The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Aspiring candidates preparing for the SBI PO 2025 must be well-acquainted with the latest exam pattern and syllabus to succeed in this competitive journey. This blog provides an in-depth analysis of the updated SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus for 2025.
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The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Aspiring candidates preparing for the SBI PO 2025 must be well-acquainted with the latest exam pattern and syllabus to succeed in this competitive journey. This blog provides an in-depth analysis of the updated SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus for 2025.
Overview of the SBI PO Exam 2025
The SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages:
Preliminary Exam (Phase I)
Main Exam (Phase II)
Group Exercise and Interview (Phase III)
Each stage is designed to test different skills, from quantitative aptitude and reasoning to decision-making and communication.
SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern
1. Preliminary Exam (Phase I)
The preliminary exam serves as the first stage of the selection process. The pattern is as follows:
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
The exam is objective in nature.
There is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Candidates must clear the sectional as well as overall cut-offs to qualify for the Main Exam.
2. Main Exam (Phase II)
The main exam comprises both objective and descriptive tests:
Objective Test:
| Section | Number of 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 | 35 | 40 | 40 mins |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hrs |
Descriptive Test:
Comprises 2 questions (Letter Writing and Essay).
Total Marks: 50
Duration: 30 minutes
3. Group Exercise and Interview (Phase III)
Group Exercise: 20 Marks
Interview: 30 Marks
Total Marks: 50
Note: The final merit list is prepared based on the scores in the Main Exam (both objective and descriptive) and Phase III.
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SBI PO 2025 Syllabus
The syllabus is divided according to the sections in the exam. Here’s a detailed look:
1. English Language
Reading Comprehension
Cloze Test
Para Jumbles
Error Detection
Sentence Improvement
Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases)
2. Quantitative Aptitude
Simplification/Approximation
Number Series
Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
Quadratic Equations
Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, etc.)
3. Reasoning Ability
Puzzles
Seating Arrangement
Syllogism
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Inequalities
Logical Reasoning
4. Data Analysis & Interpretation
Data Sufficiency
Caselets
Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs
Probability and Permutation-Combination
5. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
Current Affairs (Last 6 months)
Banking Terms & Abbreviations
Financial Awareness
Indian Economy
Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Important Dates, etc.)
6. Computer Aptitude
Basics of Hardware and Software
Internet & Networking
MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
Shortcuts & Troubleshooting
Tips to Prepare for SBI PO Exam 2025
Understand the Syllabus: Start by comprehensively understanding each section and its weightage.
Time Management: Practice solving questions within the stipulated time to improve speed and accuracy.
Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to evaluate your preparation and identify weak areas.
Current Affairs: Stay updated with daily news and events, especially related to banking and finance.
Conceptual Clarity: Focus on strengthening your basics, especially in quantitative aptitude and reasoning.
Revise Regularly: Make short notes for quick revision, especially for static GK and formulas.
Conclusion
The SBI PO 2025 exam is a golden opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the banking sector. With the right strategy and consistent effort, cracking this exam is achievable. Familiarize yourself with the updated exam pattern and syllabus, and start your preparation today. Best of luck!
