SBI PO 2026 Prelims Exam Date Announced for 1,500 Vacancies

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO exam annually to recruit eligible candidates for Probationary Officer (PO) positions across its various branches nationwide. For this recruitment cycle, the SBI PO notification has been issued for 1,500 Probationary Officer vacancies. A total of 1,214,076 applications were received, and the preliminary examination is officially scheduled for 1st and 2nd August 2026.

The SBI PO is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and sought-after career opportunities in the Indian banking sector. The selection process comprises three rigorous stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Group Discussion/Interview round. Successful candidates are appointed as Probationary Officers with an attractive CTC of Rs 21.97 lakh per annum in metro cities, with service liability anywhere across India.

Latest Update:

The SBI PO Prelims Call Letter for all registered candidates was released on 22nd July 2026, ahead of the exams on 1st and 2nd August 2026.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Summary

The online application window is now closed. With 1,214,076 candidates successfully registering for the SBI PO exam, aspirants have been eagerly awaiting the prelims schedule and admit cards. Below is a comprehensive overview of the SBI PO 2026 examination:

SBI PO Exam Date 2026 Out

SBI has officially announced the prelims exam dates alongside the release of admit cards. As confirmed, the SBI PO Prelims Exam will take place on 1st and 2nd August 2026 across 8 total shifts (4 shifts per day). Further details can be found on individual call letters, which are available for download via the link below. 

SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 Out- Click to Download

SBI PO 2026 Important Dates

SBI PO 2026 Notification PDF

The State Bank of India has officially published the SBI PO Notification 2026 PDF (Advt No- CRPD/PO/2026-27/09) detailing 1,500 Probationary Officer vacancies, eligibility standards, exam schedules, syllabus guidelines, and the online registration process. Candidates are strongly advised to review the official notification thoroughly before proceeding.

SBI PO Notification 2026 PDF (Official) - Click to Download

SBI PO Vacancy 2026

For the 2026 recruitment cycle, SBI has announced a grand total of 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) openings. This includes 1,446 regular vacancies and 54 backlog vacancies.

1,214,076 Candidates Submitted Applications for SBI PO Exam 2026

Year-wise SBI PO Vacancy Comparison

What's New in SBI PO 2026 exam?

• Descriptive Pattern Changed
• Annual CTC revised from Rs. 20.43 Lakhs to Rs. 21.97 Lakhs
• Number of Chances Increased (UR- 6, OBC/PWD- 9)
• Official website updated from www.sbi.co.in to www.sbi.bank.in
• 4 New Exam Centres Added
• Aadhar Verification mandatory

SBI PO 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Prior to applying, all candidates must ensure they meet the mandatory educational qualifications and age restriction guidelines detailed below.

Educational Qualification (as on 30/09/2026)

• The candidate must be a graduate in any discipline from a recognised university.
• Those who are in the Final year/Semester of their Graduation can apply (but on the day of the interview must provide proof of their completed graduation)
• Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate must ensure that the date of passing the IDD on or before 30.09.2026.
• Candidates with a Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant etc. certification may also apply.

Age Limit (as on 01/04/2026)

Applicants must fall within the age bracket of 21 to 30 years as of the designated cut-off date specified in the official notification.

Age Relaxation

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) - 3 years
• SC/ ST- 5 years
• PwBD (UR/ EWS)- 10 years
• PwBD (OBC)- 13 years
• PwBD (SC/ ST)- 15 years
• Ex Servicemen- 5 years

Number of Attempts

A maximum limit on attempts applies to each category; for instance, general category candidates are allowed 6 attempts. Those who have exhausted their attempts are ineligible to apply. Note that appearing in the preliminary exam does not count as an attempt, whereas taking the mains exam does count as an official attempt.

📞 Call for SBI PO Online Course Admission Queries

SBI PO 2026 Online Application Over

The online registration window for the SBI PO 2026 examination remained active from 18th June to 8th July 2026. This submission period is now officially closed. 

Note📋: Documents to keep ready before applying: 10th/12th mark sheets, Graduation certificate or provisional certificate, Category certificate (if applicable), Valid photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN), Passport-size photograph and scanned signature.

SBI PO 2026 Application Fee

Note: Application fees are strictly non-refundable and cannot be transferred to any alternative examination. All payments must be processed online.

Why Join State Bank as a Probationary Officer (PO)?

• 🏦 Brand prestige — SBI is India's largest bank, with 23,270+ branches nationwide.
• 💰 Best-in-class salary — Gross CTC of Rs. 21.97 Lakhs per year, highest among PSU banks.
• 📈 Career growth — A PO can rise all the way to Chairman-level positions within SBI.
• 🛡️ Job security — Permanent government job with pension, medical, and housing benefits. 

SBI PO Biometric Verification 

To maintain absolute security and integrity throughout the SBI PO 2026 selection process, the bank may digitally capture candidates' thumb impressions for identity verification. Any discrepancies during biometric checks will result in immediate disqualification and potential legal action. Candidates are strongly advised to keep their hands clear of external substances such as ink, henna, or chemicals prior to reporting.

SBI PO 2026 Selection Process

The SBI PO recruitment exam stands at the pinnacle of public-sector bank examinations in India, widely noted for its rigorous standards compared to IBPS assessments. The structured selection process for SBI Probationary Officers comprises three distinct stages:

1. Phase 1 – Preliminary Examination (Objective, Online)
2. Phase 2 – Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive, Online)
3. Phase 3 – Group Discussion (GD) + Personal Interview

The ultimate merit list is formulated based on candidate performance in the mains exam and the personal interview. The preliminary examination serves a purely qualifying purpose.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

The SBI PO selection pipeline features three sequential stages, beginning with online computer-based written tests and culminating in a comprehensive interview round structured as follows:

Phase-1: SBI PO Preliminary Examination

This online objective examination requires candidates to complete a 100-mark paper within a 60-minute timeframe. A negative marking scheme applies, deducting ¼ of the assigned marks for each incorrect response. The test features three core sections. Crucially, sectional cut-offs have been eliminated in the preliminary exam, meaning overall cumulative scores determine qualification for the subsequent tier. The sectional mark distribution is outlined below:

"See the complete SBI PO exam pattern for a section-wise marks breakdown".

While SBI outlines the broad subject categories, they encompass numerous specific topics derived from historical exam trends. Mastering every tier requires a strategic study plan built around the official syllabus. The SBI PO syllabus 2026 for both prelims and mains remains broadly aligned, with minor modifications. 

Click to View SBI PO 2026 Syllabus [Prelims + Mains + Interview]

SBI PO Previous Year Question Paper PDF with Solution

SBI PO 2026 Salary Structure

According to the official notification, newly appointed Probationary Officers start at a basic pay of Rs 48,480/- (inclusive of 4 advance increments) within the Junior Management Grade Scale-I pay scale of 48480-2000/7-62480-2340/2-67160-2680/7-85920.

Officers are additionally entitled to Dearness Allowance (D.A), House Rent Allowance (H.R.A) or lease rental alternatives, City Compensatory Allowance (C.C.A), medical coverage, and other evolving perquisites. The estimated initial CTC at the Mumbai Centre is approximately Rs. 21.97 Lakhs per annum.

💡 Service Bond: Selected candidates must execute a service bond of Rs. 2 lakh, committing to serve SBI for a minimum tenure of 3 years from their date of appointment. This is a mandatory requirement for all PO selects.

Check SBI PO Salary Structure, Allowances & Perks

SBI PO 2026 Exam Centre

During online application submission, candidates must indicate their preferred examination centers for the SBI PO 2026 tests. However, the bank retains the right to reassign alternative venues in the event of capacity constraints at preferred locations. All applicants must submit single preferences for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.

The list of Centres for the SBI PO 2026 Prelims Exam:

The list of Centres for the SBI PO 2026 Mains Exam:

SBI PO 2026 Pre-Exam Training

In alignment with Government of India directives, the State Bank of India arranges pre-examination training programs for SC, ST, and Religious Minority candidates at designated centers. This program supports candidates who may not have access to commercial coaching resources. Key highlights of the SBI PO Pre-exam training are outlined below.

The SBI PO Pre-exam training is structured as a comprehensive 6-day orientation program.

Pre-examination training for SBI PO 2026 serves as an introductory workshop tailored for reserved and minority category applicants.

Experienced instructors guide candidates through high-yield questions and foundational topics during the interactive sessions.

These pre-exam training sessions are hosted across multiple designated centers nationwide.

Eligible candidates from the specified categories can access training at no tuition cost by selecting the option within their online application form. An indicative directory of training locations is provided below:

SBI reserves the authority to add or modify training venues as required. Candidates opting for pre-examination training must retrieve their respective training call letters using their registration credentials on the official portal. Physical call letters will not be dispatched via postal mail.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Preparation

Strategic preparation aligned with the latest exam pattern is essential for cracking the SBI PO exam. Given the extensive syllabus, utilizing trusted study resources and expert mentorship ensures conceptual clarity and rigorous practice across question types. Candidates can access top-tier guidance and resources provided by our expert faculty. 

SBI PO Preparation Tips and Strategy- Click to Read

"Download previous year question papers and attempt free mock tests on our SBI PO PYQ page."