New Delhi: The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to conduct the SBI Probationary Officer (PO) Preliminary Examination 2026 on August 1 and 2, 2026, in four shifts each day. The shift timings and reporting schedule have been released along with the SBI PO admit card on the official website.

This year, the recruitment drive aims to fill 1,500 Probationary Officer (PO) vacancies across the country. Candidates appearing for the preliminary examination are advised to carefully check their reporting time, exam shift, and exam centre details mentioned on their admit card to avoid any last-minute inconvenience.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination will be conducted in online mode and will have a total duration of 60 minutes. The exam will be held with sectional timings, requiring candidates to complete each section within the allotted time.

Applicants should reach their examination centre well before the reporting time, as entry will not be allowed after the gate closing time.

SBI PO Prelims Shift Timings 2026

Candidates can check the complete shift schedule below:

Candidates should note that late entry will not be permitted after the gate closing time under any circumstances.

SBI PO 2026 Exam Day Guidelines

Candidates must carefully follow the instructions mentioned on the admit card as well as the official exam day guidelines issued by SBI.

Documents to Carry

Candidates should carry:

• SBI PO Admit Card with a recent passport-size photograph affixed.

• A valid photo identity proof as mentioned in the admit card.

• Any additional documents specified by SBI.

Items Prohibited Inside the Exam Centre

Candidates will not be allowed to carry the following items inside the examination hall:

• Mobile phones or any communication devices

• Bluetooth devices, earphones, microphones, pagers, or health bands

• Calculators

• Books, notebooks, printed or handwritten notes

• Pen drives, electronic pens, scanners, log tables, or writing pads

• Geometry box, pencil box, plastic pouch, or loose sheets of paper

• Handbags, cameras, watches, metallic items, belts, caps, hairpins, and hair bands

• Packed or opened food items

• Opaque water bottles (only transparent water bottles are permitted)

Candidates found carrying prohibited items may be denied entry or face disqualification as per SBI rules.

Important Instructions for Candidates

Candidates should verify the date, reporting time, examination shift, and venue mentioned on their admit card before leaving for the examination centre.

It is advisable to reach the venue well in advance to complete the verification process smoothly and avoid delays due to security checks or heavy traffic. Candidates should also carefully read all instructions printed on the admit card before appearing for the examination.

What Candidates Should Know

With the SBI PO Prelims 2026 scheduled on August 1 and 2, candidates should focus on timely reporting and strictly adhere to the exam day instructions issued by SBI. Following the prescribed guidelines and carrying the required documents will help ensure a smooth examination experience.