Do you aspire to be an probationary officer (PO) in the State Bank (SBI)?
The State Bank (SBI) is an iconic target for many banking candidates in India to become an advisable officer (PO). With competitive salary, career stability and opportunity to serve in the largest public sector bank, the role attracts thousands of candidates every year. To help you navigate this journey, we have underlined whatever you need to know from eligibility and selection process to final appointment. If you are firm to secure this condition, then understanding step-by-step roadmap is your first step towards success.
What is SBI PO?
An SBI PO is an entry-level managerial status in the State Bank of India. POS are responsible for various banking activities, such as customer service, loan processing, account management, and more. They also undergo training and development programs for the preparation of high managerial roles within the bank. They play an important role in the bank’s smooth functioning and are assigned to the decision -making responsibilities.
Read, SBI PO notification 2025
Eligibility Criteria for SBI PO
Before applying for SBI PO 2025 Examination, candidates should ensure that they meet the following eligibility criteria
Educational qualification
- Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
- Final year students can also apply, provided they give evidence of graduation on the specified date.
Age limit
- The candidate should be between 21 and 30 years.
- According to government norms, age discount applies for reserved categories:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (Non-Creeme Layer): 3 years
- PWD: 10 years
- Ex -servicemen: 5 years
SBI PO selection process
Candidates for SBI PO will be completed in three stages:
Initial stage
- The objective test includes three segments: English language, quantitative ability and logic ability.
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total marks: 100
main stage
- Objective Test (200 marks) and Descriptive Testing (50 marks).
- Sections include logic and computer qualifications, data analysis and interpretation, general/economy/banking awareness and English language.
- Descriptive tests include email, report writing, etc.
# Negative marking of one-fourth for both the initial and main stages of the exam.
Interview and group exercise
- Candidates cleaning the main examination will be called for psychometric testing, group exercise and interview.
- Group practice: 20 digits
- Interview: 30 digits
Selection mode
The final merit list is prepared on the basis of the main examination and the mark obtained in the group practice and interview.
SBI to become PO SBI Bank
After knowing the course and exam pattern, someone should focus on preparation as it is the only and main step to be PO in SBI
01. First, plan a study
- daily schedule: Allocate specific hours for each subject daily. Ensure a balanced approach by giving more time to weak areas.
- Weekly target: Set weekly goals to cover specific disciplines and classes.
- Fake Testing and Amendment: Schedules fake testing and modification sessions regularly to track your progress and improve your weak areas.
02. Collect study material
- online resources: Use websites, apps and youtube channels for video tutorials and practice questions.
- Last year papers: To understand the exam pattern and difficulty level, analyze and practice the previous year’s question papers.
03. Focus on each section
- Quantitative Aptitude: Pay attention to fundamental concepts, practice problems, and work on speed and accuracy. Solve questions with regular quantitative qualifications and take a time bound quiz.
- Capacity of logic: Practice different types of puzzles and logical logic questions. Develop a strategy to solve problems quickly and accurately.
- English language: Improve grammar, expand the vocabulary and practice reading the understanding of reading. Read the newspapers and magazines regularly to increase language skills.
- general awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, read newspapers daily, follow financial news, and modify banking terms and concepts regularly.
04. Regular practice and fake tests
- mock test: Take regular full-length fake tests to follow the examination status. Analyze your performance after each test to identify and work on weak areas.
- Sectional test: Take a sectional tests to focus on individual classes and improve your proficiency in each field.
- Time Management: Develop effective time management skills by practicing questions within a fixed time frame. This will help you manage time during the actual examination.
05. Descriptive test preparation
- Email, Report, Status Analysis and Precice Writing: Practice emails, reports, status analysis and writing on various subjects. Pay attention to clarity, consistency and grammar. Read sample essays and letters to understand the format and style.
- Current subject: Be informed about current events, social issues and economic development for writing relevant and practical essays.
06. Prepare for group practice and interview
- Group Description: Participate in group discussion on current topics to improve your communication and analytical skills. Learn to present your thoughts logically and briefly.
- Interview preparation: Prepare answers to general interview questions, focus on your background, banking knowledge and current affairs. Practice mock interviews to create confidence.
What is the role of SBI PO?
An SBI Probation Officer (PO) is a major entry-level managerial post in State Bank of India. During the probation period, the selected candidate is trained in various banking works and departments such as customer service, loan and advance, marketing, digital banking and cash management.
The primary responsibility of SBI PO is to manage day-to-day branch operations and ensure smooth service distribution to customers. They are also expected to maintain clerical work, approval loans and process, handle cash and help in solving the customer problem. Over time, POS plays a more strategic role in business development and policy implementation, making this post a strong base for long -term banking career.
Salary for SBI POS
The initial basic salary for SBI PO is 48480-2000/7-62480-2340/2-67160-2680/7-85920 on the scale of 48,480/-(including 4 advance increments) on the scale of 7-85920.
allowance
- Dearness allowance (da)
- Home rent allowance (HRA)
- City compensatory allowance (CCA)
- Furniture allowance
- medical insurance
- Travel allowance
- Petrol allowance
- Newspaper allowance
- Various other benefits
Perception
- Accommodation
- Provident Fund
- Pension
- Leave holiday concession (LFC)
- Interest free festival advance
- Concessional interest rates for housing/car/individual loan
How to prepare for SBI Bank PO
- Understand the course and exam pattern: Understand SBI PO course and exam pattern completely, Pay attention to major areas like quantitative ability, logic and English.
- A study plan: Develop a realistic and structured study plan. Allocate time for each section and include regular modifications.
- Practice mock test: Take a regular mock test to assess the level of preparation. Analyze the performance and work on weak areas.
- Read newspapers and stay updated: By reading newspapers and magazines, stay updated with current affairs, especially banking and economic news.
- study material: Consider joining online courses for additional guidance and structured teaching.
- Stay healthy and positive: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and be positive in your preparation journey. Regular brakes and physical exercises can help reduce stress.