The State Bank of India (SBI) has released its much-awaited notification for the recruitment of Probationary Officers for 2025-26. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the SBI PO recruitment process, from application dates to salary details.
🗓️ Key Dates to Remember
Mark your calendars! Here are the crucial dates for SBI PO 2025:
| Activity | Timeline |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Application Modification | June 24 - July 14, 2025 |
| Application Fee Payment | June 24 - July 14, 2025 |
| Preliminary Exam Call Letters | 3rd/4th week of July 2025 |
| Phase-I: Preliminary Examination | July/August 2025 |
| Preliminary Results | August/September 2025 |
| Main Exam Call Letters | August/September 2025 |
| Phase-II: Main Examination | September 2025 |
| Main Exam Results | September/October 2025 |
| Phase-III Call Letters | October/November 2025 |
| Phase-III: Interview & Group Exercise | October/November 2025 |
| Final Results | November/December 2025 |
💼 Total Vacancies: 541 Posts
SBI is offering a total of 541 vacancies for Probationary Officers, distributed across different categories:
- General (UR): 203 posts
- OBC: 135 posts
- SC: 80 posts (including 5 backlog vacancies)
- ST: 73 posts (including 36 backlog vacancies)
- EWS: 50 posts
Note: These vacancies are provisional and may change based on organizational requirements.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Age Requirements
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years (as on April 1, 2025)
- Birth Date Range: Between April 2, 1995, and April 1, 2004
Age Relaxation Benefits
Different categories enjoy age relaxation as follows:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- PwBD (General/EWS): 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen: 5 years
Educational Qualifications
- Basic Requirement: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
- Final Year Students: Can apply provisionally
- Professional Degrees: Medical, Engineering, CA, CMA holders are eligible
📋 Three-Phase Selection Process
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination
Format: Online | Total Marks: 100 | Duration: 1 hour
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Phase-II: Main Examination
Total Marks: 250 (200 Objective + 50 Descriptive) | Duration: 3.5 hours
Objective Test (200 Marks)
| Test | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy/Banking | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
Descriptive Test (50 Marks - 30 minutes)
- Compulsory: Email writing (1 out of 2 options)
- Compulsory: Report writing (1 out of 2 options)
- Choice: Either Situation Analysis OR Precis Writing
Phase-III: Final Assessment
Total Marks: 50
- Group Exercise: 20 marks
- Personal Interview: 30 marks
- Psychometric Test: (Qualifying nature)
🧮 Final Merit Calculation
The final selection is based on a normalized scoring system:
- Main Examination: 75% weightage (250 marks normalized to 75)
- Phase-III: 25% weightage (50 marks normalized to 25)
- Total: 100 marks
Important: Preliminary exam scores are NOT considered for final merit.
💰 Salary and Benefits
Starting Salary Package
- Basic Pay: ₹48,480/- (plus 4 advance increments)
- Pay Scale: 48480-2000/7-62480-2340/2-67160-2680/7-85920
- Approximate CTC: ₹20.43 Lacs (at Mumbai center)
- Grade: Junior Management Grade Scale-I
Service Commitment
- Bond Amount: ₹2.00 Lacs
- Minimum Service: 3 years
- Probation Period: 2 years
💳 Application Fee Structure
- General/EWS/OBC: ₹750/-
- SC/ST/PwBD: No fee required
🎯 Attempt Limits
| Category | Maximum Attempts |
|---|---|
| General/EWS | 4 |
| General (PwBD)/EWS (PwBD)/OBC | 7 |
| SC/ST | No restriction |
Note: Only Main Examination attempts are counted, not Preliminary.
♿ Special Provisions
PwBD Candidates
- Reservation: 4% horizontal reservation
- Scribe Facility: Available for 40%+ disability
- Extra Time: 20 minutes per hour of examination
Pre-Examination Training
Free online coaching provided for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates in July/August 2025.
📝 Application Process Checklist
Before You Apply
- Ensure you have a valid email ID and active mobile number
- Keep your educational certificates ready
- Arrange for a recent passport-style photograph
- Prepare your signature sample
- Get your left-hand thumb impression ready
Required Documents for Hand-Written Declaration
"I _______ (Name), _____ (DOB) hereby declare that all information submitted is correct, true and valid. I will present supporting documents when required. The signature, photograph and left-hand thumb impression is mine."
🚨 Important Guidelines
Do's
- Apply well before the deadline to avoid technical issues
- Keep your application form printout safe
- Regularly check the official SBI website for updates
- Ensure all details are correct before final submission
- Maintain active email and mobile connectivity
Don'ts
- Don't use mobile phones or calculators during exams
- Don't submit false or fabricated documents
- Don't miss the application deadline
- Don't ignore official communications
🏢 Examination Centers
Examinations will be conducted across multiple centers throughout India. SBI reserves the right to add or cancel centers based on requirements.
🔔 Stay Updated
All official announcements and updates will be published exclusively on the SBI official website. Candidates are advised to rely only on official sources for accurate information.
Final Word: The SBI PO recruitment offers an excellent opportunity to build a career in India's largest public sector bank. With attractive salary packages, comprehensive benefits, and significant career growth prospects, this is one of the most sought-after banking positions in the country.
Start your preparation early, stay consistent, and keep yourself updated with the latest information. Good luck with your SBI PO journey!
Disclaimer: This information is based on the official notification. Candidates are advised to refer to the original notification for complete and up-to-date details.
