SBI PO Selection Process 2025, Prelims, Mains, and Interview

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI PO Exam annually to recruit candidates for the position of Probationary Officer (PO). The official SBI PO 2025 Notification has been released, announcing 541 vacancies. Candidates aiming to appear for this exam must understand the SBI PO Selection Process 2025, which consists of three Phases: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Read the article below to get complete details about each stage of the SBI PO recruitment process.

SBI PO Selection Process 2025

The candidates need to go through two written tests, prelims and mains which is followed by an interview round. The stage-wise details of the SBI PO Selection Process are given in the article below. Check the overview here.

SBI PO Apply Online 2025 – Click to Check

SBI PO Exam Stages 2025

There are 3 examination stages out of which Prelims and Mains are two computer based tests. This will be followed by an interview. Check the stage-wise exam pattern below.

Stage 1: SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 

1. This is the first round of the SBI PO Exam.
2. This will have 3 sections and each section will have to be completed in 20 Minutes.
3. The total marks of the SBI PO Prelims Exam are 100 Marks while the duration of the exam is 1 Hour.
4. One (1) mark is awarded for every correct answer.
5. There will be a penalty of 0.25 Marks for every incorrect answer marked by the candidate.
6. All the questions will be set bilingually i.e. in English and Hindi, except the English Language.

Stage 2: SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern

The Descriptive Test is conducted for a duration of 30 minutes and carries a total of 50 marks. It is designed to assess the candidate’s writing skills through tasks such as Letter Writing and Essay Writing.

1. All the questions will be objective.
2. This main paper will have four sections for a total of 200 marks.
3. The duration of the SBI PO Mains Exam will be 3 hours.
4. The objective test will have separate timing for every section.
5. There will be no sectional cut-off in Prelims but there is a sectional cut off in Mains exam.
6. There will be a penalty of 0.25 marks for every incorrect Multiple Choice Question.
7. The Descriptive Paper of 50 marks is compulsory to attempt.

Stage 3: SBI PO Group Exercises & Interview

Psychometric Test: The bank may conduct a Psychometric Test for personality profiling of candidates shortlisted for Phase III of the selection process. The results of this test may be shared with the interview panel to provide deeper insights into each candidate’s personality traits.

This is the final stage of the SBI PO selection process. Candidates who clear the SBI PO Mains Exam will be invited for the Interview and Group Exercise. This round plays a crucial role in determining the candidate’s final selection. The final merit is prepared based on the combined marks obtained in the Mains Exam and the Interview round.

How to Effectively Prepare for the SBI PO Selection 2025?

Preparing for the SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer) recruitment process requires a well-planned strategy, as the selection involves multiple stages—Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and the Interview/Group Discussion round. To help you navigate each phase confidently, here’s a step-by-step guide for effective preparation:

1. Understand the SBI PO Exam pattern and syllabus.
2. Create a detailed study plan.
3. Strengthen your basic concepts.
4. Regularly practice and solve problems.
5. Take mock tests and time yourself.
6. Focus on quantitative aptitude and data interpretation.
7. Enhance reasoning and logical thinking skills.
8. Improve vocabulary and grammar for the English language.
9. Stay updated with current affairs and banking awareness.
10. Brush up on computer knowledge (for Main Exam).
11. Practice essay and letter writing (for Main Exam).
12. Analyze mistakes and work on improvement areas.
13. Revise regularly to reinforce your learning.
14. Prepare for the interview/GD stage with communication skills and current affairs knowledge.
15. Build confidence and stay positive.

Sharing is caring!