SBI PO Bharti 2025: Complete Guide & Key Dates

🏦 Introduction

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the SBI PO 2025 recruitment notification on 24 June 2025, inviting online applications for 541 Probationary Officer (PO) positions (500 regular + 41 backlog). This post provides a detailed, professional overview of everything you need to know—dates, eligibility, exam structure, salary, and more.

🗓️ Notification Highlights & Important Dates

🧑‍🎓 Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Graduation in any stream from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply provisionally, subject to proof of passing by 30 Sept 2025
• Age Limit: Between 21 and 30 years as on 1 April 2025; relaxation for SC/ST (5 yrs), OBC (3 yrs), and other categories per Govt. norms.
• Nationality: Indian citizen or eligible candidates as per SBI norms
• Disability Reservation: 4% horizontal for PwBD candidates

💰 Application Fee

• General/OBC/EWS: ₹750
• SC/ST/PwBD: Nil
  (Non-refundable)

🧮 Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Prelims (Qualifying Stage)

• Format: 100 MCQs, 60 minutes (20 min per section)
• Sections: English (40 Qs), Quantitative (30), Reasoning (30)
• Marking: 1 mark/Q, -0.25 for incorrect answers
• No sectional cutoff; used to shortlist ~10× the vacancies for Mains

Mains (Final Selection Stage)

• Objective Paper – 155 Qs, 3 hrs
  • Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (40 Qs; 60 marks)
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation (30 Qs; 60 marks)
  • General/Economy/Banking Awareness (60 Qs; 60 marks)
  • English Language (40 Qs; 40 marks)
  • Negative marking: –0.25 per wrong answer
• Descriptive Paper – Essay & Letter (50 marks), 30 minutes

Interview & Group Exercise

• Value: 50 marks (Interv. – 30, GE – 20)
• Includes psychometric test

💸 Salary & Career Prospects

• Basic Pay: ₹48,480 (plus 4 advance increments)
• CTC Range: ₹17–18 LPA (Mumbai), CTC approximately ₹20.43 LPA
• Allowances: DA, HRA, CCA, NPS, LTC, medical, etc.
• Scale Growth: JMGS-I scale up to ₹85,920 + allowances
• Probation Period: 2 years

📝 How to Apply

1. Visit SBI Careers at sbi.co.in → “Recruitment of Probationary Officers”
2. Download and read the notification (Advt. No. CRPD/PO/2025-26/04)
3. Click “Apply Online” (24 June – 14 July 2025)
4. Register and log in to fill the form
5. Upload scanned photograph, signature, declaration (as per specs)
6. Pay application fee online and submit
7. Download/print confirmation

🎯 Preparation Tips

• Understand Exam Pattern & Syllabus: Focus on high-weightage topics in Prelims and Mains
• Practice Daily: Time-bound mocks for Quants, Reasoning, English.
• Stay Updated: Follow banking & financial current affairs for GA/B.Aware.
• Descriptive Prep: Practice essay/letter writing with focus on clarity, grammar, format.
• Group & Interview Readiness: Work on communication, current affairs, body language, mock GD sessions.
• Health Matters: Build stamina and stress resilience with periodic breaks and a proper routine.

📄 Document Checklist

Make sure to have ready:

• Graduation certificate/provisional degree
• Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
• Income & Asset certificate for EWS (FY 2024–25)
• Identity & address proof
• Passport-size photograph, signature, handwritten declaration scans

✅ Conclusion & Next Steps

SBI PO represents a highly coveted banking career with excellent compensation and growth. Don’t miss the application window (24 June – 14 July 2025). Plan your exam strategy around the structured pattern, focus on consistent practice, and gear up for rigorous preparation. Best of luck!