Aspiring to become an SBI Probationary Officer (PO) in 2025? You’re in the right place! The SBI PO exam is one of the most competitive banking exams in India, with lakhs of applicants every year. Understanding the SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern is crucial to crack it. This guide breaks down the Prelims and Mains syllabus, key changes (if any), and expert-recommended strategies. Whether you’re starting fresh or revising, this updated 2025 syllabus will help you plan better. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights 🚀
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Name | SBI Probationary Officer (PO) 2025 |
| Exam Levels | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Prelims Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Mains Mode | Online (CBT) + Descriptive Test |
| Total Vacancies | ~2000+ (Expected) |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Interview → Final Merit |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims & Mains 📝
The SBI PO exam has three stages:
- Preliminary Exam (Qualifying)
- Mains Exam (Scoring)
- Interview & Group Exercise (Final Selection)
1. SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims is a 100-mark screening test with three sections:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
🔹 Negative Marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
🔹 Cut-off: Sectional + Overall.
2. SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains is 250 marks + Descriptive Test (50 marks).
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 mins |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 mins |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 (Letter & Essay) | 50 | 30 mins |
| Total | 155 | 250 | 3 Hours |
🔹 Interview (20 Marks): The final stage assesses personality & communication.
Detailed SBI PO Syllabus 2025 📖
1. Prelims Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms) |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number Series, Simplification, Data Interpretation, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Algebra |
| Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Inequality |
2. Mains Syllabus
| Section | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Input-Output, Internet Terms, Hardware/Software, Logical Reasoning, Machine Input |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Bar/Line Graphs, Probability, Caselets, Data Sufficiency, Time & Distance |
| General Awareness | Banking Terms, RBI Policies, Current Affairs (Last 6 Months), Govt Schemes |
| English (Descriptive) | Essay (Banking/Economy), Formal & Informal Letters, Precis Writing |
Expert Tips to Crack SBI PO 2025 🎯
- Prioritize Weak Areas First – Focus more on Quantitative Aptitude if calculations slow you down.
- Mock Tests Daily – Experts like Vivek Gupta (Banking Mentor) suggest 3-4 mocks/week for speed & accuracy.
- Current Affairs – Follow Economic Times & RBI Bulletins for banking updates.
- Time Management – Spend 8-10 mins per puzzle in Reasoning to avoid delays.
Changes in SBI PO 2025 Syllabus (If Any) 🔄
While the core syllabus remains similar, SBI may tweak:
- Increased Weightage to Banking Awareness (due to recent RBI reforms).
- More Caselet DIs in Mains (as per last year’s trend).
Stay tuned to SBI’s official notifications for updates!
Recommended Books & Resources 📚
| Subject | Best Books |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic – Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal |
| English | Word Power Made Easy – Norman Lewis |
| General Awareness | Banking Awareness – Arihant |
🔹 Free Resources: Oliveboard, Gradeup (for daily quizzes).
Final Thoughts
The SBI PO 2025 exam demands smart preparation over hard work alone. Stick to the syllabus, revise daily, and analyze mock tests to improve. With the right strategy, you can ace it!
