SBI PO Exam Date 2026 Out For 1500 Vacancies, Mains Exam on 12 September

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially published the SBI PO Exam Date 2026 under advertisement number (CRPD/PO/2026-27/09) to fill 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) positions. Successful candidates in the Preliminary Examination will proceed to the Mains, followed by the Interview, Group Exercise, and Psychometric Test.

SBI PO Mains Exam Date 2026 Out

The State Bank of India has confirmed the official exam schedule. The SBI PO Mains exam is set for  12th September 2026 for all qualified candidates. Aspirants should verify their specific exam shift, reporting time, and venue details on their official Hall Ticket to ensure seamless exam day preparations.

SBI PO 2026 Recruitment - Highlights

SBI PO 2026 Important Events and Dates

SBI PO Notification 2026 PDF Released @sbi.bank.in

The official SBI PO Notification 2026 is now available at sbi.bank.in. We strongly recommend that all applicants carefully review the notification PDF to confirm their eligibility and understand the detailed recruitment guidelines before submitting their applications.

​Download Official SBI PO Notification PDF 2026

About SBI PO 2026 Exam

The SBI PO 2026 is a prestigious national-level recruitment exam designed to hire top talent for the Probationary Officer role. As one of the most competitive banking examinations, it serves as a gateway to a rewarding career within the public sector banking industry.

The selection process comprises the Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview. Applicants must hold a valid bachelor's degree from a recognized university to be eligible for the application process. 

Selected candidates will undergo a 2-year probation period to master banking operations before transitioning into managerial roles. This position offers exceptional job security, competitive compensation, and clear pathways for internal leadership development.

What's New This Year in SBI PO 2026 Vacancy?

For the 2026-27 financial year, SBI has introduced updated guidelines regarding the PO examination process:

• Aadhaar Verification has been made mandatory for all candidates
• The number of Attempts a candidate can make has been increased by 2 for each category (Gen: 6 years, OBC: 9)
• Marks allotted to the descriptive paper have been revised from 50 to 30 (Overall duration and questions remain the same)
• New SBI Official website was introduced at www.sbi.bank.in.
• Annual CTC increased from Rs. 20.43 Lakhs to Rs. 21.97 Lakhs.
• New Exam centre for Prelims and Mains added

SBI PO 2026 Vacancy Details

The SBI PO 2026 recruitment includes 1,500 vacancies, consisting of 1,446 fresh openings and 54 backlog posts. This vacancy count represents a significant increase compared to 2024 and 2025. Please review the category-wise vacancy distribution in the table below.

Last 5 Years SBI PO Vacancy Trends

SBI PO Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must strictly adhere to the SBI PO Eligibility Criteria, which includes specific age brackets and academic requirements. We have detailed these prerequisites below to assist you before you apply for the Probationary Officer role.

Age Limit (1/4/2026)

Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years old, with birth dates falling between April 2, 1996, and April 1, 2005. Government-sanctioned age relaxations apply to candidates from reserved categories.

Nationality

1. The candidates must hold Indian Citizenship
2. A Subject of Nepal or Bhutan
3. A Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement
4. A Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, or East African countries of Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, or Malawi, with the intention of permanent settlement in India

Note: Applicants under specific categories must possess a valid Government of India issued certificate of eligibility to be considered for the SBI PO 2026 recruitment.

Qualification (30/9/2026)

1. A candidate must be a graduate in any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government.
2. Final Year/Semester candidates can also apply only if they produce proof of their graduation on the date of the interview.

Number of Attempts in SBI PO Exam (Revised)

• UR / EWS: 6 chances/attempts
• UR (PwBD)/EWS (PwBD)/OBC/OBC (PwBD): 9 chances/attempts
• SC/ST (including PwBD): No limit

Important Note: 

• Appearing only in the Preliminary Exam will not be counted as an attempt.
• Appearing in the Main Exam will be considered an attempt.
• If only one written exam (no prelims) was held in a particular year, then appearing in that exam counts as one attempt. ​

SBI PO 2026 Selection Process

The SBI PO 2026 selection process consists of three rigorous phases. The Prelims and Mains are conducted online to evaluate a candidate’s conceptual knowledge and analytical skills.

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SBI PO 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern

The Preliminary exam pattern features 100 questions, each worth 1 mark, with a 60-minute time limit. A negative marking of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer.

SBI PO 2026 Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains examination includes both objective and descriptive sections, totaling 170 questions for 250 marks, with a cumulative duration of 3 hours and 3 minutes.

SBI PO 2026 Syllabus

​Click to Access the Complete SBI PO Syllabus 2026​

Negative Marking SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam

Both Prelims and Mains objective sections feature negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from your score. There is no penalty for questions left unanswered.

How to Apply for SBI PO 2026?

1. ​Visit the official website of the State Bank of India (SBI).
   
2. Go to the Careers section and click on the SBI PO Recruitment 2026 notification.
   
3. Complete the registration process using a valid email ID and mobile number.
   
4. Fill in the online application form with the required personal, educational, and communication details.
   
5. Upload the necessary documents, including a photograph, signature, and other prescribed certificates.
   
6. Pay the application fee through the online payment gateway.
   
7. Review all details carefully and submit the application form.
   
8. Download and print the submitted application form for future reference
   

SBI PO 2026 Form Fees

Application fees are non-refundable and cannot be credited toward future examinations. Please refer to the table below for category-specific application fee details.

SBI PO Pre-Exam Training Centres

SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper

Reviewing SBI PO Previous Year Question Papers is a proven strategy to understand the exam's difficulty and pattern. Practicing these papers is essential for refining your speed and accuracy.

SBI PO 2026 Mock Test

Taking regular SBI PO Mock Tests is vital for exam readiness. These simulations provide a real-time exam experience, helping you master time management and build the confidence necessary to excel.

SBI PO 2026 Online Coaching

​SBI PO Online Coaching provides a flexible and comprehensive preparation path. Through interactive lessons and expert mentorship, you can systematically cover the entire syllabus.

Result91’s online coaching offers personalized study schedules and real-time doubt resolution, empowering candidates to study effectively and significantly increase their chances of qualifying.

Exam Preparation

Start your preparation early by focusing on quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, and English proficiency, while staying updated on banking and financial current affairs. Consistent practice remains the key to succeeding in this competitive exam.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Centre

1. The candidates will have to select the SBI PO Exam centre of their choice.
2.  The committee asks the candidate to select the centre for both the preliminary as well as for the main exam.
3. The applicants belonging to the SC/ST/Religious Minority Community are called for free pre-exam training.
4. The pre-exam training is conducted five days before the exam.

​SBI PO Previous Year Question Papers - Click to Download​

SBI PO Annual CTC Revised

A career as an SBI PO is highly rewarding, featuring a competitive monthly in-hand salary of Rs. 80,000 to Rs. 82,000. The annual CTC for a Probationary Officer in Mumbai reaches approximately Rs. 21.97 lakhs. View the latest SBI PO Salary details here.

Beyond the basic salary, officers receive allowances such as Dearness Allowance, HRA, City Compensatory Allowance, and medical benefits. Please check the provided table for a comprehensive salary breakdown.

SBI PO Service Bond 2026

​Newly selected Probationary Officers must sign a service bond of Rs. 2 lakh, committing to a minimum of three years of service. Resignation prior to this period may result in the bank invoking the bond amount according to established terms.

SBI PO Probation Period 2026

Selected candidates must complete an online banking basics course before joining. The two-year probation period involves continuous performance evaluation. Successful officers are confirmed as Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) officers, while those failing to meet standards may face service termination.

Is SBI PO Tougher than Other Bank Exams?

The SBI PO exam is widely considered more challenging than other banking exams like IBPS PO. It rigorously evaluates not just aptitude, but also decision-making, communication skills, and personality traits through the interview and group exercise stages.

With lakhs of applicants competing for limited spots, cut-offs remain high. However, the significantly increased vacancy count for 2026 makes this an ideal time for dedicated aspirants to secure a position at SBI.

We have provided a detailed comparison between SBI PO and IBPS PO to help you understand the differences in exam structure and profile.

Strategy To Target SBI PO 2026 Exam

Whether you are a fresher or a seasoned candidate, your focus should remain on mastering the Prelims syllabus and staying abreast of financial current events. Stay disciplined and follow our strategic preparation tips to remain on track.