As India’s premier banking institution seeks qualified leaders State Bank of India Probationary Officer exam stands tall as the most eminent banking test. The exam holds strong appeal to job seekers because of its excellent salary options plus reliable employment plus advancement potential. We explain the different aspects of the SBI PO 2024-25 exam in a complete guide here.
Overview
- Exam Name: SBI PO
- Conducting Body: State Bank of India
- Exam Level: National
- Exam Frequency: Annually
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Stages of Exam: Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test/Group Exercise & Interview
- Total Registrations: Approximately 10 lakh
- Vacancies: Details to be released in the official notification
SBI PO attracts job seekers because this role adds value paired with strong earnings power and professional growth chances. The State Bank of India selects Probationary Officers to teach them before designating them to lead banks across India.
SBI PO 2024-25 Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 26, 2024 |
| Application Form Availability | December 27, 2024 |
| Application Deadline | January 19, 2025 |
| Prelims Admit Card Release | February 20-28, 2025 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Exam | March 8 & 15, 2025 |
| Prelims Result | April 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mains Admit Card Release | April 2025 (Tentative) |
| Mains Exam | April-May 2025 (Tentative) |
| Final Result Announcement | May-June 2025 (Tentative) |
Application Process
The application process involves several steps, which must be completed before the deadline:
- Registration: Visit the official SBI website(click here) and register with basic details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, handwritten declaration, and left-thumb impression.
- Fill the Form: Enter personal, educational, and communication details in the application form.
- Fee Payment: Pay the application fee online.
Application Fee:
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | INR 750 |
| SC/ST/PWD | Exempt |
Handwritten Declaration Format:
“I, _______ (Name of the candidate), _______ (Date of Birth), through this statement I verify that all details found in my application document are genuine. I will show necessary documentation at the proper times. These documents and this statement belong to me alone..”
Eligibility Criteria
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 21-30 years as of August 1, 2024 (Relaxations apply for reserved categories) |
| Educational Qualification | Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university |
| Number of Attempts | Varies by category: General – 4, OBC – 7, SC/ST – Unlimited |
Exam Pattern
Preliminary Exam
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Mains Exam
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness (Economy/Banking) | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language (Descriptive) | 2 | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 155+2 | 200 | 3 hours |
Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercises & Interview
- Psychometric Test
- Group Exercise: 20 marks
- Interview: 30 marks
The final merit list is prepared by normalizing marks from Mains and Phase III.
Syllabus
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Fillers
- Error Detection
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equations
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, etc.)
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles
- Syllogism
- Seating Arrangement
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
Admit Card
The admit card is released in phases for Prelims, Mains, and Phase III. Steps to download:
- Visit the official SBI website.
- Navigate to “Current Openings” and find the SBI PO admit card link.
- Log in with your credentials.
- Download and print the admit card.
Key Points:
- Carry a valid photo ID proof with your admit card to the exam center.
- Verify all details on the admit card, including exam venue and timing.
Cut-Off
The cut-off marks vary annually based on factors like difficulty level and the number of candidates. The cut-off is released separately for Prelims and Mains.
| Category | Expected Prelims Cut-Off (2024-25) |
|---|---|
| General | 60-65 |
| OBC | 55-60 |
| SC | 50-55 |
| ST | 45-50 |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the detailed syllabus and exam pattern.
- Time Management: Allocate time for each subject daily.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly attempt mock tests to gauge your preparation.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and improve weaker sections.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs, especially related to banking and the economy.
FAQs
- What is the application fee for the SBI PO exam?
- The application fee is INR 750 for General/EWS/OBC candidates. SC/ST/PWD candidates are exempted from the fee.
- What is the age limit for the SBI PO 2024-25 exam?
- Candidates must be between 21-30 years as of August 1, 2024. Age relaxations apply for reserved categories.
- How many attempts are allowed for the SBI PO exam?
- The number of attempts varies by category: General – 4, OBC – 7, SC/ST – Unlimited.
- What are the stages of the SBI PO selection process?
- The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and Phase III (Psychometric Test, Group Exercises, and Interview).
- Is there negative marking in the SBI PO exam?
- Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Prelims and Mains objective sections.
- When will the SBI PO 2024-25 Prelims exam be conducted?
- The Prelims exam is tentatively scheduled for March 8 & 15, 2025.
- Can final-year students apply for the SBI PO exam?
- Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they produce proof of graduation by the specified date in the notification.
Final Words
The SPO Exams of 2024-2025 provide exceptional chances for people who want to work in banking. A clear preparation strategy together with dedicated practice will let you succeed in this test. Keep track of the official updates and follow application deadlines to make your preparation run smoothly.
