SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus – The SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus has undergone important changes that every aspirant must be aware of. The State Bank of India (SBI) has revised its exam structure to ensure a more comprehensive assessment of candidates aspiring for the Probationary Officer (PO) role. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the updated exam pattern, syllabus, preparation strategy, best books, and expert tips to help candidates excel in their journey.
SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Prelims Sections | English, Quant, Reasoning |
| Mains Sections | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis, General Awareness, English |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 per wrong answer) |
| Final Selection Ratio | 75% Mains, 25% Interview |
| Vacancies (Expected) | 2000+ |
| Salary Range | Rs. 41,960 – Rs. 63,840 + Perks |
| Official Website | SBI Official Website |
The SBI PO 2025 exam is highly competitive, but with strategic preparation, success is achievable. Understanding the exam pattern, syllabus, and preparation strategy is crucial for maximizing scores. Stay updated with official announcements, refer to the best books, and practice consistently for the best results.
SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern
1. Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test comprising three sections:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
- Marking Scheme: 1 mark per correct answer; 0.25 negative marking per incorrect answer.
- Qualifying in nature: Prelims scores are not counted in the final merit list.
2. Main Examination (Mains)
The Mains Exam includes both objective and descriptive components.
Objective Test
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 mins |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 mins |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 180 mins |
Descriptive Test
- Essay and Letter Writing
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 mins
- Mode: Online typing
Key Takeaways:
- Each section has a fixed time limit.
- Negative marking: 0.25 per wrong answer in the objective test.
- No sectional cut-off, but overall merit-based selection.
3. Interview & Group Exercise
Candidates qualifying the Mains are called for Interview & Group Discussion, which carries 50 marks:
- Group Discussion (GD): 20 marks
- Interview: 30 marks
- Final Merit: Mains (75%) + Interview (25%)
SBI PO 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus is divided into different sections based on Prelims and Mains.
Preliminary Exam Syllabus
1. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Work, etc.)
3. Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Syllogism
- Direction Sense
- Alphanumeric Series
Mains Exam Syllabus
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Internet & Networking Basics
- MS Office & Shortcuts
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Graphs & Charts (Pie, Bar, Line)
- Data Sufficiency
- Caselet DI
- Permutation & Combination
- Probability
3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Static GK
4. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Word Association
- Error Detection
Best Books for SBI PO 2025 Preparation
- English: “High School English Grammar” by Wren & Martin
- Quantitative Aptitude: “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Aggarwal
- Reasoning: “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey
- General Awareness: “Banking Awareness” by Arihant Publications
Expert Tips for SBI PO Success
- Time Management: Practice mock tests to improve accuracy.
- Daily Reading: Read newspapers to stay updated on current affairs.
- Conceptual Clarity: Focus on fundamentals before shortcuts.
- Mock Test Analysis: Identify weak areas and improve.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam – Date, Syllabus & Expert Tips to Crack It!
SBI PO Phase I Exam Schedule 2025 – Check Dates & Timings Now!
FAQs
1. What is the age limit for SBI PO 2025?
Candidates must be between 21 to 30 years. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
2. How many attempts are allowed?
- General: 4
- OBC: 7
- SC/ST: No limit
3. Is there negative marking?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted per incorrect answer.
4. What is the salary of an SBI PO?
The starting salary is Rs. 41,960/- per month, excluding perks and allowances.
5. Can final-year students apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they produce proof of graduation before the final selection.
