SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 (Aug 1): All Shifts Good Attempts, Difficulty level & Memory Based Ques

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Updated on Aug 2, 2026 15:30 IST

SBI PO Aug 1 prelims exam analysis 2026 is provided here for all four shifts. The exam analysis highlights the overall and section-wise difficulty level of the exam. The prelims exam of SBI PO 2026 is conducted for 100 marks. Check here SBI PO prelims exam analysis 2026.

State Bank of India (SBI) conducted all te shifts of SBI PO 2026 prelims exam on August 1. According the exam analysis, the overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate. Check below SBI PO prelims exam analysis 2026 of August 1 all shifts.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 Aug 1: State Bank of India (SBI) conducted SBI PO 2026 prelims exam on August 1, 2026. Here we have provided the SBI PO prelims exam analysis based on the feedback provided by the students regarding the difficulty level of the exam. SBI PO exam analysis comprises the section-wise difficulty level, overall difficulty level, expected cut off, good attempts, etc. Candidates must go through SBI PO prelims exam analysis to find out the difficulty level of the paper. SBI PO memory based question paper 2026 helps candidates to know the type of questions asked in the exam.

SBI PO prelims paper is divided into three sections: Quant, English, and Reasoning. The duration of the SBI PO test is 60 minutes. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. Scroll down to read more details on SBI PO prelims exam analysis 2026.

Also Read: SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026

Table of contents

SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Question Paper 2026 (August 1, Shift 1)
SBI PO Shift 4 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)
SBI PO Shift 3 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)
SBI PO Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)
SBI PO Shift 1 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)
SBI PO Student Reaction 2026
SBI PO 2026 Section-Wise Difficulty Level
English
Shift 2
Quantitiative Aptitude
Resoning
Shift 1
Quantitative Aptitude
Reasoning
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
SBI PO Marking Scheme

SBI PO Prelims Memory Based Question Paper 2026 (August 1, Shift 1)

Candidates can check below memory based questions of August 1, Shift 1.

1.Crude oil prices posted a weekly_____________, weighed down by ongoing demand _____________from major oil markets. The given sentence has two blanks. Each blank indicates that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words that best fit to the meaning of the sentence.
(a) gain, fears
(b) drop, anxious
(c) rebound, relief
(d) declined, doubts
(e) loss, concerns
Ans.(e)

2. Vehicle Scrapping Policy targets voluntary ______________ of unfit commercial and passenger vehicles ______________ based on their fitness. The given sentence has two blanks. Each blank indicates that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words that best fit to the meaning of the sentence.
(a) overhaul, selectively
(b) retirement, swift
(c) disposal, sharply
(d) scrapping, strictly
(e) recycling, strict
Ans.(d)

3. The Centre ______________________the scope of AIF scheme to make it more attractive, as part of its objective to _____________________ farm-related infrastructure facilities in the country. The given sentence has two blanks. Each blank indicates that something has been omitted. Choose the set of words that best fit to the meaning of the sentence.
(a) broadened, improved
(b) widened, restrict
(c) extend, develop
(d) limited, reduce
(e) expanded, strengthen
Ans.(e)

4. The government's push for cashless transactions gained ___________ as digital payment platforms reported a ___________ surge in user registrations.
The question below has two blanks. There are five pair of words below the sentence. Choose the pair of words which can be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same order so as to complete the sentence meaningfully.
(a) criticism, minor
(b) resistance, sharp(c) momentum, significant
(d) opposition, gradual
(e) support, declining
Ans.(c)

5. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. Mount Kanchenjunga is more taller (A)/ than any other peak (B)/ located within the (C)/ eastern Himalayan range. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(a)

6. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. The Bengal tiger population (A)/ has increased more (B)/ rapidly than that (C)/ of big cat species in India. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(d)

7. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. The city council announced (A)/ that new recycling bins would be (B)/ installed across all (C)/ major residential neighborhoods. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(e)

8. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. Each of the delegates (A)/ were asked to submit (B)/ their credentials before (C)/ the plenary session began. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(b)

9. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. The composer was renowned (A)/ for compositions that blends (B)/ classical melodies seamlessly (C)/ with contemporary rhythms. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(b)

10. The sentence is divided into four segments: (A), (B), (C), and (D). Identify the segment that contains a grammatical error. If the sentence is both grammatically and contextually correct, select "No error" as the correct answer. The defense attorney (A)/ requested the witness to revert back (B)/ with clarification regarding (C)/ the timeline of events. (D)
(a) A
(b) B
(c) C
(d) D
(e) No error
Ans.(b)

Commonly asked questions

Q: What is SBI PO exam pattern for the preliminary exam?

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

Q: What type of questions are asked in the SBI PO descriptive paper?

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.

Q: What are the key topics for English Language section in SBI PO?

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.

Q: What are the key topics for Reasoning section in SBI PO exam?

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.

SBI PO Shift 4 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)

Sections	Good Attempts	Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability	25-27	Moderate
English Language	24-27	Easy to Moderate
Quantitative Aptitude	18-21	Easy to Moderate
Total	66-72	Easy to Moderate

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SBI PO Shift 3 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)

Sections	Good Attempts	Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability	20 – 25	Moderate
English Language	20 – 24	Easy to Moderate
Quantitative Aptitude	20 – 24	Moderate
Total	60 – 68	Moderate

Commonly asked questions

Q: Can I prepare for SBI PO exam without taking any coaching?

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.

Q: Is SBI PO normalisation is grace marks?

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.

Q: How to prepare for SBI PO GK section?

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.

Q: How to Prepare the Descriptive paper for SBI PO exam?

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.

SBI PO Shift 2 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)

Sections	Good Attempts	Difficulty Level
Reasoning Ability	18-20	Moderate
English Language	30-32	Easy to Moderate
Quantitative Aptitude	19-21	Moderate
Total	67-73	Moderate

SBI PO Shift 1 Exam Analysis 2026 (August 1)

Section	Difficulty Level	Good Attempts
English Language	Easy to moderate	25-30 Questions out of 40 total questions
Quantitative Aptitude	Moderate	19-20 questions out of 30 questions.
Reasoning Ability	Moderate	22-25 questions out of 30 questions.
Overall	Moderate	66 to 75 questions

Commonly asked questions

Q: What are the key topics for General Awareness in SBI PO?

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.

Q: How to prepare for SBI PO Reasoning?

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.

SBI PO Student Reaction 2026

Shift 2

As per the feedback received from the students, Shift 2 was Moderate. Quantitative section was easy as compared to the reasoning section, questions on age, missing number series, profit and loss and mixture were also asked.

Quantitative section was easy as compared to the reasoning sections, questions on age, missing number series, profit and loss and mixture were also asked.

According to the response of the students, around 25 questions in the Reasoning were asked from the puzzle part, few questions from blood relation topic, number based topic, month based. No questions were asked from syllogism, inequalities, etc.

Shift 1

As per the feedback received from the students, SBI PO Prelims 2026 Shift 1 was Moderate in overall difficulty. The sequence of the paper was English which is followed by Quants and then Reasoning.

English

Reading comprehension topics was related to photography which is based on exhibition and other questions were asked from Vocabulary section. Synonyms questions were asked, 5 to 6 questions were asked from Parajumbles, 2 to 3 from word replacement. word replacement also asked, 3-4 were asked from Double Fillers, 5-7 questions from cloze tests were asked, questions from error detection was also asked.

Reasoning,

Selection based around 5 questions were asked and were also tricky.

Monthly based 5 questions were asked, consecutive months.

Comparison based questions were asked and post based also.

Pair formation questions, they were lengthy and tricky.

Quantitative

around 2-3 questions were asked from quadratic equations, 5 to 6 questions from Bar graph and table, Table questions from Data interpretation, 9 to 11 questions were asked from arithmetic.

SBI PO 2026 Section-Wise Difficulty Level

The section-wise distribution of questions is given below.

Shift 4

Reasoning

Topic	No. of Questions
Puzzle (Floor & Flat 3*2)	5
Puzzle (Month + Variale)	5
Seating Arrangement (parallel row-14 person)	5
Selection Based	5
Box Based (9 Box)	5
Blood Relation	3
Pair Formation	1
Meaningful Word	1
Total	30

Quantitative Aptitude

Topic	No. of Questions
Data Interpretation (Pie + Table)	5
Data Interpretation (Table)	5
Caselet DI	3
Approximation	3
Arithmetic (Partnership, Mixture, Mensuration)	12
Data Sufficiency	2
Total	30

English

Topic	No. of Questions
Reading Comprehension (on Waste Management)	10
Cloze Test	6
Error Detection (Sentence based)	3-4
Sentence Rearrangement	3-4
Para Jumbles (5 sentences)	6
Double Fillers	5
Phrase Replacement	3-4
Word Rearrangement	2-3
Total	40

Shift 3

Reasoning Ability

Topics	No. Of Questions
(Stack Based) Puzzle (8 Boxes) + Variable	5
(Day Based) Puzzle	5
(Circular Based) Puzzle	5
Flat & Floor Puzzle	5
Inequality	3
Linear Based Puzzle	5
Pair Formation	1
Meaningful Word	1
Total	30

Quantitative Aptitude

Topics	No. Of Questions
Table DI	5
Missing Number	3
Caselet DI (Venn Diagram)	4
(Double) Pie Chart DI	6
Arithmetic	12
Total	30

English

Topics	No. Of Questions
Reading Comprehension	10
Spotting Error	5
Word Usage	2
Cloze Test	6
Word Swap	4
Fillers	4
Para Jumble	5
Phrase Replacement	4
Total	40

Shift 2

English

Topics	No. of Questions
Reading Comprehension (Commute in Private Company)	10
Double Fillers	5
Para Jumbles	5
Cloze Test (Gen Z & AI)	6
Word Swap	5
Error Detection	3–4
Phrase Replacement	3–4
Column-Based Questions	2
Total	40

Quantitiative Aptitude

Topic	No. of Questions
Caselet DI	5
Quadratic Equations	3
Data Interpretation (Bar + Table)	5
Arithmetic (Ages, Time & Work, Expense)	12
Data Interpretation (Line Graph)	5
Total	30

Resoning

Topics	No. of Questions
Box Puzzle	5
Comparison-Based Questions	3
Year-Based Puzzle (6 Years)	5
Pair Formation	1
Seating Arrangement (Linear-Mix Direction)	5
Word-Based Question	1
Month & Date-Based Puzzle	5
Post-Based Puzzle (9 Posts)	5
Total	30

Shift 1

English

Topics	No. of Questions
Reading Comprehension (RC)	10
Spotting Errors	6
Para Jumbles	5
Idioms & Phrases	5
Sentence Rearrangement	3
Word Swap	2

Quantitative Aptitude

Topics	No. of Questions
Quadratic Equations	3
Tabular DI	5
Table + Bar Graph DI	5
Caselet DI	5
Arithmetic Word Problems	12

Reasoning

Topics	No. of Questions
Circular Seating Arrangement	5
Floor & Flat Puzzle	5
Designation-Based Puzzle	5
Tabular / Category Puzzle	5
Month-Based Scheduling	5
Order & Ranking	3
Pair Counting	2

SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

SBI PO exam pattern for prelims comprises 100 objective questions of 100 marks. The test paper carries questions from Quantitative Aptitude, English and Reasoning. The marks obtained by candidates in the prelims exam will not be counted for the final merit list. The structure of SBI PO prelims exam pattern 2026 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

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SBI PO Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of SBI PO is given below:

For the correct answers, candidates will score one mark
25 marks will be deducted for wrong answers
On the basis of SBI PO result of the prelims exam, candidates 10 times the number of vacancies will be selected for the mains exam

Read More:

SBI PO Syllabus 2026

SBI PO Cut off 2026

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