SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 for Prelims & Mains
State Bank of India Probationary Officer Exam 2025 ( SBI PO )
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025: State Bank of India (SBI) has revised SBI PO exam pattern 2025. According to the SBI PO exam pattern 2025, the prelims exam comprises three sections- English, Quant and Reasoning, and the total marks allotted to the test are 100. The mains exam pattern of SBI PO comprises both an objective and a descriptive-type test of 250 marks.
The Phase III comprises a psychometric test, group exercises, and interview. The psychometric test is a qualifying test in nature.The interview and group exercises carry 50 marks. Besides, candidates must go through the SBI PO syllabus to understand the topics and subtopics prescribed for the exam. Read below for more details on the SBI PO exam pattern 2025.
- SBI PO Revised Exam Pattern 2025
- SBI PO Marks Normalisation
- SBI PO Syllabus
- SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
SBI PO Revised Exam Pattern 2025
Before beginning with the SBI PO preparation, candidates must go through SBI PO exam pattern. To clear all the stages of SBI PO 2025, candidates must be well-versed with the SBI PO exam pattern. As the competition is high, it is not a cup of tea to clear the exam unless candidates have prepared for it well. Thus, prior knowledge of SBI PO exam pattern is essential as it gives candidates a platform to start their preparation efficiently. Last year, SBI revised the exam pattern of SBI PO.
SBI PO Exam Pattern Highlights
Candidates can check below some of the important highlights of SBI PO.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam stages | Phase-I: Prelims Phase II: Mains Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercises and Interview |
| Exam Mode | Prelims: Online (Objective type) Mains: Online (Objective type and descriptive type) |
| Number of sections | Prelims: Three Mains: Four |
| Exam duration | Prelims: One hour Mains: 3 hours 30 minutes |
| Number of questions | Prelims: 100 questions Mains: 170 questions |
| Negative marks | -0.25 |
| Language of question paper | English and Hindi |
Changes in SBI PO Exam
SBI PO is a national-level exam, and every year, a lot of aspirants fill out the application form. It is seen that only a handful of them can qualify for the final selection. Candidates must get familiar with the SBI PO exam pattern before beginning with the preparation. This year, SBI has announced changes in the SBI PO exam pattern. The revised exam pattern of SBI PO is given below:
- SBI will conduct a Psychometric Test in Phase III of the SBI PO exam
- The Psychometric Test will be conducted for personality profiling of candidates shortlisted for the Phase 3 exam
- The performance of candidates will be provided to the interview panel
- There are no marks allotted to the Psychometric Test
- The interview and group exercise will be conducted in a face-to-face manner
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
SBI PO exam pattern for prelims comprises 100 objective questions of 100 marks. The duration of SBI PO exam is one hour. The test comprises three sections with separate timings for each section. The marks obtained by candidates in the prelims exam will not be counted for the final merit list. For the correct answers, candidates will score one mark while 0.25 marks will be deducted for wrong answers. On the basis of SBI PO result of the prelims exam, candidates 10 times the number of vacancies will be selected for the mains exam. Candidates can check the structure of the SBI PO prelims exam pattern.
| 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 |
Also Read: SBI PO cutoff marks
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
SBI PO exam pattern for the mains exam is such that the paper contains both objective and subjective questions for a total of 250 marks. The test paper will have a total of 170 questions. Candidates need to complete the paper within 3.5 hours. The objective tests consist of four sections and have separate timings for every section. The Descriptive Test is a test of English Language where candidates will be asked to write a Letter Writing & Essay. According to the official website, "The descriptive paper of only those candidates will be evaluated who have scored the minimum marks required to qualify the objective test and are placed sufficiently high as per total marks in the objective test." The marks obtained in the mains exam will be considered for the final merit list. Candidates upto three times the category-wise number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Phase 3 exam. The structure of the SBI PO exam pattern for mains is given below:
| Subject |
Number of Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Objective Test |
|||
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
40 |
60 |
50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
30 |
60 |
45 Minutes |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness |
60 |
60 |
45 Minutes |
| English Language |
40 |
20 |
40 Minutes |
| Subjective/ Descriptive Test |
|||
| English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) |
2 |
50 |
30 Minutes |
| Total |
157 |
250 |
3.5 Hours |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 for Phase III
Candidates who clear both the prelims and mains exams of SBI PO are called for the Phase III, which comprises a psychometric test, interview and Group Exercises. The bank may conduct a psychometric test for personality profiling of those candidates who will be shortlisted for Phase 3 exam. Findings of the test may be placed before the Interview panel for a thorough perspective on the candidates. In interview and group exercises, candidates are required to face a panel where they are asked questions on their past work experiences (If any), educational background, and questions related to General Knowledge related to the banking sector. The total marks allotted to interview are 50. The interview carries 30 marks while group exercises comprise 20 marks. Candidates are required to score a minimum qualifying mark in Phase III to be considered for final selection. The weightage of marks given to Interview and Group Exercises & Interview is given below.
| Test Structure | Group Exercise | Interview | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum Marks |
20 |
30 |
50 |
Commonly asked questions
The exam pattern is divided into prelims exam, mains exam, psychometric test, interview and group exercises.
SBI PO Marks Normalisation
SBI PO normalised scores are calculated based on the following process:
- The raw scores of all candidates are calculated based on the number of questions answered correctly in each section of the exam
- The raw scores are then converted to scaled scores using a statistical process called equating. This ensures that the difficulty level of the exam remains consistent across different test administrations
- The scaled scores are used to determine the final scores of the candidates, which are used for selection and ranking purposes
SBI PO Marking Scheme
Candidates can check below the SBI PO marking scheme:
- There is SBI PO negative marking for wrong answers, one-fourth marks assigned to a particular question in the objective test are deducted as penalty to arrive at the corrected scores
- There is no SBI PO negative marking for the subjective part of the mains exam
- If a question is left blank, there will be no penalty for that question
- For correct answers, candidates score one mark
SBI PO Exam Duration
SBI PO exam duration for the prelims exam is 60 minutes. The exam duration for the mains exam is 3.5 hours. There are also sectional timings for SBI PO exam.
SBI PO Paper Duration for Prelims
| Subject | Duration |
|---|---|
| English Language |
20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude |
20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability |
20 Minutes |
| Total |
1 Hour |
SBI PO Paper Duration for Mains
| Subject |
Duration |
|---|---|
| Objective Test |
|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
60 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation |
45 Minutes |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness |
35 Minutes |
| English Language |
40 Minutes |
| Subjective Test |
|
| English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) |
30 Minutes |
| Total |
3.5 Hours |
Get the Top Score in DI and Logical Reasoning section of Competitive Entrance Exams with Expert Prep Tips
Click HereCommonly asked questions
Yes, there are sectional timings in SBI PO prelims and Mains exam. To answer each section in the prelims exam, candidates get 20 minutes. For descriptive test, candidates get 30 minutes. The duration of the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude is 50 minutes, Data Analysis & Interpretation is 45 minutes, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness is 45 minutes and English Language section is 40 minutes.
SBI PO Syllabus
SBI PO syllabus highlights the topics and subtopics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. SBI PO prelims syllabus comprises topics from Reasoning Ability, English Language and Quantitative Aptitude. SBI PO Mains syllabus comprises topics from Reasoning Ability, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness and Computer Aptitude. The important topics for SBI PO exam are given below:
- Reasoning Ability: Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output and many more.
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting, etc.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices, Time & Distance, Work & Time, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Data Interpretation, Number Systems, etc.
- General Awareness: Financial Awareness, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Static Awareness, Banking and Financial Awareness
- Computer Aptitude: Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies, Networking, Operating System, Basic of Logic Gates, etc.
Commonly asked questions
In the Reasoning section of SBI PO candidates can cover Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, etc. To score good marks in this section, candidates should practice previous years' question papers and mock tests. Candidates can also practice sudoku and different types of puzzles. This will help me to solve the questions in Reasoning easily. Candidates can follow the tips given below to prepare the Reasoning section of SBI PO:
- Cramming does not work for the Reasoning section of SBI PO. Questions are purely logic-based. Practice SBI PO previous year’s question papers as possible to improve the logic-building ability
- Candidates must start with reading and understanding concepts of the Reasoning topics. Once candidates are able to understand the basics behind each topic, divert the focus on both speed and accuracy
- Solving questions within time limit is important. Candidates must identify the best way to solve questions keeping in mind both speed and accuracy
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Candidates can check below SBI PO exam pattern 2025 FAQs.
Commonly asked questions
SBI PO Mains exam comprises both objective and descriptive type tests. The objective test consists of four sections and the descriptive test comprises English Language (Letter Writing & Essay). The total marks allotted to the Mains exam are 250. The duration of the test is 3.5 hours. The objective section carries questions from Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness and English Language. The subjective section carries questions from English Language (Letter Writing & Essay). The test paper carries a total of 157 questions. The structure of SBI PO mains exam is given below.
Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
Objective Test | |||
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 Minutes |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
Subjective/ Descriptive Test | |||
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
Total | 157 | 250 | 3.5 Hours |
The prelims and mains exams of SBI PO are conducted online. The prelims exam of SBI PO carries a total of 100 marks. The mains exam of SBI PO carries 250 marks. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the mains exam. However, the marks of the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the mains exam.
SBI has introduced a Psychometric Test in Phase III of SBI PO exam pattern. The psychometric test is personality profiing of candidates who are selected for Phase III of SBI PO exam. The result of the psychometric test is placed before the interview panel so that they have full understanding of the candidates. SBI PO Psychometric Test determine whether a candidate is psychologically qualified for the position of the banker. The test basically assess logical reasoning, job-specific aptitude, position-specific attributes, personality type, stress management, and much more.
Click here to read more on SBI PO Psychometric Test
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.
There are no section-wise marks in SBI PO exam. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. However, there are section-wise marks in the Mains exam.
The distribution of questions in SBI PO Mains exam is given below.
Subject | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Objective Test | |||
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 Minutes |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 Minutes |
Subjective/ Descriptive Test | |||
English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
Total | 157 | 250 | 3.5 Hours |
Yes, there are sectional timings in SBI PO prelims and Mains exam. To answer each section in the prelims exam, candidates get 20 minutes. For descriptive test, candidates get 30 minutes. The duration of the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude is 50 minutes, Data Analysis & Interpretation is 45 minutes, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness is 45 minutes and English Language section is 40 minutes.
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 |
After candidates undergo interview, a merit list is prepared by SBI based on the marks obtained in the Mains exam and interview. Based on the final SBI PO cutoff marks and available vacancies, candidates are offered letter of appointment for the post of Probationary Officer. 75 per cent weightage marks of the SBI PO Mains exam (out of 250 marks) and 25 per cent weightage marks of Group Exercise and Interview (out of 50 marks) will be considered. To compile the final merit list the aggregate scores (out of 100) will be calculated.
SBI PO Exam Pattern: Weightage of marks
The weightage of marks given to the Mains exam and interview & group exercises are given below.
| Test | Main Exam | Group Exercise & Interview | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Marks | 250 | 50 | 300 |
Normalized Marks | 75 | 25 | 100 |
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 PO normalisation is not grace marks. The normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the question papers across various sessions. This process is followed since the exam is conducted in multiple shifts. The difficulty levels of the question papers are different.
In the Quantitative Aptitude section of SBI PO exam, candidates can focus on Simplification, Number Systems, Data Interpretation, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Sequence and Series etc. The Quant section assess the candidate's calculative ability. The best way to prepare this section is going through the previous years question papers and learning the shortcut tricks. The tips and tricks to crack SBI PO Quant section are given below:
- Candidates must find out the important topics for Quantitative Aptitude section by analysing the previous year question papers
- Candidates must learn the shortcut tricks for solving questions
- Candidates must practice the previous years’ question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
- Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
The important topics for SBI PO English Language are Reading Comprehension, Cloze test, fill in the blanks, spotting the error, etc. To prepare for this section, candidates should clear their concepts of grammar and vocabulary.
SBI PO Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
You can prepare for SBI PO exam through self-study. However, to understand the techniques of solving questions it is always advised to take coaching.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
SBI PO prelims result 2025 was announced on September 1, 2025. The result was announced on the official website of SBI. The direct link to check the result is provided on this page. Candidates can check their results by logging with the required credentials.
C
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The distribution of questions in the Quant section of SBI PO 2025 prelims exam is given below.
| Topic | No. of Questions |
Pie chart DI (based on variable) | 6 |
Bar graph DI + Table DI (related graduate, post-graduate students in college) | 6 |
| Caselet DI | 5 |
| Quadratic equation | 3 |
| Arithmetic problems | 10 |
| Total | 30 |
J
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The distribution of questions in the prelims exam is given below.
| Topic | No. of Questions |
| Parallel row seating (single variable, 14 persons) | 5 |
| Circular seating (7 persons, double variable, inside facing) | 5 |
| Age puzzle (single variable) | 5 |
| Box puzzle (single variable) | 5 |
| Month-based puzzle | 5 |
| Syllogism | 3 |
Misc. Meaningful word - 1 Forward, backward -1 | 2 |
| Total | 30 |
R
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
SBI PO 2025 prelims good attempts refer to the number of questions attempted successfully by candidates. The number of good attempts is given below.
| Sections | Total Questions | Good Attempts |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 19-25 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 16-22 |
| English Language | 40 | 24-30 |
| Overall | 100 | 59-77 |
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The authority released the tentative dates for the SBI PO 2025 exam. The SBI PO prelims exam was conducted on August 4, 2025. The prelims exam of SBI PO comprises three sections-English, Quant and Reasoning. The total marks allotted to the test are 100.
S
Contributor-Level 6
Answered 2 months ago
SBI PO Mains cut off 2024 is given below.
| Category | Cutoff |
|---|---|
General | 87.5 |
OBC | 75 |
EWS | 87.5 |
SC | 75 |
ST | 75 |
LD | 75 |
VI | 75 |
HI | - |
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
SBI PO prelims cut off 2024 is given below.
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| UR | 61.75 |
| SC | 55 |
| ST | 49 |
| OBC | 60.50 |
| EWS | 60.25 |
| VI | 47.50 |
| HI | 19.75 |
| LD | 49.75 |
| D&E | 9.50 |
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
SBI PO exam dates 2025 were announced. SBI PO prelims exam was conducted on August 4, 2025. SBI PO Mains exam will be conducted on September 13, 2025. The Phase 3 exam will be conducted in October/November 2025.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 months ago
SBI PO admit card release dates have been announced. SBI PO prelims admit card was released on July 25, 2025. SBI PO Mains admit card was released on September 3, 2025. SBI PO Phase 3 admit card will be released in October/November 2025.
C
Contributor-Level 7
Upcoming Sarkari Exam Dates
Bihar STET Notification 2025 19 Sep '25 - 31 Oct '25
Can I prepare for SBI PO exam through self-study?