The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the SBI PO 2025 notification (Advt. No. CRPD/PO/2025-26/04) inviting applications for the position of Probationary Officer (PO). As one of the most awaited banking exams in India, SBI PO opens up a prestigious career in banking. This guide is crafted specially for applicants and provides everything that most portals skip, including real salary insights, job lifestyle, psychometric round details, and myths vs. reality about the PO post.
- Application Dates: 24 June 2025 to 14 July 2025
- Official Website: https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings
Eligibility Criteria – Who Can Apply for SBI PO 2025?
To apply for SBI PO 2025, you must meet both age and education requirements:
1. Age Limit and Relaxations for SBI PO 2025
As on 01 April 2025:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
(Candidate must be born between 02.04.1995 and 01.04.2004 inclusive)
Age Relaxation:
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (UR/EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / SSCOs / ECOs | 5 years |
2. Education Required to Apply for SBI PO
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
- Candidates in the final year/semester can also apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of graduation on or before 30 September 2025.
- Candidates with qualifications like Chartered Accountant, Engineer, Medical, Cost Accountant, etc., are also eligible.
SBI PO 2025 Vacancy – How Many Seats Are Available Category-wise?
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General | 203 |
| OBC | 135 |
| SC | 80 |
| ST | 73 |
| EWS | 50 |
| Total | 541 |
Horizontal reservation is available for PwBD candidates.
SBI PO Salary in 2025 – Real In-Hand Pay and Benefits
The SBI PO salary is not just a number, it reflects multiple allowances and perks. Here is a breakdown:
| Component | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | ₹48,480 |
| DA, HRA, Other Allowances | ₹7,000–9,000/month |
| Gross Salary | ₹57,000–60,000/month |
| Approx. CTC (Mumbai) | ₹20.43 Lakhs/year |
What SBI POs Actually Do (Roles & Responsibilities)
Many think SBI PO is a desk job. Here’s the reality:
- Branch-level decision making
- Supervising staff and verifying transactions
- Managing customer service, loans, and complaints
- Meeting cross-selling targets (insurance, FD, mutual funds)
- Handling audit reports, compliance, KYC norms
Newly joined officers are often posted in rural or semi-urban areas.
SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern
Phase I: Preliminary Examination
| Section | Questions | Duration | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 20 mins | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 20 mins | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 20 mins | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 1 hour | 100 |
- No sectional cut-off
- 1/4th negative marking for wrong answers
Phase II: Mains Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/Banking/Economy Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
Descriptive Test (30 minutes):
- 3 questions: Email (compulsory), Report, and either Precis or Situation Writing
- Total Marks: 50
Phase III: Final Selection
| Component | Marks |
|---|---|
| Group Discussion | 20 |
| Personal Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Also includes a Psychometric Test for personality profiling. Not scored but affects interview perception.
Training, Bond, Career Growth
- Training: Online basic banking course before joining
- Probation Period: 2 years with periodic assessments
- Bond Amount: ₹2 lakh for 3 years
CareerPosting & Transfer Path:
Posting & Transfer
- Posting is PAN India, including remote regions
- No location preference allowed in initial posting
- Transfers can occur every 2–3 years
Tip: Be ready to relocate and adjust to rural or semi-urban work culture initially.
CIBIL Check, Medical & Background Verification
- Poor credit history, loan defaults may lead to disqualification
- Background and criminal checks are mandatory
- Candidates must be declared medically fit by SBI-approved physicians
Important Dates
| Activity | Tentative Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration | 24 June – 14 July 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | July – Aug 2025 |
| Mains Exam | Sept 2025 |
| Interview & Final Result | Oct – Dec 2025 |
How to Apply
- Visit: https://bank.sbi/web/careers
- Register and upload documents
- Pay application fee (General/OBC: ₹750 | SC/ST/PwBD: Free)
- Download call letters as per exam schedule
Final Words: Should You Apply for SBI PO 2025?
The SBI PO 2025 exam is not just a test but a gateway to a fulfilling banking career. With high competition, realistic preparation, clarity of role, and understanding the challenges will set you apart. Bookmark this page and apply before the deadline. For more updates, check official links regularly.
Apply Now: https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings
FAQs That Applicants Really Ask
Q. Is there work pressure in SBI PO?
Yes, especially in target-oriented branches. But learning and career growth are unmatched.
Q. Can women apply for SBI PO?
Yes. SBI ensures security, but initial postings may be in distant regions.
Q. SBI PO permanent?
Yes, upon successful completion of probation and assessment.
Q. What if I resign early?
You must pay ₹2 lakh as per the bond terms.
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