Table of Content +
The SBI PO Exam 2025 is conducted in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview/Group Discussion. The prelims are a qualifying stage and does not count towards the final selection, while the mains and interview scores are used to prepare the final merit list. The exam is designed to assess a candidate's aptitude, reasoning ability, communication skills, and overall awareness. The Mains exam includes both objective and descriptive sections, making it essential for candidates to focus on written as well as analytical skills.
- The prelims exam has three sections: English language, quantitative aptitude, and reasoning ability. It carries a total of 100 marks and must be completed in 1 hour. This stage is qualifying only and does not count towards final selection.
- The Mains Exam is divided into two parts: an objective test of 200 marks and a descriptive test of 50 marks (essay and letter writing). The total duration is 3.5 hours.
- Candidates who qualify the Mains move on to the final stage, which includes a group discussion (20 marks) and a personal interview (30 marks).
- The final selection is based on combined scores from the Mains Exam (75% weightage) and the GD/Interview (25% weightage).
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025
The SBI PO Notification 2025 outlines the selection process for SBI PO which consists of three stages. Each stage evaluates different skills and knowledge areas. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains Exam and Interview. Below is an overview of the revised SBI Probationary Officer Exam Pattern.
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims) – Online Test
- Main Exam (Mains) – Online Test (Objective & Descriptive)
- Interview & Group Discussion
| Exam Stages | Mode | Type | Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Prelims | Online | Objective (MCQs) | 100 | 1 Hour |
| Mains | Online | Objective + Descriptive | 250 | 3.5 Hours |
| Interview & GD | Offline | Personal Interview & Group Exercise | 50 | Varies |
Attempt SBI PO Mock Test for Mains
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Prelims Exam is the first stage of the selection process. It consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Check the SBI PO Syllabus for more details on the topics covered in the exam. The exam is conducted online, and candidates must qualify in each section to advance to the Mains Exam.
- The exam is objective type (MCQs).
- The exam duration is 60 minutes.
- Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted for the final selection.
| S.No. | Name of Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|
| 1 | English Language | 40 | 40 |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Enroll in SBI PO Online Coaching
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 has been revised this year. The SBI PO Mains Exam will be held for 250 marks, in which 200 marks are for the objective paper and 50 marks are for the descriptive paper. Check the revised SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern below.
- The objective test has a total of 170 questions, carrying 200 marks.
- The descriptive test is 30 minutes long, with 2 questions (essay & letter writing) for 50 marks.
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks deducted for incorrect answers in the objective test.
- The marks obtained in the Mains Exam are considered for final selection.
SBI PO Mains Exam Structure
The SBI PO Mains 2025 exam consists of four sections—Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language—carrying a total of 170 questions for 200 marks to be attempted in 3 hours. Each section has a separate time limit, and candidates must manage their time accordingly during the exam.
| S. No. | Name of Test | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|
| I | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| II | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| III | General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| IV | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
SBI PO Descriptive Test Structure
The SBI PO Mains 2025 also includes a descriptive test conducted immediately after the objective test. It carries 50 marks and must be completed in 30 minutes. Candidates are required to write an essay and a letter to assess their English writing skills.
| Test | Skills Assessed | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|
| Communication Skills | Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, & Precis Writing | 50 | 30 minutes |
SBI PO Interview & Group Discussion Pattern
Candidates who clear the Mains Exam are called for the interview and group discussion round.
- The group discussion (GD) carries 20 marks.
- The personal interview carries 30 marks.
- The final selection is based on Mains (75% weightage) and Interview (25% weightage).
| Stage | Maximum Marks |
|---|
| Group Exercise | 20 |
| Personal Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
SBI PO Marking Scheme and Sectional Timing 2025
The SBI PO exam not only follows a multi-phase structure but also has a specific marking scheme and sectional time limits, especially in the Mains stage. In the objective papers of both Prelims and Mains, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer, which makes accuracy just as important as speed. Additionally, in the Mains exam, each section has a separate time limit, and candidates cannot switch between sections during the allotted time. Understanding the marking scheme and sectional timing is crucial for time management and scoring effectively in the exam.
Complete Selection Process for SBI PO 2025
Check the complete SBI PO selection process below:
- The SBI PO prelims exam is qualifying in nature and its marks are not counted for final selection.
- The SBI PO mains exam and Interview/GD carry a combined weightage of 250 marks (Mains) + 50 marks (Interview).
- A merit list is prepared based on the total marks obtained in Mains and Interview/GD.
- Candidates ranking high in the merit list are selected for the SBI PO position.
Solve SBI PO Previous Years Paper
