SBI PO Recruitment 2025: A Complete Guide to Apply and Prepare
Updated on : 27 December, 2024

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The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its recruitment notification for Probationary Officers (PO) for the year 2025, offering a total of 600 vacancies. This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for candidates aiming to establish a career in one of India's foremost banking institutions. The application process will commence on December 27, 2024, and conclude on January 16, 2025. Candidates will undergo a multi-phase selection process, including a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and subsequent interviews. This initiative is anticipated to attract numerous applicants eager to join SBI's ranks.
Overview of SBI PO Recruitment 2025

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The SBI PO Recruitment 2025 is a highly competitive process aimed at filling 600 vacancies for the position of Probationary Officers. The recruitment consists of multiple stages: a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination, and an Interview phase. The official notification was released on December 26, 2024, with the application process opening on December 27, 2024, and closing on January 16, 2025.
Application Fee
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹750
- SC/ST/PwBD: Nil
Selection Process Overview
- Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Objective test of 100 marks)
- Phase II: Main Examination (Objective test of 200 marks and Descriptive test of 50 marks)
- Phase III: Psychometric Test/Group Exercises/Interview
Candidates must ensure they meet the eligibility criteria and prepare thoroughly for each stage of the selection process to secure a position at one of India's leading banks.
Importance of the Notification
The SBI PO Recruitment 2025 notification is crucial for several reasons, providing comprehensive details essential for prospective candidates.
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Application Process and Deadlines: The notification outlines the application timeline, starting from December 27, 2024, to January 16, 2025, allowing candidates to prepare accordingly.
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Eligibility Criteria: It specifies the eligibility requirements, ensuring that applicants understand the qualifications needed to apply for the 600 vacancies available.
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Exam Structure: The notification details the exam pattern, including the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and subsequent interview stages, which are pivotal for candidates to strategize their preparation effectively.
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Career Opportunities: Securing a position as a Probationary Officer at SBI is seen as a prestigious career path, offering numerous opportunities for growth and development within the banking sector. This role not only provides job security but also a competitive salary and benefits, making it an attractive option for many job seekers.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: December 27, 2024
- Application End Date: January 16, 2025
- Preliminary Exam Dates: March 8 and March 15, 2025
- Main Exam Date: Scheduled for April or May 2025
Candidates should mark these dates on their calendars and ensure they complete their applications and preparations in a timely manner. Staying informed about these key dates is essential for a successful application process.
Vacancy Details
The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a total of 600 vacancies for the position of Probationary Officer (PO) for the year 2025. The category-wise distribution of these vacancies is as follows:
Category | Number of Vacancies |
---|---|
General (UR) | 240 |
OBC | 158 |
EWS | 58 |
SC | 87 |
ST | 57 |
Total | 600 |
This structured distribution reflects SBI's commitment to providing equal employment opportunities across various categories, making it an attractive opportunity for a diverse range of candidates.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for the SBI PO position, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
Educational Qualifications
- A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
- Candidates in their final year or semester of graduation may apply provisionally, provided they can produce proof of graduation if called for an interview.
Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 21 to 30 years old as of April 1, 2025.
- Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories:
- Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years
- Persons with Disabilities (PWD): Up to 15 years for SC/ST, 13 years for OBC, and 10 years for General/EWS
- Ex-servicemen: Up to 5 years
Nationality Requirements
Candidates must be Indian citizens or meet specific residency requirements, including subjects of Bhutan, Nepal, or Tibetan refugees who settled in India before January 1, 1962.
These criteria are essential for ensuring that candidates are eligible to participate in the competitive recruitment process for the Probationary Officer role at SBI.
Application Process
Candidates can apply for the SBI PO position online through the official SBI website. The application process includes several key steps and fee details:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to sbi.co.in.
- Navigate to Careers: Click on the "Careers" section to find the recruitment advertisement for Probationary Officers.
- Apply Online: Select the "Apply Online" link to start the registration process.
- Fill in Details: Complete the application form with required personal and educational information.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration.
- Pay Application Fee:
- General/OBC/EWS: ₹750
- SC/ST/PwD: Exempt from fees
- Submit Application: Review all details and submit the application before the deadline.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: December 27, 2024
- Application End Date: January 16, 2025
Candidates should ensure they have all necessary documents ready before starting the application process to facilitate a smooth submission.
Selection Process
The selection process for the SBI PO position is comprehensive and consists of three distinct phases, each designed to assess different skills and competencies of the candidates. Here’s a detailed overview:

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Selection Process Overview
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
- Format: Objective test
- Subjects Covered:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Purpose: To shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
Phase II: Main Examination
- Format: Two parts
Objective Test: Covers various subjects, including:
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- English Language
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Descriptive Test:
- Focuses on English proficiency.
- Requiring candidates to write essays and letters.
- Purpose: To evaluate in-depth knowledge and analytical skills.
Phase III: Interview/Group Exercises
- Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination will be invited to participate in this final stage.
- This phase assesses candidates' interpersonal skills, leadership qualities, and overall suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.
Final Selection
- The final merit list will be based on the combined scores of the Main Examination and the Interview/Group Exercises.
Candidates should prepare thoroughly for each phase, as success in all stages is crucial for securing a position as a Probationary Officer at SBI.
Exam Pattern
The examination for the SBI Probationary Officer (PO) position is divided into two main phases: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination. Below is a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern for each phase.
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
- Total Questions: 100
- Sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Total Duration: 1 hour
- Marking Scheme: Each question carries 1 mark, with a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Phase II: Main Examination
- The Main Examination consists of two parts:
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Objective Test
A. Total Marks: 200B. Sections:
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- English Language
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
C. Duration: 3 hours
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Descriptive Test
- Total Marks: 50
- Format: Candidates will be required to write an essay and a letter.
- Duration: 30 minutes
Overall Structure
- Candidates must perform well in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations to progress to the final Interview phase. The combined scores from these tests will determine the candidates' placement in the merit list.
Preparation Tips
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus.
- Practice time management during mock tests to enhance speed and accuracy.
- Focus on strengthening your weak areas while maintaining proficiency in your strengths.
Salary and Benefits

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The starting salary for SBI Probationary Officers (PO) is approximately ₹41,960, which can increase significantly over time due to periodic increments.
Here’s a detailed overview of the salary structure and benefits associated with the position:
Salary Structure
- Basic Pay: ₹41,960
- Gross Salary: Approximately ₹65,780, which includes various allowances.
- Net Salary (In-Hand): Around ₹52,820 after deductions.
Allowances and Benefits
SBI POs receive several allowances that enhance their overall compensation package:
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Adjusted periodically based on inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Varies based on the location of posting.
- Medical Insurance: Coverage for the employee and eligible dependents.
- Travel Allowance (TA): For official travel and other related expenses.
- Special Allowance: Additional compensation that varies by posting.
Career Growth
After five years of service, the salary can rise to around ₹60,270, with regular increments based on years of service. The overall annual package for an SBI PO ranges from approximately ₹8.2 lakhs to ₹13.08 lakhs, depending on experience and performance.
This attractive salary structure, along with various benefits and opportunities for career advancement, makes the SBI PO position highly sought after in the banking sector.
Contact Information
For more details regarding the application process or to clarify any doubts related to SBI PO recruitment, candidates can utilize the following contact information:
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Official Website: Visit the State Bank of India website for comprehensive information.
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Toll-Free Numbers:
- 1800 1234
- 1800 2100
- 1800 11 2211
- 1800 425 3800
- Toll Number (Accessible from abroad):
- +91 80 26599990
- Email Support:
- General inquiries: customercare@sbi.co.in
- For specific queries: contactcentre@sbi.co.in
Candidates can reach out through these channels for assistance with the application process or any other inquiries related to the SBI PO recruitment.
Conclusion
The SBI PO Notification for 2025 presents an excellent opportunity for individuals aspiring to join one of India's most prestigious banks. With 600 vacancies available, this recruitment drive is set to attract a large pool of candidates eager to build a career in the banking sector.
Key dates to remember include the application period from December 27, 2024, to January 16, 2025, with preliminary exams scheduled for March 8 and March 15, 2025. Staying updated on these important dates and requirements will be crucial for candidates aiming to secure their future with SBI. With diligent preparation and a clear understanding of the recruitment process outlined in this notification, candidates can significantly enhance their chances of success in this competitive field.