Want to crack SBI PO exam pattern 2025? Complete Roadmap to the latest exam pattern, section-wise marks and timing, Prep strategies & Key dates.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025: Latest Updates, Section‑wise Breakdown & Prep Tips
If you’re preparing for SBI PO 2025, you’re in the right place.
What’s Security in SBI PO 2025?
SBI has announced 541 PO vacancies—that includes both regular and backlog posts. The official notification came out on June 24, 2025, and the last date to apply was July 14, 2025.
Prelims will be held on August 2, 4, and 5, while Mains in September 2025.
Exam Flow at a Glance
- Prelims – Qualifying stage
- Mains – Main screening
- Interview / Group Discussion – Final round
Prelims: Get‑through test (60 minutes, 100 marks)
- Sections: English, Quantitative, Reasoning
- Questions: 40 English, 30 Quant, 30 Reasoning (noticed an increase in English!)
- Marks: 1 mark per right, -0.25 per wrong answer, no sectional cut-off, only overall marks count
Expect a sharp focus on speed and accuracy—lots of mock tests will help.
Mains: The real deal (3 hrs Objective + 30 min Descriptive)
| Section | Qs | Marks | Time |
| Reasoning + Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 min |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 min |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 min |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 min |
| Objective Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hrs |
| Descriptive (Essay/Letter) | 2 | 50 | 30 min |
Objective parts have sectional cut-offs, so you can’t ignore any section.
Negative marking (–0.25) applies in the objective round.
The descriptive test has no negative marks.
Brush up on writing skills before D-day.
Why This Change In Pattern?
Extra 10 objective questions in Mains (now 170 Qs vs 150 earlier)
No sectional cutoff in Prelims, but yes in Mains—so strategy for both exams differs
Prep Tips
- Time yourself: Use full-length mock exams to get pace right.
- Sectional drill: For Mains, practice each subject separately—Reasoning, DI, Awareness, English.
- Plan essay & letter practice: Keep them crisp, formal.
- Brush up Awareness: Daily news on economy, RBI updates, banking terms.
- Revise basics: Ratio, percentages, data interpretation, puzzles, bank nitty-gritty.
Also Read – SBI CBO Recruitment 2025.
Important Dates: Don’t Miss Them!
- Notification: June 24, 2025
- Application window: June 24 – July 14, 2025
- Prelims: August 2, 4, 5, 2025
- Mains: September 2025
- Interviews: Oct–Nov 2025
FAQ Section: SBI PO exam pattern 2025
Q. How many questions in Prelims?
A. Total 100: 40 English, 30 Quant, 30 Reasoning.
Q. Any sectional cut-off in Prelims?
A. No, only overall cut-off.
Q. Negative marking?
A. Yes, 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective parts.
Q. Mains descriptive pattern?
A. Two tasks—one letter/email and one essay/report—50 marks total.
Q. Why more questions in English in Prelims?
A. SBI’s placing more focus on communication. You need solid reading and grammar speed.
Q. Does Prelims count in final merit?
A. No. It’s just qualifying. Only Mains and Interview marks count.
Q. How to focus on the Awareness section?
A. Keep a habit of quick GK updates—banking, national economy, RBI news, policy changes, etc.
Final Word: SBI PO exam pattern 2025
The SBI PO 2025 pattern demands smart, two-tier preparation—speed & accuracy for Prelims, and balanced sectional strength for Mains. Start mocks early, revise daily, and build up writing skills. With consistent effort and smart strategy, you can crack it!
[…] Also Read – SBI PO Result 2025. […]