SBI PO Exam Date 2026: Expected Schedule and Selection Stages

One of the most competitive and prestigious banking exams in India is the SBI PO (Probationary Officer) Examination. The exam is conducted in stages on an annual basis by the State Bank of India and invites lakhs of aspirants seeking government banking jobs backed by security, high salary package and various perks and benefits. Eligible candidates are required to appear in and qualify three stages for final selection: the Preliminary exam, the Mains, and the Personal Interview (PI) & GD round at the end. Speaking of the upcoming recruitment cycle, SBI PO exam date 2026 is anticipated in March 2026 (Prelims), followed by the Main exam in May, and PI in June 2026. For the final selection, 75% weightage is given to Mains results adn 25% to candidate's performance in PI/ GD. SBI PO 2026 notification will most likely be release by the end of January or early February 2026. Know all about SBI PO exam schedule 2026, selection stages and process to plan ahead for a successful banking career.

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SBI PO Exam Date 2026: Expected Schedule and Events

The knowledge of the rough examination timetable can help the aspirants to prepare in good time and do away with the last minute panic. It should be noted that these are estimated dates and they could be modified according to the official announcement of SBI. Based on the aspects of the past years, the SBI PO 2026 exam plan is supposed to be as follows:

SBI PO Selection Process 2026

The candidates should have a clear idea about the multi-step process of the selection procedure before they come for the exam, as all the steps are qualifying and competitive. The selection procedure for SBI PO is scheduled to be conducted in the year 2026 and consists of three major steps, which are as follows: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Interview & Group Exercise. Only those candidates are allowed to move to the next step who clear all the steps.

SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026

The SBI PO Prelims is the preliminary phase and is aimed at testing an applicant on their speed and precision. Marks in prelims are not counted in the final list of merit, but one is required to pass the mains exam.

SBI PO Mains Exam 2026

The SBI PO Mains is the most serious phase because the marks obtained on it matter a lot in the final choice. This performance stage is the crucial one in determining whether you will be shortlisted for the interview stage.

SBI PO Interview and Group Exercise 2026

Those who pass the mains examination are invited to undergo the final phase of selection that involves personality assessment, communication ability as well as leadership.The final merit list is made by adding both mains + interview marks in a predetermined proportion as indicated by SBI.

• Interview: Interpersonal communication with a panel.

• Group Exercise: Group Discussion to test group work and decision-making.

SBI PO Final Merit List and Appointment.

Successful applicants are hired as Probationary Officers and are trained first before they can be posted on a full-time basis. The knowledge of the functioning of the final selection assists the candidates in working on the appropriate phases.

• Prelims: Qualifying only

• Mains + Interview: Shortlisted

• Final Appointment: It is done according to the merit rank and category-wise vacancy.

SBI PO exam date 2026 should be the same as usual, and the prelims will be taking place in March 2026, and the Mains in May 2026. The selection process is a three-stage process with stiff competition, and thus, early preparation is the most important thing when competing. By keeping up with the official announcement and by setting your study schedule according to the projected schedule, you are likely to pass the SBI PO exam in 2026 with high chances.

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