Check SBI CBO Syllabus 2026 along with updated SBI Circle Based Officer Exam Pattern, section wise topics, marks distribution, descriptive test details and preparation tips.

Overview – SBI CBO Exam Structure 2026
The recruitment process consists of four major stages:
- Online Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
- Screening of Experience Documents
- Interview Round
- Local Language Proficiency Test
SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Exam Pattern 2026
1. Objective Test
(Total – 120 Marks | Duration – 2 Hours)
• No negative marking
• No sectional cut-off
• Overall qualifying marks decided by SBI
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 Minutes |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 Minutes |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 Hours |
2. Descriptive Test (50 Marks | 30 Minutes)
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
Detailed SBI CBO Syllabus 2026 (Section Wise)
1. English Language Syllabus
Focuses on grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
Main topics include:
• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Error Spotting
• Sentence Improvement
• Para Jumbles
• Fill in the Blanks
• Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
• Active & Passive Voice
• Direct & Indirect Speech
👉 Preparation Tip:
Read financial newspapers and practise grammar questions daily.
2. Banking Knowledge Syllabus (Most Important Section)
This carries the highest weightage in SBI Circle Based Officer Exam Pattern.
• Banking Terms & Concepts
• Types of Bank Accounts
• KYC Guidelines
• Priority Sector Lending
• RBI Roles & Monetary Policy
• Financial Institutions (NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank)
• Capital & Money Market
• Risk Management
• Basel Norms
• NPA & Asset Classification
• Digital Banking
• UPI, NEFT, RTGS
• Negotiable Instruments Act
3. General Awareness & Economy Syllabus
• National & International Current Affairs
• Indian Economy Basics
• Union Budget Highlights
• Economic Survey
• Government Schemes
• Banking & Finance News
• Awards & Appointments
• Important Reports & Indexes
4. Computer Aptitude Syllabus
Tests your basic IT knowledge used in banking.
• Computer Fundamentals
• Hardware & Software
• Operating Systems
• MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Internet & Networking
• Cyber Security
• Digital Payments
• Email & Communication
Descriptive Test Syllabus
You will be asked:
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
Common themes:
• Banking sector growth
• Digital banking revolution
• Financial inclusion
• Customer service
• Indian economy
• Technology in banking
SBI CBO Selection Process 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Online Exam
• Objective Test
• Descriptive Test
Step 2: Screening
• SBI checks your experience profile
• Matches your job role with Scale-I officer responsibilities
Step 3: Interview
• Total marks – 50
• Minimum qualifying marks required
Step 4: Final Merit List
Weightage:
• Online Exam – 75%
• Interview – 25%
👉 Local Language Test is mandatory (unless exempted).
Smart Preparation Strategy for SBI CBO Syllabus 2026
Daily Study Plan Example:
• 2 Hours – Banking Knowledge
• 1 Hour – Current Affairs
• 1 Hour – English Practice
• 30 Minutes – Computer Basics
Weekly Plan:
• 2 Full-Length Mock Tests
• Analysis of weak areas
• Revision of short notes
Also Check: SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 Out – 2050 Vacancies, Apply Online
Note: Read Official Notification for more about SBI CBO Syllabus 2026
FAQs – SBI CBO Syllabus 2026
Q1. What subjects are included in SBI CBO Syllabus 2026?
The syllabus includes:
• English Language
• Banking Knowledge
• General Awareness/Economy
• Computer Aptitude
• Descriptive English Test
Q2. Is there negative marking in SBI CBO Exam?
No, there is no negative marking.
Q3. What is the total marks of SBI CBO online test?
• Objective Test – 120 Marks
• Descriptive Test – 50 Marks
👉 Total – 170 Marks
Q4. Which section is most important in SBI Circle Based Officer Exam Pattern?
Banking Knowledge carries the highest marks and is most important.
Q5. Is the descriptive test compulsory?
Yes, all candidates must attempt the descriptive paper.
