The SBI PO examination offers graduates an opportunity to pursue an officer-level banking career. Preparing for it requires more than remembering formulas or completing a syllabus. Candidates need accurate reading, dependable calculation methods, logical reasoning and the ability to make decisions under time pressure.
A structured preparation routine makes these demands easier to manage. Learn the concepts, practise independently, attempt timed tests and review mistakes before moving to the next paper.
Following our IBPS Clerk practice papers and preparation guide, this collection continues The Thrive Journey’s banking-examination series.
This SBI PO preparation guide includes:
- 10 Prelims practice papers with answers.
- 10 Prelims full-length foundation mock tests.
- 10 Mains practice papers with answers.
- 10 Mains full-length foundation mock tests.
- Communication-skills exercises in every Mains paper.
- Prelims and Mains examination patterns.
- Subject-wise syllabus guidance.
- Eligibility and selection-process information.
- Previous-year paper guidance and official resources.
- A preparation timetable, mock-analysis method and FAQs.
These are independently authored educational resources. They are not official SBI papers, memory-based previous-year papers or materials endorsed by SBI.
Latest SBI PO Recruitment Update
As checked on 26 October 2026, SBI’s Careers page lists the Main Examination result for advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09.
This recruitment announced 1,500 vacancies. Registration ran from 18 June to 8 July 2026, so that application window is closed. The official Mains handout specified 12 September 2026 as the examination date. Careers
This article is an evergreen preparation guide, not an announcement that applications are currently open.
For a future recruitment cycle, check the new notification’s dates, vacancies and eligibility conditions rather than carrying forward the details above.
Official recruitment page:
SBI Careers — Current Openings
Why SBI PO Practice Papers Are Important
A solved example can appear straightforward until you attempt a similar question independently. Practice papers reveal whether you understand the method or merely recognise a familiar solution.
They also help distinguish different weaknesses:
| Difficulty | What it usually requires |
|---|---|
| You cannot identify the method | Concept revision |
| You know the method but calculate incorrectly | Focused calculation practice |
| You overlook a condition | More careful reading |
| You spend too long on one question | Better question selection |
| You understand solutions but cannot finish sections | Timed sectional practice |
| You repeatedly make the same mistake | An error notebook and scheduled revision |
Use practice papers for learning and mock tests for rehearsal.
During practice, pause to understand a difficult question. During a mock, follow the timer and make realistic decisions about when to move on.
SBI PO Eligibility, Fees and Attempt Limits
The following table summarises the current-cycle advertisement. Candidates must check the full notification for category-specific conditions and documentation.
| Requirement | 2026–27 recruitment reference |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian citizen |
| Educational qualification | Recognised graduation or equivalent |
| Qualification deadline | Proof of passing by 30 September 2026 |
| Age | 21–30 years on 1 April 2026, before applicable relaxation |
| OBC non-creamy layer age relaxation | 3 years |
| SC/ST age relaxation | 5 years |
| PwBD age relaxation | 10, 13 or 15 years, depending on category |
| Application fee | ₹750 for UR/EWS/OBC; nil for SC/ST/PwBD |
| Attempts: UR/EWS | 6 |
| Attempts: OBC and specified UR/EWS/OBC PwBD categories | 9 |
| Attempts: SC/ST, including PwBD | No restriction |
| What counts as an attempt? | Appearing in Mains; appearing only in Prelims does not count |
Final-year candidates were permitted provisionally, subject to the qualification deadline. Read the notification for ex-servicemen provisions and certificate requirements. sbi.bank.in
Important amendment: SBI’s corrigendum dated 1 July 2026 removed the advertisement’s CIBIL clause. Read the notification together with its amendments. sbi.bank.in
Before applying in a future cycle, compare your date of birth, qualification date, category documents and counted attempts against that cycle’s notification.
SBI PO Selection Process
The selection process has three phases:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination, including objective and descriptive components
- Psychometric assessment, group exercise and interview
Prelims is used for shortlisting. Final merit uses Mains and the group-exercise/interview stage with a 75:25 weightage.
The group exercise carries 20 marks, and the interview carries 30 marks. Candidates must satisfy the relevant qualifying requirements. sbi.bank.in
Alongside examination preparation, understand what an officer role involves. Prepare to discuss customer service, responsibility, teamwork and your interest in banking using honest examples from your education or experience.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Practice-paper marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
The official handout specifies 100 marks overall and separate section timers. These practice papers use one mark per question.
Wrong objective answers attract a penalty of one quarter of the marks assigned to the question. Unanswered questions attract no penalty.
There is no sectional cut-off in Prelims for this cycle, but the separate section timers still apply. sbi.bank.in
You therefore cannot use unused Reasoning time to return to English. Practise stopping each section when its timer ends.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus
The following is a preparation checklist. It does not imply that SBI guarantees a fixed number of questions from every topic.
English Language
Prepare:
- Reading comprehension.
- Main idea, inference and tone.
- Vocabulary in context.
- Cloze tests and fillers.
- Error detection and sentence correction.
- Phrase replacement.
- Connectors.
- Paragraph arrangement and sentence sequencing.
- Grammar and usage.
Read a short explanatory article or editorial daily. Summarise its main argument in two sentences.
While reviewing comprehension questions, identify why each wrong option fails. An option can sound reasonable yet remain unsupported by the passage.
Quantitative Aptitude
Prepare:
- Simplification and approximation.
- Number series.
- Percentages, ratios and averages.
- Profit, loss and discount.
- Simple and compound interest.
- Partnership.
- Mixtures and allegation.
- Ages.
- Time and work.
- Pipes and cisterns.
- Speed, distance, trains and boats.
- Equations and quantity comparison.
- Data interpretation.
Learn common fraction–percentage conversions and estimate the likely answer before calculating precisely.
For data questions, check the units and denominator first. “Percentage of all applicants” and “percentage of eligible applicants” are different calculations.
Reasoning Ability
Prepare:
- Linear and circular seating arrangements.
- Floor, box and scheduling puzzles.
- Distribution sets.
- Syllogisms.
- Inequalities.
- Coding-decoding.
- Blood relations.
- Direction sense.
- Order and ranking.
- Alphanumeric reasoning.
- Data sufficiency.
- Logical deductions.
Use consistent symbols and clearly labelled diagrams. Do not turn a possible relationship into a definite one.
For longer puzzles, read every condition before committing to an arrangement.
Download SBI PO Prelims Practice Papers and Mock Tests
Each PDF contains 100 objective questions, an answer key and short explanations.
Use the practice papers to build methods. Attempt the mocks with 20 minutes per section.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
Mains preparation requires longer reasoning sets, data analysis, banking knowledge and clear written communication. Begin these areas alongside Prelims preparation.
| Section | Questions | Maximum marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Objective total | 170 | 200 | 180 minutes |
| Communication-skills descriptive paper | 3 tasks | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Combined total | 170 objective questions + 3 tasks | 230 | 210 minutes |
The current handout requires qualifying performance in each objective test and the descriptive paper.
It permits the examination’s on-screen calculator for Data Analysis & Interpretation. This does not permit bringing a personal calculator. sbi.bank.in
For home scoring, the accompanying papers assign:
- Reasoning: 1.5 marks per question.
- DI: 2 marks per question.
- Awareness: 1 mark per question.
- English: 0.5 marks per question.
This is the pack’s scoring convention, not a guarantee of the actual examination’s question-level mark distribution.
SBI PO Mains Syllabus
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
Extend your basic reasoning preparation to:
- Multi-variable seating and distribution puzzles.
- Floor and scheduling sets.
- Input–output.
- Coded relationships.
- Statement–assumption questions.
- Arguments and conclusions.
- Cause and effect.
- Courses of action.
- Data sufficiency.
- Critical reasoning and decision-making.
Data sufficiency needs a different habit: determine whether a unique answer is possible instead of calculating more than necessary.
For computer aptitude, revise:
- Hardware and software.
- Memory and storage.
- Operating systems.
- Networks and internet fundamentals.
- Databases.
- Spreadsheets.
- Email and cybersecurity.
- Access control, phishing and backups.
Understand what a concept does, not merely its abbreviation.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Practise:
- Tables.
- Bar and line charts.
- Pie-chart data.
- Caselets.
- Missing-data questions.
- Mixed datasets.
- Percentage changes.
- Weighted averages.
- Ratios and comparisons.
- Probability.
- Permutations and combinations.
- Arithmetic-based data sufficiency.
A complicated dataset often becomes easier once you rewrite the essential information into a small table.
During review, distinguish between errors in reading the data, constructing the equation and completing the arithmetic. Each needs a different correction.
General Awareness, Economy and Banking Knowledge
Build understanding of:
- Monetary-policy concepts.
- Inflation and economic indicators.
- Deposits, accounts and lending.
- Financial inclusion.
- Payment systems.
- Financial markets and institutions.
- Banking terminology.
- Financial statements and basic ratios.
- Digital banking and fraud prevention.
- Government financial initiatives.
- Budget and Economic Survey developments.
- Banking-related reports and appointments.
Maintain a separate current-affairs notebook. Record the date and original source alongside each fact.
Rates, officeholders and policy limits can change. Check them again before the examination instead of relying on an old PDF.
The downloadable papers focus on static concepts and numerical banking applications. They do not replace an updated current-affairs question bank.
English Language
Prepare longer reading comprehension, inference, tone, vocabulary in context, grammar, sentence correction, connectors and paragraph organisation.
Do not judge an option only by whether it repeats words from the passage. Check whether it preserves the writer’s actual meaning.
SBI PO Descriptive Writing and Communication Skills
The current descriptive format covers:
- Email writing.
- Situation analysis.
- Report writing or précis writing.
The notification specifies choices within these task groups. sbi.bank.in
Every Mains paper in this collection includes writing choices and evaluation guidance.
| Task | What to practise |
|---|---|
| Clear subject, purpose, appropriate tone and requested action | |
| Situation analysis | Facts, uncertainties, immediate response, escalation and prevention |
| Report | Purpose, findings, unresolved issues and recommendations |
| Précis | Central meaning, logical flow, concise language and no added opinions |
Practise typing after completing an objective test. Writing clearly while tired is different from writing an untimed answer in isolation.
The PDFs’ suggested word targets and equal 10-mark self-review allocation are practice aids, not official word limits or an SBI marking rubric.
Download SBI PO Mains Practice Papers and Mock Tests
Each PDF contains 170 objective questions, communication-skills choices, an answer key and short explanations.
For mocks, allow 180 minutes for the separately timed objective sections, followed immediately by 30 minutes for writing.
SBI PO Previous-Year Question Papers: Official Resources
Previous papers help students understand question styles and preparation demands. However, a PDF labelled “previous-year paper” is not automatically an official release.
The official resources checked for this guide contain recruitment documents and sample-question handouts. A verified public collection of complete year-wise SBI PO papers was not located.
The official handouts below contain sample questions; they are not complete previous-year papers.
| Resource | How to use it |
|---|---|
| SBI Careers | Find the appropriate recruitment entry, amendments, results and handouts |
| Official Prelims information handout | Review sample styles and examination instructions |
| Official Mains information handout | Review Mains structure, examples and computer-test instructions |
| Third-party memory-based papers | Use as supplementary reconstructions after checking year, stage and explanations |
For a five-year review, look separately for 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025 materials. Check the actual examination date because recruitment-year labels can cause confusion.
Record missing papers honestly. Do not replace an unavailable past paper with a newly created practice paper under the same label.
Use older papers to understand question styles, and current official documents to establish section counts and timings.
SBI PO Preparation Strategy for 60 Days
This is a study framework, not a promise that every beginner can become exam-ready in two months. Extend the foundation phase where needed.
| Period | Main focus | Expected learning outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Days 1–15 | Arithmetic and reasoning basics, daily reading, banking concepts | Identify weak topics and build an error notebook |
| Days 16–30 | Mixed practice, sectional timers, DI and writing twice weekly | Improve method selection and reduce repeated errors |
| Days 31–45 | Two or three Prelims mocks weekly, Mains sets and awareness revision | Compare accuracy and time spent by topic |
| Days 46–60 | Full-length simulations, targeted repairs and revision | Stabilise performance and practise writing under fatigue |
A Manageable Daily Routine
For a working student, a weekday routine could include:
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude or DI | 40 minutes |
| Reasoning | 40 minutes |
| English | 30 minutes |
| Banking awareness and current affairs | 25 minutes |
| Revision and error notebook | 15 minutes |
| Total | 2 hours 30 minutes |
Reserve a longer weekend block for a full Mains simulation and its review.
Our study-plan guide for students can help you organise recall and revision. Candidates preparing for multiple officer examinations can also use our IBPS PO preparation collection, while keeping the examination patterns separate.
How to Analyse an SBI PO Mock Test
A mock is useful only when its results change your preparation.
Record Your Performance
For every section, note:
- Attempted questions.
- Correct answers.
- Incorrect answers.
- Unattempted questions.
- Accuracy.
- Time lost on difficult questions.
Accuracy = Correct answers ÷ Attempted questions × 100
Classify Your Mistakes
| Error type | What to record |
|---|---|
| Concept | The rule or method you did not understand |
| Calculation | The arithmetic step that went wrong |
| Reading | The condition or word you overlooked |
| Selection | A lengthy question attempted before more accessible ones |
| Time management | A puzzle or calculation that consumed too much time |
| Guessing | An attempt made without sufficient confidence |
Reattempt incorrect questions before reading the explanation. After understanding the method, reproduce it independently the following day.
Also review correct answers that took too long. A valid six-minute solution may still be unsuitable for your examination strategy.
These foundation mocks have no validated percentile distribution. Use their scores to guide revision rather than predict official cut-offs.
Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Interview Preparation
Prepare an honest explanation of:
- Your educational background.
- Your work experience, if applicable.
- Your interest in banking.
- Your strengths and learning gaps.
- Projects or responsibilities mentioned in your application.
- Examples of teamwork, responsibility and problem-solving.
For group exercises, practise making a clear point, listening and helping the group reach a useful conclusion. Speaking continuously is not the same as contributing.
For interviews, practise explaining a banking concept to someone without specialist knowledge.
In personality assessments, respond honestly and consistently. For situational questions, consider the customer, confidentiality, accuracy, authorised procedures and appropriate escalation.
Final Preparation Tips
Build a routine you can maintain. Read carefully, solve independently, revise mistakes and practise written communication before the final stretch.
Do not measure preparation by the number of PDFs collected. Measure it by the improvements you can demonstrate in your next attempt.
Official Sources
- SBI Careers — Current Openings
- SBI PO detailed advertisement: CRPD/PO/2026-27/09
- SBI PO corrigendum dated 1 July 2026
- Official Prelims information handout
- Official Mains information handout
Disclaimer
These materials are for education and practice. SBI’s current notification, amendments, information handout and call letter govern eligibility and examination requirements.
Pattern, dates and rules may change. The Thrive Journey is not affiliated with SBI or IBPS and does not guarantee selection.
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are these official SBI PO question papers?
No. They are independently authored educational resources from The Thrive Journey and are not endorsed by SBI.
2. Do the PDFs include answers and explanations?
Yes. Each paper includes an objective answer key and short explanations. Mains papers also contain descriptive-task guidance.
3. Are the mock tests full length?
Yes in question count and section timing: 100 objective questions for Prelims, and 170 objective questions plus writing tasks for Mains.
Their difficulty is foundation-to-intermediate, rather than a calibrated reproduction of the official examination.
4. Is there negative marking?
Wrong objective answers attract a deduction of one quarter of the marks assigned to the question. Unanswered questions attract no penalty.
5. Is there a sectional cut-off?
The current cycle has no Prelims sectional cut-off. Mains requires qualifying performance in each test, including descriptive writing.
6. Should I wait for the Prelims result before preparing for Mains?
No. Begin DI, banking awareness, longer reasoning sets and typing practice alongside Prelims preparation.
7. Does this pack completely cover current affairs?
No. The awareness questions emphasise static banking and economic concepts. Add recent, source-checked developments relevant to your examination date.
8. Can I prepare without paid coaching?
A structured self-study routine can provide strong preparation. Use official documents, dependable learning material, regular practice and honest review.
Seek additional support where a persistent learning gap justifies it.
9. How many mock tests should I attempt?
Start with the ten provided for each stage and analyse them thoroughly. The number of errors corrected matters more than the number of papers completed.
10. Where should I check application dates and results?
Use SBI Careers and match the advertisement number. This article is a preparation guide, not an application portal.

