The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO exam to recruit Probationary Officers (POs). The exam is divided into three main stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Interview. The Preliminary Exam has three sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains Exam consists of multiple sections, including Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
Below is a detailed breakdown of the SBI PO Syllabus 2024.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 [Revised]
The preliminary and mains phases of the online exam are administered by State Bank of India (SBI). Only those applicants who pass both phases will be allowed to go to the interview stage. In the objective test, there will be a 0.25 mark deduction for each wrong response. Here is a discussion of the SBI PO Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern 2025.
| SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2025 | ||||
| S.No. | Name of Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour | |
| SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2025 | ||||
| S.No. | Name of Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| 2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 3 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours | |
| Descriptive Test | — | 50 | 30 minutes | |
| Grand Total | 250 | |||
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024-25
The topics covered in the SBI PO Preliminary Exam are:
SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus
- Simplification and Approximation
- Profit and Loss
- Mixtures and Alligations
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Work and Time
- Sequence and Series
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Surds & Indices
- Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
- Time & Distance
- Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar Graph, Pie Charts, etc.)
- Ratio & Proportion
- Number Systems
- Percentage
SBI PO Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- Alphanumeric Series
- Directions
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Ranking & Order
- Alphabet Test
- Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular)
- Puzzle
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Coded Inequalities
SBI PO English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the Blanks
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Sentence Completion
- Paragraph Completion
- Error Spotting
- Tenses
- Multiple Meaning Words
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2025
The Mains Exam includes more advanced topics, divided into several sections:
SBI PO Data Analysis & Interpretation Syllabus
- Tabular Graph
- Line Graph
- Bar Graph
- Radar Graph
- Pie Charts
- Caselet DI
- Missing Case DI
- Probability
- Data Sufficiency
SBI PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Circular and Linear Seating Arrangement
- Input-Output
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Critical Reasoning
- Analytical and Decision Making
- Computer Abbreviations
- Internet & Networking
- Computer Fundamentals (Hardware, Software)
- Basic Logic Gates
- Operating System
- Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts
- Microsoft Office
SBI PO General/Economy/Banking Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Financial Awareness
- Banking Terminologies
- Static Awareness
- Principles of Insurance
- Banking Awareness
SBI PO English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar (Sentence Improvement, Error Spotting)
- Vocabulary (Word Association)
- Sentence Completion
- Para Jumbles
- Cloze Test
SBI PO Descriptive Test Syllabus
The Descriptive Test is a part of the Mains exam and includes two questions:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
It is conducted for 50 marks with a time limit of 30 minutes.
SBI PO Selection Process 2024
The selection process consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Exam: A screening test with three sections (Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language).
- Mains Exam: A more comprehensive test with four sections (Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language), plus a Descriptive Paper.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the Mains exam are called for an Interview.
The final merit list is based on the candidate’s performance in the Mains exam and Interview.
SBI PO Important Points
- Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer.
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Total Marks:
- Prelims: 100 marks
- Mains: 200 marks (objective) + 50 marks (descriptive)
- Duration:
- Prelims: 1 hour
- Mains: 3 hours (objective) + 30 minutes (descriptive)
Best Books to Cover SBI PO Syllabus
To prepare for the SBI PO exam, it’s crucial to select the right books that cover all sections of the syllabus effectively. Here’s a list of recommended books for each section of the SBI PO exam:
Reasoning Ability:
- “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal – A comprehensive book for all types of logical reasoning problems.
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey – Focuses on the reasoning portion in a detailed and easy-to-understand manner.
Quantitative Aptitude:
- “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers a wide range of problems and practice questions.
- “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma – Helps in improving speed and accuracy.
English Language:
- “High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren & Martin – Provides a strong foundation for grammar.
- “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Helps with vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension practice.
General Awareness/Current Affairs:
- “Manorama Yearbook” – A comprehensive guide for static general knowledge.
- “Lucent’s General Knowledge” – Good for general awareness and important topics.
- Current Affairs from newspapers (The Hindu, The Indian Express) or apps like “Adda247” for regular updates.
Computer Knowledge:
- “Objective Computer Awareness” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers the basics and fundamentals.
- “Computer Knowledge for SBI & IBPS” by Arihant – Designed specifically for bank exams.
Descriptive English (Letter Writing, Essay, etc.):
- “Descriptive General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Excellent for practicing essay writing and letter writing.
- “Wren & Martin’s English Grammar and Composition” for improving your language and writing skills.
These books will help you cover the entire syllabus and improve your understanding of key concepts. Regular practice, mock tests, and staying updated with current affairs are crucial for success in the SBI PO exam.
FAQs
- What are the main sections of the SBI PO exam syllabus?
The SBI PO exam syllabus covers three main sections:- Preliminary Exam: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
- Mains Exam: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, General/Economic/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Descriptive Writing.
- Interview: Candidates are also assessed through a Personal Interview round after clearing the Mains exam.
- How many subjects are there in the SBI PO Mains exam?
The Mains exam consists of four sections:- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/Economic/Banking Awareness
- English Language Additionally, there is a Descriptive Test that evaluates writing skills.
- What is the weightage of the General/Economic/Banking Awareness section in SBI PO Mains?
The General/Economic/Banking Awareness section in the SBI PO Mains exam has a significant weightage and typically includes questions related to current affairs, banking terminologies, government schemes, and economics. It consists of 40 marks. - Is there a negative marking in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both the Preliminary and Mains exams. - What is the syllabus for the Descriptive Test in SBI PO Mains?
The Descriptive Test in the SBI PO Mains exam includes two types of questions:- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing The candidates are required to write responses based on given topics. The test is conducted for 50 marks.