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SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026: Important Info for Day 1, Shift 2, including Exam Time, Admit Card, Reporting Time
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 is officially underway, and the first stage consists of a highly competitive banking recruitment examination in India. For Day 1, Shift 2, happening August 1, a massive number of candidates have arrived at the various exam centers in India to compete for one of the 1,500 openings for the role of Probationary Officer (PO).
The preliminary examinations are being held on August 1 and August 2, with four shifts each day. Candidates who are in the later shifts or on the later dates of the exam must check their reporting time, exam center, and the information on their admit card, as these details may differ.
SBI PO Prelims 2026: Exam Time, Shift Breakdowns
There are four shifts of candidates for each day of the examination.
|
Shift |
Reporting Time |
Exam Time |
|---|---|---|
|
Shift 1 |
8:00 AM |
9:00 AM – 10:00 AM |
|
Shift 2 |
10:30 AM |
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM |
|
Shift 3 |
1:00 PM |
2:00 PM – 3:00 PM |
|
Shift 4 |
3:30 PM |
4:30 PM – 5:30 PM |
Candidates must be at the examination center prior to their reporting time, as after a certain time, entry into the examination center will be closed.
Admit Card Requirements
Candidates must have an SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2026 and a form of government issued photo ID to gain entry to the examination center. Candidates must check the following details on the admit card:
- Candidate's name
- Roll number
- Registration number
- Photograph and signature
- Exam date
- Shift timing
- Reporting time
- Exam centre address
Report any issues to SBI before your Exam.
Documents to Carry
Candidates must carry:
- Printed SBI PO Prelims Admit Card
- Original photo ID (Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, driving license, voter ID, etc.)
- Photo of the size specified in the call letter
- Without these documents, candidates may not be allowed to sit for the exam.
Exam pattern at a Glance
The SBI PO Preliminary Exam consists of three sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
There are 100 questions, and you have 60 minutes to complete the exam. The SBI PO Prelims is a Computer-Based Test (CBT). Candidates who qualify the Prelims are eligible for the Mains exam.
Shift 1 Analysis: Moderate to Difficult
Feedback from candidates who appeared in Shift 1 is that the exam was of a Moderate to Difficult level. Reporting suggests that the Reasoning Ability section was time-consuming, whereas the English Language section was of a manageable level. The Quantitative Aptitude section had a blend of Arithmetic questions and Data Interpretation. The analysis for Shift 2 is expected after the session is completed.
Exam Conduction Instructions
Candidates should keep the following instructions in mind:
- Report to the exam centre before the designated reporting time.
- Bring only the prescribed documents.
- Do not bring mobile phones, smart watches, calculators or any electronic devices.
- Complete the Biometric verification and security check.
- Comply with all the instructions given by the examiner.
Breaking any Rule of Examination will lead to cancellation of your application.
What Happens After the Prelims?
Candidates who clear the Prelims will appear for the SBI PO Mains Examination followed by the Psychometric Test, Group Exercise and Interview. The stages after the Prelims will carry greater weight for your selection.
What to Consider Now
The SBI PO Prelims 2026 recruitment process is at an important stage with Day 1 Shift 2 occurring. Candidates in the later shifts should download their admit cards, verify their details, and reach the exam centres in a timely manner. Based on the analysis of Shift 1, examinees should work on time management and accuracy, as the exam difficulty level appears to be moderate.
Final Thoughts
Currently, the SBI PO Prelims 2026 recruitment process is in a key phase with Day 1 Phase Shift 2 in progress. Candidates appearing in the subsequent Shift must download the admit cards in advance and verify all details before reaching the examination centre at the specified reporting time. As the Shift 1 analysis points to a moderate level of difficulty for the exam, candidates appearing in the subsequent shifts are advised to manage their time and efforts effectively.
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