
The State Bank of India (SBI) will conduct the Phase II Main examination for the selection of Probationary Officers across various branches nationwide. Candidates who clear the preliminary screening stage are shortlisted to appear for this crucial Phase II evaluation. The SBI PO Mains 2026 test evaluates candidates on both objective subjects and descriptive writing skills to test their analytical capability and professional knowledge. Because there is typically a short gap between the declaration of prelims results and the mains examination, understanding the SBI PO Mains Date and timeline helps aspirants structure their preparation effectively. Below are the key highlights and schedule details regarding the upcoming examination drive.
SBI PO Mains Exam Date 2026 is expected to be 12 September 2026. This date is currently designated as tentative because the bank issues exact center-wise shift confirmations closer to the exam through official releases.
Candidates should treat the official call letter as the final confirmation for their assigned test day, reporting time, and venue. Any official change in the SBI PO Mains Date 2026 or exam schedule will be formally published under the Current Openings section on the SBI Careers web portal
The following SBI PO Mains Exam Schedule 2026 provides an overview of the selection timeline:
| SBI PO 2026 Exam Schedule | |
| Event | Expected / Tentative Schedule |
| Prelims Exam | 1 & 2 August 2026 |
| Prelims Result | August/September 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | 1st week of September 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 12 September 2026 |
| Mains Result | October 2026 |
| GD / Interview (Phase III) | October–November 2026 |
| Final Result | November/December 2026 |
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2026 consists of two components: an Objective Test followed immediately by a Descriptive Test. Both components are administered online on the same day.
Total Duration: 3 Hours
Total Questions: 170 Questions
Total Marks: 200 Marks
Sections:
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (40 Questions | 60 Marks | 50 Minutes)
Data Analysis & Interpretation (30 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes)
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness (60 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes)
English Language (40 Questions | 20 Marks | 40 Minutes)
Negative Marking: $1/4^{\text{th}}$ of the marks assigned to a question are deducted for every incorrect choice.
Total Duration: 30 Minutes
Total Marks: 30 Marks
Format: Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) administered digitally via keyboard typing.
Candidates cannot apply for Phase II directly. Admission to Phase II follows a strict progression:
Prelims Exam - Prelims Result- Shortlisting - Mains Exam
According to SBI selection rules, only candidates who score above the aggregate cutoff in Phase I are shortlisted for Phase II. The number of candidates shortlisted for Phase II is approximately 10 times the total number of advertised vacancies.
Candidates should not wait for the formal declaration of Phase I results to begin their preparation for SBI PO Mains 2026. Due to the short gap between stages, aspirants should immediately focus on:
Attempting advanced Mains-level mock tests.
Practicing complex Data Analysis & Interpretation problem sets.
Strengthening General, Economy, and Banking Awareness with systematic monthly current affairs revision.
Improving speed and accuracy in high-level Reasoning questions.
Practicing typing essays and formal letters on a computer keyboard for the Descriptive paper.
The exact SBI PO Mains exam date and time, shift allocation, and reporting center address will be printed on each candidate's call letter. Candidates must report to their assigned venue strictly according to the schedule printed on their hall ticket. Center change requests are not entertained by the bank under normal circumstances.
Candidates reporting for Phase II must carry a specific set of verification documents:
Printed copy of the SBI PO Mains 2026 Admit Card.
Authenticated/stamped Preliminary Exam Call Letter (as per instructions issued during Phase I).
Original valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID) along with a clear photocopy.
Recent passport-size photographs matching the application upload.
Note: Candidates must strictly follow all document guidelines and behavioral instructions printed on their individual call letters.
The selection journey following Phase II progresses as follows:
Mains Exam - Mains Result - Phase III (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview) - Final Merit List
Phase III includes a Psychometric Test followed by Group Exercises (20 marks) and a Personal Interview (30 marks). Marks obtained in Phase II (Mains) and Phase III are combined with a 75:25 weightage ratio to prepare the final merit list for appointment.
The SBI PO Mains exam is currently expected on 12 September 2026. Candidates should treat this as a tentative date until SBI publishes the official Mains schedule or call letter
Also Check- SBI PO Mains Admit Card 2026 Release Date