SBI PO Syllabus 2025: The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) examination annually, which is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. The SBI PO exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and an Interview.
With the release of the SBI PO Notification on December 26, 2024, candidates must familiarize themselves with the updated syllabus and exam pattern for 2025 to prepare effectively. This article provides a detailed overview of the SBI PO syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
SBI PO 2025 Exam Structure Overview
The SBI PO examination is structured into three main phases:
- Preliminary Examination: A qualifying exam consisting of objective-type questions.
- Mains Examination: A more comprehensive test that includes both objective and descriptive questions.
- Interview: The final phase where candidates are assessed personally.
SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2025
The Preliminary exam is designed to assess candidates’ basic skills in three key areas: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Below is a breakdown of each section’s syllabus.
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Profit & Loss
- Mixtures & Allegations
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Work & Time
- Data Interpretation (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, etc.)
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
Reasoning Ability
- Alphanumeric Series
- Logical Reasoning
- Directions & Distances
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Seating Arrangements (Linear & Circular)
- Coding-Decoding
- Data Sufficiency
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
Exam Pattern for Prelims
The Prelims exam consists of 100 questions divided among the three subjects:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
There is a negative marking of $$0.25$$ marks for each incorrect answer.
SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2025
The Mains examination is more extensive and includes additional subjects that test candidates’ analytical and reasoning skills. The syllabus is divided into four main sections:
Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Tabular Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Bar Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Caselets
- Concepts of Probability & Permutation/Combination
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Syllogism
- Circular & Linear Seating Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Input-Output Techniques
- Basic concepts in Computer Science including:
- Computer Abbreviations
- Internet and Networking
- Operating Systems
General/Economy/Banking Awareness
This section tests candidates on:
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Banking Terminologies
- Financial Awareness
- Static General Knowledge (Geography, History, Polity)
English Language
This includes advanced comprehension and grammar skills such as:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar & Sentence Improvement
- Error Spotting
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
Descriptive Test
Candidates will also need to complete a descriptive test that includes:
- Letter Writing
- Essay Writing
Exam Pattern for Mains
The Mains exam consists of both objective and descriptive papers. The objective part includes a total of 155 questions:
| Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 |
| English Language | 35 | 40 |
| Descriptive Test (Letter + Essay) | – | 50 |
| Total | 155 + Descriptive | 200 + 50 |
Negative marking applies to the objective section at $$0.25$$ marks per incorrect answer.
SBI PO 2025 Preparation Strategies
To excel in the SBI PO examination, candidates should adopt a structured study plan:
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with every topic listed in the syllabus.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to assess your preparation level.
- Time Management: Develop time management skills to handle the pressure during exams.
- Stay Updated: For General Awareness, keep abreast of current affairs through newspapers and online resources.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak subjects or topics and dedicate extra time to improving them.
The SBI PO examination is a competitive assessment that requires thorough preparation across various subjects. Understanding the detailed syllabus for both Prelims and Mains is crucial for effective study planning.
Candidates should utilize available resources such as coaching institutes, online courses, and study groups to enhance their preparation strategy. With dedication and the right approach, aspirants can significantly increase their chances of success in securing a position as a Probationary Officer at SBI in 2025.
By following this guide on the SBI PO syllabus for 2025, candidates can streamline their preparation efforts and focus on mastering essential topics necessary for excelling in this prestigious banking examination.
FAQs
What are the main subjects covered in the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The SBI PO Prelims exam consists of three main subjects: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Each subject tests different skills essential for a banking career.
Is there negative marking in the SBI PO exams?
Yes, there is a negative marking scheme in both the Prelims and Mains exams. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from the total score.
How is the Mains exam structured compared to the Prelims?
The Mains exam includes both objective and descriptive sections. While the Prelims focus on basic skills across three subjects, the Mains covers additional areas such as Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and includes a descriptive test for essay and letter writing.
What is the duration of the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The total duration for the SBI PO Prelims exam is one hour, with specific time limits for each section: 20 minutes for English Language, 20 minutes for Quantitative Aptitude, and 20 minutes for Reasoning Ability.
How can I effectively prepare for the SBI PO exam?
To prepare effectively, candidates should create a structured study plan that includes understanding the syllabus, practicing with previous years’ question papers, taking mock tests to improve time management, and staying updated on current affairs for the General Awareness section.