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How long is the probation for a bank PO?
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For SBI PO, the probation is 2 years, according to the 2026 advertisement. The same advertisement asks you to sign a joining bond of ₹2 lakh to serve for at least 3 years.
SBI PO: what the advertisement says
| Term | SBI PO 2026 |
|---|---|
| Probation | 2 years |
| Joining bond | ₹2 lakh |
| Minimum service under the bond | 3 years |
| Grade and scale | Junior Management Grade Scale I, ₹48,480 to ₹85,920 |
Probation is the period after joining during which you are a trainee officer. You are confirmed in the post on completing it satisfactorily, as the bank's rules provide. Your salary during that time follows the scale; see SBI PO salary.
IBPS PO: terms come from the allotted bank
IBPS PO/MT is a common process for 11 public sector banks. IBPS runs the exams, the Personality Test and interview, and the provisional allotment; the service conditions such as probation and bond are those of the bank you are allotted to. We have not quoted a figure for IBPS PO, because the allotted bank sets it, so read the offer you receive at allotment.
The 2026 notification also notes that selected candidates are in an all-India cadre and may be posted anywhere in India or outside it. A reserve list of about 20% of vacancies is maintained and is valid for one year from provisional allotment.
RBI Grade B and NABARD Grade A
RBI Grade B and NABARD Grade A recruit through their own advertisements and carry their own service conditions. We have not quoted a probation figure for them, so read the service conditions in the advertisement for the cycle you apply for. See the RBI Grade B guide for the selection process.
Practical tips
- Read the bond clause before you accept a post: it ties you to a minimum period of service.
- Check the posting rules in your offer. The IBPS notification describes an all-India cadre, so you may be posted anywhere in India.
For help choosing between the officer and clerk tracks, see bank PO vs clerk.
Source
- SBI PO 2026 detailed advertisement CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 (18 June 2026): probation and bond.
- IBPS CRP PO/MT-XVI detailed notification (30 June 2026): cadre and reserve list.
Service terms can change; confirm them in the latest advertisement or offer.
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- Bank PO vs clerkBank PO vs clerk compared on the 2026 notifications: starting pay, role, posting, exam stages, interview and promotion, plus how to choose your first target.
- SBI PO syllabus and patternSBI PO 2026 pattern and syllabus: prelims English 40, Quant 30, Reasoning 30; mains with the new email and situation-analysis descriptive; 75:25 merit weights.
- SBI PO salarySBI PO starts at a basic pay of ₹48,480 plus four advance increments in scale JMGS-I. See the pay scale, the advertised CTC, bond and probation terms.
- RBI Grade B salaryRBI Grade B starts at a basic pay of ₹78,450 a month in a 16-year scale. The 2026 advertisement states gross emoluments of about ₹1.55 lakh a month.
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