The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) examination annually, attracting numerous aspirants aiming for a prestigious banking career. Understanding the updated syllabus and exam pattern for 2025 is crucial for effective preparation. This article provides a comprehensive guide to the SBI PO 2025 exam, including an overview, detailed syllabus breakdown, and frequently asked questions.
SBI PO Exam 2025 📝
- Exam Conducting Body: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Post: Probationary Officer (PO)
- Selection Process:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Psychometric Test
- Interview
- Prelims Exam Date: 8th and 15th March 2025
- Mains Exam Date: April/May 2025
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer in objective tests
- Official Website: sbi.co.in
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 🏆
The SBI PO selection process comprises three main stages:
- Preliminary Examination: A qualifying test to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
- Main Examination: Includes both objective and descriptive tests to assess candidates’ in-depth knowledge.
- Psychometric Test and Interview: Evaluates candidates’ personality and suitability for the role.
Preliminary Examination Pattern 📊
- Total Duration: 1 hour
- Sections:
- English Language: 40 questions, 40 marks, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes
- Reasoning Ability: 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes
Note: There is no sectional cut-off in the Preliminary Examination. However, an overall cut-off is applied.
Main Examination Pattern 📚
- Total Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Objective Test:
- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude: 40 questions, 60 marks, 50 minutes
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness: 50 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- English Language: 50 questions, 60 marks, 40 minutes
- Descriptive Test:
- Letter Writing and Essay: 2 questions, 50 marks, 30 minutes
Note: There is a sectional cut-off in the Main Examination.
Detailed Syllabus for SBI PO 2025 📖
Preliminary Examination Syllabus 📘
1. English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Series
- Simplification/Approximation
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Average
3. Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Inequalities
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
Main Examination Syllabus 📗
1. Reasoning and Computer Aptitude:
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
- Sitting Arrangement
- Puzzles
- Computer Fundamentals
- Internet and Networking
- MS Office
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- Tabular Graph
- Line Graph
- Pie Chart
- Bar Graph
- Radar Graph
- Caselet
- Data Sufficiency
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
- Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs
- General Knowledge
- Static Awareness
- Banking and
Financial Awareness:
- Recent banking and financial sector news
- Important banking terms
- RBI and monetary policies
Current Affairs:
- National and international news
- Government schemes and policies
- Economic developments
Static Awareness:
- Important national and international organizations
- Capital and currencies
- Awards and honors
Banking and Financial Sector Awareness:
- History of banking in India
- Banking regulations and laws
- Digital banking and fintech developments
4. English Language:
- Reading comprehension
- Sentence improvement
- Vocabulary-based questions (synonyms, antonyms)
- Cloze test
- Para jumbles
- Error spotting
- Fill in the blanks
5. Descriptive Paper:
- Letter Writing: Formal and informal letters
- Essay Writing: Topics related to banking, economy, current affairs, and social issues
Final Selection Process 🎯
After clearing the Mains exam, candidates must undergo:
- Psychometric Test: Conducted to assess candidates’ leadership, personality traits, and decision-making abilities.
- Group Exercise & Interview:
- Group Discussion (GD) on current issues
- Personal Interview (PI) to test communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and banking awareness
The final merit list is prepared based on the Mains and Interview performance.
Preparation Tips for SBI PO 2025 📚
- Understand the syllabus: Focus on important topics from previous years.
- Practice mock tests: Time management is crucial, so solve sectional and full-length mock tests regularly.
- Read newspapers daily: Improves general awareness and vocabulary.
- Revise concepts: Strengthen weak areas by revisiting topics multiple times.
- Improve speed and accuracy: Solve previous years’ papers to get a better idea of question patterns.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Follow financial news and banking updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
1. Is there negative marking in SBI PO 2025?
Yes, a penalty of 0.25 marks is deducted for each incorrect answer in the Prelims and Mains Objective Test. However, there is no negative marking for the Descriptive Paper.
2. How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?
The number of attempts varies based on category:
- General: 4 attempts
- OBC: 7 attempts
- SC/ST: No limit
3. What is the salary of an SBI PO?
The basic pay for an SBI PO is ₹41,960/- (with increments), along with allowances like DA, HRA, and performance-based incentives.
For official details, visit: sbi.co.in
