Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the SBI PO Syllabus 2025 based on the provided document titled “RECRUITMENT OF PROBATIONARY OFFICERS” from the State Bank of India. The syllabus is derived from the selection procedure outlined in the document, specifically under the sections detailing Phase-I: Preliminary Examination, Phase-II: Main Examination, and Phase-III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview. Since the document does not explicitly list every topic, I’ve supplemented it with standard SBI PO syllabus details aligned with the described exam pattern, ensuring accuracy and relevance as of March 27, 2025.
SBI PO Syllabus 2025: Detailed Guide for Prelims, Mains, and Phase-III
Page Contents
The SBI PO 2025 recruitment process, as per Advertisement three-phase examination aimed at selecting Probationary Officers for the State Bank of India. The syllabus spans Preliminary Examination (Phase-I), Main Examination (Phase-II), and Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview (Phase-III). Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the syllabus based on the document, enriched with standard topics typically tested in these sections.
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination Syllabus
The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test worth 100 marks, conducted over 1 hour with three sections, each separately timed at 20 minutes. According to the document (Page 9), the sections are:
1. English Language
- Number of Questions: 40
- Marks: Included in the total 100 marks
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Prelims pattern):
- Reading Comprehension: Short passages on general or banking-related topics.
- Cloze Test: Fill in the blanks with contextual words.
- Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical or syntactical errors.
- Sentence Improvement: Correcting or rephrasing sentences.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences into a coherent paragraph.
- Fill in the Blanks: Single or double-blank questions.
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, antonyms, and word usage.
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number of Questions: 30
- Marks: Included in the total 100 marks
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Prelims pattern):
- Number Series: Missing or wrong number sequences.
- Simplification & Approximation: BODMAS, fractions, decimals.
- Data Interpretation: Tables, bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts.
- Quadratic Equations: Comparing roots of equations.
- Arithmetic: Percentages, profit & loss, simple & compound interest, time & work, speed & distance, ratio & proportion, averages, mixtures & allegations.
3. Reasoning Ability
- Number of Questions: 30
- Marks: Included in the total 100 marks
- Duration: 20 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Prelims pattern):
- Puzzles: Seating arrangements (linear, circular), floor-based, scheduling.
- Syllogism: Basic and possibility-based statements.
- Coding-Decoding: Letter shifting, number coding.
- Blood Relations: Family tree problems (direct or coded).
- Direction Sense: Distance and direction-based questions.
- Inequalities: Coded and direct inequalities.
- Series: Numeric, alphabetic, and alphanumeric sequences.
- Order and Ranking: Position-based problems.
Penalty for Wrong Answers: 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No penalty for unanswered questions.
Selection Criteria: There is no sectional cut-off; candidates are shortlisted based on aggregate marks, with approximately 10 times the number of vacancies selected for the Main Examination.
Phase-II: Main Examination Syllabus
The Main Examination consists of an Objective Test (200 marks, 3 hours) and a Descriptive Test (50 marks, conducted immediately after the Objective Test). Both are online, with candidates typing Descriptive Test answers on the computer (Page 9).
Objective Test
The Objective Test has four sections with separate timings:
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Number of Questions: 40
- Maximum Marks: 60
- Duration: 50 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Mains pattern):
- Reasoning:
- Input-Output: Machine-based coding patterns.
- Complex Puzzles: Multi-variable seating arrangements, floor-box-based.
- Syllogism: Advanced with reverse syllogism.
- Logical Reasoning: Statement-assumption, course of action, argument strength.
- Data Sufficiency: Two/three-statement problems.
- Coding-Decoding: High-level coded sentences.
- Computer Aptitude:
- Basics: Hardware, software, input-output devices.
- Internet & Networking: Browsers, protocols, security.
- MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint shortcuts.
- Operating Systems: Windows basics.
- Flowcharts: Logical sequence questions.
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation
- Number of Questions: 30
- Maximum Marks: 60
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Mains pattern):
- Data Interpretation: Caselets, mixed graphs (bar-line-pie), missing data DI.
- Data Sufficiency: Quantitative-based sufficiency.
- Number Series: Complex patterns.
- Arithmetic: Advanced problems on profit & loss, time & work, probability.
- Quadratic Equations: High-level comparisons.
- Mensuration: Area, volume, perimeter calculations.
3. General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge
- Number of Questions: 60
- Maximum Marks: 60
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Mains pattern and banking context):
- Current Affairs: National/international news (last 6 months as of March 2025).
- Banking Awareness: RBI policies, banking terms, financial schemes (e.g., SBI-specific initiatives).
- Economic Awareness: Budget 2024-25, GDP, inflation, economic surveys.
- Static GK: Countries, capitals, currencies, important days, organizations.
- SBI-Specific: Recent awards (e.g., “Best Bank in India 2024” by Global Finance, Page 1), banking products.
4. English Language
- Number of Questions: 40
- Maximum Marks: 20
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Key Topics (Derived from standard SBI PO Mains pattern):
- Reading Comprehension: Longer passages (banking/economic themes).
- Cloze Test: Paragraph-based blanks.
- Sentence Correction: Grammatical restructuring.
- Para Completion: Adding logical sentences.
- Word Usage: Contextual meaning and replacement.
Penalty for Wrong Answers: 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each incorrect answer. No penalty for unanswered questions.
Descriptive Test
- Marks: 50
- Duration: Administered immediately after the Objective Test (typically 30 minutes, though not specified in the document).
- Format: Communication Skills (Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing).
- Key Topics (Based on document description and standard pattern):
- Emails: Formal emails (e.g., to bank clients or officials).
- Reports: Banking or economic scenario analysis.
- Situation Analysis: Problem-solving write-ups based on banking contexts.
- Precis Writing: Summarizing passages.
Selection Criteria: Candidates must score minimum marks in each section (Objective Test and Descriptive Test) as decided by the Bank. Approximately 3 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for Phase III based on aggregate marks.
Phase-III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview Syllabus
Phase-III comprises three components with a total of 50 marks (Page 9).
(a) Psychometric Test
- Purpose: Personality profiling; findings may be used by the Interview panel.
- Format: Not detailed in the document but typically involves:
- Personality assessment questions (e.g., situational judgment, behavioral traits).
- No specific syllabus; focuses on traits like leadership, teamwork, and stress management.
- Marks: No separate marks; used as a qualitative input.
(b) Group Exercise
- Maximum Marks: 20
- Format: Group discussion or task-based activity.
- Key Areas (Derived from standard SBI PO pattern):
- Topics: Banking issues, economic policies, current affairs (e.g., SBI’s “Best Bank 2024” recognition).
- Skills Tested: Communication, leadership, teamwork, problem-solving.
(c) Interview
- Maximum Marks: 30
- Format: Personal interview with a panel.
- Key Areas (Derived from standard SBI PO pattern and document context):
- Personal Background: Education, work experience, motivation for banking.
- Banking Knowledge: SBI-specific details (e.g., awards, pay scale from Page 10), banking operations.
- Current Affairs: Recent events impacting banking/economy.
- Behavioral Questions: Leadership, decision-making, customer service scenarios.
Minimum Qualifying Marks: Decided by the Bank; candidates must qualify separately in Phase II and Phase-III.
Final Selection
- Marks Normalization (Page 10):
- Main Examination (250 marks) normalized to 75.
- Group Exercise & Interview (50 marks) normalized to 25.
- Total normalized marks: 100.
- Merit List: Based on aggregate normalized marks from Phase-II and Phase-III; Prelims marks are not considered.
Preparation Tips Based on the Document
- Prelims: Focus on speed and accuracy with daily practice in reasoning, quant, and English (20-minute sectional mocks).
- Mains: Prioritize Data Analysis & Interpretation and General Awareness; practice typing for the Descriptive Test.
- Phase III: Prepare banking-specific knowledge (e.g., SBI’s achievements), current affairs, and group discussion skills.
- Resources: Use SBI’s website (https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings) for updates, standard books (e.g., RS Aggarwal for Reasoning/Quant, Arihant for Banking Awareness), and mock tests.
Conclusion
The SBI PO Syllabus 2025, as per the document, tests a mix of aptitude, banking knowledge, communication skills, and personality traits across three phases. Start your preparation early, align it with the detailed syllabus above, and leverage the document’s insights (e.g., SBI’s recent awards) to stand out. Good luck!
Last Updated: March 27, 2025