Build a career as a SBI PO
India's most coveted banking officer exam - a fast-track managerial career with the country's largest bank.
Know the SBI PO before you start
541 (2025 cycle)
Vacancies / Year
SBI (single bank; 22,500+ branches)
Participating Banks
3 (Prelims + Mains + Interview)
Exam Phases
₹80,000–82,000/month in-hand (CTC ~₹21.97 L/yr)
Starting Salary
Roles & salary as you grow
The SBI PO opens an entry role that promotes upward — here's the ladder and what each rung pays.
Stage 1
Probationary Officer (JMGS-I / Assistant Manager)
₹80,000–82,000/month in-hand (CTC ~₹21.97 L/yr)
Entry-level officer role after a ~2-year probation. Handles branch operations, customer relationships, credit/loan processing, cash management, and general banking administration.
Stage 2
Deputy Manager / Manager (MMGS-II & III)
₹1,00,000–1,40,000+/month
First promotions from Scale-I, reached in a few years via internal exams/performance. Greater responsibility for branch profitability, credit portfolios, and team management.
Stage 3
Senior / Chief Manager & AGM (SMGS-IV & V)
₹1,50,000–2,50,000+/month
Mid-senior leadership overseeing large branches, regional operations, or specialised verticals (credit, treasury, HR).
Stage 4
DGM / GM and above (TEG Scale VI & VII)
₹2.5 lakh+/month up to board-level
Top management. A capable PO can rise to Deputy General Manager, General Manager, and higher executive positions over a long career.
*Indicative ranges from public data; actual pay varies by employer, city and cycle.
Are you eligible?
Education
Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university. Final-year students may apply provisionally but must produce proof of graduation by the cut-off date.
Age
21–30 years (as on 01.04.2025). OBC: +3 years, SC/ST: +5 years, PwD: +10 to +15 years; Ex-servicemen and other categories per government norms.
Nationality
Indian citizen (or a subject of Nepal/Bhutan, a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 Jan 1962, or a person of Indian origin from specified countries - with eligibility certificate where required).
How the SBI PO is structured
SBI PO is conducted in three phases. Phase I (Preliminary) is a 100-mark online objective screening test (qualifying only - marks not counted in final merit). Phase II (Mains) has a 200-mark objective test across 4 sections plus a 30-mark descriptive test. Phase III is a psychometric test, Group Exercise & Interview (50 marks). Final merit combines Mains and Phase III in a 75:25 ratio. Objective tests carry 0.25 negative marking per wrong answer.
Phase I - Preliminary Examination
Phase II - Mains (Objective)
Phase II - Mains (Descriptive)
Phase III - Group Exercise & Interview
What you'll study
menu_bookQuantitative Aptitude / Data Analysis & Interpretation
menu_bookReasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
menu_bookEnglish Language
menu_bookGeneral / Economy / Banking Awareness
menu_bookDescriptive Writing
How to crack the SBI PO
Check eligibility & the notification
Confirm you hold (or will hold) a bachelor's degree in any stream and are 21–30 years old (with applicable relaxations). Read the official notification on sbi.co.in / bank.sbi careers page.
Register & apply online
Register on the SBI portal, fill personal/academic details, upload photo, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration, and pay the fee (₹750 for General/OBC/EWS; nil for SC/ST/PwD).
Phase I - Preliminary Exam
Appear for the 1-hour online objective prelims (100 marks). This is a qualifying screening; clear the cut-off to be shortlisted (~10× vacancies) for Mains.
Phase II - Mains Exam
Take the 200-mark objective test (4 sections, 3 hours) plus a 30-minute, 30-mark descriptive test (essay + letter). Clear overall and sectional cut-offs.
Phase III - Psychometric, Group Exercise & Interview
Shortlisted candidates attend a qualifying psychometric test, followed by a Group Exercise (20 marks) and Interview (30 marks), total 50 marks.
Final merit list & joining
Final selection combines Mains + Phase III scores in a 75:25 ratio. Selected candidates complete document verification/medical and join as Probationary Officers.
The SBI PO cycle
26 December 2024
27 December 2024 – 16 January 2025
2, 4 & 5 August 2025
August–September 2025
13 September 2025
6 November 2025
November–December 2025
Prep for SBI PO with PrepClever
Launching 2026. Join the waitlist for early access, free mock tests, and a personalised study plan.
See the full SBI PO guide arrow_forwardSBI PO — common questions
What is the age limit for SBI PO?
21 to 30 years as on the notification's cut-off date. SC/ST get +5 years, OBC (non-creamy layer) +3 years, and PwD candidates get up to +15 years (PwD+SC/ST).
Is there an interview in SBI PO?
Yes. Unlike SBI Clerk, SBI PO has a Phase III consisting of a psychometric test, Group Exercise (20 marks) and Interview (30 marks), which count toward final selection.
What is the starting salary of an SBI PO?
The basic pay is ₹48,480 with a starting in-hand salary of roughly ₹80,000–82,000 per month, and total CTC around ₹21.97 lakh per year including allowances and perks.
Is there negative marking?
Yes, in the objective tests. 0.25 marks (one-fourth) are deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains objective sections. The descriptive test has no negative marking.
How many attempts are allowed?
General category candidates get up to 4 attempts; OBC 7 attempts; SC/ST/PwD have no attempt limit (subject to the age ceiling).
Does the Prelims score count in the final merit?
No. The Preliminary exam is only a qualifying/screening stage. Final merit is based solely on the Mains and Group Exercise & Interview scores (75:25).
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