The SBI PO 2025 exam is one of the most competitive banking exams in India, attracting lakhs of aspirants every year. If you’re gearing up for it, understanding the exam pattern is your first step to success. The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Interview, each with its own structure, marking scheme, and difficulty level.
This guide breaks down the SBI PO exam pattern 2025, covering sectional weightage, number of questions, duration, and negative marking. We’ll also share real-life preparation strategies from toppers and expert insights to help you crack the exam. Let’s dive in! 🚀
Key Highlights of SBI PO Exam 2025 🏆
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Name | SBI Probationary Officer (PO) 2025 |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains, Interview & GD |
| Total Vacancies | 600 PO posts |
| Prelims Total Marks | 100 (Objective) |
| Mains Total Marks | 250 (Objective + Descriptive) |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for wrong answers |
| Prelims Duration | 1 hour (20 mins per section) |
| Mains Duration | 3 hours 30 mins |
| Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 📋
The Prelims is the first hurdle, and it’s qualifying—meaning marks don’t count in the final merit list. But you must clear the cut-off to move to Mains.
Exam Structure
| Section | Questions | 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 Insights
- No sectional cut-off, but an overall cut-off applies .
- Speed matters! You get less than a minute per question—practice mock tests to improve accuracy.
- Negative marking (0.25) means blind guessing isn’t wise .
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 📊
The Mains is tougher, with objective + descriptive tests. Unlike Prelims, Mains marks count in the final selection.
Objective Test
| Section | Questions | 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 |
Descriptive Test
- 2 questions (Letter + Essay)
- 50 marks, 30 minutes
- Evaluated only if you clear the objective cut-off .
Expert Tips
- Banking Awareness is high-scoring—focus on RBI policies, economic surveys, and recent schemes.
- Computer Aptitude includes basics like networking, shortcuts, and MS Office—don’t ignore it! .
Interview & Final Selection 🎤
After Mains, shortlisted candidates face:
- Group Discussion (20 marks)
- Interview (30 marks)
- Psychometric Test (qualifying, no marks)
Final Merit Calculation
| Stage | Marks | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| Mains | 250 | 75% |
| Interview & GD | 50 | 25% |
| Total | 300 | 100% |
Pro Tip: Many toppers suggest reading newspapers daily (especially The Hindu’s business section) to ace the interview round.
Real-Life Preparation Strategy 🎯
Case Study: Rahul’s Success Story
Rahul, an SBI PO 2024 qualifier, shared his strategy:
- Prelims: Focused on speed—solved 30+ mock tests under timed conditions.
- Mains: Practiced 5-6 descriptive essays weekly to improve writing speed.
- Interview: Joined mock GD sessions to build confidence.
Expert Advice
- Quant: Master Data Interpretation (DI)—it’s 30% of Quant in Mains .
- Reasoning: Puzzles & Seating Arrangements are highly repeated—practice 2-3 sets daily .
Common Mistakes to Avoid ❌
- Ignoring Sectional Timing → Stuck on one section? Move on!
- Underestimating Banking Awareness → 10-12 questions come from recent updates .
- Skipping Mock Tests → Real-time practice boosts speed & accuracy.
By now, you should have a clear roadmap for SBI PO 2025. Stick to a disciplined study plan, practice daily, and stay updated with current affairs. Best of luck! 🌟
(Need a detailed topic-wise syllabus breakdown? Check out our SBI PO Syllabus 2025 guide!)
Tanvi Reddy is a creative writer specializing in exam notifications and admit cards. With a degree in Journalism and 4+ years of experience, Tanvi loves crafting engaging content for students. She enjoys exploring new cuisines.
