The SBI PO 2025 selection process is your gateway to one of India’s most prestigious banking jobs. With intense competition (only 600 vacancies this year! ), understanding the three-stage selection Prelims, Mains, and Interview—is crucial.
This guide breaks down exam patterns, syllabus, cutoffs, and insider tips to help you strategize. Whether you’re a first-timer or a retaker, we’ll cover real-life success stories, expert strategies, and common pitfalls to avoid. Let’s dive in!
SBI PO 2025 📌
Key Point | Details |
---|---|
Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
Exam Name | SBI PO 2025 |
Vacancies | 600 (SC: 87, ST: 57, OBC: 158, EWS: 58, UR: 240) |
Stages | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
Prelims Marks | 100 (Qualifying) |
Mains Marks | 250 (Objective: 200 + Descriptive: 50) |
Interview Marks | 50 (GD: 20, PI: 30) |
Negative Marking | -0.25 for wrong answers |
Official Website | www.sbi.co.in/careers |
SBI PO Selection Process 2025
1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims) 📝
The first hurdle is the Prelims, a 1-hour online test with 100 MCQs. Here’s the breakdown:
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 mins |
Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
🔹 Pro Tip: “Speed and accuracy are key—practice sectional timing to avoid last-minute rush.” – Banking Coach, Rahul Mehta .
🔹 Real-Life Example: Priya, a 2024 qualifier, skipped tough Quant questions first, securing 28/30 in Reasoning to clear Prelims.
2. Mains Exam (The Real Deal) 🎯
Only top 20x candidates per vacancy move to Mains . This 3.5-hour test has:
A. Objective Test (200 Marks)
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
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 hrs |
B. Descriptive Test (50 Marks)
- Letter & Essay Writing (30 mins)
🔹 Expert Insight: “Banking Awareness is scoring—read RBI bulletins monthly.” – CareerPower Mentor .
3. Interview & Final Selection 🎤
The last stage combines:
- Group Discussion (20 marks)
- Personal Interview (30 marks)
🔹 Common PI Questions:
- Why banking?
- Explain RBI’s monetary policy.
- Your thoughts on digital banking frauds.
Final merit is based on Mains (75%) + Interview (25%) .
Changes in SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern 🔄
SBI tweaked the pattern this year:
Change | Old Pattern | 2025 Update |
---|---|---|
Prelims English Qs | 30 | 40 |
Mains Objective Qs | 155 | 170 |
Basic Pay | ₹41,960 | ₹48,480 |
How to Crack SBI PO 2025 🏆
Study Plan Table
Day | Task |
---|---|
Monday | Quant: Data Interpretation + Mock Test |
Tuesday | Reasoning: Puzzles + Previous Year Papers |
Wednesday | English: Comprehension + Grammar Drills |
Thursday | Banking Awareness + Current Affairs |
Friday | Full-Length Mock Test + Analysis |
🔹 Success Story: Rohan improved his score by 40% in 3 months by daily sectional tests .
Final Thoughts
The SBI PO 2025 selection process is tough but crackable with the right plan. Focus on weak areas, time management, and mock tests. Bookmark this guide, and start prepping today.
Shreya Reddy is a freelance writer specializing in exam results and admit cards. With a background in Psychology and 4+ years of experience, Shreya enjoys creating informative content for students. She loves reading novels.