Both SBI PO and IBPS PO exams cover similar areas like English, Quant, Reasoning, GA/Banking Awareness in Prelims and Mains. Still, the SBI PO Mains exam uniquely includes Computer Aptitude and often involves slightly tougher Reasoning/DI. At the time, IBPS PO focuses on multiple banks with a standard pattern, with both requiring a Descriptive Test in Mains and an Interview. Focus on mastering core topics in Quant (DI, Simplification) and Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangement), and build strong Reading Comprehension skills in English, as these are high-scoring, crucial areas for both exams. Stay updated on Current Affairs and Banking Awareness for the GA section. The syllabus of IBPS PO and SBI PO are largely similar and are designed to evaluate a candidate’s analytical thinking, problem-solving ability, decision-making skills, and general awareness of the banking and financial sector. A clear understanding of the complete syllabus is the first and most important step toward effective preparation and success in these competitive exams.
What is the Starting Pay? - Download SBI PO Latest Salary Slip PDF
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2026
In IBPS PO The prelims and mains exams are conducted in online mode. By reviewing the exam pattern and the sectional timinig alloted for each section, the candidates can enhance their preparation effectively.
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
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The IBPS PO exam pattern 2026 for prelims contains 3 sections - English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
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The exam has 100 questions and 100 marks.
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For each wrong answer, one-fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
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Sectional timing for each section is 20 minutes.
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IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
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Section
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Questions
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Marks
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Time
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English language
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30
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30
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20 minutes
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Quantitative Aptitude
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35
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30
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20 minutes
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Reasoning Ability
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35
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40
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20 minutes
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Total
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100
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100
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60 minutes
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Free Download - Important Essay & Comprehension Topics for IBPS PO Descriptive Paper
IBPS PO Mains Pattern 2026
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The IBPS PO mains pattern 2026 will have an objective test and a descriptive paper.
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There are 4 sections in the objective test.
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There will be a penalty for wrong answers marked in the Objective Test. For each wrong answer, one-fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
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The descriptive paper is conducted in typing mode for 25 marks.
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IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
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Name of Test
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No of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Sectional Timing
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English Language
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Section A (2 marks) - 5
Section B (1 mark) - 30
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40
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40 mins
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Reasoning
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Section A (2 marks) - 20
Section B (1 mark) - 20
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60
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50 mins
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General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness / Digital/ Financial Awareness, including RBI circulars
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Section A (2 marks) - 15
Section B (1 mark) - 20
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50
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25 mins
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Data Analysis & Interpretation
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Section A (2 marks) - 15
Section B (1 mark) - 20
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50
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45 mins
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Total
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145
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200
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160 mins
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Descriptive Paper (Essay and Comprehension)
May be broadly based on Economic and Social issues, emerging trends in Banking and Technology, Current events, Ethics, etc.
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2
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25
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30 minutes
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Grand Total
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225
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190 minutes
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SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026
The individual exam pattern for the prelims and mains exams is given below. The SBI PO exam pattern covers the details of the number of questions from each section, the marks, and sectional timings.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
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The SBI PO Prelims Exam is based on objective-type or multiple-choice questions.
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There is a total of 100 questions.
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The SBI Probationary Officer Prelims exam consists of three sections - English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
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The time duration of the SBI Prelims exam is 1 hour. Each section carries 20 mins.
- For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty
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There will be a category-wise merit list drawn based on the marks scored in the SBI PO Prelims exam. There will be no sectional cut-off for prelims.
Attend SBI PO Descriptive Paper Mock Test
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SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
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Section
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Duration
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English Language
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40
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100 |
20 mins
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Quantitative Aptitude
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30
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20 mins
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Reasoning Ability
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30
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20 mins
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Total
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100
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100
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60 mins
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SBI PO Exam Pattern 2026 Mains
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Sectional cut-off is applicable for mains.
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For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.
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SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2026
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Sections
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Number of Questions
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Maximum Marks
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Duration
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Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
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40
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60
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50 mins
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English Language
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40
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20
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40 mins
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Data Analysis and Interpretation
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30
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60
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45 mins
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General Awareness / Economy/ Banking Knowledge
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60
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60
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45 mins
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Total
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170
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200
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3 hours
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Descriptive Test - Communication Skills
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Email
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1 out of 2
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15
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30 minutes
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Situation Analysis Writing
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1 out of 2
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15
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Report Writing / Precis Writing
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1 out of 2
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20
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Total
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3
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50
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30 minutes
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Grand Total
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250
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3 hrs 30 minutes
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Check SBI PO Salary 2026 - Full Details
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF: Download
The candidates who are all searching for the updated material can use this pdf. The SBI PO Syllabus pdf will be useful to cover all subjects.
Free Download SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF (Quantitative Aptitude)
Check the quantitative aptitude syllabus topics.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 (Reasoning Ability)
Check the SBI PO syllabus pdf for the Reasoning Ability here.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 PDF (English Language)
Check the SBI PO syllabus 2026 for the English Language here.
SBI PO Syllabus 2026 for General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Knowledge
Check the SBI PO mains syllabus for General Awareness/ Economy/ Banking Knowledge.
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SBI PO Syllabus 2026 (General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge)
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IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF Download
With the updated IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF (free download), you can design a smart and personalized study plan. Each section includes multiple important topics, so planning your preparation is essential. Use our IBPS PO syllabus PDF to list all topics in your study plan, arrange them according to your preference, and follow your schedule consistently. This structured approach will help you prepare effectively and increase your chances of cracking the exam.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF - Quantitative Aptitude
Aspirants should be clear about the concepts of all the topics given below. So, utilize this syllabus PDF well for the data analysis and interpretation.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 - Reasoning Ability
Check the IBPS PO syllabus pdf for the Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude here. In the table, all the reasoning topics are listed for your effective preparation.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF: English Language
Check the IBPS PO syllabus 2026 for the English Language here. For the English language section, the major scoring reason will be grammar knowledge. So, improve your grammar knowledge and prepare for all the topics given below.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2026 PDF - General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness
Check the syllabus for the General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness.
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IBPS PO Syllabus (General / Economy / Banking Awareness)
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How to Prepare Using the IBPS & SBI PO Syllabus?
1. Start by downloading the latest IBPS PO and SBI PO syllabus. Go through each section carefully and note down all the topics from:
2. List all topics from the syllabus and divide them into daily and weekly targets.
Begin with basic topics and gradually move to advanced-level questions.
3. Learn concepts, Practice topic-wise questions, Revise formulas and shortcuts, Solve previous year questions.
4. Use Mock Tests Based on Syllabus.
5. revise every section weekly and keep updating yourself with current affairs for GA.
Common Topics in IBPS PO & SBI PO
Both IBPS PO and SBI PO have almost the same syllabus. Preparing these common topics will save time and improve your overall score.
Quantitative Aptitude
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Simplification & Approximation
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Number Series
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Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Caselet)
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Quadratic Equations
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Arithmetic (Percentage, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Ratio, Average, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Mixture, Pipes & Cistern)
Reasoning Ability
English Language
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Reading Comprehension
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Cloze Test
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Error Detection
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Sentence Improvement
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Para Jumbles
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Fill in the Blanks
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Vocabulary
General Awareness
Computer Aptitude
Descriptive (Mains)
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Essay Writing
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Letter Writing
IBPS PO vs SBI PO Syllabus Comparison
| Section |
IBPS PO |
SBI PO |
| Prelims Sections |
Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language |
Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language |
| Mains Sections |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Descriptive |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, Descriptive |
| Difficulty Level |
Moderate to Difficult |
Difficult to Very Difficult |
| Special Focus |
Speed, accuracy, and GA preparation |
High-level reasoning, DI, and descriptive writing |
FAQs
Q. What is the syllabus of IBPS PO and SBI PO?
The syllabus includes Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude for both exams.
Q. Is IBPS PO syllabus same as SBI PO?
The syllabus is mostly similar, but SBI PO has a slightly higher difficulty level.
Q. Is IBPS PO syllabus same as SBI PO?
Yes, both have almost the same syllabus with minor differences in exam pattern and difficulty level.
Q. Which syllabus is tougher?
SBI PO syllabus is considered tougher due to higher-level reasoning and data interpretation questions.
Q. Is descriptive English included?
Yes, both IBPS PO and SBI PO include descriptive English in the Mains exam.
Q. Does syllabus change every year?
The core syllabus remains the same, but question patterns and difficulty level may vary slightly each year.
