

• General / OBC / EWS: ₹750

• SC / ST / PwD: No fee

Applicants can withdraw their application within the specified time window if they decide not to appear for the exam.

SBI PO Vacancy 2026

The exact number of vacancies will be announced with the official notification. However, in 2025, SBI released a total of 541 vacancies, including backlog posts. A similar number is expected for 2026, though final figures may vary.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern

The examination is conducted in three major phases.

Preliminary Examination

The prelims consist of 100 objective questions to be completed in 1 hour.

• English Language: 30 questions

• Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions

• Reasoning Ability: 35 questions

Main Examination

Candidates who clear prelims appear for the mains exam, which includes:

• Objective Test: 200 marks (3 hours)

• Descriptive Test (English): 50 marks (30 minutes), including essay and letter writing

Psychometric Test and Interview

Candidates qualifying the mains are called for a psychometric assessment followed by a group exercise and interview. The final merit list is prepared based on mains and interview scores.

Syllabus Highlights

• English: Reading comprehension, error spotting, cloze test

• Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, arithmetic, number systems

• Reasoning: Puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism

• General Awareness: Current affairs, banking knowledge, financial news

Preparation Strategy for SBI PO 2026

Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step. Regular mock tests, revision, and practice of previous years’ papers are crucial for success. Candidates should rely on trusted study materials and maintain a consistent study schedule.

SBI PO Salary and Benefits

The SBI PO post offers an attractive salary package.

• Basic Pay: Around ₹41,960

• In-hand Salary: ₹52,000–₹55,000 per month

• Annual Package: Approximately ₹8.20 lakh to ₹13.08 lakh

Additional benefits include leased accommodation, medical coverage, and various allowances.

SBI PO 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for aspirants aiming for a respected and stable banking career