The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to conduct the Preliminary Examination for the Probationary Officer (PO) position. A total of 600 vacancies have been announced, with provisions for various categories, including reservations for SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates. The Preliminary examination will be held on March 8 and March 15, 2025, at various centres across the country.
Candidates must download the SBI PO Admit Card from the official website, sbi.co.in, to participate in the examination. Presenting the admit card in the examination hall is crucial, as entry will not be allowed without it. The admit card includes important details about the examination, such as the exam date, exam time, and examination venue.
SBI Probationary Officer Exam Details 2025
| Organiser | State Bank of India (SBI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Total Vacancies | 600 |
| Last Date to Apply | 16 January 2025 |
| Exam Date | 08 and 15 March 2025 |
| Admit Card Availability | 3rd and 4th week of February 2025 onwards |
| Website | sbi.co.in |
The application process was conducted online from 27 December 2024 to 16 January 2025 and included the payment of application fees within the same window. During this period, candidates must upload all relevant documents, including photographs, signatures, and declarations. Applications received after the deadline were not considered.
Examination Schedule
The SBI PO recruitment process involves three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Exam Dates: 08 and 15 March 2025
- Call Letter Download: From the 3rd or 4th week of February 2025.
- Main Examination
- Tentative Dates: April/May 2025
- Call Letter Download: From the 2nd week of April 2025.
- Phase III (Psychometric Test, Interview, Group Exercise)
- Dates: May/June 2025
- Call Letter Download: Announced after the main exam results.
SBI Probationary Officer Selection Process
The SBI PO 2025 selection process is conducted in three phases:
- Preliminary Examination: A 1-hour online test with 100 marks covering:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Main Examination:
- Objective Test: 200 marks
- Descriptive Test: 50 marks (Email and Letter Writing Skills)
- Phase III:
- Psychometric Test to evaluate personality and role suitability
- Interview & Group Exercise for candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination.
Available Posts and Job Responsibilities
The Probationary Officer (PO) role is one of the most prestigious positions in SBI. Here are the primary responsibilities associated with this role:
1. Customer Service & Bank Operations
- Handling customer queries and complaints efficiently.
- Assisting customers with banking transactions like account opening, loans, deposits, and fund transfers.
2. Loan Processing & Credit Assessment
- Evaluating and approving loan applications.
- Assessing the creditworthiness of applicants.
- Maintaining records of loan repayments and ensuring compliance with RBI guidelines.
3. Business Development & Sales
- Promoting financial products like savings accounts, credit cards, insurance, and mutual funds.
- Conducting customer outreach programs to increase the bank’s reach.
- Achieving branch-level sales targets and customer acquisition goals.
4. Risk Management & Fraud Prevention
- Monitoring banking transactions to prevent fraudulent activities.
- Ensuring that all financial dealings comply with banking laws and RBI regulations.
- Conducting audits to identify and mitigate risks in banking operations.
5. Leadership & Supervisory Roles
- Managing bank clerks and administrative staff.
- Ensuring smooth day-to-day operations of the branch.
- Reporting to senior bank officials and implementing policies as directed.
6. Financial Analysis & Reporting
- Preparing financial reports and presenting them to senior management.
- Analyzing market trends and economic data to make informed business decisions.
- Managing the bank’s assets and liabilities efficiently.
The role of an SBI PO requires multitasking ability, leadership skills, and financial acumen. Officers are expected to handle both customer-facing responsibilities and back-end banking operations efficiently.
Exam Scheme and Paper Pattern
The SBI PO recruitment examination tests candidates across multiple subjects to evaluate their aptitude for the banking sector. Below is the exam structure:
Preliminary Examination
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Main Examination
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/Economic/Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total Objective Test | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
Descriptive Test
- Letter Writing & Essay Writing (50 Marks)
- Duration: 30 Minutes
How to download SBI PO Admit Card 2025?
Candidates must follow the below-mentioned steps to download the SBI PO Call Letter:
- Go to the official website at sbi.co.in.
- Locate and click on the “SBI PO Admit Card 2025” link under the “Current Openings” section.
- Enter your Registration Number and Password/Date of Birth as required.
- Click on the Submit button.
- Your admit card will appear on the screen.
- Download and print a copy of the admit card for examination purposes.
Final Words
The SBI PO exam is one of the most competitive banking exams in India, requiring rigorous preparation. Candidates should ensure they understand the exam pattern and selection process thoroughly. Downloading the admit card on time and keeping track of important dates will help candidates avoid last-minute hassles. Stay updated by visiting the official SBI website regularly. Good luck to all aspiring candidates!
