Complete Guide to SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025: Topics and Exam Pattern

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year to recruit candidates for the position of probationary officers. The exam is highly competitive, and understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. In 2025, the exam syllabus will remain focused on testing your skills across various domains like Reasoning, English, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.

In this article, we’ll provide a detailed breakdown of the SBI PO exam syllabus for 2025. We’ll guide you through the major sections, the topics they cover, and some essential preparation tips.

1. Introduction to the SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025

The SBI PO exam consists of three stages:

Preliminary Exam: A screening test to shortlist candidates.

Main Exam: A comprehensive test that evaluates your proficiency in multiple subjects.

Interview: A final round where selected candidates are assessed for their communication and decision-making skills.

Each stage of the exam has a different syllabus, and the topics covered in each section will test your aptitude, reasoning ability, general awareness, and more. It’s important to note that while the 2025 syllabus will have its own nuances, it will follow a similar structure to previous years, with a few tweaks for improved assessment.

2. Breakdown of the SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025

Here’s an in-depth look at the SBI PO syllabus for 2025, broken down by sections and topics:

Section 1: Preliminary Exam

The Preliminary Exam consists of three major sections:

English Language (30 questions, 30 marks)

Topics Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Sentence Correction

Cloze Test

Para Jumbles

Fill in the Blanks

Error Spotting

Skills Developed:

Understanding of English grammar and vocabulary

Ability to comprehend and analyze written material

Enhancing reading speed and accuracy

Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks)

Topics Covered:

Number Series

Simplification and Approximation

Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph, etc.)

Quadratic Equations

Ratio and Proportion

Percentages

Time, Speed, and Distance

Skills Developed:

Quick calculations

Logical thinking for problem-solving

Handling and interpreting data sets

Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks)

Topics Covered:

Puzzles

Seating Arrangements

Syllogism

Input-Output

Blood Relations

Direction Sense Test

Coding-Decoding

Skills Developed:

Logical and analytical thinking

Problem-solving under time pressure

Pattern recognition

Section 2: Main Exam

The Main Exam is more comprehensive, consisting of the following sections:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks)

Topics Covered:

Logical Reasoning

Data Sufficiency

Computer Awareness

Computer Fundamental Questions (Hardware, Software, Network)

Skills Developed:

Enhanced problem-solving ability

Logical thinking

Familiarity with basic computer operations

English Language (35 questions, 40 marks)

Topics Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Vocabulary

Sentence Rearrangement

Error Detection

Para Completion

Skills Developed:

Improving reading and comprehension speed

Mastering grammar rules

Expanding vocabulary

Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks)

Topics Covered:

Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Pie Chart, Line Graph)

Data Sufficiency

Caselets

Tables and Data Matching

Skills Developed:

Ability to interpret and analyze data

High-level problem-solving for complex data sets

General/Economic/Banking Awareness (50 questions, 60 marks)

Topics Covered:

Current Affairs

Banking Terminology

Financial Awareness

Budget and Economic Policies

Government Schemes

RBI Guidelines

Skills Developed:

Staying updated on current events

Understanding banking and financial concepts

Awareness of government initiatives

English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) (2 questions, 25 marks)

Topics Covered:

Letter Writing (Formal and Informal)

Essay Writing on Contemporary Issues

Skills Developed:

Effective written communication

Coherent expression of thoughts in essay format

Section 3: Interview and Group Discussion

Interview: After clearing the Main Exam, candidates are called for an interview where their personality, communication skills, and decision-making ability are assessed. The interview is generally for 50 marks.

Group Discussion (GD): Some candidates are also required to participate in a GD, which typically assesses their ability to work in a team, communicate effectively, and solve problems.

3. Examination Pattern and Marking Scheme

Preliminary Exam:

Mode: Online (Objective)

Time Limit: 20 minutes for each section

Total Marks: 100

Negative Marking: 1/4th of the marks allotted for each question

Main Exam:

Mode: Online (Objective and Descriptive)

Time Limit: 3 hours

Total Marks: 200 for Objective and 25 for Descriptive (Letter Writing & Essay)

Negative Marking: 1/4th of the marks allotted for each question

Interview: 50 Marks

4. Recommended Study Materials

To tackle the SBI PO syllabus, here are some recommended resources:

Books:

Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal

Reasoning Ability by M.K. Pandey

English Language by Wren & Martin

General Awareness by Manohar Pandey

Computer Awareness by Rani K. S

Online Resources:

YouTube channels offering free classes and tips

SBI PO preparation websites and apps

Daily newspapers and magazines for current affairs

5. Preparation Tips and Study Plan

Stay Consistent: Dedicate time every day for each subject. Rotate between subjects to ensure balanced preparation.

Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and timing.

Stay Updated: Keep yourself informed on current affairs, especially regarding banking, economics, and government schemes.

Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak subjects and give them extra attention. Practice questions to improve speed and accuracy.

Time Management: Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam, particularly for the Main Exam where multiple sections are tested.

6. Conclusion

The SBI PO Exam syllabus for 2025 is extensive, covering a range of topics designed to assess your intellectual and analytical skills. By understanding the syllabus, staying organized, and following a structured study plan, you can boost your chances of success. Remember, consistent preparation, focus, and a strategic approach will help you perform well on the exam.

Good luck with your SBI PO 2025 preparation!

FAQ for SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025

1. What is the SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025?

The SBI PO Exam Syllabus 2025 is a set of topics designed to evaluate the candidate's abilities in various areas, including Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. It is divided into three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and the Interview/Group Discussion.

2. What are the sections covered in the SBI PO 2025 Preliminary Exam?

The Preliminary Exam consists of three sections:

English Language (30 questions, 30 marks)

Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks)

Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks)

Each section is timed separately, and candidates must qualify each section to move on to the next stage.

3. What are the sections included in the SBI PO 2025 Main Exam?

The Main Exam is more comprehensive and consists of:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks)

English Language (35 questions, 40 marks)

Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks)

General/Economic/Banking Awareness (50 questions, 60 marks)

English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) (2 questions, 25 marks)

4. What is the marking scheme for the SBI PO Exam 2025?

Preliminary Exam: 100 marks in total (1 mark per question)

Main Exam: 200 marks for objective questions and 25 marks for the descriptive section (Letter Writing & Essay).

Negative Marking: 1/4th of the marks allotted for each wrong answer.

5. How should I prepare for the SBI PO Exam 2025?

To prepare effectively:

Understand the syllabus: Familiarize yourself with all the topics and sections covered.

Practice regularly: Solve mock tests and previous years' papers.

Focus on weak areas: Identify subjects where you need more practice and dedicate extra time to them.

Stay updated: Keep up with current affairs, especially in banking, economics, and government policies.

Time management: Practice managing your time well for each section during mock tests.

6. Are there any changes in the SBI PO Exam syllabus for 2025 compared to previous years?

While the syllabus for SBI PO 2025 remains largely similar to previous years, the descriptive section and current affairs might have some updates in terms of recent developments. The General/Economic/Banking Awareness section will focus more on current events and economic policies.

7. What are the important books for SBI PO Exam preparation?

Some highly recommended books include:

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by M.K. Pandey

English Grammar & Composition by Wren & Martin

General Knowledge 2025 by Manohar Pandey

Computer Knowledge by Rani K. S.

8. How many marks are allocated for the SBI PO Interview?

The interview stage is for 50 marks. After clearing the Main Exam, candidates will be shortlisted for the interview, where they are assessed for their personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the position.

9. Is there a sectional cutoff in the SBI PO Exam?

Yes, there is a sectional cutoff in both the Preliminary and Main exams. Candidates need to score minimum marks in each section to qualify. The overall cutoff is also calculated based on the total marks, which may vary each year.

10. Can I use a calculator during the SBI PO Exam?

No, calculators are not allowed in the SBI PO Exam. Candidates need to solve questions using mental calculations or rough paper provided by the examination authorities.

11. What is the time duration for each section in the SBI PO Preliminary Exam?

Each section in the Preliminary Exam has a time limit of 20 minutes. Therefore, candidates need to manage their time wisely to complete each section within the given time.

12. What is the pattern of the Descriptive Section in the Main Exam?

The Descriptive Section in the Main Exam includes:

Letter Writing: 1 question, 15 marks

Essay Writing: 1 question, 10 marks

Candidates will be given a topic related to current events or general knowledge to write about. It’s essential to write in a clear, structured, and concise manner.

13. Can I apply for the SBI PO exam if I have a backlog in my graduation?

No, you cannot apply for the SBI PO exam if you have any pending backlogs at the time of applying. You must have completed your graduation with the required qualifications and cleared any backlogs before the application deadline.

14. Are there any specific eligibility criteria for the SBI PO Exam?

Yes, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Age: Between 21 and 30 years (relaxations for reserved categories).

Education: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

Candidates must also have proficiency in the local language of the state they apply to.

15. How can I stay organized during my SBI PO Exam preparation?

Here are a few tips to stay organized:

Create a study schedule: Allocate time for each subject and stick to it.

Keep track of deadlines: Stay on top of important exam dates, including application deadlines and exam dates.

Use apps and tools: Use study apps, planners, and online mock tests to stay organized and track your progress.

By following these tips and understanding the syllabus in detail, you’ll be well-prepared for the SBI PO Exam 2025.