SBI PO Selection Process 2025: Prelims, Mains, Interview Stages

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 PointDetails
Organization NameState Bank of India (SBI)
Exam NameSBI PO 2025
Vacancies600 (SC: 87, ST: 57, OBC: 158, EWS: 58, UR: 240)
StagesPrelims → Mains → Interview
Prelims Marks100 (Qualifying)
Mains Marks250 (Objective: 200 + Descriptive: 50)
Interview Marks50 (GD: 20, PI: 30)
Negative Marking-0.25 for wrong answers
Official Websitewww.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:

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
English Language404020 mins
Quantitative Aptitude303020 mins
Reasoning Ability303020 mins
Total10010060 mins

🔹 Pro Tip: “Speed and accuracy are key—practice sectional timing to avoid last-minute rush.” – Banking Coach, Rahul Mehta .

See also  SBI SO Salary 2025: Grade-wise Pay, Benefits, and Career Growth

🔹 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)

SectionQuestionsMarksTime
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude406050 mins
Data Analysis & Interpretation306045 mins
General/Economy/Banking Awareness606045 mins
English Language402040 mins
Total1702003 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:

ChangeOld Pattern2025 Update
Prelims English Qs3040
Mains Objective Qs155170
Basic Pay₹41,960₹48,480

How to Crack SBI PO 2025 🏆

Study Plan Table

DayTask
MondayQuant: Data Interpretation + Mock Test
TuesdayReasoning: Puzzles + Previous Year Papers
WednesdayEnglish: Comprehension + Grammar Drills
ThursdayBanking Awareness + Current Affairs
FridayFull-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.

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