The SBI PO selection process is highly competitive, with thousands of aspirants vying for limited vacancies. To crack it, you need a clear roadmap understanding each stage, from Prelims to the final interview.
This guide breaks down the 2025 selection process, including exam patterns, syllabus, cutoffs, and expert tips to help you strategize effectively. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or a repeat contender, this step-by-step breakdown will give you the edge you need.
SBI PO 2025 🏆
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Conducted | National-level PO recruitment |
| Selection Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
| Total Vacancies (2025) | Approx. 600 |
| Prelims Marks | 100 (Qualifying only) |
| Mains Marks | 250 (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Interview Marks | 50 (GD + Personal Interview) |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for wrong answers |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in/careers |
SBI PO Selection Process 2025🎯
The SBI PO recruitment follows a three-phase elimination process:
- Preliminary Exam (Online)
- Mains Exam (Online + Descriptive)
- Group Discussion & Interview
Let’s dive into each stage.
Stage 1: SBI PO Prelims Exam (Qualifying Only) 📝
The Prelims is your first hurdle—a 60-minute screening test with 100 MCQs. Here’s the breakdown:
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
🔹 Key Notes:
- No sectional cut-off, but overall cutoff applies.
- 1/4th negative marking for wrong answers.
- Top 10x candidates per vacancy move to Mains .
Stage 2: SBI PO Mains Exam (High-Weightage Round) 📊
The Mains exam is tougher, testing banking knowledge, reasoning, and writing skills.
A. Objective Test (200 Marks)
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 mins |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 mins |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 mins |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
B. Descriptive Test (50 Marks)
- Letter Writing & Essay (30 minutes)
🔹 Key Notes:
- Sectional cutoffs apply—you must clear each section.
- Descriptive paper evaluated only if objective test is cleared .
Stage 3: GD & Interview (Final Elimination Round) 🎙️
Candidates who clear Mains face a Psychometric Test, Group Discussion (20 marks), and Interview (30 marks).
🔹 Common Interview Questions:
✔ “Why do you want to join SBI?”
✔ “Explain RBI’s monetary policy.”
✔ “How would you handle an angry customer?”
🔹 Final Merit Calculation:
| Component | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mains Exam | 250 | 75% |
| GD + Interview | 50 | 25% |
| Total | 300 | 100% |
SBI PO 2025 Exam Dates & Important Deadlines 🗓️
Here’s the tentative schedule based on past trends:
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | April 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card | May 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | June 2025 |
| Mains Admit Card | July 2025 |
| Mains Exam | August 2025 |
| Interview Calls | September 2025 |
| Final Result | October 2025 |
🔹 Pro Tip: Bookmark SBI’s official careers page for updates .
SBI PO 2025 Syllabus📚
Prelims Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Cloze Test |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Data Interpretation, Algebra |
| Reasoning | Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding |
Mains Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Input-Output, Blood Relations, Networking |
| Data Analysis | Caselets, Probability, Data Sufficiency |
| Banking Awareness | RBI Policies, Current Economy, Financial Terms |
| English (Descriptive) | Essay, Formal/Informal Letters |
🔹 Expert Tip: Focus on banking current affairs—they dominate Mains .
Final Thoughts 💡
- Master Speed & Accuracy – Prelims is a race against time.
- Practice Descriptive Writing – Avoid last-minute cramming.
- Stay Updated on Banking News – Follow Economic Times, RBI bulletins.
- Mock Interviews Matter – Record yourself answering common questions.
🚀 Ready to ace SBI PO 2025? Start prepping today—your banking career awaits!