IntrIntroduction
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most prestigious banking exams in India. This article outlines the exam pattern, eligibility criteria and preparation tips for SBI PO 2025.
Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: 100 multiple-choice questions across three sections: English Language (30 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions) and Reasoning Ability (35 questions). The total duration is 1 hour, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Mains: An objective test and a descriptive test. The objective test is divided into four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks, 60 minutes), Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes), General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks, 35 minutes) and English Language (35 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes). After the objective test, a 30‑minute descriptive test requires candidates to write an essay and a letter for a total of 50 marks. Wrong answers attract negative marking.
- Group Exercise & Interview: Candidates who qualify the mains are called for group exercises and an interview totalling 50 marks.
Eligibility:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years as of 1 April 2025. Age relaxations apply: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and up to 15 years for PwD candidates.
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Final-year students can apply if they provide proof of passing by the time of the interview.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries.
- Number of Attempts: General candidates can attempt the SBI PO exam a maximum of four times; OBC candidates have seven attempts; SC/ST candidates have no restriction.
Preparation Tips:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarise yourself with the pattern and syllabus for each stage – Prelims, Mains and the interview.
- Strengthen Concepts: Build a solid foundation in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English and data interpretation using standard books and resources.
- Practise Mock Tests: Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, and carefully review solutions to identify mistakes.
- Read Newspapers: Improve general awareness and vocabulary by reading newspapers and following banking and economic news.
- Solve Previous Papers: Analyse previous SBI PO papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
- Time Management: Develop strategies to allocate time across sections and practise under timed conditions.
- Prepare for GD & Interview: Practise group discussions, work on communication skills and stay updated with current affairs to excel in the final stage.
“The future depends on what you do today.” — Mahatma Gandhi
FAQs:
How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?
General category candidates have 4 attempts; OBC 7 attempts; SC/ST unlimited.
Is there negative marking in SBI PO?
Yes. In both Prelims and Mains objective tests, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the eligibility for SBI PO 2025?
Candidates must be graduates aged 21–30 (age relaxations apply) and meet nationality criteria.
Conclusion:
SBI PO is a competitive exam requiring dedicated preparation. By mastering the exam pattern, focusing on conceptual clarity, practising mock tests, staying updated with current affairs and preparing for the interview stage, you can improve your chances of selection. Explore our mock tests and resources to support your SBI PO preparation.oduction
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most prestigious banking exams in India. This article outlines the exam pattern, eligibility criteria and preparation tips for SBI PO 2025.
Exam Pattern:
- Prelims: 100 multiple-choice questions across three sections: English Language (30 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions) and Reasoning Ability (35 questions). The total duration is 1 hour, and 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.
- Mains: An objective test and a descriptive test. The objective test is divided into four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks, 60 minutes), Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes), General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks, 35 minutes) and English Language (35 questions, 40 marks, 40 minutes). After the objective test, a 30‑minute descriptive test requires candidates to write an essay and a letter for a total of 50 marks. Wrong answers attract negative marking.
- Group Exercise & Interview: Candidates who qualify the mains are called for group exercises and an interview totalling 50 marks.
Eligibility:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years as of 1 April 2025. Age relaxations apply: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC and up to 15 years for PwD candidates.
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification. Final‑year students can apply if they provide proof of passing by the time of the interview.
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens or subjects of Nepal/Bhutan, Tibetan refugees or persons of Indian origin who migrated from specified countries.
- Number of Attempts: General candidates can attempt the SBI PO exam a maximum of four times; OBC candidates have seven attempts; SC/ST candidates have no restriction.
Preparation Tips:
- Understand the Exam Structure: Familiarise yourself with the pattern and syllabus for each stage – Prelims, Mains and the interview.
- Strengthen Concepts: Build a solid foundation in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English and data interpretation using standard books and resources.
- Practise Mock Tests: Attempt sectional and full-length mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, and carefully review solutions to identify mistakes.
- Read Newspapers: Improve general awareness and vocabulary by reading newspapers and following banking and economic news.
- Solve Previous Papers: Analyse previous SBI PO papers to understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
- Time Management: Develop strategies to allocate time across sections and practise under timed conditions.
- Prepare for GD & Interview: Practise group discussions, work on communication skills and stay updated with current affairs to excel in the final stage.
“The future depends on what you do today.” — Mahatma Gandhi
FAQs:
How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?
General category candidates have 4 attempts; OBC 7 attempts; SC/ST unlimited.
Is there negative marking in SBI PO?
Yes. In both Prelims and Mains objective tests, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the eligibility for SBI PO 2025?
Candidates must be graduates aged 21–30 (age relaxations apply) and meet nationality criteria.
Conclusion:
SBI PO is a competitive exam requiring dedicated preparation. By mastering the exam pattern, focusing on conceptual clarity, practising mock tests, staying updated with current affairs and preparing for the interview stage, you can improve your chances of selection. Explore our mock tests and resources to support your SBI PO preparation.