SBI CBO 2026: Complete Exam Pattern & Syllabus (PDF) | 2273 Vacancies

Complete English Language Syllabus with Subtopic Details

1. Reading Comprehension: Expect 2 passages of 500-600 words each on topics like banking, economy, social issues, or technology. Questions will test main idea, inference, vocabulary in context, and specific details. Strategy: Read questions first, then scan passage for answers. Allocate 12-15 minutes for both RCs. 2. Cloze Test: A passage with 5-7 blanks testing vocabulary, prepositions, conjunctions, and contextual grammar. Topics usually relate to banking/finance. Strategy: Read entire passage first to understand context before attempting blanks. 3. Error Detection: Sentences divided into parts; identify part with error. Errors include subject-verb agreement, tenses, articles, prepositions, parallelism. Strategy: Look for common error patterns first - verb forms, pronoun references, modifiers. 4. Para Jumbles: 4-5 sentences in random order; arrange logically. Look for connecting words, chronology, pronouns, introductory/concluding sentences. Strategy: Find mandatory pairs and opening sentence first. 5. Fill in the Blanks: Single blanks with vocabulary focus or double blanks testing connectors/correlatives. Banking terminology often tested. Strategy: Eliminate obviously wrong options, then choose contextually appropriate. 6. Vocabulary: Synonyms/Antonyms of moderately difficult words, idiom meanings, phrase usage. Strategy: Regular reading of economic newspapers (ET, Business Standard) builds relevant vocabulary. 7. Sentence Improvement: Underlined part of sentence to be replaced with better option. Tests grammar and conciseness. Strategy: Read original sentence carefully to identify what needs correction.

Preparation Strategy & Recommended Resources for English

Daily Practice Routine: 1) Read one editorial from Economic Times/Business Standard (improves comprehension and vocabulary). 2) Solve 20 error detection questions. 3) Learn 10 new banking/economic terms daily. 4) Practice one cloze test and one para jumble set. Weekly: Take one full English mock test (30 questions in 30 minutes). Key Books: 1) "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi. 2) "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis. 3) "High School English Grammar" by Wren & Martin. Online Resources: Daily vocabulary from "The Hindu" word list, grammar quizzes from Testbook/Byju's, previous year SBI papers. Time Management: Reading Comprehension: 12-15 mins, Error Detection: 5-6 mins, Cloze Test: 4-5 mins, Others: 4-5 mins. Since no negative marking, attempt all questions even if unsure.

Complete Banking Knowledge Syllabus with Detailed Topics

1. RBI & Monetary Policy: RBI functions (traditional & developmental), Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) composition & meetings, policy rates (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR, MSF, Bank Rate), liquidity adjustment facility, inflation targeting framework, recent monetary policy statements, RBI Governors list, RBI publications (Financial Stability Report, Annual Report). 2. Financial Markets & Instruments: Money market vs capital market instruments (T-bills, Commercial Papers, CDs, Bonds, Debentures), stock exchanges (NSE, BSE), indices (Sensex, Nifty), SEBI functions, mutual funds (types, NAV, SIP), derivatives, credit rating agencies (CRISIL, CARE, ICRA), insolvency and bankruptcy code. 3. Banking Operations & Products: Types of banks (commercial, cooperative, regional rural, payments, small finance), bank accounts (savings, current, fixed, recurring, NRO/NRE/FCNR), loans (personal, home, vehicle, education, gold), KYC norms, AML guidelines, cheques (types, crossing, endorsement), negotiable instruments, garnishee orders. 4. NPAs & Banking Regulations: NPA classification (standard, sub-standard, doubtful, loss), provisioning norms, SARFAESI Act 2002, debt recovery tribunals, wilful defaulters, prompt corrective action framework, Basel norms (Basel I, II, III), capital adequacy ratio, risk-weighted assets. 5. Digital Banking & Payments: UPI (Unified Payments Interface), IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, AEPS, BHIM app, digital wallets, Bharat Bill Payment System (BBPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS), National Electronic Toll Collection (FASTag), digital lending guidelines, cybersecurity in banking. 6. Priority Sector & Government Schemes: Priority sector lending targets (40% of ANBC), categories (agriculture, MSME, education, housing, social infrastructure), PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY, Atal Pension Yojana, MUDRA loans, Stand-Up India, Start-Up India, Kisan Credit Card, interest subvention schemes. 7. International Banking & Forex: Foreign exchange reserves, currency convertibility, exchange rate systems, IMF, World Bank, Asian Development Bank, BRICS Bank, correspondent banking, SWIFT, EXIM Bank, FEMA vs FERA. 8. Recent Banking Developments: Latest RBI circulars and notifications, banking mergers (recent SBI associate mergers, other bank consolidations), new banking licenses, fintech collaborations, regulatory sandbox, account aggregator framework, central bank digital currency (Digital Rupee).

Banking Knowledge Preparation Strategy & Resources

Daily Routine: 1) Read RBI website updates (especially press releases). 2) Follow one banking news portal (Bankersadda, Oliveboard). 3) Revise 5 banking terms/concepts daily. 4) Practice 20 MCQs on banking topics. Weekly: Review one major banking report (RBI Annual Report or Financial Stability Report summaries). Monthly: Take topic-wise tests for each banking sub-section. Key Books: 1) "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications. 2) "Banking Financial Awareness" by Kiran Prakashan. 3) "RBI Grade B Phase 2" books for in-depth concepts. Online Resources: RBI official website for notifications, Bankersadda daily banking capsules, Testbook banking awareness notes, Gr8AmbitionZ banking terms list. Time Allocation: RBI Topics: 10-12 mins, Financial Markets: 8-10 mins, Banking Operations: 8-10 mins, Others: 10-12 mins. Pro Tip: As an experienced banker, relate questions to your practical work experience for better understanding.

Complete General Awareness & Economy Syllabus

1. Current Affairs (National & International): Important national events, summit meetings (G20, BRICS, SCO), international visits, agreements/MoUs signed, major appointments (Cabinet Ministers, RBI Governor, Chiefs of Armed Forces), defense deals, space missions (ISRO launches), scientific developments, environmental summits (COP meetings), major court judgments. 2. Banking & Economic Current Affairs: Recent bank mergers, new bank licenses, banking frauds and scams, changes in banking regulations, new digital payment initiatives, economic survey highlights, union budget key announcements, GDP growth rates, inflation data (CPI, WPI), fiscal deficit numbers, forex reserve levels, credit growth statistics. 3. Government Schemes & Policies: Flagship schemes (Make in India, Digital India, Skill India, Smart Cities), social welfare schemes (PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat), financial inclusion programs, agriculture schemes (PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card), employment generation programs, health and education initiatives, infrastructure projects. 4. Static General Knowledge: Awards (Nobel, Booker, Oscar, Padma, Gallantry awards), sports (recent tournaments, winners, records, sports personalities), books and authors (best sellers, award winners), important days and themes, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, UNESCO world heritage sites in India, important dams, rivers, ports. 5. Indian Economy Basics: Five Year Plans (now replaced by NITI Aayog), economic sectors (primary, secondary, tertiary), poverty line definitions, unemployment data, demographic dividend, GST structure and rates, direct and indirect taxes, disinvestment targets, public sector enterprises, infrastructure status. 6. International Organizations: United Nations and its agencies (UNESCO, UNICEF, WHO, IMF, World Bank), World Trade Organization (WTO), ASEAN, SAARC, BRICS, QUAD, NATO, European Union, African Union, OECD, FATF, Financial Action Task Force.

GA/Economy Preparation Strategy & Sources

Daily Routine: 1) Read newspaper (The Hindu/Indian Express) focusing on national, international, business pages. 2) Watch one business news bulletin. 3) Follow PMO, PIB, RBI Twitter handles for updates. Weekly: Revise one monthly current affairs capsule (January to exam month). Monthly: Take current affairs quiz (100 questions). Key Sources: 1) Newspapers: The Hindu, Economic Times. 2) Monthly Magazines: Pratiyogita Darpan, Competition Success Review. 3) Online: GKToday, AffairsCloud, Bankersadda monthly capsules. 4) Apps: Gradeup, Testbook, Oliveboard for daily quizzes. Time Management: Current Affairs: 12-15 mins, Banking Current Affairs: 8-10 mins, Static GK: 5-7 mins. Important: Make notes of important facts with dates and numbers. Revise monthly capsules at least twice before exam.

Complete Computer Aptitude Syllabus

1. Computer Fundamentals: Hardware components (CPU, RAM, ROM, input/output devices), memory units (bit, byte, KB, MB, GB, TB), types of computers (super, mainframe, personal, laptops), generations of computers, binary/hexadecimal number systems, computer abbreviations. 2. Software & Operating Systems: Types of software (system, application, utility), operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS features), file management, multitasking, multiprocessing, GUI vs CLI, open source vs proprietary software, mobile operating systems (Android, iOS). 3. Networking & Internet: Network types (LAN, WAN, MAN, PAN), network devices (router, switch, modem, hub), internet concepts (URL, domain, IP address, DNS, HTTP/HTTPS), web browsers, search engines, email protocols (SMTP, POP3, IMAP), cloud computing basics, IoT concepts. 4. Cyber Security & Threats: Viruses, worms, trojans, malware, spyware, ransomware, phishing, hacking, cyber attacks prevention, firewall, antivirus software, encryption, digital signature, two-factor authentication, secure banking practices. 5. MS Office & Database Basics: MS Word (formatting, mail merge), MS Excel (formulas, functions, charts), MS PowerPoint (slides, animations), database concepts (tables, queries, forms, reports), DBMS vs RDBMS, SQL basics, data types. 6. Banking IT Systems: Core banking solutions (CBS), ATM technology, mobile banking apps, internet banking features, payment gateways, NEFT/RTGS/IMPS working, Aadhaar linking, biometric authentication, blockchain basics in banking, fintech applications.

Computer Aptitude Preparation Strategy

Daily Practice: 1) Learn 10 computer abbreviations. 2) Study one topic thoroughly (e.g., networking basics). 3) Solve 15-20 computer MCQs. Weekly: Revise all topics covered. Key Books: 1) "Objective Computer Awareness" by Arihant. 2) "Computer Knowledge" by Kiran Prakashan. 3) Lucent's Computer Book. Online Resources: TutorialsPoint basics, GeeksforGeeks computer fundamentals, Bankersadda computer capsules. Time Management: Complete section in 15-17 minutes, leaving 3-5 minutes for review. Scoring Strategy: This is the most scoring section - aim for 18-20 correct out of 20. Focus on understanding concepts rather than rote learning.

Descriptive Test: Detailed Preparation Strategy

Essay Writing (25 Marks): Topics generally relate to current banking and economic issues. Recent trends show topics like "Impact of Digital Banking on Traditional Branches", "Challenges of NPAs in Indian Banking", "Financial Inclusion - Road Ahead", "Role of RBI in Economic Stability", "Sustainable Banking Practices". Structure: Introduction (50 words) - present topic and thesis statement. Body (150 words) - 2-3 paragraphs with arguments/examples. Conclusion (50 words) - summarize and suggest way forward. Tips: Use banking terminology appropriately, include recent examples/data, maintain formal tone, ensure logical flow. Letter Writing (25 Marks): Usually formal/business letters related to banking scenarios. Examples: "Letter to Branch Manager requesting loan restructuring", "Letter to customer explaining new banking regulations", "Letter to RBI seeking clarification on guideline", "Complaint letter regarding banking service", "Letter to staff regarding new policy implementation". Format: Sender's address, date, receiver's address, subject, salutation, body (3 paragraphs), complimentary close, signature, name/designation. Tips: Be concise and to the point, use appropriate business language, include all necessary details, maintain professional tone. Practice Strategy: Daily write one essay (250 words) and one letter (150 words) on different banking topics. Time yourself strictly (20 mins for essay, 10 mins for letter). Get feedback from peers or mentors. Build vocabulary of banking terms. Read editorials in Economic Times/Business Standard to improve writing style. Common Mistakes to Avoid: Exceeding word limit significantly, poor handwriting (if offline, but SBI CBO is online typing), grammatical errors, irrelevant content, incomplete letter format, informal language in formal communication.

3-Month Strategic Preparation Plan

Month 1 (Foundation Building): Week 1-2: Focus on Banking Knowledge - complete basics of RBI, monetary policy, financial markets. Week 3-4: Complete English grammar basics and computer fundamentals. Daily: 1 hour current affairs, 30 minutes descriptive writing practice. Target: Complete conceptual understanding of all topics. Month 2 (Practice & Application): Week 1-2: Topic-wise practice tests for each section. Identify weak areas. Week 3-4: Mixed practice sets, start full mock tests. Daily: Solve 50 MCQs from previous papers, revise current affairs of last 3 months. Target: Achieve 70%+ accuracy in practice tests. Month 3 (Revision & Mock Tests): Week 1-2: Intensive revision of all topics, focus on weak areas. Week 3-4: Daily one full mock test (2.5 hours) with analysis. Daily: Revise banking terms, important current affairs, practice descriptive test under timed conditions. Target: Consistently score above cutoff in mock tests.

Daily Study Schedule (4-5 hours working professionals)

Morning (1 hour): 30 mins - Current affairs reading and notes. 30 mins - Banking terms/concepts revision. Evening (2 hours): 45 mins - Section-wise topic study. 45 mins - Practice MCQs (50 questions). 30 mins - Descriptive writing (1 essay or letter). Night (1-2 hours): 30 mins - Computer aptitude study. 30 mins - English practice. 30 mins - Weak area focus. 30 mins - Revision of day's learning.

Weekend Special (6-8 hours)

Saturday: Full mock test (9-11:30 AM). Analysis (12-2 PM). Weak topic revision (3-5 PM). Current affairs weekly roundup (6-7 PM). Sunday: Banking knowledge in-depth study (3 hours). Descriptive writing practice - 2 essays + 2 letters (2 hours). Previous year paper solving (2 hours). Planning for next week (1 hour).

Free Online Study Materials & YouTube Channels

YouTube Channels for Banking Preparation: 1) StudyIQ Banking - Current affairs and banking concepts. 2) Bankersadda - Daily current affairs and quiz. 3) Oliveboard - Mock test analysis and strategies. 4) Testbook - Topic-wise explanation videos. 5) Adda247 - Live classes and doubt sessions. Free PDF Resources: 1) RBI Annual Report summary PDFs. 2) Economic Survey highlights PDF. 3) Union Budget summary PDF. 4) Monthly current affairs compilations from various coaching institutes. 5) Previous year SBI question papers with solutions. Mobile Apps for Daily Practice: 1) Daily Current Affairs & GK - For daily updates. 2) Banking Exam Preparation - Topic-wise tests. 3) Vocabulary Builder - For English improvement. 4) Economic Times - For business news. 5) Inshorts - For quick news updates.

Section-wise Time Management During Exam

English Language (30 mins for 30 questions): First 12-15 mins: Reading Comprehension (2 passages). Next 5-6 mins: Error Detection. Next 4-5 mins: Cloze Test. Last 4-5 mins: Para Jumbles, Fill in blanks, Vocabulary. Pro Tip: Don't spend more than 1.5 mins on any RC question. If stuck, mark for review and move on. Banking Knowledge (40 mins for 40 questions): First 15-18 mins: RBI & Monetary Policy questions. Next 10-12 mins: Financial Markets & Banking Operations. Last 10-12 mins: Digital Banking, NPAs, Recent Developments. Pro Tip: Answer factual questions quickly, spend more time on application-based questions. General Awareness (30 mins for 30 questions): First 15 mins: Current Affairs questions (go with first instinct). Next 8-10 mins: Banking Current Affairs. Last 5-7 mins: Static GK & Economy basics. Pro Tip: Don't overthink current affairs questions - either you know it or you don't. Computer Aptitude (20 mins for 20 questions): Complete in 15-17 mins, use remaining 3-5 mins for review. Pro Tip: This is quick scoring section - don't spend more than 45 seconds on any question. Descriptive Test (30 mins): First 5 mins: Read both topics carefully, plan outline. Next 18-20 mins: Essay writing (250 words). Next 5-7 mins: Letter writing (150 words). Last 2-3 mins: Quick review for spelling/grammar errors. Pro Tip: Stick to word limits - exceeding slightly is okay but being significantly under is bad.

Important Exam Day Instructions

1) Reach exam centre 1 hour before reporting time. 2) Carry admit card + original photo ID. 3) No electronic devices allowed. 4) Sectional timing is strict - cannot switch sections early. 5) Use rough sheet provided for calculations/planning. 6) For descriptive test, typing speed matters - practice typing essays. 7) Keep last 5 minutes for final review of objective answers. 8) No negative marking - attempt ALL questions. 9) Stay calm during exam - if stuck on question, mark for review and move on. 10) Maintain stable internet connection if giving from home (if applicable).

1. What is the exact exam pattern for SBI CBO 2026?

The exam has two parts: Objective Test (120 MCQs, 120 marks, 2 hours) with four sections having individual timings, and Descriptive Test (2 questions, 50 marks, 30 minutes) with essay and letter writing. There's no negative marking in objective test.

2. Is there sectional cutoff in SBI CBO exam?

Yes, there are both sectional cutoffs and overall cutoff. You must clear minimum marks in each section (English, Banking, GA, Computer) as well as overall cutoff to qualify for descriptive test and further stages.

3. What is the difficulty level of SBI CBO exam?

The exam is moderate to difficult, with Banking Knowledge section being the toughest. Since it's for experienced bankers, questions are more application-oriented than theoretical. English is moderate, GA is fact-based, Computer is easy to moderate.

4. How should I prepare for Banking Knowledge section?

Focus on: 1) RBI functions and monetary policy tools. 2) Current banking developments (last 6 months). 3) Financial markets instruments. 4) Digital banking terms. 5) Banking regulations and Acts. Read RBI website regularly and solve previous year questions.

5. Is descriptive test qualifying or marks counted?

Descriptive test is qualifying in nature but marks are added to your total for final merit. You must secure minimum qualifying marks separately in descriptive test to be considered for interview.

6. What type of essay topics are asked?

Essay topics are usually on current banking and economic issues like digital banking challenges, financial inclusion, NPAs, role of RBI, sustainable banking, impact of technology on banking, etc.

7. How many questions should I attempt to clear cutoff?

With no negative marking, attempt all 120 questions. For safe score, aim for: Banking: 30+/40, English: 22+/30, GA: 22+/30, Computer: 16+/20. Overall aim for 90+ marks out of 120 in objective.

8. Is computer knowledge necessary for the exam?

Basic computer knowledge is tested in 20-mark section. Focus on fundamentals, networking, cyber security, and MS Office. It's scoring section - with little preparation you can get 18-20 marks.

9. How to improve typing speed for descriptive test?

Practice typing essays daily. Use online typing tools. Aim for 25-30 words per minute. Since you have 30 minutes for 400 total words (250+150), 15 wpm is minimum but 25+ wpm gives you time for thinking and editing.

10. What is the best book for SBI CBO preparation?

For Banking: Arihant Banking Awareness. For English: SP Bakshi Objective English. For GA: Lucent's GK. For Computer: Arihant Computer Awareness. Additionally, monthly current affairs magazine and previous year papers.