SBI PO Prelims Analysis 2026: Check Aug 2 All Shifts Difficulty Level, Good Attempts and Memory Based Questions

 

The preliminary exam of SBI PO comprises the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. Total marks allotted to the test are 100. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. The prelims exam is only conducted to screen candidates for the Mains exam. The marks obtained in this stage are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the mains exam. The structure of SBI PO prelims exam pattern is given below.

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	40	100	20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	30		20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability	30		20 Minutes
Total	100		1 Hour

 

The descriptive paper comprises questions based on Essays and Letters. This paper test the and English Language and writing skills of candidates. The descriptive paper carries two questions. The total marks allotted to this paper are 50. 

To get good marks in the English language section, candidates must improve their grammar and vocabulary. The standard of questions asked in this section is of high school level. This section appears in both prelims and mains exams.

This section includes questions from Verbal Reasoning, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding and Decoding, etc. Candidates can ace this section by practising previous years' question papers, mock tests, puzzles, etc.

The prelims exam comprises 100 questions. The total marks given to the prelims exam are 100. The mains exam carries  250 marks. 

Yes, you can prepare for SBI PO exam without taking any coaching. You need to be consistent and serious about your studies. Attempt mock tests, refer to the good study materials and solve previous years question papers. You need to have understanding of English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, Computer Ability, Data Analysis & Interpretation, & General/Economy/Banking Awareness and the English Language. SBI PO exam is conducted in several stages-prelims exam, mains exam, psychometric test, interview and group exercises. 

SBI PO normalisation is not grace marks. The normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the question papers across various sessions. This process is followed since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. The difficulty levels of the question papers are different.

To prepare the GK section of SBI PO candidates should read newspapers to keep themselves updated with the Current Affairs topics of last one year or six months. Candidates should also be familiar with the banking terminologies, government schemes related to finance, etc. The General Awareness section comprises Current Affairs and Static GK. General/Economy/Banking Awareness carries the maximum marks (60 marks). If candidates mark a wrong answer, 1/4th or 0.25 marks of the total marks assigned to a particular question are deducted to arrive at a corrected score. If candidates leave a question blank, no penalty is marked. Candidates can refer to the books such as Pratiyogita Darpan, Manorama Yearbook, etc.

SBI PO descriptive paper is part of Mains phase of examination. Descriptive paper is online test of 30 minutes and comprises questions from Essay Writing and Letter Writing. To prepare for SBI PO descriptive paper, you should know basic grammar, build vocabulary. Read newspapers and magazines to improve writing skills and practice essay writing based on recent events. 

Questions in General Awareness are asked from Financial Awareness, Current Affairs Static Awareness, etc. The General Awareness section appears in the Mains exam. Candidates must read the Current Affairs topics of last six months. Candidates must make a habit of reading newspapers daily.

The Reasoning section forms the most necessary part of the SBI PO exam. This section can be prepared by practising the past years papers. Candidates must also attempt mock tests.