SBI PO Prelims 2026: Exam Dates, Shifts & Hall Ticket Guide

SBI PO Prelims 2026: Key Exam Dates

The State Bank of India (SBI) will hold the Probationary Officer (PO) Preliminary Examination on 1 August 2026 and 2 August 2026. Candidates who have successfully registered for the SBI PO recruitment cycle must keep these dates blocked and download their admit cards well in advance from the official SBI website.

Shift Timings for SBI PO Prelims 2026

The examination will be conducted in multiple shifts across both days. While SBI has not yet released the full detailed shift schedule in the public domain, candidates are advised to check the official SBI recruitment portal regularly. Generally, SBI PO Prelims are held in three or four shifts per day. The exact shift allotment for each candidate is printed on the individual admit card.

• Candidates must check their admit card carefully for their assigned shift and exam centre details.
• Reporting time is typically 30 to 45 minutes before the commencement of the shift — refer to your individual admit card for the exact time.
• No candidate will be allowed entry into the examination hall after the gates are closed.

Reporting Time and Entry Rules

SBI strictly enforces punctuality at its examination centres. Aspirants are expected to arrive at the venue before the reporting time mentioned on their hall ticket. Late entry is not permitted under any circumstances. Candidates should carry a printed copy of their admit card along with a valid photo identity proof (such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport) to gain entry.

Exam-Day Guidelines for SBI PO Prelims

The following key instructions apply to all candidates appearing in the SBI PO Preliminary Examination 2026:

• Carry a printed admit card and original valid photo ID proof to the exam hall.
• Electronic devices including mobile phones, smartwatches, and calculators are strictly prohibited inside the examination centre.
• Candidates must not carry any written material, books, or notes into the exam hall.
• Rough work, if required, must be done only in the space provided in the question paper or on sheets supplied by the invigilator.
• Candidates should follow all instructions given by the invigilator and centre staff without exception.

About SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is an online objective-type test comprising three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam is of 100 marks and is conducted for a duration of one hour (60 minutes), with each section having its own sectional time limit. There is negative marking for wrong answers.

What Comes After Prelims?

Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination will be shortlisted for the SBI PO Main Examination. The main exam is followed by a Group Exercise and Interview round. Final selection is based on the combined performance in the Main Examination and the Interview/Group Exercise. Aspirants preparing for this recruitment can explore study resources and exam updates at CollegeUnify.

How to Download SBI PO Admit Card 2026

The SBI PO Prelims admit card for the August 2026 exam is expected to be released a few days before the examination date. Candidates can follow these steps to download their hall ticket:

• Visit the official SBI recruitment website at sbi.co.in/careers.
• Click on the link for SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026.
• Enter your registration number and date of birth.
• Download and print the admit card for use on exam day.

Candidates are strongly advised to keep checking the official SBI portal for updates on admit card release, shift schedules, and any changes to exam-day guidelines. For more banking exam news and notifications, stay updated with CollegeUnify News.