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Competitive Exam Details

The State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) examination is universally recognized as the absolute zenith of banking recruitments in India. As the largest and most prestigious public sector bank in the country, SBI offers an unparalleled career trajectory, a highly lucrative compensation package (with a starting CTC often exceeding ₹13 to ₹15 Lakhs per annum), and rapid promotional avenues up to the highest executive echelons, including the Chairman of the bank. Because SBI operates independently of the IBPS common recruitment process, its examination sets the gold standard for difficulty, innovation in question patterns, and rigorous selection metrics in the financial sector.

The recruitment process is famously grueling and is meticulously structured into three highly competitive phases. Phase-I is the Preliminary Examination, a 60-minute qualifying sprint featuring 100 questions across English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The hallmark of SBI PO Prelims is the absence of sectional cut-offs, meaning candidates can rely on their strong subjects to push their overall aggregate score, though strict sectional timing (20 minutes per section) still applies.

Candidates who clear the high Prelims cut-off advance to Phase-II, the Main Examination. This is a marathon 3-hour objective test (200 marks) testing Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. Immediately following the objective test, candidates must type a Descriptive Paper (Letter and Essay writing) worth 50 marks. Phase-III is the ultimate differentiator: it involves a Psychometric Test to profile the candidate's personality, followed by a Group Exercise (GE) and a Personal Interview (PI). The final merit list is prepared by normalizing the marks of the Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) and the Phase-III GE & Interview. An SBI PO career is not just a banking job; it is a fast-paced, high-pressure management role that demands exceptional leadership, analytical prowess, and adaptability.

Eligibility Criteria

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Salary: ₹ 25000

Important Date

Starting Date: 05-Sep-2026 12:00 AM

Closing Date: 25-Sep-2026 12:00 AM

Q1: Are there a maximum number of attempts allowed for the SBI PO exam?
A1: Yes, unlike IBPS, SBI restricts the number of attempts. General and EWS candidates have a maximum of 4 attempts. OBC and PwBD (General/EWS) have 7 attempts. There is no restriction on the number of attempts for SC/ST candidates. Appearing in Prelims does not count as an attempt; an attempt is only counted if you appear for the Main Examination.
Q2: Does SBI PO have sectional cut-offs in the Prelims and Mains?
A2: No. SBI removed sectional cut-offs a few years ago. You only need to clear the overall aggregate cut-off score to qualify for the next phase. However, sectional timing (e.g., 20 minutes for English) is still strictly enforced.
Q3: What is the Psychometric Test in Phase-III?
A3: Introduced recently, the Psychometric Test is a profiling tool used to assess a candidate's personality traits, behavioral tendencies, and psychological fitness for a high-pressure banking management role. It is usually qualifying/profiling in nature, and the results are shared with the Interview panel.
Q4: Is there a bond period for candidates joining as SBI PO?
A4: Yes. Selected candidates are required to sign an indemnity bond (typically for ₹2 Lakhs) committing to serve the bank for a minimum period of 3 years.

Phase-I (Prelims): English (30 Qs): Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting. Quantitative Aptitude (35 Qs): Data Interpretation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Approximation, Arithmetic. Reasoning (35 Qs): Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Blood Relations.

Phase-II (Mains - Objective): Data Analysis & Interpretation (35 Qs): Complex Caselets, Radar Graphs, Missing DI, Probability. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (45 Qs): Multi-variable puzzles, Logical/Critical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption), Machine Input-Output. General/Banking Awareness (50 Qs): Core Banking concepts, RBI policies, Financial Current Affairs. English Language (35 Qs): Advanced Reading Comprehension, Paragraph Completion.

Phase-II (Mains - Descriptive): English Language test focusing on formal Letter Writing and Essay Writing on socio-economic or financial topics.

Guidelines

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