SBI Exam Pattern 2025: Check PO, Clerk & SO Exam Pattern Here

The number of papers in SBI exam are different for different posts. SBI Clerk prelims exam carries three papers and total marks allotted to the test are 100. SBI Clerk mains exam carries four papers and carries a total of 200 marks. SBI PO prelims exam carries three papers. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. SBI PO mains exam carries both objective and descriptive tests. The total marks allotted to the test are 250.

The duration of SBI exam is different for different stages of selection. The duration of the prelims exam is one hour for SBI PO and Clerk exam. The duration of the mains exam is two hours for SBI Clerk exam and 3 hours 30 minutes for mains exam. There are also sectional timings in SBI exam.

The examination authority decides category-wise SBI PO cut off marks to select candidates for the subsequent rounds of selection process. There is no sectional cut off marks. However, candidates need to secure the overall cut off marks as per their categories. There are no qualifying marks in SBI PO exam. Candidates need to secure the cut off marks in the exam as per their category. The question paper of SBI PO is made available in both English and Hindi. Candidates can choose the language of the question paper as per their convenience. The cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam.

The exam pattern is divided into prelims exam, mains exam, psychometric test, interview and group exercises. 

SBI Clerk exam comprises prelims and Mains exams. The prelims exam comprises three sections-English, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. A total of 100 questions are asked in the exam. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the Mains exam. The Mains exam comprises four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The test paper will have a total of 190 questions. The total marks for the test are 200. The marks obtained in the Mains exam are counted for the final merit list. 

The prelims and Mains exams of SBI Clerk are conducted online. The prelims and Mains exams are conducted in multiple shifts. The prelims exam is conducted in four shifts whereas the Mains exam is conducted in two shifts. The shift timings are given below: Prelims Exam Shift 1- 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM Shift 2- 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Shift 3: 12:30 PM to 12:30 PM Shift 4: 04:30 PM to 04:30 PM Mains Exam Shift 1: 9 AM to 11.40 AM Shift 2: 2.30 PM to 5.10 PM The exam pattern of SBI Clerk is divided into prelims and Mains exams. The marks obtained in the Mains exam are not counted for the final merit list. The prelims exam of SBI Clerk carries 100 questions whereas the Mains exam carries 190 questions.

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) exam primarily as an online computer-based test (CBT). This modern approach to testing allows for a standardized and efficient assessment process. In the CBT format, candidates are presented with questions on a computer screen and submit their answers electronically within the exam’s duration. The online mode ensures a fair testing environment, with consistent question delivery and timing mechanisms across all test centers. It also facilitates quick processing of results and a more eco-friendly alternative to paper-based exams. For certain positions, the selection process may include shortlisting based on qualifications and experience, followed by an interview, rather than an online test. This methodical and transparent approach to recruitment reflects SBI’s commitment to selecting the best candidates for specialist roles in the banking sector.

The State Bank of India (SBI) Specialist Officer (SO) exam is conducted once annually. This frequency ensures that the bank can systematically manage the recruitment process for various specialist categories, aligning with its staffing needs and organizational planning. The SBI SO exam is part of the bank’s larger recruitment strategy, which includes other positions such as Probationary Officers (PO) and Clerks. Each year, the bank releases a notification detailing the vacancies, eligibility criteria, and other relevant information for the SO exam. Candidates aspiring to join SBI in a specialist capacity should keep an eye out for the official announcement and prepare accordingly. The annual schedule allows ample time for candidates to prepare and aligns with the bank’s structured approach to inducting new talent into its specialised roles.

The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Final selection of candidates is done based on the Mains exam and group exercises and interview. Out of 100, the weightage of marks given to the Mains exam are 75. The weightage of marks given to the interview and group discussion are 25. The merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Mains exam, group exercuses and interview.

SBI exam pattern is prescribed by the State Bank of India. SBI exam pattern is different for different posts. SBI Clerk exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam and mains exam. SBI PO exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam, mains exam, psychometric test, interview and group exercises. There is no interview for SBI Clerk posts. 

SBI CBO Exam Pattern is divided into Computer Based Test (CBT), Descriptive Test and Interview. Candidates can check the detailed CBO Exam Pattern in the table below.

CBT Exam

Candidates can check SBI CBO Exam Pattern for CBT in the table below.

Sections	No of Questions	Max Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	30 mins
Banking Knowledge	40	40	40 mins
General Awareness/Economy	30	30	30 mins
Computer Aptitude	20	20	20 mins
Total	120	120	2 hours

Descriptive Test

Candidates can check SBI CBO Exam Pattern for Descriptive Test in the table below.

Topics	No of Questions	Max Marks	Duration
Letter Writing	01	25	30 mins
Essay-250 words on banking related	01	25
Total	02	50	30 mins

No, SBI follows a similar SBI Clerk exam pattern for different states. SBI Clerk exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam, Mains exam and language proficiency test. The prelims and Mains exams are conducted online. The prelims exam carries three sections-English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The Mains exam is conducted for the qualified candidates of the prelims exam. The Mains exam carries four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the test are 200. Candidates qualifying the Mains exam are called for language proficiency. It is mandatory to clear the language proficiency test.

Generally, the SBI PO exam is considered to be moderately difficult due to its comprehensive syllabus and challenging questions. However, with thorough preparation, practice, and dedication, many candidates are able to successfully crack the exam. The difficulty level of the SBI Clerk exam is usually easy to moderate.

State Bank of India conducts exams such as SBI PO, SBI Clerk and SBI SO. SBI PO exam is conducted to select candidates for the posts of Probationary Officers. SBI Clerk exam is conducted to select candidates for the posts of Junior Associates and Management Trainees in SBI. SBI SO exam is conducted to select candidates for the posts of Specialist Officers in SBI.

 

The preliminary exam of SBI PO comprises the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. Total marks allotted to the test are 100. The duration of the test is 60 minutes. The prelims exam is only conducted to screen candidates for the Mains exam. The marks obtained in this stage are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the mains exam. The structure of SBI PO prelims exam pattern is given below.

Subject	Number of Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	40	100	20 Minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	30		20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability	30		20 Minutes
Total	100		1 Hour

 

The minimum marks to crack the SBI SO exam isn't disclosed yet by the governing committee. It depends on the level of competition and the number of vacancies they have. Based on these, after the examination is over, the committee decides the cut-off level and sends notifications to the qualifying candidates informing them of further procedures. There are no sectional cut off marks in SBI SO exam. Candidates need to secure the overall cut off marks as per their categories in the exam. The marks of candidate are calculated as per the marking scheme. The marking scheme is given below:

• There is SBI SO negative marking for wrong answers, one-fourth of marks assigned to a particular question in the objective test are deducted as a penalty to arrive at the corrected scores.
• If a question is left blank, there will be no penalty for that question.
• For correct answers, candidates score one mark.