SBI PO Prelims Shift Timings 2026 have been announced by the State Bank of India along with the release of the admit card. Candidates appearing for the Preliminary Examination on 1 August and 2 August 2026 must carefully check their allotted shift, reporting time, exam timing, and exam centre details mentioned on the call letter.
This year, SBI is conducting the preliminary examination for 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) vacancies in four shifts each day. Since entry to the examination centre will not be allowed after the gate closes, candidates should reach the venue well before the reporting time.
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | SBI Probationary Officer (PO) Prelims 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Vacancies | 1,500 |
| Exam Dates | 1 August & 2 August 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Number of Shifts | 4 Per Day |
| Exam Duration | 60 Minutes |
| Admit Card Status | Released |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
Candidates should verify the exact timing printed on their admit card. The expected SBI PO Shift Timings 2026 are given below.
| Shift | SBI PO Reporting Time 2026 | Gate Closing Time | SBI PO Prelims Exam Timing 2026 |
| Shift 1 | 7:30 AM | 8:45 AM | 9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
| Shift 2 | 10:15 AM | 11:15 AM | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
| Shift 3 | 12:45 PM | 1:45 PM | 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
| Shift 4 | 3:15 PM | 4:15 PM | 4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Candidates must report according to the timing mentioned on their individual admit card.
The preliminary examination will be conducted over two days.
| Event | Date |
| Admit Card Release | 22 July 2026 |
| SBI PO Prelims Exam | 1 & 2 August 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Number of Shifts | Four Each Day |
The SBI PO Exam Timings 2026 remain unchanged, with each shift lasting one hour. Candidates will answer 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks.
The examination consists of:
English Language
Quantitative Aptitude
Reasoning Ability
Each section has a fixed time limit, so candidates should manage their time carefully during the examination.
Candidates allotted the first shift should follow this schedule:
Reporting Time: 7:30 AM
Gate Closes: 8:45 AM
Exam Time: 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM
Reaching the centre early will help complete biometric verification and document checks without any rush.
For the second shift:
Reporting Time: 10:15 AM
Gate Closes: 11:15 AM
Exam Time: 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM
Candidates should avoid reaching the venue close to gate closing time.
Candidates appearing in Shift 3 should note:
Reporting Time: 12:45 PM
Gate Closes: 1:45 PM
Exam Time: 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM
Ensure all required documents are ready before entering the examination hall.
The final shift schedule is:
Reporting Time: 3:15 PM
Gate Closes: 4:15 PM
Exam Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM
Candidates should account for evening traffic while planning their travel.
The SBI PO Reporting Time 2026 is mentioned separately for every shift. Reporting early is important because several formalities are completed before the examination starts, including:
Document verification
Identity verification
Biometric attendance
Photograph capture
Seating arrangement
Late arrivals after gate closure will not be allowed to enter the examination centre.
Carry the following documents on exam day:
Printed SBI PO Prelims Admit Card
Original Photo Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence or Voter ID)
Passport-size photographs (if mentioned on the admit card)
Failure to produce the required documents may lead to denial of entry.
Candidates should follow these instructions carefully:
Reach the exam centre at least one hour before reporting time.
Carry only permitted documents.
Cooperate during biometric verification and security checks.
Follow the instructions of the invigilators throughout the examination.
Keep track of sectional timing during the exam.
Preserve the admit card until the recruitment process is completed.
Do not carry:
Mobile phones
Smartwatches
Bluetooth devices
Earphones
Calculators
Study material
Bags or electronic gadgets
Candidates carrying prohibited items may face disqualification.