The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the SBI CBO 2026 notification, clearly outlining the selection procedure and Descriptive English Test structure.
For aspirants targeting final selection, understanding the Descriptive Test rules exactly as stated by SBI is critical. This post breaks down the notification in simple, exam-focused terms, without speculation or dilution.
SBI CBO 2026 Selection Procedure (Official)
As per the notification, the selection process consists of three stages:
- Online Test
- Screening
- Interview
This post focuses specifically on the Online Test – Descriptive English component, which plays a decisive role in merit.
SBI CBO 2026 Online Test: Marks Distribution
The Online Test consists of:
- Objective Test: 120 marks
- Descriptive Test: 50 marks
👉 The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test, without any break.
SBI CBO 2026 Descriptive Test – Official Details
According to the notification:
🕒 Duration
- 30 minutes
📝 Nature of Test
- English Language only
- Two questions:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
🎯 Total Marks
- 50 marks
💻 Mode of Examination
- Computer-based
- Candidates must type their answers on the computer
- No handwritten answers are allowed
Important Rules You Must Not Miss
❌ No Sectional Cut-off
- There are no sectional qualifying marks for:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
👉 Evaluation is done on aggregate marks only.
✅ Aggregate Cut-off Applies
- There is a minimum qualifying mark on aggregate
- The cut-off will be decided by SBI, not disclosed in advance
⚠️ No Negative Marking (Objective Test)
- There is no penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Test
📊 Sectional Marks Will NOT Be Maintained
- SBI will not maintain sectional-wise marks for the Online Examination
- Final consideration is based on overall performance
What This Means for SBI CBO Aspirants
The official notification makes one thing very clear:
You cannot afford to ignore Descriptive English.
Because:
- 50 marks are at stake
- No sectional safety net
- Poor descriptive performance can pull down overall merit
- Evaluation is strictly formal and banking-oriented
How to Prepare Descriptive English for SBI CBO 2026
Based on the official structure, aspirants must focus on:
- Letter writing formats (banking + civic context)
- Essay structure, not storytelling
- Typing practice under time pressure
- Grammar and clarity over fancy vocabulary
At Bank Whizz, our SBI CBO Descriptive preparation is designed exactly around:
- Official notification rules
- Actual questions asked in previous years
- Real examiner expectations
Final Word
The SBI CBO 2026 notification leaves no ambiguity about the importance of the Descriptive Test. Aspirants who prepare strategically and early gain a clear edge in final selection.
In SBI CBO, Descriptive English is not optional. It is decisive.