The State Bank of India (SBI) has clearly defined the Descriptive Test pattern in the SBI CBO 2026 official notification. For aspirants aiming for final selection, understanding this section exactly as notified—without assumptions or coaching myths—is essential.
This post explains the SBI CBO 2026 Descriptive Test pattern in a simple, exam-focused manner, strictly based on the official notification.
SBI CBO 2026 Selection Procedure (Overview)
As per the notification, the selection process consists of three stages:
- Online Test
- Screening
- Interview
The Descriptive Test is a part of the Online Test and carries significant weight in the overall merit.
SBI CBO 2026 Online Test: Marks Distribution
The Online Test comprises:
- Objective Test: 120 marks
- Descriptive Test: 50 marks
👉 The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test, without any gap.
SBI CBO 2026 Descriptive Test – Official Pattern
According to the official notification:
🕒 Duration
- 30 minutes
📝 Nature of the Test
- English Language only
- Two questions in total:
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
🎯 Total Marks
- 50 marks
Mode of Examination
- The Descriptive Test is computer-based
- Candidates must type their answers on the computer
- Handwritten answers are not permitted
👉 Typing speed, clarity, and structure matter as much as content.
Qualifying Rules (Very Important)
❌ No Sectional Qualifying Marks
- There are no separate cut-offs for:
- Essay Writing
- Letter Writing
✅ Aggregate Cut-off Applies
- There is a minimum qualifying mark on aggregate
- The qualifying marks will be decided by SBI
- Cut-off is not disclosed in advance
Penalty & Sectional Marks Clarification
- No penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Test
- Sectional marks will not be maintained for the Online Examination
👉 Final consideration is based on overall performance, not section-wise scores.
What This Pattern Means for Aspirants
The SBI CBO 2026 notification makes one thing clear:
Descriptive English is not optional—it is decisive.
Because:
- It carries 50 marks
- It has no sectional safety net
- Weak descriptive performance can offset a strong objective score
- Evaluation focuses on clarity, format, and relevance
How to Prepare Descriptive English for SBI CBO 2026
Based on the official pattern, aspirants should focus on:
- Standard essay structure (introduction–body–conclusion)
- Correct formal letter formats
- Banking and civic issue awareness
- Typing-based practice under 30-minute conditions
- Grammar and coherence over decorative vocabulary
At Bank Whizz, our SBI CBO Descriptive preparation is built strictly around:
- Official notification rules
- Past-year SBI CBO questions
- Actual examiner expectations
Final Takeaway
The SBI CBO 2026 Descriptive Test pattern, as notified officially, leaves no ambiguity. Aspirants who prepare early and strategically for Essay and Letter Writing gain a clear edge in the final merit list.
In SBI CBO, Descriptive English is not just a test of language—it is a test of professional communication.