SBI PO Syllabus 2025 has been released on the official website along with the SBI PO official notification PDF. The State Bank of India has released 541 vacancies for Probationary Officer (PO) posts. The SBI PO 2025 exam selection process consists of three phases, including Prelims, Mains, and Interview. In the SBI PO Prelims syllabus 2025, the topics that will be covered are Reasoning, Quantitative, and English, and for Mains are Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. Candidates will get all topics related to prelims and mains in the SBI Exam PO Syllabus 2025. In this blog, we are providing the SBI PO Syllabus 2025 Exam Pattern, including Prelims and Mains topic-wise detailed syllabus.
SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 (Prelims + Mains)
To crack the SBI PO 2025 exam, understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is the first step. The exam is conducted in three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Below is the combined syllabus and exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains to help you prepare smartly and strategically.
Quick Comparison Table
Stage | Type | Qs/Marks | Duration | Weighting |
Prelims | MCQ | 100 / 100 | 60 min | Qualifying only (cut-off based) |
Mains Obj. | MCQ | 170 / 200 | 3 hr | Weighted in final merit |
Mains Desc. | Descriptive | — / 50 | 30 min | Weighted in final merit |
Interview/GD | Viva + GD | — / 50 | — | Weighted in final merit |
Total | — | — / 300 | — | — |
SBI PO Syllabus 2025: Overview
The State Bank of India conducts the SBI PO exam each year to recruit candidates for the position of Probationary Officer (PO). This year, the State Bank of India has announced 541 Vacancies for the SBI PO 2025 Exam. Interested candidates can review the exam pattern and SBI PO Exam syllabus to familiarise themselves with the types of questions that will come in the SBI PO 2025 Exam.
SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025 Overview | |
Particular | Details |
Conducting Body Name | State Bank Of India |
Exam Name | SBI PO 2025 |
Exam Mode | Online |
Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
Vacancy | 541 |
Selection Process | Phase 1: Prelims Phase 2: Mains (Objective Test + Descriptive Test) Phase 3: Psychometric Test + Group Exercise + Personal Interview |
SBI Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
Syllabus of SBI PO 2025: Important Topics
The SBI PO 2025 Syllabus are designed to assess candidates on their reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, English language skills, and general awareness. The recruitment process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview/Group Exercise. The Prelims will have three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Candidates clearing the cut-off will appear for the Mains, which includes Objective Tests on Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. Candidates can check the SBI PO 2025 prelims and mains detailed syllabus in the article below.

SBI PO Selection Process 2025
Before diving into the syllabus, it’s important to understand the structure of the SBI PO exam, which is conducted in three stages:
- Phase 1: Preliminary Exam (Online)
- Phase 2: Mains Exam (Online) – Objective Test and Descriptive Test
- Phase 3: A Psychometric test, Group Exercise, and Interview
Note: Each stage plays an important role in the final selection of candidates, and a solid grasp of the syllabus is essential for effective preparation. The Prelims exam is qualifying. The final selection will be based on the marks obtained in Phase 2 and Phase 3.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025
The SBI PO exam includes two objective-type online tests: Prelims and Mains, followed by a Descriptive Test and an Interview round. Here’s the complete exam pattern for both stages:
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
- Each section is timed for 20 minutes.
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
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 |
Objective Total | 170 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Descriptive Test (Letter + Essay) | 3 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
- Negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer in the objective test.
- The descriptive test is evaluated only if the candidate clears the objective section.

SBI PO Syllabus 2025 in Detail
The syllabus of SBI PO Prelims and Mains is mostly similar in subjects but differs in difficulty level and depth. Below is the combined topic-wise syllabus for each section:
SBI PO English Language Syllabus (Prelims + Mains)
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Sentence Completion
- Phrase Replacement
- Para Jumbles & Completion
- Connectors
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Grammar: Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Adjective, Adverb, Preposition, Conjunction, Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses
- Vocabulary Usage
SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude / Data Interpretation Syllabus (Prelims + Mains)
- Number Series (Missing/Wrong)
- Simplification & Approximation
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Interpretation: Table, Line, Bar, Pie, Radar, Caselet, Missing DI, Let-it DI
- Data Sufficiency
- Arithmetic Topics:
- Percentages, Profit and Loss
- Averages, Ratios, and Proportions
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Speed & Distance (Trains, Boats)
- Time & Work (Pipes and Cisterns)
- Age Problems, Partnership
- Mensuration
- Probability, Permutation & Combination
- Quantity Comparison
- Number System
- Vedic Math
- Percentages, Profit and Loss
SBI PO Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude Syllabus (Prelims + Mains)
- Puzzles: Box, Floor, Schedule, Grid, Matrix, Mixed
- Seating Arrangements: Linear, Circular, Parallel, Complex
- Syllogisms (Only, Only Few, Reverse, Coded, Table)
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Ranking (All Coded Types)
- Alphanumeric Series
- Input-Output
- Inequalities (Coded & Normal)
- Data Sufficiency
- Computer Aptitude (Logic-based questions embedded in reasoning)

SBI PO General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness Syllabus (Mains Only)
- Indian Banking History
- RBI & Monetary Policy
- Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank, etc.)
- Payment Systems in India
- ATMs, Cheques, Bank Accounts
- Capital Market & Money Market Instruments
- Shares, Debentures, Bonds
- Priority Sector Lending (PSL)
- Banking Terms and Risks
- Static GK (related to Banking)
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Budget & Economic Survey Highlights
Descriptive Test (Mains Only)
- Letter Writing: Formal/Informal
- Essay Writing: Topics related to the economy, banking, technology, or current issues
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus 2025
The SBI PO Descriptive Paper is 30 minutes in duration, with two questions for 50 marks, will be a Test of English Language (Format: Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis and Precis Writing).
SBI PO Descriptive Paper Syllabus (50 Marks)
Candidates must practice writing Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, and Precis Writing on current affairs, banking and economy, or general social issues. Topics can include:
- Banking & Finance (Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion, Inflation, RBI Policies)
- Social Issues (Education, Women Empowerment, Unemployment)
- Technology (AI, Cybersecurity, Internet Banking)
- Environmental Issues (Climate Change, Pollution, Renewable Energy)
Preparation Tips
- Read newspapers and editorials to improve writing skills.
- Practice essays on trending topics.
- Maintain proper structure and clarity in format.
- Learn the format of Email, Precis, Report, and Situational Analysis writing.
- Use professional and concise language for formal writing.
The SBI PO final merit list is made based on marks obtained by a candidate in his/ her main exam and interview process.
SBI PO GD and Interview Syllabus 2025
The SBI PO Group Discussion (GD) and Interview round is the final stage of the selection process. This stage assesses candidates on their communication skills, general awareness, personality, and decision-making ability. Below, we have provided the details related to the Group Discussion and Interview process. Candidates must check these details to avoid any mistakes.
SBI PO Group Discussion (GD) Syllabus
Candidates will be given a topic to discuss in a group. Topics may be based on:
- Current Affairs (Economic, Social, and Political Issues)
- Banking & Financial Topics (RBI Policies, Digital Banking, Inflation, etc.)
- Government Schemes & Policies (PM Awas Yojana, Atmanirbhar Bharat, etc.)
- Social Issues (Women Empowerment, Unemployment, Climate Change)
- Business & Economy (FDI, Startups, Stock Market Trends)
SBI PO Personal Interview (PI) Syllabus
The interview panel evaluates candidates on:
- Personal & Educational Background
- Banking & Financial Awareness (Recent trends in banking, RBI regulations, Digital Payments)
- Current Affairs & General Awareness
- Situational & Behavioural Questions (Leadership, Decision-making, Ethical Dilemmas)
- Knowledge about SBI & Its Policies (History, Functions, Digital Initiatives)
Key Points to be noted:
- The Group Exercise is of 20 marks and 30 marks will be allotted for the Interview.
- Candidates qualifying for Group Exercises and Interviews under the ‘OBC’ category would be required to submit an OBC certificate containing the ‘Non-Creamy Layer’ clause.
- Candidates should score a minimum qualifying mark in this phase to be considered for final selection.
- The ratio of marks considered for mains and interview marks is 75:25 for final selection. Hence, students cannot take this section lightly.
SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF Download
It is very important to thoroughly understand its complete syllabus to prepare well for the SBI PO Exam 2025. Candidates who want to clear the exam in their first attempt should cover both the Prelims and Mains syllabi together. Many candidates focus only on the Prelims. After the Prelims exam, they do not have enough time to prepare for the main exam. Therefore, candidates should cover both syllabi and focus more on the Prelims. Along with this, they need to make sure that they dedicate sufficient time to all the important topics (for both Prelims and Mains). The SBI PO Exam 2025 tests students’ knowledge through sections like English language proficiency, reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. Candidates should refer to the Previous Years’ Question Papers so that they can understand what type of questions appear in each subject.
SBI PO Final Selection 2025
Below, we have provided the factors on which the SBI PO final selection 2025 depends.
- Marks from the preliminary exam: The marks from the preliminary exam (Phase-1) are not taken into account when making the final decision.
- Eligibility: In order to be considered for the final selection, candidates must pass both Phase 2 (the main exam) and Phase 3 (the group exercises and interview) independently.
- Score Calculation: A score of 75 is derived from the marks (out of 250) obtained in the SBI PO Mains Exam.
A score out of 25 is calculated using the group exercises and interview marks (out of 50).
Out of 100 is the total score (Mains + GD/PI). - Final Merit List: The final merit list for each category is created using the total score out of 100. The candidates in each category who have the highest merit rank are chosen.
SBI PO Marking Scheme 2025
The SBI PO 2025 exam follows a specific marking scheme for both the Preliminary, Mains, and Interview stages. In the Preliminary Exam, each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. Unattempted questions carry no marks. In the Mains Exam, marks vary by section, with negative marking of 0.25 for wrong answers in objective sections. The Descriptive Paper is evaluated separately. Final selection considers only the Mains (objective + descriptive) and interview scores.
Note: Preliminary scores are not included in the final merit list. Accuracy and time management are crucial for success.
SBI PO Minimum Qualifying Score in Mains Exam
- Category-wise merit list will be drawn based on the aggregate marks scored in the Main Examination.
- Candidates numbering up to 3 times (approx.) of the category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for Phase-III from the top of the category-wise merit list, subject to a candidate scoring the minimum aggregate qualifying score, as decided by the Bank.
SBI PO Normalised Marks after Phase 1 and Phase 2
The marks obtained by the candidates in Phase-II (Main Examination both Objective & Descriptive Tests) and Phase-III (Group Exercise & Interview) will be normalized to 100 marks as detailed below.
Test | Main Examination (written Test) (objective & descriptive) | Group Exercise & Interview | Total |
Maximum Marks | 250 | 50 | 300 |
Normalized Marks | 75 | 25 | 100 |
Note:
The final merit list is arrived at after aggregating (out of 100) converted marks of Phase-II and Phase-III. Selection will be made from the top merit ranked candidates in each category.
How to Prepare with SBI PO 2025 Syllabus?
To prepare for SBI PO 2025, start by understanding the updated syllabus for Prelims and Mains. Focus on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English for Prelims. For Mains, include General/Economic Awareness, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and Descriptive English. Practice mock tests regularly and analyze your performance to improve weak areas. Use standard books like RS Aggarwal for Quant and SP Bakshi for English. Read newspapers daily for current affairs and banking awareness. Allocate time wisely and revise concepts frequently. Stay updated with any syllabus changes through the official SBI website. Consistent practice and smart strategy are key to success.
Here we are sharing some tips for the SBI PO 2025 Exam. Candidates, check and follow these tips:
- Candidates should prepare for each section. Start preparing first for the subjects that are big and difficult, so that at the end of the day you have to do revisions only.
- Read daily newspapers, and we provide articles in the vocabulary section. Candidates read this article and clear their basic knowledge
- Candidates give SBI PO Mock Tests daily and enhance their preparation, find out their weaknesses, and work on them.
- Candidates should solve the previous year’s question paper and know the important topics of the SBI PO.
- Candidates should make a study plan for SBI PO preparation and follow it day by day.
Best Books to Cover the SBI PO Notification 2025 Syllabus
Preparing for the SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam requires a good strategy and the right set of books. The exam is divided into Prelims, Mains, and an Interview, so your book list should cover Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, General Awareness, and Descriptive Writing. Here’s a breakdown of the best books to cover the SBI PO syllabus:
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus Preparation Books
1. Quantitative Aptitude
- “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal
- “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma
- “Magical Book on Quicker Maths” by M. Tyra (for shortcut tricks)
2. Reasoning Ability
- “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey
3. English Language
- “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis (vocabulary building)
- Editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express (reading practice)
- Daily Editorial vocabulary by PracticeMock
SBI PO Mains Syllabus Preparation Books
Mains include tougher versions of Prelims sections + General Awareness and Descriptive English.
4. Data Interpretation & Analysis
- “Data Interpretation Decoded” by PracticeMock Blogs.
- “How to Prepare for Data Interpretation” by Arun Sharma
5. General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- “Banking Awareness” by Arihant Publications
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge” (for static GK)
- Monthly Current Affairs PDFs (PracticeMock)
6. Descriptive Writing
- “Descriptive English” by S.P. Bakshi & Richa Sharma (Arihant)
- Practice essays and letters on trending topics from Practicemock Blogs.

Conclusion
The above blog covers a detailed syllabus for the SBI PO exam. The candidates must refer to the syllabus, which will help them in planning their preparation. Practice through mock tests and topic tests on our PracticeMock Platform. The preparation tips and best books for the SBI PO preparation are provided in the blog above. Remember that there is a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO Mains exam. And also, there is sectional timing in both the prelims and the mains exam. Therefore, the candidates must focus on preparing effectively through time-bound tests.
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FAQs
The SBI PO syllabus for Prelims and Mains exams is almost similar, except for an additional section on General and Banking Awareness in the Mains exam.
To prepare for the SBI PO exam, you need to follow a systematic study plan. For more information on candidates, check our blogs.
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both the Prelims and Mains exams of SBI PO.
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