Complete Guide to SBI PO 2025 Syllabus and Exam Pattern Breakdown

SBI PO 2025 Syllabus includes sections on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Knowledge. Prepare effectively with this comprehensive syllabus breakdown.

The SBI PO 2025 syllabus is an essential tool for any candidate aiming to become a Probationary Officer at the State Bank of India. This syllabus outlines the topics, concepts, and skills that will be tested in the exam, helping you plan your preparation effectively. As the exam is one of the most competitive in India, understanding the syllabus thoroughly will give you the edge you need to succeed.

In this guide, we'll walk through each section of the SBI PO 2025 syllabus, break down the key concepts, and provide insights on how you can prepare for the exam.

Overview of SBI PO 2025 Syllabus

The SBI PO 2025 exam is divided into two main stages:

Preliminary Exam (Prelims): A qualifying stage, with questions from English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

Mains Exam: This stage tests a wider range of subjects, including General/Economic/Banking Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis and Interpretation, and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude.

The syllabus is designed to assess the aptitude, reasoning skills, and knowledge of candidates across a range of topics. Each subject has specific topics that will be covered, and understanding these will help guide your study efforts.

Section-by-Section Breakdown of the SBI PO 2025 Syllabus

1. Preliminary Exam Syllabus (Objective Type)

The preliminary exam serves as the first hurdle in the SBI PO selection process. It consists of three main sections:

a. English Language

This section focuses on your proficiency in English. The key topics include:

Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.

Grammar: Sentence correction, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech, and tenses.

Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and phrases.

Para Jumbles: Re-arranging jumbled sentences.

Error Spotting: Identifying errors in sentences.

Skills Developed: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal reasoning.

b. Quantitative Aptitude

This section assesses your mathematical and analytical skills. The key topics include:

Number Series: Finding patterns and missing numbers.

Simplification and Approximation: Simplifying mathematical expressions and approximating values.

Arithmetic: Percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, averages, time and work, time and distance.

Data Interpretation: Bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, and tables.

Skills Developed: Quantitative reasoning, analytical problem-solving, and data interpretation.

c. Reasoning Ability

This section tests logical thinking and problem-solving ability. The key topics include:

Verbal Reasoning: Analogy, classification, blood relations, direction sense, coding-decoding.

Non-Verbal Reasoning: Series, patterns, and odd figures.

Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: Linear, circular, and complex seating arrangements.

Syllogism: Deductive reasoning and logical conclusions.

Skills Developed: Logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving skills.

2. Main Exam Syllabus (Objective + Descriptive Type)

The main exam is more comprehensive, with a mix of objective and descriptive questions. It consists of four sections:

a. General/Economic/Banking Awareness

This section tests your knowledge of current affairs, banking, and economic trends. The key topics include:

Banking Awareness: Functions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), monetary policy, financial terms, and banking regulations.

Economic Awareness: Basic economic concepts, government schemes, and current economic developments.

Current Affairs: News related to national and international events, government policies, and banking sector updates.

Skills Developed: Awareness of current events, understanding of economic and banking systems, and general knowledge.

b. English Language (Descriptive)

The descriptive section assesses your written communication skills. The key topics include:

Essay Writing: Writing essays on contemporary issues, social problems, or economic topics.

Letter Writing: Formal and informal letter writing on various subjects.

Precis Writing: Summarizing a given passage in your own words.

Skills Developed: Written communication, essay writing, and summarization skills.

c. Data Analysis and Interpretation

This section focuses on data interpretation and analysis. The key topics include:

Data Interpretation: Advanced problems on tables, graphs, and charts.

Data Sufficiency: Analyzing the given data to answer questions.

Data Comparison: Interpreting and comparing data from different sources.

Skills Developed: Analytical skills, data comparison, and advanced problem-solving.

d. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

This section includes reasoning and computer-related concepts. The key topics include:

Computer Knowledge: Basics of computers, hardware, software, internet, and networking.

Logical Reasoning: More advanced reasoning questions like blood relations, coding-decoding, and input-output sequences.

Data Sufficiency: Answering questions based on the available data.

Skills Developed: Logical reasoning, computer literacy, and technical aptitude.

Examination Pattern and Marking Scheme

Preliminary Exam: The preliminary exam consists of 100 questions, each carrying 1 mark. The total time allotted is 1 hour, and the exam is objective in nature.

Mains Exam: The mains exam includes both objective and descriptive sections. The objective section consists of 200 questions worth 200 marks, with a total time of 3 hours. The descriptive section is for 50 marks, and the time allotted is 30 minutes.

Interview: Candidates who qualify the mains exam are called for an interview. The interview is for 100 marks.

Recommended Study Materials and Books

To ensure comprehensive preparation for the SBI PO exam, here are some recommended books and resources:

For English Language:

"High School English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin

"Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi

For Quantitative Aptitude:

"Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal

"Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma

For Reasoning Ability:

"A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

"Logical Reasoning" by Arun Sharma

For General/Economic/Banking Awareness:

"Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications

Monthly Current Affairs Digest (from reputed sources like The Hindu, PIB)

Tips for Staying Organized

To prepare effectively for the SBI PO exam, here are some additional tips:

Create a Study Plan: Break down your syllabus into manageable sections and allocate time for each subject. Prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam.

Practice Regularly: Solve practice papers and mock tests regularly to gauge your understanding and time management skills.

Revise Consistently: Regular revision helps in retaining concepts and improves speed and accuracy during the exam.

Stay Updated: Keep track of current affairs, banking news, and economic developments to stay prepared for the General Awareness section.

Healthy Routine: Maintain a balanced study schedule with breaks and time for relaxation to avoid burnout.

The SBI PO 2025 syllabus covers a broad spectrum of topics, and understanding its structure is key to successful preparation. Focus on mastering each section, stay updated with current events, and practice consistently. With the right resources and strategies, you'll be well on your way to acing the SBI PO exam. Good luck!

FAQ for SBI PO 2025 Syllabus

Here are the most frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the SBI PO 2025 syllabus. These answers will help clarify your doubts and provide a better understanding of what to expect from the exam.

1. What is the SBI PO 2025 syllabus?

The SBI PO 2025 syllabus covers topics from the Prelims and Mains exams. The Prelims syllabus includes English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains syllabus includes General/Economic/Banking Awareness, English Language (Descriptive), Data Analysis & Interpretation, and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude.

2. What are the important sections in the SBI PO 2025 syllabus?

The important sections in the SBI PO 2025 syllabus are:

Prelims: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability.

Mains: General/Economic/Banking Awareness, English Language (Descriptive), Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude.

3. How is the SBI PO exam structured?

The SBI PO exam consists of three phases:

Preliminary Exam: Objective type, with questions on English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

Mains Exam: Objective type and Descriptive type, covering General Awareness, English Language, Data Analysis, Reasoning, and Computer Aptitude.

Interview: Candidates who clear the Mains are called for an interview.

4. Is there a negative marking in the SBI PO 2025 exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking in both the Prelims and Mains exams. For each incorrect answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from the total score.

5. What are the key topics in the English Language section?

The English Language section of the SBI PO exam includes:

Reading Comprehension

Grammar (Sentence correction, tenses, voice, etc.)

Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases)

Para Jumbles

Error Spotting

6. What topics are covered under Quantitative Aptitude?

Quantitative Aptitude covers topics such as:

Number Series

Simplification and Approximation

Arithmetic (Percentages, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, etc.)

Data Interpretation (Bar charts, Pie charts, Tables)

7. What topics are included in Reasoning Ability?

Reasoning Ability includes:

Verbal Reasoning (Analogy, Classification, Blood Relations, etc.)

Non-Verbal Reasoning (Pattern and Series)

Puzzles and Seating Arrangements

Syllogism

8. What is the weightage of each section in the exam?

The weightage for each section varies, but typically:

Prelims:

English Language: 30 marks

Quantitative Aptitude: 35 marks

Reasoning Ability: 35 marks

Mains:

General/Economic/Banking Awareness: 40 marks

English Language: 30 marks (Descriptive)

Data Analysis & Interpretation: 60 marks

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 60 marks

9. How should I prepare for the General Awareness section?

For the General Awareness section, focus on:

Current Affairs (National & International)

Banking and Financial Awareness (RBI, government policies, economic terms)

Basic knowledge of banking and financial institutions

10. What are the recommended study materials for SBI PO 2025?

Some recommended study materials for the SBI PO exam include:

"Quantitative Aptitude" by R.S. Aggarwal

"English Language" by S.P. Bakshi

"A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

"Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications

Monthly Current Affairs Digest (The Hindu, PIB)

11. Is there a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam?

Yes, there is a sectional cut-off in both the Prelims and Mains exams. You need to score a minimum number of marks in each section to qualify for the next stage.

12. How much time should I devote to each subject?

The time you spend on each subject depends on your strengths and weaknesses. Ideally, you should allocate time based on the difficulty level of each section:

Dedicate more time to topics you find challenging.

Regularly practice with mock tests to improve your time management skills.

13. Can I prepare for the SBI PO exam without coaching?

Yes, you can prepare for the SBI PO exam without coaching. With the right resources, regular practice, and a well-structured study plan, self-preparation can be very effective. Use books, online courses, and mock tests to prepare.

14. What is the selection process for SBI PO 2025?

The selection process consists of:

Preliminary Exam: Objective type questions to assess basic skills.

Mains Exam: Both objective and descriptive type to assess in-depth knowledge.

Interview: For candidates who clear the Mains, the interview assesses personality and communication skills.

15. How do I stay updated with the syllabus changes?

To stay updated with the latest changes in the syllabus, visit the official SBI website regularly and subscribe to exam-related forums or platforms that provide updates on competitive exams. Always refer to the official notification for the most accurate information.

16. What are the important tips for the SBI PO 2025 exam?

Some important tips for the SBI PO exam include:

Stay consistent with your study schedule.

Practice mock tests and previous years' papers.

Focus on improving speed and accuracy.

Keep track of current affairs and banking news.

Stay calm and confident during the exam.

These FAQs will guide you in understanding the SBI PO 2025 syllabus and help you stay on track during your preparation. Make sure to follow a structured study plan, practice consistently, and focus on improving your weak areas. Good luck!