SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims & Mains
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) Exam 2025 is one of the most prestigious banking exams in India. Every year, lakhs of aspirants compete for this position, making it highly competitive. Understanding the exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains is crucial for effective preparation. Here’s a comprehensive guide covering all the details.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 – Overview
The selection process for SBI PO 2025 consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview
Candidates need to qualify at each stage to proceed to the next.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Preliminary Examination is an objective-type test conducted online. The exam consists of three sections:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Points:
- Each section is timed separately (20 minutes per section).
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
- The qualifying marks are decided by SBI based on the overall difficulty level.
- Scores in this phase are not counted for the final merit list; it is only qualifying in nature.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Mains Examination consists of both Objective & Descriptive tests. The detailed pattern is as follows:
| Objective Test (Online) | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
Descriptive Test
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing & Essay | 2 | 50 | 30 minutes |
Key Points:
- The Objective Test is timed separately for each section.
- The Descriptive Test is conducted immediately after the Objective Test.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers in the Objective Test.
- Marks obtained in Mains are considered for final selection.
Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview
Candidates who qualify for Mains will be called for the final stage, which includes:
| Round | Marks |
|---|---|
| Psychometric Test (Personality Assessment) | Qualifying Only |
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Final selection is based on Mains (75% weightage) + Interview & Group Exercise (25% weightage).
SBI PO 2025 Selection Process – Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Mains Exam and the Interview/Group Exercise. The Prelims score is not considered for final selection.
| Stage | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Mains Exam | 75% |
| Interview & Group Exercise | 25% |
| Final Score Calculation | 100% |
