The State Bank of India conducts the Circle Based Officer (CBO) Examination to recruit experienced banking professionals for officer-level roles across various circles in India. Unlike SBI PO or Clerk exams, the SBI CBO exam is experience-oriented, with strong emphasis on banking knowledge, real-world awareness, and screening through job profile verification.
In this article, we provide a detailed, section-wise SBI CBO syllabus 2026, along with the latest exam pattern, marks distribution, and preparation strategy based strictly on the official notification.
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⚡ Quick Overview – SBI CBO Exam 2026
- 🏦 Exam Name: SBI CBO Online Examination 2026
- 🧑💼 Level: Officer (Lateral Entry)
- 📝 Mode: Online (Objective + Descriptive)
- ⏱️ Total Duration: 2 Hours 30 Minutes
- 📊 Total Marks: 170 Marks
- ❌ No Negative Marking
- 📌 Sections: English, Banking Knowledge, GA/Economy, Computer Aptitude
🧾 SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2026 (Latest)
The SBI CBO online test consists of two parts:
🖥️ Part A: Objective Test (120 Marks – 2 Hours)
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 min |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 min |
| General Awareness / Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 min |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 min |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 Hours |
📌 Important Notes:
- No sectional cut-off
- Only overall cut-off decided by SBI
- No penalty for wrong answers
✍️ Part B: Descriptive Test (50 Marks – 30 Minutes)
- Language: English only
- Mode: Typed on computer
- Questions:
- 📝 Essay Writing
- ✉️ Letter Writing
📌 This section tests clarity, banking awareness, and communication skills, not fancy vocabulary.
📚 SBI CBO Syllabus 2026 – Subject-Wise Detailed Topics
📖 1. English Language Syllabus
This section is moderate, but candidates lose marks due to speed issues.
Important Topics:
- Reading Comprehension (Banking/Economic themes)
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary (context-based)
🎯 Focus Tip:
Accuracy matters more than vocabulary. Avoid overthinking.
🏦 2. Banking Knowledge Syllabus (MOST IMPORTANT)
This is the deciding section for SBI CBO selection.
Core Topics:
- Banking Terminologies
- Types of Bank Accounts
- CASA, NPA, SARFAESI Act
- Basel III Norms
- Priority Sector Lending
- Credit Rating Agencies
- Risk Management
- Retail & Corporate Banking
- Digital Banking & Payment Systems
- KYC / AML Guidelines
- RBI Circulars & Functions
⚠️ Big Mistake Applicants Make:
Studying PO-level theory instead of practical banking concepts.
🌍 3. General Awareness / Economy Syllabus
Questions are banking + economy oriented, not static GK.
Important Areas:
- Indian Economy Basics
- Union Budget & Economic Survey (latest)
- Banking & Financial News (last 6 months)
- RBI Policies & Repo Rate
- Inflation, GDP, Fiscal Deficit
- Government Schemes (Bank-linked)
- Current Affairs (National & Financial)
🎯 Focus Period:
Last 6–8 months before exam.
💻 4. Computer Aptitude Syllabus
This section is easy but scoring, often ignored.
Key Topics:
- Computer Fundamentals
- MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint
- Internet & Networking Basics
- Cyber Security
- Banking Software Concepts
- Operating Systems
- Input/Output Devices
📌 Expect basic + application-based questions, not coding.
✍️ Descriptive Test Syllabus (Essay & Letter)
📝 Essay Topics (Probable)
- Digital Banking in India
- Role of Banks in Financial Inclusion
- Cyber Fraud & Prevention
- MSME Credit Growth
- Climate Finance
✉️ Letter Writing Topics
- Complaint to Bank Manager
- Letter to Customer
- Official/Internal Communication
🎯 Ideal Length:
- Essay: 250–300 words
- Letter: 150–200 words
🧠 How SBI CBO Screening Impacts Exam Strategy
⚠️ Critical Reality Check
Clearing the exam alone is NOT enough.
After the exam:
- SBI verifies job profile
- Experience must match SBI Scale-I Generalist Officer
- Mismatch = Direct rejection
👉 That’s why Banking Knowledge + Practical Awareness is crucial.
📊 Weightage in Final Selection
- Online Exam: 75%
- Interview: 25%
- Language Test: Qualifying only
Marks are normalized before final merit list.
🚨 Common Problems Faced by SBI CBO Aspirants
❌ Problem 1: “I studied like SBI PO”
✔ Solution: Focus on banking operations & policies, not aptitude tricks
❌ Problem 2: “Descriptive marks are low”
✔ Solution: Practice formal banking language, not fancy English
❌ Problem 3: “Rejected in screening”
✔ Solution: Ensure your job profile documents match SBI duties
📅 SBI CBO 2026 Preparation Strategy (Short & Practical)
⏳ Ideal Study Plan (Working Professionals)
- Banking Knowledge: 45%
- GA/Economy: 25%
- English + Descriptive: 20%
- Computer Aptitude: 10%
📌 Mock tests help with speed, but concept clarity gets selection.
🌐 Important Links
- Official Notification pdf download
- Official Website: sbi.bank.in
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🏁 Final Words
The SBI CBO 2026 exam is not about speed or tricks — it is about banking maturity, clarity, and experience alignment. Candidates who prepare with a job-oriented mindset have a far higher chance of final selection.
👉 Treat this exam like an internal promotion test, not a competitive aptitude exam.