SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide – SBI Circle Based Officer Exam 2026 preparation guide based on Notification No. CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18. Check exam pattern, syllabus overview, sample questions, mock test guidance, selection process structure, and preparation strategy designed especially for experienced banking candidates.
Table of Contents
🎯Attempt Free Mock Test, available after 📝Sample Questions Section 👇(Check It below)
Important Recruitment Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | SBI Circle Based Officer Exam 2026 |
| Application Status | Ongoing |
| Application Start Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 18 February 2026 |
| Total No. of Vacancies | 2050 Posts |
| Pay Scale Range | JMGS-I Officer Scale |
| Eligibility | Graduation + 2 Years Officer Experience |
| Application Fee | ₹750 (Gen/OBC/EWS), Nil for SC/ST/PwBD |
| Notification No. | CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18 |
Selection Process : SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide
The SBI CBO selection process is structured differently from IBPS PO or Clerk exams. Since candidates already possess banking experience, the focus is not on speed mathematics but on practical banking knowledge and decision-making ability.
Selection Stages Explained
• Written Examination
The online test evaluates banking awareness, English comprehension, computer understanding, and current financial knowledge. The difficulty level is moderate but conceptual.
• Screening of Experience Profile
This is a crucial stage. SBI verifies job role, officer cadre, nature of duties, and length of experience. Many candidates are filtered here due to incomplete documentation.
• Interview Round
Interview focuses on banking exposure, customer handling, credit understanding, compliance knowledge, and leadership approach rather than theoretical questions.
• Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates must be able to read, write and understand the local language of the applied circle.
Selection Process Table
| Selection Stage | Evaluation Method |
|---|---|
| Online Objective Test | Qualifying in nature |
| Descriptive Test | English writing assessment |
| Experience Screening | Profile suitability |
| Interview | 50 marks |
| Language Test | Mandatory qualification |
| Final Merit | Written + Interview |
Exam Pattern : SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide
The SBI CBO exam pattern is designed for working bankers. Unlike PO exams, it does not include high-level quantitative aptitude or reasoning puzzles.
This pattern is closer to banking professional certification exams rather than competitive aptitude exams.
Key Pattern Insights
• No negative marking
• Focus on banking and economy
• Descriptive English compulsory
• Objective test is qualifying
• Interview weightage remains high
• Pattern remains mostly stable across years
• Cut-off varies circle-wise
• Banking section decides merit
• English difficulty is moderate
• Time pressure is manageable
Exam Pattern Table
| Objective Test | Descriptive Test |
|---|---|
| English Language – 30 Marks | Essay Writing |
| Banking Knowledge – 40 Marks | Formal Letter |
| General Awareness/Economy – 30 Marks | Banking Topics |
| Computer Aptitude – 20 Marks | English Expression |
| Total – 120 Marks | Total – 50 Marks |
| Duration – 2 Hours | Duration – 30 Minutes |
Syllabus : SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide
The syllabus is profession-oriented, not aptitude-oriented.
Subject-wise Explanation
• Banking Knowledge
Includes RBI guidelines, NPA management, Basel norms, priority sector lending, digital banking, KYC, AML, and recent circulars.
• General Awareness & Economy
Covers Union Budget, RBI monetary policy, financial institutions, banking schemes, and economic indicators.
• English Language
Focus on comprehension, grammar usage, vocabulary in banking context, and official communication.
• Computer Aptitude
Basics of banking software, cyber security awareness, digital payments, and computer terminology.
Syllabus Table
| Subject | Major Topics |
|---|---|
| Banking Knowledge | RBI norms, credit, NPA, MSME |
| Economy | Budget, GDP, inflation |
| English | RC, grammar, vocabulary |
| Computer | Basics, security, digital banking |
Recommended Books / Study Material
Preparing for SBI Circle Based Officer Exam 2026 requires focused material rather than multiple sources. Since candidates are already working bankers, books should strengthen banking concepts, regulatory understanding, and descriptive skills, not basic aptitude.
Recommended Banking Knowledge Books
Principles and Practices of Banking – IIBF
This book is extremely useful for understanding core banking operations, credit process, deposit structure, and RBI regulations. Candidates preparing for SBI CBO 2026 should use it mainly for concept clarity rather than memorization.
Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
This book provides structured theory with current banking updates, suitable for revision during the final phase. It helps in connecting static banking concepts with current developments.
English & Descriptive Paper Books
Descriptive English for Bank Exams – Arihant
Highly recommended for essay and letter writing practice. The book helps candidates understand tone, structure, and official communication language used in banks.
Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis
Useful for improving vocabulary and sentence construction, especially for candidates who struggle with expression during descriptive tests.
Current Affairs & Economy Sources
Monthly Banking Current Affairs Capsules
Candidates should revise last 6–8 months current affairs, focusing on RBI notifications, banking schemes, and financial institutions.
RBI Website & Press Releases
Direct reading from RBI sources improves answer quality in both objective and interview stages.
Exam Preparation Strategy : SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide
Preparing for SBI CBO 2026 is different from PO or Clerk exams. This exam rewards experience-backed understanding, not shortcut tricks.
Preparation Strategy for SBI CBO 2026
1. Start with Banking Concepts Revision
Candidates should begin by revising deposit products, lending norms, NPA classification, and recovery mechanisms. These topics form the base of the exam.
2. Understand RBI Framework Clearly
Instead of memorizing, understand why RBI issues certain guidelines. Interview questions often test reasoning behind policies.
3. Focus More on Banking Section
The banking knowledge section decides final merit. Extra attention here gives a clear advantage.
4. Study Economy with Banking Link
While reading economy topics, always connect them with banking impact, such as inflation’s effect on lending.
5. Practice Descriptive Writing Weekly
At least two essays and two letters per week should be practiced to improve structure and clarity.
6. Improve Professional Vocabulary
Use banking-related terminology in answers rather than general language.
7. Avoid Excessive Quant Practice
Quantitative aptitude is not part of SBI CBO. Time should be invested wisely.
8. Revise Circular-Based Topics
Questions are often framed from recent RBI circulars and updates.
9. Maintain Short Notes
Create revision notes for important banking terms and ratios.
10. Analyze Every Mock Test
Mock analysis is more important than attempting multiple tests blindly.
11. Identify Conceptual Weak Areas
Repeated mistakes indicate weak concepts, not speed issues.
12. Focus on Accuracy over Attempts
There is no pressure to attempt all questions.
13. Follow Last 6–8 Months Current Affairs
Especially banking, economy, and government financial schemes.
14. Prepare Interview Alongside Exam
Do not wait for written result; start interview preparation early.
15. Prepare Your Job Profile Explanation
Candidates must be able to explain their current role clearly.
16. Understand Credit Appraisal Basics
Even non-credit officers should understand loan processing.
17. Revise Customer Service & Compliance Topics
SBI values compliance awareness heavily.
18. Practice English Writing in Formal Tone
Avoid casual or informal language.
19. Revise Weekly Instead of Monthly
Frequent revision improves retention.
20. Maintain Confidence Based on Experience
SBI CBO exam rewards maturity and clarity, not aggressive competition.
Sample Questions : SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide
Question 1
Which committee recommended the introduction of Prompt Corrective Action (PCA) framework?
A) Narasimham Committee
B) Urjit Patel Committee
C) Basel Committee
D) Rangarajan Committee
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 2
Which asset category attracts 100% provisioning under RBI norms?
A) Sub-standard asset
B) Doubtful asset
C) Loss asset
D) SMA-2
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 3
CRR is maintained with which authority?
A) Government of India
B) RBI
C) SBI
D) NABARD
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 4
Which bank account is primarily used for government subsidy transfer?
A) Current Account
B) OD Account
C) Jan Dhan Account
D) NRE Account
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 5
What does LCR stand for in banking?
A) Loan Coverage Ratio
B) Liquidity Coverage Ratio
C) Legal Credit Ratio
D) Long-term Credit Risk
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 6
Under RBI norms, an account becomes Non-Performing Asset (NPA) when interest or installment remains overdue for more than:
A) 60 days
B) 90 days
C) 120 days
D) 180 days
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 7
Which of the following comes under Priority Sector Lending (PSL)?
A) Gold loan above ₹20 lakh
B) Housing loan up to prescribed RBI limit
C) Loan against shares
D) Personal loan for travel
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 8
What is the full form of CRAR in banking?
A) Credit Risk Asset Ratio
B) Capital Risk Adjustment Ratio
C) Capital to Risk Weighted Assets Ratio
D) Credit to Revenue Asset Ratio
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 9
Which committee recommended banking sector reforms in India (1991)?
A) Rangarajan Committee
B) Narasimham Committee
C) Urjit Patel Committee
D) Malegam Committee
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 10
Which type of account is opened under Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana?
A) Current Account
B) Savings Bank Account
C) Fixed Deposit
D) Recurring Deposit
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 11
Which organization regulates Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) in India?
A) SEBI
B) NABARD
C) RBI
D) IRDAI
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 12
What does KYC primarily aim to prevent?
A) Credit risk
B) Interest rate risk
C) Money laundering
D) Market risk
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 13
Which of the following is a term-based deposit product?
A) Savings Account
B) Current Account
C) Fixed Deposit
D) Basic Savings Bank Deposit Account
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 14
Which banking service allows customers to transfer funds instantly 24×7?
A) NEFT
B) RTGS
C) IMPS
D) ECS
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 15
Basel III norms mainly focus on:
A) Customer service improvement
B) Capital adequacy and risk management
C) Loan recovery process
D) Branch expansion
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 16
Which of the following is not a function of RBI?
A) Issue of currency
B) Banker to Government
C) Acceptance of public deposits
D) Controller of credit
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 17
Which loan category requires lowest risk weight as per RBI guidelines?
A) Corporate loan
B) Personal loan
C) Government securities
D) Credit card dues
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: C
Question 18
What is the meaning of AML in banking?
A) Annual Money Limit
B) Anti Money Laundering
C) Asset Management Liability
D) Advanced Monetary Law
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 19
Which document is mandatory for opening a bank account under KYC norms?
A) Driving License only
B) Aadhaar or PAN
C) Ration Card only
D) Employment ID
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Question 20
What does Repo Rate indicate?
A) Rate at which banks lend to RBI
B) Rate at which RBI lends to banks
C) Deposit rate for customers
D) Rate fixed by SEBI
Click Here to Check the Correct Answer
Correct Answer: B
Free Mock Test
Candidates preparing for exam should practice the Mock Test to understand question difficulty, improve accuracy. This Mock Test is designed as per the Latest Exam Pattern and Syllabus. For Attempt Mock Test – click here
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Question 1 – What is SBI CBO 2026 Exam Guide strategy?
Answer – SBI CBO Exam 2026 preparation should focus on banking concepts, RBI guidelines, and descriptive writing rather than aptitude-based preparation.
Question 2 – Is SBI CBO Exam 2026 difficult?
Answer – SBI CBO Exam 2026 difficulty level is moderate, but requires strong conceptual clarity due to experience-based competition.
Question 3 – How many months are required to prepare for SBI CBO 2026?
Answer – Candidates with banking background can prepare effectively within 2–3 months with focused study.
Question 4 – Is descriptive paper important in SBI CBO Exam 2026?
Answer – Yes, descriptive paper plays a crucial role in final merit and should not be ignored.
Question 5 – Is interview important in SBI CBO Recruitment 2026?
Answer – Interview carries significant weightage and evaluates practical banking exposure.
Note: Applicants are strongly advised to carefully verify all details such as important dates, eligibility criteria, application fee, age limit, number of vacancies, experience requirements, and selection process from the official notification and official website before applying. Candidates must submit their applications only through the official website using the direct login link provided by the recruiting authority.
For the latest, easy-to-understand, and student-friendly government job updates, visit GovtJobLink.com – Latest Government Job Updates, where we also provide structured exam preparation guidance along with detailed exam pattern and syllabus information. For more government job notifications, candidates are encouraged to regularly check our Latest Jobs section.
Explore Other Related Posts & Latest Job Notifications that You Shouldn’t Miss
Stay Updated with GovtJobLink.com
| Follow Us On | Click Here to Join Us |
|---|---|
| 1. WhatsApp Channel Link | Join us on WhatsApp |
| 2. Telegram Channel Link | Join us on Telegram |
| 3. YouTube Channel Link | Follow us on YouTube |
| 4. Instagram Channel Link | Follow us on Instagram |
| 5. Facebook Page Link | Follow us on Facebook |