SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam Analysis 2026
A detailed understanding of the SBI PO Exam Analysis is crucial to secure good marks and eventually get selected. It consists of multiple stages, i.e, SBI PO Prelims Exam analysis, Mains Exam Analysis, and finally, interview analysis. The prelims exam generally checks the speed of candidates with a wide range of puzzles and seating arrangements with miscellaneous questions in the reasoning section, data interpretation with arithmetic problems in quant, and reading comprehension with vocab and grammar-based questions in English.Whereas in mains, detailed conceptual knowledge is being tested. For example, complex data interpretation, puzzles, and long and hard-to-comprehend reading comprehension are being asked.
In this article, we have provided a detailed SBI PO Exam Analysis for aspirants so they can target an overall score to get selected in the exam.
SBI PO Exam Analysis 2026
With over 5 lakh students competing for 1500 seats, it is a wise decision to understand the SBI PO exam analysis. The Exam Analysis will assist aspirants to target an overall score and understand examination trends effectively. As the SBI PO prelims exam is scheduled for 1 and 2 August, the SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026 will be released at the completion of each shift. The overall SBI PO Exam analysis 2026 is useful for candidates to evaluate their performance and prepare effectively for the exam.
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SBI PO Recruitment 2026 - Overview |
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Exam Element |
Details |
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Name of Organization |
State Bank of India (SBI) |
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Post Name |
Probationary Officer (PO) |
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Exam Level |
National Level |
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Vacancy |
1500 |
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Prelims Marks & Duration |
100 Marks (60 Minutes) |
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Mains Marks & Duration |
230 Marks (3.5 Hours) |
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Negative Marking |
0.25 Marks per wrong answer |
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Selection Process |
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Official Website |
sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026
According to the SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis, the prelims level ranges from moderate to difficult across all shifts. Aiming for 58 to 70 safe attempts places one in a comfortable position to clear the expected preliminary cutoff across shifts.
Below, we have provided the expected safe attempt range according to the SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2026.
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Subject |
Maximum Marks |
Safe Attempt Range |
Target Accuracy |
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35 |
25 – 32 Questions |
90%+ |
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35 |
18 – 25 Questions |
85%+ |
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English Language |
40 |
25 – 30 Questions |
85%+ |
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Overall Cutoff Target |
100 Marks |
68 – 87 Questions |
85% – 90% |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2026
The SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2026 covers 170 objective questions (200 marks) and a 30-mark descriptive paper. The mains exam tests candidates' conceptual knowledge with
Complex Data Interpretation, reading comprehension, and Reasoning sets, a score of 82 to 95 marks (90–105 attempts) is considered a safe range.
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SBI PO Mains Section |
Question Breakdown |
Safe Attempt Benchmark |
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Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
40 Questions |
24 to 30 Questions |
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30 Questions |
20 to 26 Questions |
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General Awareness |
60 Questions |
15 to 27 |
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40 Questions |
24 to 30 Questions |
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Overall Written Exam |
170 Questions |
100 to 125 Questions |
SBI PO Prelims Subject-wise Analysis
Below is a detailed, section-wise breakdown of recurring question patterns and weightage trends from previous SBI PO Prelims exams
Reasoning Ability
According to SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis Puzzles and seating arrangements consistently dominate this section, making up over 60–70% of the paper. Speed in standalone topics like Syllogisms and Inequalities is critical to save time for complex arrangement sets.
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Previous year's(2019-2025) Reasoning trends |
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|
Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement |
20–22 |
18–20 |
18–22 |
18–20 |
15–20 |
15–20 |
15–20 |
|
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–4 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
|
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Inequalities |
3–4 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–4 |
3–5 |
3–4 |
3–5 |
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Coding-Decoding |
2–3 |
0–3 |
2–4 |
0–3 |
3–5 |
0–3 |
2–5 |
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Blood Relations & Direction Sense |
3–5 |
3–4 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
|
Data Sufficiency / Order & Ranking |
0–2 |
0–3 |
0–3 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
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Miscellaneous (Alpha-Numeric, Words) |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
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|
|
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Expected question distribution for 2026: |
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Core Topic |
Question Breakdown |
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Puzzle Sets & Seating Arrangement |
15-20 |
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Coding-Decoding |
5-6 |
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Syllogism |
3-5 |
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Inequality |
2-3 |
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Blood Relation |
2-3 |
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2-3 |
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Total Questions |
30 |
Quantitative Aptitude
Data Interpretation and core Arithmetic word problems account for the majority of the marks. Quick calculation speed in Approximation and Number Series is essential for securing good scores.
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Previous year's(2019-2025) Quant trends |
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Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
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Data Interpretation (DI) |
10–12 |
10–12 |
10–15 |
10–11 |
5–10 |
10–15 |
10–15 |
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Caselet DI |
3–5 |
3–5 |
0–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
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Arithmetic Word Problems |
10–12 |
10–14 |
9–15 |
8–11 |
9–15 |
10 |
10 |
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Number Series (Missing/Wrong) |
5 |
2–5 |
5–6 |
0–6 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
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Quadratic Equations |
0–3 |
0–3 |
4–6 |
5–6 |
5–6 |
5–6 |
0–5 |
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Simplification & Approximation |
0–3 |
0–3 |
5 |
4–6 |
0–5 |
0–6 |
0–5 |
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Quantity Comparison / Data Sufficiency |
0–2 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
0–2 |
0–1 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026 |
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Core Topic |
Question Breakdown |
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Advanced DI Sets (Radar, Bar, Table) |
16–18 |
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Caselet DI |
4–6 |
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Arithmetic-Based DI |
3–5 |
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Probability-Based DI |
2–3 |
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Data Sufficiency |
2–3 |
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Total Questions |
30 |
English Language
Reading Comprehension is the backbone of the English section. Other areas include Cloze Tests, parajumble, vocabulary questions, and Error Detection tests, etc. A strong vocabulary and reading speed, with grammar knowledge, ensure maximum marks within tight time limits.
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Previous year's(2019-2025)English trends |
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Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
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Reading Comprehension (RC) |
8–10 |
8–10 |
6–12 |
9–10 |
7–10 |
5 |
7–10 |
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Cloze Test |
5–7 |
5–7 |
5–7 |
5–6 |
5–7 |
5 |
5–6 |
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Error Detection / Sentence Correction |
4–6 |
4–7 |
3–6 |
3–6 |
3–5 |
7 |
3–7 |
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Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement |
3–5 |
0–5 |
3–6 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
0–5 |
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Fillers (Single/Double) |
3–5 |
3–5 |
2–5 |
3–4 |
0–5 |
0–2 |
0–5 |
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Phrase Replacement / Word Swap |
2–4 |
2–4 |
2–4 |
3–5 |
2–4 |
3–5 |
2–4 |
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Match the Column / Miscellaneous |
0–3 |
0–3 |
2–5 |
0–4 |
0–5 |
— |
0–4 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026 |
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|
Core Topic |
Question Breakdown |
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Reading Comprehension |
8-10 |
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Cloze Test |
5-6 |
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Error Spotting |
3-5 |
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Para Jumbles |
5-7 |
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Vocabulary & Word Swap |
4-5 |
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Total Questions |
40 |
sbi po mock test 2026
SBI PO Mains Topic-wise Analysis
SBI PO Mains has 170 objective questions for 200 marks and a descriptive paper of 30 marks. While Prelims is just a screening test, Mains needs the candidate to have a good understanding of concepts, complex data interpretation and analysis, and high-level critical reasoning skills. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
Reasoning and Computer Ability
High-level puzzles and multi-variable seating arrangements continue to dominate the main reasoning paper. Questions in this section often integrate Logical Reasoning with input-output and coded inequalities. Below are the previous year trends and this year's expected question distribution.
|
Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Advanced Puzzles & Seating Sets |
22–25 |
20–25 |
22–26 |
20–24 |
20–25 |
22–25 |
20–24 |
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Input-Output (Machine Shifting) |
5 |
0–5 |
5 |
5 |
3–5 |
5 |
5 |
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Coding-Decoding (Coded / Binary) |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
|
Critical & Verbal Reasoning |
8–10 |
8–10 |
6–8 |
8–10 |
6–8 |
5–8 |
6–8 |
|
Data Sufficiency (2 or 3 Statements) |
3–5 |
3–5 |
2–4 |
3–5 |
2–5 |
3–5 |
2–5 |
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Computer Aptitude & Flowcharts |
0–2 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
0–2 |
0–2 |
0–3 |
0–2 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026 |
|
|
Topic |
Question Breakdown |
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Advanced Puzzle Sets |
19-20 |
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Complex Seating Arrangement |
9-10 |
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Input-Output Machines |
5-6 |
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Coded Coding-Decoding |
3-5 |
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Data Sufficiency |
5-6 |
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Total Questions |
40 |
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Data Analysis & Interpretation is one of the most challenging sections of the Mains exam. It focuses exclusively on advanced Data Interpretation sets, caselets, probability-based charts, and arithmetic-based DI, etc.
|
Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Data Interpretation (DI Sets) |
18–22 |
18–20 |
20–22 |
18–22 |
18–20 |
20–22 |
18–22 |
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Caselet DI & Missing Data DI |
5–7 |
5–8 |
5–6 |
5–7 |
5–8 |
5–6 |
5–7 |
|
Arithmetic Word Problems (Advanced) |
4–5 |
3–5 |
4–6 |
3–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
4–6 |
|
Data Sufficiency & Quantity Comparison |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
2–4 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
2–4 |
|
Probability & Permutation DI |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
2–3 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026: |
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| Core Topic | Question Breakdown |
| Advanced DI Sets (Radar, Bar, Table) | 17-18 |
| Caselet DI | 5-6 |
| Arithmetic-Based DI | 4-7 |
| Probability-Based DI | 2-3 |
| Data Sufficiency | 2-3 |
| Total Questions | 30 |
General Awareness
Accounting for 60 questions (60 marks), General Awareness is one of the most high-yielding sections in Mains. Expected questions focused on banking awareness, RBI regulations, and key events over the past 5 to 6 months.
Previous year's (2019–2025) GA trends
|
Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Current Affairs (National & Global) |
25–30 |
22–28 |
25–30 |
22–26 |
20–25 |
22–25 |
20–25 |
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Banking & Financial Awareness |
20–25 |
18–22 |
20–22 |
18–22 |
15–20 |
15–20 |
15–20 |
|
Economic Policies & RBI Updates |
5–8 |
5–8 |
5–7 |
5–8 |
5–7 |
5–7 |
5–7 |
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Static General Knowledge |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
3–5 |
4–6 |
3–5 |
4–6 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026: |
|
|
Core Topic |
Question Breakdown |
|
Current Affairs (Last 6–8 Months) |
32–36 |
|
Banking & Financial Awareness |
12–16 |
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RBI Monetary Policies & Union Budget |
5–7 |
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Static General Knowledge |
3–5 |
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Total Questions |
60 |
English Language
The Mains English section tests advanced reading comprehension, paragraph connectors, vocabulary swap, and complex sentence structure.
|
Topic |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
2020 |
2019 |
|
Reading Comprehension (2-3 Passages) |
12–15 |
12–15 |
12–16 |
12–15 |
10–14 |
12–15 |
10–14 |
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Error Detection & Sentence Correction |
5–7 |
5–7 |
4–6 |
5–7 |
4–6 |
5–7 |
4–6 |
|
Paragraph Connectors & Completion |
5–6 |
4–6 |
5–6 |
4–6 |
4–5 |
4–6 |
4–5 |
|
Advanced Cloze Test / Fillers |
5–6 |
5–6 |
5–7 |
5–6 |
5–6 |
5–6 |
5–6 |
|
Para Jumbles & Coherent Paragraphs |
5–6 |
5–6 |
4–6 |
5–6 |
4–6 |
5–6 |
4–6 |
|
Vocabulary, Word Swap & Usage |
4–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
4–5 |
3–5 |
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Expected question distribution for 2026 |
|
|
Topic |
Question Breakdown |
|
Reading Comprehension (Long Passages) |
10–12 |
|
Cloze Test & Contextual Fillers |
5–6 |
|
Error Spotting & Sentence Correction |
5–6 |
|
Para Jumbles & Paragraph Completion |
5–6 |
|
Vocabulary Usage & Word Swap |
4–5 |
|
Paragraph Connectors |
4–5 |
|
Total Questions |
40 |
SBI PO Descriptive Exam Analysis
SBI PO Mains Descriptive Paper is conducted online just after the objective paper. It is meant to test the candidate’s practical communication skills, the ability to think analytically, and solve problems that they might face at work. The new pattern has replaced the conventional essay/letter writing with corporate-oriented tasks. The test carries a weightage of 30 marks to be completed in 30 minutes via computer typing.
Exam highlight: Candidates must attempt 3 questions in 30 minutes—one from each task category. Evaluation will be based on professional tone, flow, structure and word limits.
| Section | Choice Provided | Word Limit | Allotted Time (Recommended) | Weightage |
| Email Writing | 1 out of 2 | 150–200 words | 8–10 Mins | 10 Marks |
| Situation Analysis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 100–150 words | 10 Mins | 10 Marks |
| Report Writing OR Précis Writing | 1 out of 2 | 100–150 words | 10–12 Mins | 10 Marks |
| Overall Descriptive Test | 3 Questions Total | 350–500 Words Total | 30 Minutes | 30 Marks |
sbi po descriptive test practice
SBI PO Interview Analysis
The final selection milestone, interview, is where candidates are assessed on leadership potential, communication skills and workplace decision making. Marks of Mains Examination and Phase III (Interview & Group Exercises) are merged in the final merit calculation framework in the ratio of 80:20 (Weightage 80% to the Mains written score and weightage 20% to the evaluation of Phase III).
Selection Insight : Candidates shortlisted on the basis of Mains written cutoff have to obtain minimum qualifying marks in Phase III. The Final Selection Merit List is released based on the normalised combined score calculated on the 80:20 ratio formula.
| Evaluation Stage | Key Focus & Activity | Allotted Time | Weightage Ratio |
| Psychometric Profiling | Behavioural & personality profiling (Mandatory screening) | 30 Mins | Qualifying |
| Group Exercises (GE / GD) | Group Discussion on current economic affairs & case prioritisation | 20–25 Mins | 20 Marks |
| Personal Interview (PI) | Profile analysis, banking awareness, and situational judgment | 15–20 Mins | 30 Marks |
| Total Phase III Assessment | Combined Final Selection Round | 45 Mins | 50 Marks (Normalised to 20%) |
