Back to SBI PO SBI Probationary Officer

SBI PO

Everything you should know before preparing or applying for the Probationary Officer recruitment in State Bank of India. This page summarizes the official SBI Recruitment of Probationary Officers 2026 notification.

Quick Overview

Important SBI PO 2026 details at a glance.

Conducting Body

State Bank of India (SBI)

Post

Probationary Officer

Qualification

Graduation in any discipline

Age Limit

21–30 Years
(as on 01.04.2026)

Selection

Prelims → Mains → Psychometric Test → Group Exercise & Interview

Mode of Exam

Online Computer Based Examination

Total Vacancies

1,500 Vacancies

Starting Basic Pay

₹48,480
Plus 4 advance increments

Recruitment Highlights

Important information regarding SBI Probationary Officer 2026.

Full Name Probationary Officer
Recruitment Recruitment of Probationary Officers 2026
Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09
Conducting Organisation State Bank of India (SBI)
Application Period 18 June 2026 to 08 July 2026
Regular Vacancies 1,446
Backlog Vacancies 54
Total Vacancies 1,500
Educational Qualification Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University
Age Limit 21–30 Years as on 01.04.2026, subject to applicable relaxation
Preliminary Examination 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 1 Hour
Main Examination 170 Objective Questions | 200 Marks | 3 Hours + 30 Minutes Descriptive
Phase III Psychometric Test + Group Exercise + Personal Interview
Negative Marking 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question for each wrong answer in Objective Tests
Final Merit Main Examination + Group Exercise & Interview after normalization; Prelims marks are not added

Post Details

SBI recruits candidates for the Probationary Officer position in Junior Management Grade Scale-I.

Probationary Officer

Selected candidates join State Bank of India as Probationary Officers and are designated in Junior Management Grade Scale-I.

Posting

Selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India. SBI may allot or transfer officers to Circles/offices in India according to service requirements.

Career Growth

The notification highlights opportunities for accelerated career progression, leadership development, international exposure and advancement to higher management grades.

Transfer Policy

SBI reserves the right of allotment/transfer to any Circle or office in India and may depute officers to associates, subsidiaries or other organisations according to service requirements.

Salary & Pay Scale

Pay scale and starting emoluments notified for SBI Probationary Officers.

Post Pay Scale Starting Basic Pay
Probationary Officer ₹48,480-2,000/7-₹62,480-2,340/2-₹67,160-2,680/7-₹85,920 ₹48,480 + 4 advance increments

Starting Emoluments

The starting basic pay is ₹48,480, plus four advance increments. The officer is eligible for DA, HRA, CCA, PF, NPS, LFC, medical facility, lease rental facility and other applicable allowances and perquisites. The notification states that the approximate initial CTC at the Mumbai centre is ₹21.97 lakh.

Other Benefits

The notification lists benefits and facilities including DA, HRA, CCA, Provident Fund, Contributory Pension Fund under NPS, Leave Fare Concession, Medical Facility and Lease Rental Facility, along with other allowances and perquisites according to Bank rules.

Eligibility Criteria

Basic eligibility requirements prescribed in the official notification.

Qualification

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

Nationality

The notification invites online applications from eligible Indian citizens for appointment as Probationary Officers.

Age

Minimum 21 years and maximum 30 years as on 01.04.2026, subject to the applicable upper-age relaxation.

Final Year Candidates

Final year/semester graduation candidates may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing graduation by 30.09.2026 if called for interview.

Educational Qualification

Graduation in Any Discipline

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government is required.


Final Year / Semester Candidates

Candidates who are in the Final Year/Semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally. If called for interview, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 30.09.2026.


Integrated Dual Degree

Candidates having an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 30.09.2026.


Professional Qualifications

Candidates possessing qualifications such as Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant and other eligible equivalent qualifications are also eligible, subject to the notification.


Date of Passing

The date of passing the eligibility examination will be the date appearing on the marksheet or provisional certificate issued by the University/Institute. Where the result is posted on the University/ Institute website, the prescribed certificate indicating the date of result publication is accepted.

Age Limit

21 – 30 Years

The candidate must not be below 21 years and not above 30 years as on 01.04.2026.

Candidates must have been born not later than 01.04.2005 and not earlier than 02.04.1996, both days inclusive.

Age Relaxation

Upper-age relaxation available to eligible categories.

Category 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 / Eligible Commissioned Officers 5 Years

Cumulative age relaxation is not available under the listed items or in combination with other items. Candidates claiming age relaxation must submit the required certificates at the prescribed stage.

Application & Exam Schedule

Schedule stated in the SBI Probationary Officer 2026 notification.

Activity Schedule
Online Registration 18 June 2026 to 08 July 2026
Online Payment of Fee 18 June 2026 to 08 July 2026
Download Preliminary Exam Call Letters 2nd / 3rd week of July 2026 onwards
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination August 2026
Declaration of Preliminary Result August / September 2026
Phase-II: Main Examination September 2026
Declaration of Main Result September / October 2026
Phase-III Call Letter October / November 2026
Psychometric Test October / November 2026
Group Exercise & Interview October / November 2026
Final Result November / December 2026
Pre-Examination Training July 2026

Application Fee / Intimation Charges

Fee prescribed in SBI PO 2026. The fee is non-refundable.

Category Fee / Intimation Charges
SC / ST / PwBD Nil
General / EWS / OBC ₹750
Refund Not refundable

Payment Method

Candidates must apply online. The application fee can be paid online through the available payment gateway using Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, UPI or other permitted online modes.

Examination Pattern

The SBI PO recruitment process consists of three phases: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Personal Interview.

Phase - I

Online Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is an objective test used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.

Test Questions Marks Time
English Language 40 40 20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude 30 30 20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability 30 30 20 Minutes
Total 100 100 1 Hour

Preliminary Examination Subjects

Subject-wise structure of the SBI PO Preliminary Examination.

English Language

40 questions, 40 marks and 20 minutes.

Quantitative Aptitude

30 questions, 30 marks and 20 minutes.

Reasoning Ability

30 questions, 30 marks and 20 minutes.

Phase - II

Online Main Examination

The Main Examination contains an objective test for 200 marks followed immediately by a descriptive test for 30 marks.

Test Questions 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 3 Hours
Descriptive Test 30 30 Minutes
Grand Total 230 230 3 Hours 30 Minutes

Main Examination Subjects

Major sections included in the Online Main Examination.

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

40 questions, 60 marks and 50 minutes.

Data Analysis & Interpretation

30 questions, 60 marks and 45 minutes.

General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge

60 questions, 60 marks and 45 minutes.

English Language

40 questions, 20 marks and 40 minutes.

Descriptive Test — Communication Skills

The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Main Examination and candidates type their answers on the computer.

Emails

One question is to be attempted out of two options.

Situation Analysis

One question is to be attempted out of two options.

Report / Precis Writing

Either report writing or precis writing, with one option to be attempted out of two.

Descriptive Paper

30 Marks • 30 Minutes

Negative Marking

Phase III — Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview

Candidates shortlisted from the Main Examination proceed to the third phase of the selection process.

Psychometric Test

The Bank conducts the Psychometric Test for personality profiling. Its findings are placed before the Interview panel.

Group Exercise

Maximum marks: 20. Minimum qualifying marks are decided by SBI.

Personal Interview

Maximum marks: 30. Minimum qualifying marks are decided by SBI.

Phase III Total

Group Exercise + Interview = 50 marks.

Final Merit & Selection

Component Maximum Marks Normalized Marks
Main Examination — Objective + Descriptive 230 75
Group Exercise + Interview 50 25
Total 280 100

Joining, Training & Career Path

Important service-related information stated in the official notification.

Basic Banking Course

Selected candidates are provided basic banking knowledge through an online course, which must be completed before joining.

Service Bond

At joining, selected candidates execute a bond of ₹2,00,000 to serve the Bank for a minimum period of three years.

Probation

Newly joined Probationary Officers may be on probation for two years and are subjected to continuous assessment.

Career Growth

Candidates who meet the Bank's assessment standards are confirmed in Junior Management Grade Scale-I. SBI provides opportunities for career growth and overseas postings.

Examination Centres

Online examinations are conducted at venues across many centres in India.

How to Apply Online

Application must be submitted online through SBI's official career portal.

1. Register

Visit SBI's Career website and open the online application under Current Openings.

2. Enter Details

Fill in personal, educational, category and other required details carefully.

3. Upload Documents

Upload photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression and hand-written declaration as prescribed.

4. Pay Fee

Pay the applicable application fee online using the available payment modes.

5. Submit

Check the application carefully and submit it. No changes are allowed after final submission.

Documents / Upload Requirements

The official notification specifies the following scanned documents and live photograph requirement.

Photograph

Recent passport-style colour photograph. Preferred dimensions: 200 × 230 pixels. File size: 20–50 KB.

Signature

Signature in black ink on white paper. Preferred dimensions: 140 × 60 pixels. File size: 10–20 KB.

Left Thumb Impression

JPG/JPEG. Preferred 240 × 240 pixels at 200 DPI. File size: 20–50 KB. Right thumb may be used where left thumb is unavailable.

Handwritten Declaration

Written clearly in English with black ink. JPG/JPEG. Preferred 800 × 400 pixels at 200 DPI. File size: 50–100 KB.

Live Photograph

Candidates must also capture and upload a live photograph using a webcam or mobile phone during registration.

Call Letter & Examination Instructions

Identity, Biometric & Examination Security

Photo Identity Proof

Candidates must bring an original photo identity proof and a self-attested photocopy as prescribed in the notification.

Biometric Verification

SBI may capture photograph, thumb impression and/or iris scan at various stages for biometric verification.

No Mobile / Smart Watch

Mobile phones, smart watches, Bluetooth devices, storage media and other prohibited electronic devices are not allowed at examination, interview or group exercise venues.

Electronic Devices

Candidates must follow all examination-centre restrictions and instructions contained in the call letter and Acquaint Yourself Booklet.

Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange Pre-Examination Training in online mode for eligible reserved-category candidates.

Eligible Categories

SC / ST / OBC / PwBD candidates may avail the facility according to the Government of India guidelines.

Mode

The Pre-Examination Training is arranged in online mode.

Opt During Application

Candidates wishing to avail PET should select the relevant option in the online application.

Schedule Intimation

Training schedule information is shared through registered email and SMS. No hard copy is sent.

PwBD / Scribe Provisions

The official notification provides reservation, scribe and compensatory-time provisions subject to prescribed conditions.

PwBD Reservation

4% horizontal reservation is provided to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities as prescribed under the RPwD Act, 2016.

Scribe Facility

Eligible candidates with the prescribed disability may use a scribe subject to the notification's conditions and undertakings.

Compensatory Time

Eligible candidates using the scribe facility are entitled to 20 minutes compensatory time for every hour of the examination.

Disability Certificate

Candidates claiming PwBD benefits must submit a valid certificate issued by the competent authority as prescribed.

Maximum Number of Chances

The notification specifies the maximum permissible attempts for SBI PO.

Category Maximum Permissible Chances
UR / EWS 6
UR (PwBD) / EWS (PwBD) / OBC / OBC (PwBD) 9
SC / SC (PwBD) / ST / ST (PwBD) No Restriction

CIBIL / Credit History Requirement

Candidates who have defaulted in repayment under lending arrangements with Banks, NBFCs or Financial Institutions, including credit-card dues, must regularize or repay outstanding dues on or before joining. If the adverse CIBIL status has not been updated, the candidate may need to produce the required NOC/documentary evidence from the lender. Failure to satisfy the requirement may render the candidate ineligible for appointment.

Service Conditions

Important conditions applicable after selection.

Probation

Selected candidates may remain on probation for two years and are subjected to continuous assessment.

Three-Year Bond

A bond of ₹2 lakh is executed to serve the Bank for a minimum period of three years.

Confirmation

Candidates meeting the standards prescribed during probation are confirmed in Junior Management Grade Scale-I.

International Opportunities

The notification highlights opportunities for overseas posting and career progression within SBI.

Important Points to Remember

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SBI PO?

SBI PO is the Probationary Officer recruitment conducted by State Bank of India for appointment as Probationary Officers.

How many SBI PO vacancies are there in 2026?

The notification provides 1,446 regular vacancies and 54 backlog vacancies, making a total of 1,500 vacancies.

What is the educational qualification for SBI PO 2026?

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

Can final-year graduation students apply for SBI PO?

Yes. Final-year/semester candidates may apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing graduation by 30.09.2026 if called for interview.

What is the SBI PO age limit?

The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years as on 01.04.2026, subject to applicable relaxation.

What is the SBI PO application fee?

The application fee is ₹750 for General/EWS/OBC candidates and Nil for SC/ST/PwBD candidates. The fee is non-refundable.

How many questions are in SBI PO Prelims?

The Preliminary Examination has 100 questions for 100 marks and is conducted for one hour.

What is the SBI PO Prelims pattern?

English Language: 40 questions/40 marks/20 minutes; Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions/30 marks/20 minutes; Reasoning Ability: 30 questions/30 marks/20 minutes.

What is the SBI PO Mains pattern?

The Main Objective Examination has 170 questions for 200 marks and lasts three hours, followed immediately by a 30-mark descriptive test of 30 minutes.

What subjects are in SBI PO Mains?

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness/Economy/Banking Knowledge, and English Language. There is also a Descriptive Test on communication skills.

What is the SBI PO Descriptive Test?

It is a 30-mark, 30-minute test covering emails, situation analysis and either report writing or precis writing, with the specified choices in the notification.

Is there negative marking in SBI PO?

Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the Objective Tests. There is no penalty for a question left blank.

Are SBI PO Prelims marks counted in final selection?

No. Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit list.

What is Phase III of SBI PO?

Phase III consists of a Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Personal Interview.

How are SBI PO final marks calculated?

Main Examination marks and Phase III marks are normalized to 100. The Main Examination contributes 75 normalized marks and Group Exercise plus Interview contribute 25 normalized marks.

What is the SBI PO starting basic pay?

The starting basic pay is ₹48,480 plus four advance increments. The approximate initial CTC at Mumbai is ₹21.97 lakh as stated in the notification.

Is there a bond in SBI PO?

Yes. Selected candidates execute a bond of ₹2 lakh to serve the Bank for a minimum period of three years.

What is the SBI PO probation period?

Selected candidates may be on probation for two years and are subject to continuous assessment during the probation period.

Can SBI PO officers be posted anywhere in India?

Yes. The notification states that selected candidates may be posted anywhere in India and SBI reserves the right of allotment and transfer according to service requirements.

How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?

UR/EWS candidates have 6 chances; UR(PwBD)/EWS(PwBD)/OBC/OBC(PwBD) have 9 chances; SC/SC(PwBD)/ST/ST(PwBD) have no restriction. Appearing in Mains counts as a chance, while appearing in Prelims does not.

Where can I check official SBI PO updates?

All further announcements, updates and corrigenda are published on SBI's official career portal.