SBI PO Admit Card: Download, Photo Sign Upload, and Exam Day Guide
Complete guide to downloading SBI PO admit card, uploading photo and signature, handling issues, and exam day preparation for Prelims and Mains.
The SBI PO recruitment is one of the most prestigious banking examinations in India. SBI handles its own recruitment (unlike IBPS which recruits for other public sector banks), and their admit card process has some unique elements — particularly the photo-signature upload requirement that trips up candidates every year.
SBI PO Admit Card Timeline
| Stage | Admit Card Release | Exam Period |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims | 10-14 days before exam | November-December |
| Mains | 10-14 days before exam | January-February |
| Interview | 7-10 days before | March-April |
The Photo-Signature Upload: A Unique SBI Requirement
Before you can download your admit card, SBI requires you to upload a fresh photograph and signature through the "Photo Sign Upload" or "Photo and Scanned Signature" link. This is separate from the photo you uploaded during registration.
Why does SBI do this? To prevent impersonation. The freshly uploaded photo is printed on the admit card and matched against your face at the exam centre.Photo Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File size | 20-50 KB |
| Dimensions | 200 x 230 pixels (approximately) |
| Format | JPEG/JPG only |
| Background | White or light coloured |
| Recency | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Face coverage | 50-75% of the frame |
| Expression | Neutral, mouth closed |
Signature Requirements
| Specification | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File size | 10-20 KB |
| Dimensions | 140 x 60 pixels (approximately) |
| Format | JPEG/JPG only |
| Background | White |
| Ink | Black or dark blue |
| Type | On plain white paper, scanned |
Common Photo-Sign Upload Errors
"File size too large" — Use an online image compressor. Reduce quality to 60-70% and resize to the exact pixel dimensions. "Invalid format" — Ensure the file extension is .jpg or .jpeg, not .png, .bmp, or .heic (iPhone default). "Upload window closed" — SBI gives a specific date range for photo-sign upload. If you miss it, you cannot download the admit card. Contact SBI's recruitment helpline immediately. "Photo not meeting guidelines" — Avoid selfies, group photos, or photos with sunglasses. Use a passport-style photo against a white wall.How to Download SBI PO Admit Card
Step 1: Go to sbi.co.in Step 2: Click on "Careers" in the top menu Step 3: Look for "Ongoing Recruitments" and find "Probationary Officers" Step 4: Click on "Download Admit Card" or "Call Letter Download" link Step 5: Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth (or Password) Step 6: Complete the captcha Step 7: Your admit card will display on screen Step 8: Verify all details, download, and print 2-3 copiesWhat Your SBI PO Admit Card Contains
The SBI PO admit card is more detailed than most other exam admit cards:
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Candidate Name | As registered |
| Registration Number | SBI recruitment registration ID |
| Roll Number | Exam-specific |
| Exam Date and Time | Specific date, shift, reporting time |
| Exam Centre | Name, address with landmark if available |
| Photograph | Freshly uploaded photo (not application photo) |
| Signature | Freshly uploaded signature |
| Category | Gen/OBC/SC/ST/EWS |
| PwD status | If applicable |
| Post applied | Probationary Officer |
| Important instructions | Exam-specific rules |
| Undertaking | Declaration to be signed by candidate |
Documents Required at the Exam Centre
SBI has a detailed checklist. Missing any item can lead to denial of entry:
Mandatory
- Printed Admit Card — must have clear photo and signature
- Original Photo ID — Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License, or any government-issued photo ID
- Photocopy of Photo ID — with candidate's signature on it
- Two passport photographs — identical to the one uploaded, with name and Registration Number on the back
Additional for Specific Categories
| Category | Additional Document |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | NCL certificate dated within the current financial year |
| SC/ST | Caste certificate |
| EWS | Income and asset certificate |
| PwD | Disability certificate |
| Ex-Servicemen | Discharge certificate |
Prelims Exam Day: What to Expect
SBI PO Prelims is a 60-minute online test with three sections under sectional timing:
| Section | Questions | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 20 min | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20 min | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 20 min | 35 |
Timeline at the Centre
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 60 min before exam | Gate opens |
| 45 min before exam | Document verification begins |
| 20 min before exam | Candidates seated at terminals |
| 10 min before exam | Login credentials activated, demo test |
| Exam time | Test begins |
| +60 minutes | Test auto-submits |
Key Points
Sectional timing is strict. Unlike UPSC or SSC where you have full flexibility, SBI PO locks you into 20 minutes per section. Once time for a section expires, you cannot revisit it. Manage your time ruthlessly within each section. No rough paper is provided at some centres. SBI provides a rough sheet/booklet for calculations. You must return it after the exam. Using your own paper is not allowed. Biometric verification happens at entry. Fingerprint and photograph are captured. Cooperate with the process — it protects you against impersonation.Mains Exam Day: Additional Considerations
SBI PO Mains is significantly longer and more demanding:
| Section | Questions | Time | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 min | 60 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 45 min | 60 |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 35 min | 40 |
| English Language | 35 | 40 min | 40 |
| Total Objective | 155 | 180 min | 200 |
| Descriptive Test (English) | 2 | 30 min | 50 |
Handling Admit Card Errors
Name mismatch: SBI allows minor corrections through the "Edit" option during specific windows. If the edit window has closed, carry multiple IDs and explain the discrepancy to the centre superintendent. Wrong centre: SBI does not change centres after allotment. You must attend the assigned centre. If the centre is genuinely inaccessible (natural disaster, security issue), SBI may announce alternate arrangements through their website. Unable to download: Try clearing cache, using incognito mode, or switching browsers. SBI's website works best on Chrome. If the issue persists, visit your nearest SBI branch and request assistance — branch staff can sometimes help escalate technical issues.Interview Call Letter
If you clear both Prelims and Mains, you receive an interview call letter. This is downloaded from the same portal. The interview is conducted at designated SBI centres (usually SBI Local Head Office or Training Centre in your zone).
The interview call letter specifies:
- Interview date and time
- Venue address
- Documents to bring (original certificates, marksheets, experience letters)
After the Exam: Preserving Your Admit Card
Keep your SBI PO admit card for at least 18 months. You will need it for:
- Checking Prelims and Mains results
- Downloading Mains admit card
- Interview call letter download
- Document verification
- Joining formalities (some branches ask for it)
Save a digital copy alongside the physical printout. SBI's career portal removes old links after the recruitment cycle ends.
For SBI PO admit card release updates, photo-sign upload window alerts, and direct download links, visit sarkarinaukri.in. We track SBI recruitment notifications closely and publish updates as soon as they are available.