What is the SBI PO 2026 notification?

State Bank of India has released Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 inviting online applications for 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) vacancies. Selection is through a 3-Phase process — Online Preliminary Examination (August 2026), Online Main Examination (September 2026) and Phase-III consisting of Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Personal Interview (October / November 2026). Online registration is open from 18.06.2026 to 08.07.2026.

How many vacancies are there in SBI PO 2026?

1,500 total vacancies — 1,446 Regular + 54 Backlog. Category-wise: SC 234, ST 144, OBC 390, EWS 144, UR 588. Horizontal PwBD reservations: VI 15, HI 16, LD 14, and d&e (ASD-M / MI / Multiple Disabilities) 16.

What is the educational qualification for SBI PO 2026?

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, with final result on or before 30.09.2026. Final-year / final-semester students may apply provisionally. Candidates holding professional qualifications such as CA, ICWA, MBBS, BE/B.Tech are also eligible.

What is the application fee for SBI PO 2026?

The application fee is ₹750/- (non-refundable) for Unreserved / EWS / OBC candidates and Nil for SC / ST / PwBD candidates. Payment mode is online only — Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking or UPI.

Is there a service bond after joining SBI as a PO?

Yes. Selected candidates must execute a Service Bond of ₹2,00,000 to serve the Bank for a minimum period of 3 years. If a candidate resigns before completing 3 years from the date of joining, the bond amount is invoked by the Bank.

What is the CIBIL score requirement for SBI PO 2026?

Candidates with any default in repayment of loans, credit card dues or other lending arrangements — reflected as adverse CIBIL history — must regularise / repay all such outstanding dues on or before the date of joining. Failure to do so will result in withdrawal or cancellation of the offer of appointment. Candidates are advised to check and confirm their CIBIL status before applying.

Which is the best test series for SBI PO 2026?

The PiyushAI SBI PO & IBPS PO Pre Exam Test Series offers 20+ full-length Prelims mocks in the exact SBI PO pattern (40+30+30 sectional), detailed video solutions, PYQ discussions and all-India ranking. It is designed by an IIT Madras alumnus and trusted by 20,000+ Bank PO aspirants.

SBI PO Recruitment 2026 | 1,500 Probationary Officer Vacancies | Eligibility, Exam Pattern, CTC ₹21.97L | PiyushAI

      Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09  •  Dated 18.06.2026  •  State Bank of India
    

SBI PO Recruitment 2026 — 1,500 Probationary Officer Vacancies

The State Bank of India — The Banker to Every Indian — has released the recruitment notification for 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) posts under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09. Selection is through a 3-Phase process — Online Prelims, Online Mains (Objective + Descriptive) and Phase-III (Psychometric Test + Group Exercise + Interview). Online registration is open from 18.06.2026 to 08.07.2026. Approximate CTC at Mumbai: ₹21.97 Lakh per annum.

Total Vacancies

1,500

1,446 Regular + 54 Backlog

Approx. CTC (Mumbai)

₹21.97 L

JMGS-I, Initial Scale

Selection Stages

Prelims • Mains • Phase-III

Last Date

08 Jul

2026

Apply on SBI Careers → Check Eligibility

Quick Answer

SBI PO 2026 in one paragraph

SBI PO 2026 is the recruitment of 1,500 Probationary Officers in the State Bank of India under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09. Any Indian graduate aged 21–30 years (as on 01.04.2026) can apply online at sbi.bank.in between 18.06.2026 and 08.07.2026. Selection is a 3-Phase process — Prelims (August 2026), Mains (September 2026), and Phase-III comprising Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Personal Interview (Oct/Nov 2026). The starting basic pay is ₹48,480 + 4 advance increments in the JMGS-I scale, with an approximate CTC of ₹21.97 Lakh per annum at Mumbai centre. Application fee is ₹750 for General/OBC/EWS and Nil for SC/ST/PwBD.

Preparing for both SBI PO and IBPS PO? The Prelims pattern for both is highly overlapping, and a single test-series strategy can crack both. Also read our detailed guide to IBPS PO/MT 2026 Recruitment — Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Test Series.

Timeline

SBI PO 2026 — Tentative Schedule

Activity	Tentative Dates
Online Registration & Fee Payment	18.06.2026 – 08.07.2026
Pre-Examination Training (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD)	July 2026
Prelims Call Letter Download	2nd / 3rd week of July 2026
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination	August 2026
Prelims Result & Mains Call Letter	August / September 2026
Phase-II: Main Examination	September 2026
Mains Result Declaration	September / October 2026
Phase-III Call Letter (Psychometric / GE / Interview)	October / November 2026
Phase-III: Psychometric + GE + Interview	October / November 2026
Final Result Declaration	November / December 2026

Vacancy Details

Category-wise Vacancies (1,500 Total)

Regular Vacancies: 1,446 • Backlog Vacancies: 54 • PwBD (Horizontal) reservation across categories.

Category	SC	ST	OBC	EWS	UR	Total
Regular Vacancies	216	108	390	144	588	1,446
Backlog Vacancies	18	36	—	—	—	54
Total Vacancies	234	144	390	144	588	1,500

PwBD Vacancies (Horizontal Reservation)

Category	VI (Visually Impaired)	HI (Hearing Impaired)	LD (Locomotor)	d & e (ASD-M/MI/MD)
Regular	15	15	14	14
Backlog	—	1	—	2
Total	15	16	14	16

Note: 4% horizontal reservation is provided to PwBD under Section 34 of the RPWD Act, 2016. Vacancies under d & e include Autism Spectrum Disorder – Mild (ASD-M), Mental Illness (MI) and Multiple Disabilities (MD) from among LD, VI, HI.

Eligibility

Who Can Apply for SBI PO 2026?

1. Nationality

The candidate must be an Indian Citizen. Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India — and are eligible for foreign postings through SBI's international branches.

2. Age Limit (as on 01.04.2026)

Not below 21 years and not above 30 years.

Candidate must be born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996 (both dates inclusive).

3. Educational Qualification (as on 30.09.2026)

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University, or any equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

Candidates in the final year / final semester may also apply provisionally, subject to proof of passing on or before 30.09.2026.

Candidates with professional qualifications (Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, Integrated Dual Degree, etc.) are also eligible.

Age Relaxation

Category-wise Upper Age Relaxation

Category	Age Relaxation
Other Backward Classes (Non-Creamy Layer)	3 years
Scheduled Caste / Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST)	5 years
PwBD (UR / EWS)	10 years
PwBD (OBC)	13 years
PwBD (SC / ST)	15 years
Ex-Servicemen (ECOs / SSCOs — 5 years military service)	5 years

Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not available across categories. No change of category is permitted after registration.

Fee & Attempts

Application Fee & Number of Chances

SC / ST / PwBD

₹ Nil

Exempted from application fee

General / OBC / EWS

₹ 750/-

Non-refundable, online payment only

Maximum Number of Chances

Category	Max. Permissible Attempts
UR / EWS	6
UR (PwBD) / EWS (PwBD) / OBC / OBC (PwBD)	9
SC / SC (PwBD) / ST / ST (PwBD)	No Restriction

Note: Only Mains appearance counts as a chance. Appearing in Prelims does not count as an attempt.

Selection Process

3-Phase Selection Flow

PHASE-I

Preliminary Exam

Online objective, 100 marks / 60 min. No sectional cutoff. Top 10× vacancies (category-wise) shortlisted for Mains.

PHASE-II

Main Exam

Objective 200 marks (3 hr) + Descriptive 30 marks (30 min). Sectional cutoffs apply. Top 3× vacancies shortlisted for Phase-III.

PHASE-III

Psychometric + GE + Interview

Psychometric Test + Group Exercise (20 M) + Personal Interview (30 M) = 50 marks. Personality profiling for the interview panel.

Final Merit: Mains (230 → normalized to 75) + Phase-III (50 → normalized to 25) = 100 marks. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit. Tie-breaker: candidate senior in age is ranked higher.

Exam Pattern

SBI PO 2026 — Detailed Exam Structure

Phase-I · Preliminary Examination (Online)

Section	Questions	Duration
English Language	40	20 min
Quantitative Aptitude	30	20 min
Reasoning Ability	30	20 min
Total	100 Q / 100 Marks	60 min

Each section is separately timed at 20 minutes. No sectional cutoff in Prelims — candidates are shortlisted from top of category-wise merit list (10× vacancies) for Mains.

Phase-II · Main Examination — Objective Test

Test	Questions	Max. Marks	Duration
I · Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	60	50 min
II · Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	60	45 min
III · General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge	60	60	45 min
IV · English Language	40	20	40 min
Objective Total	170	200	3 hours

Phase-II · Descriptive Paper (Communication Skills)

Question Type	Questions	Marks	Duration
Emails (1 out of 2), Situation Analysis (1 out of 2), Report / Précis Writing (1 out of 2)	3	30	30 min
Grand Total (Mains)	173	230	3 hr 30 min

The Descriptive Paper is administered immediately after the Objective test and answered on the computer. Both Phase-II components have sectional cutoffs.

Phase-III · Psychometric + Group Exercise + Interview

Component	Maximum Marks
Psychometric Test (personality profiling)	Non-scoring
Group Exercise	20
Personal Interview	30
Total	50

Negative Marking

–0.25 marks (¼) for every wrong answer in Prelims & Mains objective tests. No penalty for unattempted questions.

Final Merit Normalization

Mains 230 → 75 marks | GE + Interview 50 → 25 marks = Total 100.

Emoluments

SBI PO Salary & Perks — ₹21.97 L CTC

Component	Detail
Grade / Cadre	Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) — Probationary Officer
Basic Pay Scale	₹ 48,480 – 2000/7 – 62,480 – 2340/2 – 67,160 – 2680/7 – 85,920
Starting Basic Pay	₹ 48,480 + 4 advance increments
Allowances	DA, HRA / Lease rental, CCA, PF (NPS), LFC, Medical Facility & other perks as per Bank rules
Approx. CTC (Mumbai Centre)	₹ 21.97 Lakh per annum

Service Bond: Selected candidates execute a ₹2,00,000 bond to serve the Bank for a minimum of 3 years. On joining, POs are on 2-year probation. Confirmation into JMGS-I is subject to assessment during probation.

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Strategy

How to Crack SBI PO 2026 in 60 Days

SBI PO is India's most competitive banking exam — but the game is Mains-driven, since Prelims marks don't contribute to the final merit. Your strategy should be Prelims for qualifying, Mains for ranking.

Days 1–20 · Prelims Foundation

Cover core topics with speed focus: Quantitative Aptitude (Number Series, Simplification, DI, Arithmetic), Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating, Syllogism, Inequality, Coding), English (RC, Cloze, Error Spotting, Para-Jumbles). Target: attempt 75+ Q in 60 minutes with 85% accuracy.

Days 21–40 · Mains-Focused Deep Dive

Ramp up to Mains difficulty: Reasoning + Computer Aptitude (input-output, syllogism, coding-decoding, computer basics), Data Analysis & Interpretation (advanced DI sets, caselets), General/Banking Awareness (last 6 months current affairs, RBI circulars, banking terminology, economic surveys, digital banking). Start writing Descriptive Paper practice — 1 email + 1 situation analysis + 1 précis per week.

Days 41–60 · Full-Length Mocks + Phase-III Prep

Take 3+ full-length mocks per week (Prelims + Mains) under sectionally-timed conditions. Analyse each mock for 60–90 minutes. Simultaneously start Group Exercise + Interview prep — mock GDs, current banking issues, personal HR questions, RBI monetary policy, digital banking / UPI / fintech trends.

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Also Applying for IBPS PO?

SBI PO vs IBPS PO — What's the Difference?

Both SBI PO and IBPS PO/MT are among India's most sought-after banking exams. The Prelims pattern is largely overlapping, so preparation is highly complementary. Key differences:

Parameter	SBI PO 2026	IBPS PO/MT XVI 2026
Conducting Body	State Bank of India	Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
Vacancies	1,500	6,715 (across 11 PSBs)
Prelims Pattern	Eng 40 + QA 30 + Reasoning 30 = 100 Q	Eng 30 + QA 35 + Reasoning 35 = 100 Q
Mains — Descriptive	30 marks — Emails / Situation Analysis / Report / Précis	25 marks — Essay & Comprehension
Phase-III	Psychometric + Group Exercise + Interview	Personality Test + Common Interview
Final Merit Weightage	Mains 75 : Phase-III 25	Mains 80 : Interview 20
CTC (approx.)	₹ 21.97 L / annum (Mumbai)	₹ 10.2 – 11 L / annum

Related Read

IBPS PO/MT Recruitment 2026 — Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Test Series

Complete guide to IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI with 6,715 vacancies across 11 Public Sector Banks, bank-wise vacancy split, exam pattern, salary, and 90-day prep strategy.

Read the IBPS PO/MT 2026 Guide →

How to Apply

Step-by-Step Application Process

Visit the official SBI Careers portal — sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
Scroll to Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 and click Apply Online.
Register with your basic details, get the Provisional Registration Number & Password.
Upload scanned images: Photograph (4.5×3.5 cm, 20–50 KB), Signature (140×60 px, 10–20 KB), Left-hand Thumb Impression (240×240 px, 20–50 KB), Hand-written Declaration (800×400 px, 50–100 KB).
Capture and upload your live photograph via webcam or mobile during registration.
Fill remaining details — educational qualification, category, examination centre choice. Category and other key fields cannot be changed later.
Pay the fee online (Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI).
Verify every field, click Complete Registration, and save a printout of the e-receipt + application form.

Pre-Registration Checklist: Active Aadhaar + working email + active mobile number + scanned photo/signature/thumb + hand-written declaration in English (not capital letters) + CIBIL status check (adverse CIBIL disqualifies at joining stage).

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions — SBI PO 2026

Q1. What is SBI PO 2026 Advertisement Number?

The SBI PO 2026 notification is issued under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 dated 18.06.2026.

Q2. How many SBI PO vacancies are there in 2026?

1,500 vacancies — 1,446 Regular + 54 Backlog. Category-wise: SC 234, ST 144, OBC 390, EWS 144, UR 588.

Q3. What is the age limit for SBI PO 2026?

21–30 years as on 01.04.2026 — born between 02.04.1996 and 01.04.2005 (both inclusive). Standard age relaxation applies for reserved categories.

Q4. Can final-year students apply for SBI PO 2026?

Yes. Final-year / final-semester students can apply provisionally, subject to proof of passing graduation on or before 30.09.2026. If unable to produce proof, the candidature will be cancelled.

Q5. What is the SBI PO Prelims exam pattern?

100 objective questions / 100 marks / 60 min — English Language (40 Q, 20 min), Quantitative Aptitude (30 Q, 20 min), Reasoning Ability (30 Q, 20 min). Each section is separately timed. No sectional cutoff in Prelims.

Q6. What is the SBI PO Mains exam pattern?

Objective 170 Q / 200 marks / 3 hours — Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (40 Q / 60 M / 50 min), Data Analysis & Interpretation (30 Q / 60 M / 45 min), General/Economy/Banking (60 Q / 60 M / 45 min), English (40 Q / 20 M / 40 min) — plus Descriptive Paper 3 Q / 30 marks / 30 min (Emails, Situation Analysis, Report/Précis).

Q7. Is there negative marking in SBI PO?

Yes. Both Prelims and Mains objective tests deduct 1/4 (0.25) of the marks assigned per wrong answer. No penalty for unattempted questions.

Q8. What is the SBI PO salary and CTC?

Basic pay ₹ 48,480 + 4 advance increments (JMGS-I scale ₹48,480–85,920). With DA, HRA, CCA, PF (NPS), LFC, medical facility etc., the approximate CTC at Mumbai centre is ₹21.97 Lakh per annum.

Q9. How is the SBI PO final merit calculated?

Mains 230 marks → normalized to 75, and Group Exercise + Interview 50 marks → normalized to 25, totalling 100. Prelims marks are NOT included in the final merit.

Q10. Is there a service bond for SBI PO?

Yes. Selected candidates execute a ₹2,00,000 bond to serve the Bank for a minimum of 3 years. Resignation before 3 years attracts the full bond amount.

Q11. Does CIBIL score affect SBI PO recruitment?

Yes. Any adverse CIBIL history (defaults on loans, credit card dues) must be regularised on or before the date of joining. Otherwise, the offer of appointment will be withdrawn / cancelled. Candidates are advised to check their CIBIL status before applying.

Q12. How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?

UR/EWS: 6 attempts. UR (PwBD)/EWS (PwBD)/OBC/OBC (PwBD): 9 attempts. SC/SC (PwBD)/ST/ST (PwBD): No restriction. Only Mains appearance counts as a chance.

Q13. What is the difference between SBI PO and IBPS PO?

SBI PO is only for the State Bank of India, while IBPS PO/MT is the Common Recruitment Process across 11 other Public Sector Banks. SBI PO has a slightly harder Mains, mandatory Psychometric + Group Exercise, and higher CTC (₹21.97 L vs ~₹10–11 L). See our detailed IBPS PO/MT 2026 guide for full comparison.

Q14. Which is the best test series for SBI PO Prelims 2026?

The PiyushAI SBI PO & IBPS PO Pre Exam Test Series offers 20+ full-length Prelims mocks in exact SBI PO pattern (40+30+30 sectional), sectional tests, PYQs, video solutions and all-India ranking — designed by an IIT Madras alumnus.

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Author

Piyush Wairale — Founder & CEO, PiyushAI Edtech Pvt Ltd. M.Tech, IIT Madras. Former IIT Madras BS Degree Programme Instructor, Microsoft Learn Educator, AWS Academy Educator, NPTEL Instructor. Trained 20,000+ students for SBI PO, IBPS PO, Bank IT Officer, GATE DA and PSU-through-GATE exams.

Disclaimer: All information is compiled from the official SBI notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 dated 18.06.2026). Applicants must verify final details on the official SBI Careers portal — sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings — before applying. State Bank of India does not endorse or associate with any external coaching platform claiming guaranteed selection.