Complete Guide to SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF: Exam Pattern and Subject Breakdown

If you're aiming for the prestigious role of Probationary Officer (PO) at the State Bank of India (SBI), it's crucial to have a deep understanding of the SBI PO Syllabus 2025. The syllabus is designed to test various aspects of your aptitude, reasoning, and general knowledge to assess your overall suitability for the role. This guide will break down the syllabus section by section, explaining what you'll be learning and how to prepare for the exam.

Introduction to the SBI PO Syllabus 2025

The SBI PO exam is one of the most sought-after exams for banking aspirants in India. Every year, thousands of candidates attempt to secure a position in one of the largest public-sector banks in the country. To achieve success in this competitive exam, having a clear understanding of the syllabus is key.

The SBI PO 2025 syllabus covers a wide range of subjects and topics, each designed to evaluate different skills necessary for a Probationary Officer. From logical reasoning to data interpretation and general awareness, the syllabus is comprehensive and ensures that only the most capable candidates are selected.

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

The SBI PO 2025 exam consists of three main stages: the Preliminary Exam, the Mains Exam, and the Interview. Let’s explore the syllabus for each stage in detail:

1. SBI PO 2025 Preliminary Exam Syllabus

The Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the selection process and consists of three sections:

English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Sentence Completion

Cloze Test

Error Detection

Para Jumbles

Vocabulary-based questions

This section evaluates your proficiency in the English language. You will be tested on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Regular reading practice can significantly improve your score here.

Quantitative Aptitude (35 Questions, 35 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Simplification & Approximation

Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, etc.)

Number Series

Percentage, Profit & Loss

Time & Work

Ratio & Proportion

Speed, Distance, and Time

Average and Mixtures

This section will test your mathematical ability, logical thinking, and data interpretation skills. Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.

Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Syllogism

Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear)

Puzzles (Blood Relations, Direction Sense)

Coding-Decoding

Logical Reasoning

Data Sufficiency

Reasoning tests your ability to analyze patterns, solve puzzles, and think critically. The more you practice different types of reasoning questions, the better your performance will be.

2. SBI PO 2025 Mains Exam Syllabus

The Mains exam is more challenging and comprises of four sections. It tests your in-depth understanding of various subjects.

English Language (35 Questions, 40 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Reading Comprehension

Para Jumbles

Sentence Correction

Cloze Test

Vocabulary-based questions

Word Usage & Sentence Rearrangement

This section is a bit more difficult than the Preliminary exam. Focus on improving your reading speed, vocabulary, and understanding of grammar to perform well.

Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 Questions, 60 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Data Interpretation (Graphs, Tables, Caselets)

Data Sufficiency

Quadratic Equations

Partnership Problems

This section tests your ability to interpret complex data. Regular practice with charts, graphs, and tables will help you perform better.

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 Questions, 60 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Logical Reasoning (Puzzles, Seating Arrangement)

Data Sufficiency

Coding-Decoding

Input-Output

Computer Fundamentals (Basic Computer Knowledge)

This section evaluates both your logical thinking and computer knowledge. Brush up on basic computer skills and logical reasoning techniques to excel.

General/Financial Awareness (40 Questions, 40 Marks)

Topics to be Covered:

Banking and Financial Awareness

Government Schemes & Policies

Current Affairs (National, International)

Economic and Financial News

Static General Knowledge (Capital, Currency, etc.)

Stay updated with current affairs and financial news. Reading newspapers and using apps dedicated to banking awareness can be very helpful in this section.

3. SBI PO 2025 Interview

The final stage of the selection process is the Interview, where your communication skills, personality, and general awareness are evaluated. The interview is conducted for 100 marks, and the final merit list is based on the combined score of the Mains exam and the Interview.

Key Aspects of the Interview:

Personal Interview: Expect questions related to your background, the banking sector, and current affairs.

Group Discussion (GD): Some years, there may be a GD round as well. In this round, you will be assessed on your communication skills, leadership, and team dynamics.

Exam Pattern and Weightage

Preliminary Exam: 100 Marks (English – 30 Marks, Quantitative Aptitude – 35 Marks, Reasoning Ability – 35 Marks)

Mains Exam: 250 Marks (English – 40 Marks, Data Analysis – 60 Marks, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 60 Marks, General/Financial Awareness – 40 Marks)

Interview: 100 Marks

Important Tips:

Prelims: Time management is crucial. Try to finish each section within the allotted time, and if unsure about a question, move on to the next one.

Mains: Focus on accuracy in Data Interpretation and reasoning questions. General awareness preparation should be done regularly, with a focus on current events.

Interview: Be confident, well-prepared for questions on banking, finance, and current affairs. Stay updated with recent developments in the banking industry.

Recommended Study Materials for SBI PO 2025

Here are some resources that will help you ace the SBI PO exam:

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

Books for Reasoning Ability: "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal

Books for English: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis, "English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin

Books for General/Financial Awareness: Current Affairs apps like "Bankers Adda" and "Study IQ"

Online Platforms: GradeUp, Oliveboard, or BYJU’s for mock tests and practice papers.

Final Exam Preparation Tips

Make a Study Plan: Allocate specific hours each day for different subjects. Start with subjects you find challenging, then gradually focus on the ones you’re more comfortable with.

Take Mock Tests: Practice as many mock tests as possible, especially for Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. This will help you improve your speed and accuracy.

Stay Updated: Follow the news for General Awareness. Use apps that help you stay up-to-date with banking and financial developments.

Revision: Regular revision is key to retaining information. Try revising every 2–3 days to ensure you’re keeping the concepts fresh in your mind.

By breaking down the SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF into manageable sections, you can approach your preparation systematically. Focus on strengthening your weak areas, and practice regularly to improve your speed and accuracy. Keep yourself updated with current affairs, and remember that consistency is key to cracking the exam.

Stay dedicated, and you'll be on the right path to becoming an SBI Probationary Officer!

FAQ for SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about the SBI PO Syllabus 2025. This section will help clarify common doubts and provide further insights to assist in your preparation.

1. What is included in the SBI PO syllabus for 2025?

The SBI PO 2025 syllabus is divided into multiple sections across the Prelims and Mains exams. The key areas covered include:

Prelims: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

Mains: English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness.

Each section has specific topics that are critical for your exam preparation.

2. How many stages are there in the SBI PO exam?

The SBI PO exam has three stages:

Preliminary Exam: A screening test consisting of multiple-choice questions.

Mains Exam: A more comprehensive exam covering various sections with both objective and descriptive questions.

Interview: A final round where your personality, communication skills, and general awareness are assessed.

3. What is the marking scheme for the SBI PO exam?

Prelims Exam: 100 marks (30 marks for English, 35 marks for Quantitative Aptitude, and 35 marks for Reasoning Ability).

Mains Exam: 250 marks (40 marks for English, 60 marks for Data Analysis & Interpretation, 60 marks for Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, and 40 marks for General/Financial Awareness).

Interview: 100 marks, which is added to the Mains score for final ranking.

4. How can I download the SBI PO syllabus for 2025?

You can download the SBI PO 2025 syllabus PDF directly from the official SBI website or through various educational portals. It’s recommended to download the syllabus from the official source to ensure you have the latest and most accurate information.

5. What are the important books for preparing for SBI PO 2025?

For comprehensive preparation, here are some highly recommended books:

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

Reasoning Ability: "A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal.

English Language: "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis, "English Grammar & Composition" by Wren & Martin.

General/Financial Awareness: Use apps like Bankers Adda and Study IQ for current affairs.

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

Yes, there is a negative marking for incorrect answers in both the Prelims and Mains exams. For each wrong answer, 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted. So, it’s essential to answer questions with confidence.

7. How do I prepare for the General/Financial Awareness section?

To prepare for this section:

Regularly read newspapers such as The Hindu or Economic Times for current affairs.

Follow financial news and updates from reliable sources like Times of India or India Today.

Use banking apps or dedicated websites like Bankers Adda for updates on banking and financial policies.

Focus on major banking terms, government schemes, and national/international economic events.

8. What are the key strategies for preparing for the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section?

Practice puzzles and seating arrangements regularly to improve your logical reasoning skills.

Familiarize yourself with the basics of computers, including hardware, software, and internet knowledge, as these are essential for the exam.

Solve mock tests to improve speed and accuracy in reasoning questions.

9. What is the weightage of each section in the SBI PO exam?

The weightage for the sections varies between Prelims and Mains:

Prelims: Each section has equal weightage (30 marks for English, 35 for Quantitative Aptitude, and 35 for Reasoning).

Mains: English – 40 marks, Data Analysis & Interpretation – 60 marks, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 60 marks, and General/Financial Awareness – 40 marks.

10. Can I change my exam center for SBI PO?

Once you select an exam center during the application process, you generally cannot change it. Therefore, it's essential to carefully choose a center that is convenient for you. Any changes to exam centers will only be allowed under exceptional circumstances, and approval must be obtained from the exam conducting authority.

11. What are the eligibility criteria for appearing in the SBI PO exam?

To be eligible for the SBI PO exam:

You must be between 21 and 30 years of age (as of the specified date mentioned in the notification).

You need to have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

For reserved categories, age relaxation is provided as per government rules.

12. What should I focus on during my last month of preparation?

In the last month, focus on:

Revision: Go over the key topics and formulas, especially in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.

Mock Tests: Take full-length mock tests to simulate exam conditions.

Time Management: Focus on improving your speed, particularly in the Prelims.

Current Affairs: Stay updated on important events, government schemes, and banking news for the General Awareness section.

13. What is the selection process after the SBI PO Mains exam?

After the Mains Exam, candidates who qualify will be called for an interview. The final selection is based on the combined score of the Mains Exam and the Interview. Candidates must clear both rounds to be selected for the role of SBI PO.

These FAQs cover some of the most common questions students have regarding the SBI PO Syllabus 2025 PDF and will help you stay on track as you prepare for the exam. Best of luck with your preparation!