SBI PO Recruitment 2026: Salary, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Vacancy Updates
The State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the most popular choices for graduates who want to build a career in banking. The Probationary Officer (PO) position offers a competitive salary, professional training, opportunities for promotion and the chance to work in different banking departments.
The SBI PO recruitment 2026 notification announced 1,500 vacancies, including regular and backlog posts. The online application window ran from 18 June to 8 July 2026 and is now closed. According to SBI’s official careers page, the preliminary examination result and the Main Examination call letter have been made available.
Candidates who have applied should check the latest updates on the official website. Those planning to apply in a future recruitment cycle can use this guide to understand the eligibility criteria, salary, exam pattern, selection process and preparation strategy.
SBI PO Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Recruitment detail | Information |
| Recruiting organisation | State Bank of India |
| Post name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Advertisement number | CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 |
| Total vacancies | 1,500 |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Age limit | 21–30 years, subject to applicable relaxation |
| Application mode | Online |
| Application dates | 18 June–8 July 2026 |
| Selection process | Preliminary exam, Main exam, psychometric test, group exercise and interview |
| Basic starting pay | ₹48,480 plus four advance increments, as specified in the notification |
| Application status | Closed |
| Official website | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
The vacancy count and recruitment details are taken from the official 2026 notification. Candidates should refer to SBI’s website for the latest examination notices and results.
SBI PO Vacancy 2026: Category-Wise Details
The bank announced 1,500 vacancies for the 2026 recruitment cycle. These include 1,446 regular vacancies and 54 backlog vacancies.
| Category | Total vacancies |
| General/Unreserved (UR) | 588 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 390 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 234 |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 144 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 144 |
| Total | 1,500 |
The category-wise figures above combine the regular and backlog vacancies as listed in the notification. Additional horizontal reservation applies to eligible Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD).
Vacancies are provisional and may change according to the bank’s requirements. OBC reservation is subject to the non-creamy-layer conditions, while EWS candidates must meet the prescribed income and asset certificate requirements.
SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before preparing for the next recruitment cycle, candidates should understand the eligibility requirements specified in the 2026 notification.
1. Educational qualification
Applicants must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
Candidates with professional qualifications, including engineering, medicine, Chartered Accountancy or Cost Accountancy, may also be eligible.
Final-year or final-semester students could apply provisionally under the 2026 notification, provided they satisfied the specified condition of producing proof of graduation by 30 September 2026, if called for the interview.
2. Age limit
The age limit was 21 to 30 years as of 1 April 2026. Candidates must check their date of birth against the exact dates stated in the official advertisement.
| Category | Upper-age relaxation |
| General/EWS | No standard relaxation |
| OBC, non-creamy layer | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD, General/EWS | 10 years |
| PwBD, OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD, SC/ST | 15 years |
| Eligible ex-servicemen and specified military officers | As prescribed in the notification |
Age relaxation is subject to the relevant eligibility conditions and supporting documents. Candidates should not assume that relaxations can be combined.
3. Nationality
The notification invites eligible Indian citizens to apply. Candidates should read the full advertisement for any additional conditions applicable to their candidature.
4. Number of examination attempts
SBI has specified maximum permissible chances based on category. Under the 2026 notification, the limits include six chances for UR/EWS candidates and nine for OBC candidates, with separate provisions for PwBD categories. SC/ST candidates have no specified limit under the listed rules.
The notification also explains when an attempt is counted. Candidates should check their previous examination history against the official conditions before applying again.
SBI PO Salary 2026: Basic Pay, Allowances and Benefits
The SBI PO salary is an important reason many graduates consider this banking career.
The 2026 notification specifies a starting basic pay of ₹48,480 plus four advance increments under the Junior Management Grade Scale-I pay structure.
| Salary component | Details |
| Starting basic pay | ₹48,480 plus four advance increments |
| Pay scale | ₹48,480–₹85,920 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Applicable under bank rules |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Applicable under bank rules |
| City Compensatory Allowance (CCA) | Applicable where eligible |
| Pension-related benefits | NPS and other applicable benefits |
| Medical facilities | As per bank rules |
| Leave Fare Concession (LFC) | As per bank rules |
| Other benefits | May include lease rental facility and other eligible allowances |
The notification estimates the initial cost to company (CTC) at approximately ₹21.97 lakh per year at the Mumbai centre. This is an estimated CTC figure, not the monthly in-hand salary.
Actual take-home pay varies according to posting location, applicable allowances, deductions, tax and other service conditions.
Is SBI PO a good career option?
The role may suit graduates interested in banking operations, customer service, credit, rural banking, foreign exchange, treasury and other financial services.
Potential benefits include:
- Structured professional training.
- Opportunities for promotion and career growth.
- Exposure to different banking functions.
- Allowances and benefits under SBI’s rules.
- Opportunities for postings in different parts of India.
However, the role also involves responsibility, performance expectations, transfers and demanding work periods. Candidates should consider the nature of the job as well as the salary.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
The selection process consists of three phases: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Phase III, which includes a psychometric test, group exercise and interview.
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test carrying 100 marks. Each section has a separate time limit.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 40 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
There is negative marking for incorrect answers in objective tests. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for a wrong answer. No penalty applies to a question left unanswered.
The Preliminary Examination is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. Preliminary marks are not added to the final merit score.
Phase II: Main Examination
The Main Examination includes an objective test and a descriptive paper.
| Objective section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness, Economy and Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Objective test total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours |
The descriptive paper carries 30 marks and lasts 30 minutes. It assesses communication skills through tasks such as email writing, situation analysis and either report writing or précis writing, according to the options specified in the notification.
The Main Examination therefore carries 230 marks in total. Candidates must meet the applicable qualifying requirements to progress to the next phase.
Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Interview
Candidates shortlisted from the Main Examination proceed to Phase III.
| Component | Maximum marks |
| Group exercise | 20 |
| Personal interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
The psychometric test is used for personality profiling, with the findings made available to the interview panel. It is part of the assessment process described in the notification.
The final merit list is based on the prescribed combination of Main Examination and Phase III marks. The Preliminary Examination marks are not included in the final selection calculation.
SBI PO Selection Process 2026
The selection procedure follows these stages:
- Preliminary Examination: Candidates take the online objective test.
- Main Examination: Candidates who meet the shortlisting criteria take the objective and descriptive papers.
- Psychometric test: Shortlisted candidates undergo personality profiling.
- Group exercise and interview: Candidates are assessed on communication, judgement and suitability for the role.
- Final merit list: SBI combines the relevant Main Examination and Phase III scores according to the notification.
Candidates must qualify in the required stages. Merely passing the Preliminary Examination does not guarantee final selection.
SBI PO Recruitment 2026: Latest Result and Exam Updates
SBI’s official careers page lists the Preliminary Examination result and the Main Examination call letter for advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09.
Candidates who applied should visit the official page and check the latest notices, call-letter instructions and further selection updates.
How to check the SBI PO result
- Visit the SBI Careers – Current Openings page.
- Find the recruitment entry for Probationary Officers, advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09.
- Open the preliminary result or relevant examination notice.
- Follow the instructions to access the result or call letter.
- Check your roll number or registration details, as directed.
- Download and save the result or call letter for future reference.
SBI warns candidates about fake recruitment websites, selection lists and appointment letters. Use only the bank’s official careers website for recruitment information.
How to Apply for SBI PO Recruitment
The application window for the 2026 recruitment cycle closed on 8 July 2026. Fresh applications cannot be submitted for this cycle unless SBI issues an official reopening notice.
For future recruitment, the usual process is:
- Visit the official SBI Careers website.
- Open the Probationary Officer recruitment notice.
- Read the advertisement and confirm eligibility.
- Register online using the required personal details.
- Complete the application form and enter educational information.
- Upload the photograph, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review the information and submit the form.
- Save the registration details and application confirmation.
Under the 2026 notification, the application fee was ₹750 for UR, EWS and OBC candidates. The fee was nil for SC, ST and PwBD candidates. Fees and application rules may change in future recruitment cycles.
Preparation Tips for Future SBI PO Recruitment
Candidates planning to apply in a future cycle can start preparing well in advance.
- Practise quantitative aptitude: Work on arithmetic, data interpretation and speed.
- Improve reasoning skills: Solve puzzles, seating arrangements and logical reasoning questions.
- Strengthen English: Practise reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.
- Follow banking and economic news: Read reliable current-affairs sources and review banking terminology.
- Practise descriptive writing: Build confidence in writing clear emails, reports and précis.
- Take timed mock tests: Review mistakes and work on weak sections.
- Prepare for the interview: Learn about banking services, SBI’s role and current financial developments.
Consistency is more useful than relying on last-minute preparation. Use the latest official syllabus and exam pattern whenever a new notification is published.
Official Links for SBI PO Recruitment 2026
| Purpose | Official link |
| SBI Careers – Current Openings | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
| SBI Probationary Officer information | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/probationary-officers |
| Official 2026 recruitment notification | https://sbi.bank.in/csfile/18062026_1_Detailed_Adv.2026.pdf |
Always verify results, examination dates, eligibility and future recruitment announcements on SBI’s official website.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many vacancies were announced in SBI PO recruitment 2026?
SBI announced 1,500 vacancies, comprising 1,446 regular vacancies and 54 backlog vacancies.
2. What is the qualification for SBI PO?
Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification accepted under the notification.
3. What is the age limit for SBI PO 2026?
The age limit was 21 to 30 years as of 1 April 2026. Eligible categories receive age relaxation under the applicable rules.
4. What is the starting salary for an SBI PO?
The notification specifies starting basic pay of ₹48,480 plus four advance increments. The estimated initial CTC at the Mumbai centre is approximately ₹21.97 lakh per year, subject to the terms in the notification.
5. Is the SBI PO application process still open?
No. Applications for the 2026 recruitment cycle closed on 8 July 2026. Candidates should monitor the official website for future notifications.
6. What is the SBI PO selection process?
Selection involves a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, psychometric test, group exercise and interview.
7. Are Preliminary Examination marks included in the final merit list?
No. The Preliminary Examination is used for shortlisting. Final merit is based on the prescribed marks from the Main Examination and Phase III.
8. Where can I check SBI PO results?
Visit the official SBI Careers – Current Openings page and open the Probationary Officer recruitment entry.
Conclusion
SBI PO recruitment offers graduates an opportunity to begin a banking career with structured training, competitive pay and long-term career development. The 2026 recruitment cycle announced 1,500 vacancies, with a starting basic pay of ₹48,480 plus four advance increments.
The application window has closed, and the recruitment process has progressed to the Main Examination stage. Candidates who applied should check the official SBI careers page for results, call letters and further instructions. Graduates preparing for a future cycle can use the eligibility criteria and exam pattern in this guide as a starting point, while confirming all details against the next official notification.
For additional resources and career preparation material, visit Wisdomland.
