Complete Guide to SBI PO Syllabus 2025 Exam Pattern and Preparation Tips

The SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam is one of the most competitive exams in India, attracting thousands of aspirants every year. The exam evaluates candidates on multiple aspects, including their reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, English language proficiency, and computer knowledge. If you are gearing up for the SBI PO exam in 2025, understanding the detailed syllabus and exam pattern is crucial to your preparation.

This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide to the SBI PO syllabus 2025, breaking it down by sections, topics, and important details that will help you navigate the exam preparation process with confidence.

Introduction to the SBI PO Syllabus 2025

The SBI PO exam comprises three stages:

Preliminary Exam (Phase 1)

Main Exam (Phase 2)

Interview (Phase 3)

The syllabus for each phase varies, and it’s important to prepare for each stage separately while ensuring your overall strategy is aligned with the topics covered in the exam. Here’s an in-depth look at the syllabus for each phase.

SBI PO Syllabus 2025: Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam)

The preliminary exam tests candidates' skills in three key areas: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. This phase consists of 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) with a total time limit of 1 hour.

1. English Language

Topics Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Cloze Test

Para Jumbles

Error Spotting

Sentence Completion

Synonyms & Antonyms

Fill in the Blanks

Sentence Rearrangement

Skills Developed:
In this section, students will improve their ability to understand written material, spot grammatical errors, and quickly process information. A strong command of the English language is essential for scoring well in this section.

2. Quantitative Aptitude

Topics Covered:

Number Series

Simplification & Approximation

Quadratic Equations

Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables)

Time and Work

Speed, Distance, and Time

Profit and Loss

Simple & Compound Interest

Percentage & Ratio

Skills Developed:
This section tests your mathematical ability and problem-solving skills. Candidates will develop a solid understanding of basic arithmetic and data interpretation, which are essential for the subsequent stages of the exam.

3. Reasoning Ability

Topics Covered:

Puzzles and Seating Arrangements

Coding-Decoding

Syllogism

Blood Relations

Direction Sense

Alphabetical and Number Series

Input-Output

Inequality

Skills Developed:
This section helps candidates hone their logical thinking, analytical reasoning, and problem-solving abilities. Success in reasoning ability requires sharp thinking and quick decision-making.

SBI PO Syllabus 2025: Phase 2 (Main Exam)

The main exam is more challenging than the preliminary exam and includes four sections: English Language, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness. This exam consists of 155 questions and lasts 3 hours.

1. English Language

Topics Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Cloze Test

Sentence Rearrangement

Error Spotting

Paragraph Completion

Vocabulary

Word Usage

Synonyms & Antonyms

Skills Developed:
Candidates must demonstrate a strong understanding of the English language and possess the ability to comprehend and analyze written passages. Effective time management is essential in this section as the passages can be lengthy.

2. Data Analysis and Interpretation

Topics Covered:

Data Sufficiency

Data Interpretation (Tabular, Line Graph, Bar Graph, Caselets)

Profit & Loss

Averages & Percentages

Time, Speed & Distance

Ratio & Proportion

Simplification

Skills Developed:
This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data quickly and accurately. Proficiency in basic mathematical operations and problem-solving is crucial to scoring well here.

3. Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

Topics Covered:

Puzzles and Seating Arrangement

Coding-Decoding

Input-Output

Logical Reasoning

Computer Basics (Hardware, Software, Networking, MS Office)

Skills Developed:
This section tests your logical reasoning skills while also assessing your basic knowledge of computers. Familiarity with computer-related concepts is essential for this section.

4. General/Financial Awareness

Topics Covered:

Current Affairs (National and International)

Banking Awareness

Financial Awareness (Budget, Economic Survey, Financial Terms)

Government Schemes and Policies

Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Currencies)

Skills Developed:
This section assesses your general awareness and knowledge of current events. Keeping up-to-date with the latest news and developments in banking, finance, and the economy is key to performing well.

SBI PO Syllabus 2025: Phase 3 (Interview)

The final phase involves a personal interview, which focuses on assessing your personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer. Although there is no fixed syllabus for this phase, it typically includes questions on:

Your academic background

Current affairs

Situational questions

Reasoning behind pursuing the job

General discussion on banking and finance

SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025

Preliminary Exam (Phase 1)

Total Questions: 100 MCQs

Time Limit: 1 hour

Sections:

English Language (30 questions)

Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions)

Reasoning Ability (35 questions)

Main Exam (Phase 2)

Total Questions: 155

Time Limit: 3 hours

Sections:

English Language (35 questions)

Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions)

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions)

General/Financial Awareness (40 questions)

Interview (Phase 3)

Total Marks: 100

The interview is conducted for candidates who qualify in the main exam. Marks obtained in the interview are added to the final score.

Recommended Study Materials for SBI PO 2025

Books for Quantitative Aptitude:

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

"Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma

Books for English Language:

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

"Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis

Books for Reasoning Ability:

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

Books for General Awareness:

"Banking Awareness" by R.K. Gupta

"Current Affairs Yearbook" by Manohar Pandey

Study Tips and Exam Preparation Strategy

Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern:
Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus for each phase and creating a study plan based on it.

Focus on Time Management:
With limited time for each section, practicing speed and accuracy is essential. Use time-bound mock tests to improve your speed.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
Keep up-to-date with daily news, particularly related to banking, finance, and current affairs, as these topics will help you in both the General Awareness and Interview stages.

Revise Regularly:
Regular revision is key to retaining concepts. Make it a habit to revise daily and review areas where you are weak.

Mock Tests:
Take regular mock tests to simulate exam conditions and identify areas that need more focus.

By following this guide and staying consistent in your preparation, you can confidently approach the SBI PO 2025 exam. Best of luck with your preparation!

FAQ for SBI PO Syllabus 2025 Exam Pattern

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern for 2025:

1. What is the SBI PO exam pattern for 2025?

The SBI PO exam for 2025 consists of three phases:

Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam): A 1-hour online exam with 100 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in three sections: English Language (30 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions).

Phase 2 (Main Exam): A 3-hour exam with 155 questions divided into four sections: English Language (35 questions), Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 questions), Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 questions), and General/Financial Awareness (40 questions).

Phase 3 (Interview): A personal interview conducted for candidates who clear the Main Exam. It carries 100 marks.

2. How many marks are allotted for the SBI PO interview?

The interview is conducted for candidates who qualify the Main Exam. It is worth 100 marks and assesses candidates' personality, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.

3. How many questions are asked in the SBI PO Prelims exam?

In the SBI PO Preliminary Exam, there are a total of 100 questions, which are divided into three sections:

English Language: 30 questions

Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions

Reasoning Ability: 35 questions

4. What is the time duration for the SBI PO exam?

Preliminary Exam (Phase 1): 1 hour

Main Exam (Phase 2): 3 hours

Interview (Phase 3): No fixed time limit, but it typically lasts between 15-30 minutes.

5. Are there any negative marks in the SBI PO exam?

Yes, there is a negative marking in both the Preliminary and Main Exams. For every wrong answer, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. There is no penalty for leaving a question unanswered.

6. What are the subjects covered in the SBI PO syllabus?

The subjects tested in the SBI PO exam are:

Preliminary Exam: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability

Main Exam: English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness

7. What is the weightage of each section in the SBI PO Main Exam?

The Main Exam consists of four sections, and the number of questions in each section is as follows:

English Language: 35 questions

Data Analysis & Interpretation: 35 questions

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 45 questions

General/Financial Awareness: 40 questions

Each section has a different weightage, and the total number of questions in the Main Exam is 155.

8. How can I prepare for the General/Financial Awareness section?

For the General/Financial Awareness section, keep yourself updated with:

Current Affairs (National and International)

Banking Awareness (including recent banking developments, financial terms, and policies)

Government Schemes

Important events in economics and finance Read newspapers like The Hindu or The Economic Times, and use apps or websites dedicated to current affairs preparation.

9. Is there any specific syllabus for the Interview round?

While there is no fixed syllabus for the Interview, it generally focuses on:

Your academic background

Work experience (if any)

Reason for pursuing the SBI PO job

General knowledge about banking and finance

Current affairs and government schemes It is important to be well-versed in current events and have a clear understanding of why you want to join SBI as a Probationary Officer.

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

Some of the best books and resources for preparing for the SBI PO exam are:

Quantitative Aptitude: "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Agarwal

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

Reasoning Ability: "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Agarwal

General Awareness: "Banking Awareness" by R.K. Gupta Additionally, practice mock tests, sample papers, and previous year question papers to improve your speed and accuracy.

11. Is there any sectional cutoff in the SBI PO exam?

Yes, there is a sectional cutoff in both the Preliminary and Main Exams. You must score minimum marks in each section to qualify for the next phase of the exam. The exact cutoff varies each year depending on factors like exam difficulty and the number of applicants.

12. How can I stay organized while preparing for the SBI PO exam?

To stay organized:

Create a Study Plan: Divide your syllabus into weekly goals.

Follow a Timetable: Allocate fixed hours for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses.

Use Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to track your progress and identify areas that need improvement.

Review and Revise: Make sure to revise the topics regularly, especially your weak areas.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Dedicate time daily to reading newspapers and magazines for general knowledge.

By following this FAQ guide, you can ensure you're well-prepared and informed about the SBI PO exam for 2025. Good luck with your preparation!