SBI PO exam pattern

State Bank of India Probationary Officer. Sections, marks and time for each stage.

SBI PO Prelims pattern

SBI PO Prelims: sections, questions, marks and time
Section	Questions	Marks	Time (min)
English Language	30	30	20
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20
Total	100	100	60

SBI PO Mains: sections, questions, marks and time
Section	Questions	Marks	Time (min)
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	45	60	60
Data Analysis & Interpretation	35	60	45
General / Economy / Banking Awareness	40	40	35
English Language	35	40	40
Total	155	200	180

A descriptive English paper (letter and essay) is held after the objective Mains. Check the notification for its marks and time.

Speed maths drills are free: maths shortcuts and tables.

100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes, across 3 sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.

Each of the 3 Prelims sections has its own time limit, and you can’t go back to a section once its time is up.

Yes. In the objective papers, ¼ of the marks given for a question are deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.

Yes. Candidates who clear Mains go on to a Group Exercise and Interview stage.

155 questions for 200 marks in 180 minutes, across 4 sections.

No. The Prelims is a screening test: it decides who goes on to the next stage, and its marks are not added to the final merit.

Patterns are revised from time to time. Before you apply, confirm the current one on the official notification, on the SBI careers page.