SBI CBO Syllabus 2026 and Exam Pattern: The State Bank of India (SBI) is expected to invite applications for the Circle Based Officers (CBO) position in 2026. This specialized recruitment drive is designed for experienced banking professionals currently working in other scheduled commercial banks or regional rural banks who wish to join India’s largest public sector bank. Since the CBO role is aimed at individuals with prior banking experience, the syllabus and selection process are tailored to assess professional competence, administrative skills, and proficiency in regional languages.
SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Circle Based Officer (CBO) |
| Total Vacancies | To be Announced (Expected 3,000+) |
| Selection Process | Online Written Test, Screening, and Interview |
| Total Marks (Written) | 170 Marks (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Negative Marking | No Negative Marking |
| Experience Required | Minimum 2 years as an Officer in a Bank |
SBI CBO Syllabus 2026 Selection Criteria
The selection of candidates for the SBI CBO 2026 recruitment involves a rigorous four-stage process:
- Online Written Test: Candidates must clear an objective test followed by a descriptive test.
- Screening: A committee reviews the online applications and documents to verify eligibility and the required two years of experience.
- Interview: Candidates who pass the screening are called for an interview worth 50 marks to assess personality and job suitability.
- Local Language Test: If a candidate hasn’t studied the local language in 10th or 12th grade, they must pass a proficiency test in the language of the applied circle.
SBI CBO Exam Pattern
The SBI CBO exam pattern is unique because it does not include a Quantitative Aptitude section. Furthermore, there is no negative marking for incorrect answers in the objective test, which is a significant advantage for aspirants.
Objective Test Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| 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 |
Descriptive Test Pattern
Immediately after the objective test, candidates must take a 30-minute descriptive test on a computer.
Letter Writing: 1 Question (25 Marks)
Essay Writing: 1 Question (25 Marks)
| Topics | No of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 mins |
| Essay-250 words on banking-related Topics | 01 | 25 | |
| Total | 02 | 50 | 30 mins |
Topic-wise Syllabus
The syllabus focuses heavily on the practical and theoretical aspects of the banking industry.
| Subject | Important Topics |
| Banking Knowledge | RBI Functions, Banking Regulation Act, KYC/AML, SARFAESI Act, NPA Management, and Digital Banking Products. |
| General Awareness |
|
| English Language |
|
| Computer Aptitude |
|
The Banking Knowledge section is the core of the exam. Candidates are tested on their understanding of daily bank operations, compliance, and regulatory frameworks.
Preparation Tips
Master Banking Regulations: Focus on the latest RBI circulars and guidelines issued in the last 12 months, as these are frequently converted into exam questions.
Utilize “No Negative Marking”: Practice full-length mock tests to ensure you can attempt all 120 questions within the time limit without the fear of losing marks.
Improve Typing Speed: Since the descriptive test is online, practice typing letters and essays on a computer to ensure you can finish both tasks in 30 minutes.
Focus on Financial News: Read financial newspapers like The Economic Times or Mint to stay updated on the latest trends in the Indian economy.
Regional Language Prep: If you are applying for a circle outside your home state, spend 30 minutes daily reading regional news to clear the Local Language Test.
