SBI PO Exam Structure for 2025: Explore Preliminary and Main Exam Composition, Scoring Method, and Time Allotted
The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced the selection process for the Probationary Officers (PO) positions in 2025. The process is designed to fill 541 vacancies and consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview.
Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
The Prelims exam is an online screening test with a total of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks. The test duration is 1 hour, divided into three sections: English Language (40 questions, 20 minutes), Quantitative Aptitude (30 questions, 20 minutes), and Reasoning Ability (30 questions, 20 minutes). Each question carries 1 mark, and there is negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. Candidates roughly 10 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted to the Mains stage.
Main Exam (Mains)
The Mains exam carries a total of 250 marks and consists of two parts: Objective Test and Descriptive Test. The Objective Test has 200 questions across four sections, totaling 200 marks. The exact sectional distribution of questions includes English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and General/Economy/Banking Awareness. The total duration for the objective test is 3 hours.
The Descriptive Test follows the Objective Test and is conducted online. It comprises 2 questions (Letter Writing and Essay) for 50 marks, with a 30-minute duration. This tests English writing skills. Negative marking in the Mains Exam's Objective Test is also 0.25 marks per wrong answer.
Interview and Group Discussion
After clearing the Mains exam, candidates undergo Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview (PI), which together carry 50 marks (20 for GD and 30 for PI). There is also a psychometric test, which is qualifying in nature and whose results are shared with the interview panel.
Final Merit List
The marks secured in the Main Examination (Phase-II) will be added to the marks secured in Phase-III for the final merit list preparation. The normalization of marks for the Main Examination (written Test) (objective & descriptive) is 75, for Group Exercise & Interview is 25, and for the total is 100. The final merit list will be prepared after aggregating (out of 100) converted marks of Phase-II and Phase-III.
It is important to note that achieving minimum qualifying marks in each subject is required in the SBI PO Mains exam. Candidates numbering up to 3 times (approx.) of the category-wise vacancies will be called to appear for Phase-III after the Mains exam.
Detailed information on the SBI PO Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme can be found on the provided page. Aspirants numbering 10 times (approx.) of the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination after the Prelims.
The SBI PO selection process is a rigorous one, designed to find the most qualified candidates for the Probationary Officers positions. Candidates are advised to prepare thoroughly for each stage of the process.
In the SBI PO selection process, the Prelims exam includes three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, all relating to finance and business. For the Mains exam, sections like Data Analysis & Interpretation and General/Economy/Banking Awareness are part of the objective test, demonstrating knowledge necessary for business and finance. Additionally, education-and-self-development is essential, as the Descriptive Test evaluates English writing skills.
