The SBI PO 2025 exam is a national-level banking test organized by the State Bank of India to hire Probationary Officers (PO) for its branches. It is among the most competitive banking exams in India, with thousands of candidates applying every year. The recruitment process consists of three phases: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview/Group Discussion. Successful candidates at all levels are recruited as Probationary Officers in SBI, serving a probation period before being appointed as permanent employees. The test checks the candidates' competence in subjects like English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. The mains exam also consists of a descriptive paper to evaluate writing abilities. SBI PO provides a high-paying job with a competitive remuneration, security of job, and career prospects in the banking industry. Candidates need to concentrate on a systematic preparation plan, such as mock tests, current affairs information, and concept study to boost their chances of success.

Mains Exam

Descriptive Paper

Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for incorrect answers in objective sections.

Preliminary Exam Syllabus

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Sentence Correction
• Fill in the Blanks
• Para Jumbles
• Error Detection
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Idioms & Phrases

Quantitative Aptitude

• Number Series
• Simplification & Approximation
• Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Table)
• Quadratic Equations
• Profit & Loss
• Percentage & Ratio
• Time & Work
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Probability

Reasoning Ability

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
• Syllogism
• Blood Relations
• Coding-Decoding
• Direction Sense
• Alphanumeric Series
• Input-Output
• Inequality

Mains Exam Syllabus

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

• Logical Reasoning
• Statement & Assumptions
• Course of Action
• Coded Inequalities
• Machine Input-Output
• Syllogism
• Blood Relations
• Computer Fundamentals
• Networking & Internet Basics
• MS Office & Shortcut Keys

Data Analysis & Interpretation

• Pie Charts
• Bar Graphs
• Tabular & Caselet DI
• Data Sufficiency
• Probability & Permutations
• Mensuration

General/Economic/Banking Awareness

• Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
• Banking & Financial Awareness
• Economic Updates & Budget
• RBI & Banking Regulations
• Government Schemes & Policies

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Sentence Improvement
• Vocabulary Based Questions
• Cloze Test
• Grammar-Based Error Detection

Descriptive Paper

• Essay Writing (Banking & Economic Topics, Social Issues)
• Letter Writing (Formal & Informal)

Preliminary Exam

Date: 8th, 16th, and 24th March 2025

Mode of Examination: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Mains Exam

Date: April/May 2025 (Exact dates to be announced)

Mode of Examination: Online (Computer-Based Test)

Interview/Group Discussions

Date: June 2025 (Expected)

Mode: In-person

Steps to Download the Admit Card

1. Go to the official SBI website.
2. Click on the "Careers" option.
3. Search for the SBI PO 2025 Admit Card link under recent announcements.
4. Provide your registration number and date of birth/password.
5. Enter the details and your admit card will be shown.
6. Verify all details carefully and download the admit card.
7. Take a printout for future use.

Answer Key

The SBI PO 2025 answer key is published once the exam is completed. It contains correct answers to all the questions, allowing candidates to assess their performance. The answer key is released for both the preliminary and main exams, enabling candidates to estimate their marks before the final results are published.

Assessing the Answer Key

Candidates should carefully compare their answers with the official answer key. Accuracy should be verified, and the approximate score should be estimated based on the marking scheme. Negative marking should be taken into account for a realistic score calculation.

Challenging the Answer Key

If discrepancies are found in the answer key, candidates may be allowed to challenge it. The conducting body typically provides an objection window where candidates must submit valid evidence supporting their claims. A nominal processing fee may be charged per objection. If an objection is found valid, corrections are made before the final answer key is published.

All dates related to these activities are yet to be released. Please check the official website for updates.

Final Answer Key

The final answer key is released after considering all objections against the provisional key. Once the review process is complete, the final key is published with correct responses to all questions. No further objections are entertained, and this key is used for result calculation.

Result Calculation

The SBI PO 2025 score is computed based on the marking scheme set by the State Bank of India. Marks are awarded for correct answers and deducted for incorrect responses as per the negative marking policy. The final merit list is prepared based on candidates' performance in both preliminary and main exams, with the main exam serving as the primary selection criterion.

The SBI Clerk 2025 exam analysis contains information about difficulty level, trends in questions, and overall expectation of performance. The initial examination typically has three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Referring to historical trends, the examination is mostly of easy to moderate difficulty and the Quantitative and Reasoning sections take somewhat more time to attempt. The English section would normally be straightforward but can consist of tricky reading comprehension questions.
The major exam tests a wider scope of subjects, such as General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude. The difficulty level is also different, with General Awareness sometimes proving to be a game-saver for aspirants. Moderate to high-level difficulty may be present in some sections, with a need for strong conceptual understanding and good time management.
Generally, the SBI Clerk examination is prepared to examine speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills. Those candidates who attempt a reasonable number of questions accurately stand a better chance of getting through. Cut-off marks are based on the overall level of difficulty, number of candidates, and positions available for the recruitment process.

Exam Preparation Strategy

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus to identify key topics.
• Practice regularly with mock tests and previous years' papers for time management.
• Focus on speed and accuracy, especially in the Quantitative and Reasoning sections.
• Strengthen calculation skills, number series, and data interpretation for Quantitative Aptitude.
• Improve logical reasoning skills by practicing puzzles, seating arrangements, and syllogisms.
• Enhance English proficiency with reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary exercises.
• Stay updated with current affairs, banking, and economic news for General/Financial Awareness.
• Take daily quizzes, sectional tests, and revise short notes for better retention.
• Follow a structured study plan and maintain consistency in preparation.
• Stay confident, manage stress, and approach the exam with a positive mindset.

Best Books for Preparation

• Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
• Reasoning Ability: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
• English Language: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
• General/Financial Awareness: Manorama Yearbook and Lucent’s General Knowledge
• Banking Awareness: Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
• Computer Aptitude: Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant Publications
• Mock Tests & Previous Papers: SBI Clerk Prelims & Mains Solved Papers by Arihant Experts or Kiran’s Previous Year Papers