SBI PO Mains Exam Day Guidelines 2026, Things to Carry & Avoid in Exam
The SBI PO Mains Exam Day Guidelines 2026 provide essential instructions for candidates appearing in the Phase II online computer-based examination scheduled for 12th September 2026.
Conducted as the second major stage in the Probationary Officer recruitment cycle, the Mains test combines a 200-mark objective test with a 50-mark online descriptive typing test, demanding absolute compliance with biometric reporting rules and test venue regulations.
In this master guide, Vidya365 outlines mandatory documents to carry, prohibited items, shift reporting protocols, biometric verification steps, and expert test-day composure tips.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What are SBI PO Mains Exam Day Guidelines 2026?
In simple terms, the SBI PO Mains Exam Day Guidelines 2026 require candidates to report to their designated test centers by 08:00 AM on 12th September 2026, carrying a printed hardcopy of their Mains admit card, the authenticated stamped Preliminary exam call letter, and a valid original photo ID proof.
Aspirants must avoid carrying electronic gadgets, smartwatches, calculators, or unauthorized study materials. Strict compliance with biometric verification, iris scanning, and desk decorum is mandatory.
Official Exam Schedule, Shift Timings & Reporting Hours
Because the SBI PO Phase II Main Examination spans 3 hours and 30 minutes (210 total minutes), it is conducted in a single morning shift across all national test venues:
| Event / Milestone | Official Time / Schedule |
|---|---|
| Candidate Reporting Time | 08:00 AM Sharp |
| Exam Center Gate Closure | 08:45 AM (Strictly no entry post closure) |
| Objective Computer-Based Test (CBT) | 09:00 AM to 12:00 PM (180 Minutes) |
| Descriptive English Typing Test | 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM (30 Minutes Typed on PC) |
| Total Examination Duration | 3 Hours 30 Minutes (210 Minutes Total) |
* Note: Inspect detailed admit card download procedures in our SBI PO Mains Admit Card Guide and review shift structures in our SBI PO Mains Exam Date Guide.
Mandatory Things to Carry to Exam Center Checklist
Candidates must assemble and carry the following items in a transparent folder on exam day:
1. Printed SBI PO Mains Admit Card (Call Letter)
A clear, legible printout of your Phase II Main exam call letter on an A4 sheet with your recent passport-size photograph securely pasted in the designated box.
2. Authenticated Preliminary Exam Call Letter
The stamped and signed Preliminary examination admit card retained from Phase I. SBI strictly verifies this document at the verification desk.
3. Original Valid Photo Identity Proof
Bring an original photo ID card (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Permanent Driving License). Note: Ration cards and learner licenses are NOT accepted.
4. Photocopy of Photo ID & Passport Photos
One clear photocopy of the identity card stapled directly behind the call letter, plus two additional passport-size photographs identical to your uploaded application image.
Prohibited Items & Things to Avoid Inside Exam Hall
Strictly BannedCarrying any unauthorized item will result in immediate cancellation of candidature and debarment from future banking tests:
Electronic Gadgets
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth earpieces, digital drives, and health trackers are strictly prohibited inside the testing hall.
Stationery & Study Material
Books, notebooks, loose blank papers, slide rules, geometry boxes, and written chits are banned. Rough sheets are provided inside the computer lab.
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Biometric Verification, Iris Scanning & Photo Match Rules
State Bank of India enforces strict digital verification protocols at all test centers to prevent impersonation:
- Live Digital Photo Capture: Your photograph will be captured live at the registration desk and cross-referenced with your application database.
- Thumb Impression & Iris Scan: Biometric thumb impressions and iris scanning are compulsory during entry and re-verified inside the exam lab.
- Name Discrepancy Rule: If your name on your photo ID proof differs slightly from your admit card due to marriage or spelling variations, you must carry an official gazette notification or sworn legal affidavit.
Prelims Stamped Call Letter & Mains Admit Card Rules
A critical compliance rule for SBI PO Mains is the presentation of both call letters:
Candidates must carry their stamped and authenticated Preliminary exam admit card along with their printed Mains admit card. Failure to produce the stamped Prelims call letter at the verification desk may result in denial of entry.
Rough Sheet Handling & Exam Hall Decorum
Maintaining strict decorum inside the computer lab is mandatory:
- Rough sheets provided at your computer terminal must be labeled with your Roll Number, Registration Number, and Name at the top.
- All rough calculation sheets along with your call letter must be dropped in the designated collection box before exiting the lab.
- Unauthorized communication or turning around during the test will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
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Frequently Asked Questions (8 Key Aspirant FAQs)
Q1: What is the reporting time for SBI PO Mains Exam 2026?
A: Candidates must report by 08:00 AM sharp at their allotted test venue on 12th September 2026.
Q2: When do exam center gates close for SBI PO Mains?
A: Exam center gates close strictly at 08:45 AM. No candidate is permitted entry after gate closure.
Q3: Do I need to carry my stamped Preliminary exam call letter to Mains?
A: Yes, carrying the authenticated stamped Prelims admit card along with your Mains call letter is strictly mandatory.
Q4: Are calculators or digital watches allowed in SBI PO Mains?
A: No, electronic gadgets, calculators, smartwatches, and Bluetooth devices are strictly banned inside the exam hall.
Q5: How long is the SBI PO Mains examination?
A: Total duration is 3 Hours 30 Minutes (210 minutes), comprising 3 hours for the objective test and 30 minutes for descriptive typing.
Q6: What photo ID proofs are accepted by SBI?
A: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Permanent Driving License in original along with a photocopy.
Q7: How is biometric verification conducted at the exam venue?
A: Candidates undergo live photograph capture, thumb impression recording, and iris scanning during security checks.
Q8: Where is the best Bank PO Coaching in Delhi located?
A: VIDYA365 Coaching Institute located at Karol Bagh, New Delhi offers premier classroom coaching, speed math workshops, and mock test series for bank exams.
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