SBI PO 2025 Exam Pattern Changes: The State Bank of India (SBI) has released its much-anticipated Probationary Officer (PO) Notification 2025, bringing significant changes that candidates must carefully analyze to prepare effectively. From a revamped exam pattern to an impressive salary hike, this year’s notification raises the bar for aspirants aiming to secure one of the most coveted roles in the banking sector.
While offering lucrative opportunities, the number of vacancies has drastically reduced to just 600 posts, intensifying the competition for this prestigious role. Let’s break down the major updates in the SBI PO Notification 2025.
Key Changes in SBI PO 2025 Notification
The updates in the notification emphasize a more holistic assessment approach, testing candidates on communication, analytical, and real-world skills. Here are the critical changes:
1. Revised Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims Exam has undergone subtle yet impactful changes:
- English Language: Increased weightage to 40 marks (from 30 marks).
- Quantitative Aptitude: Reduced to 30 marks (from 35 marks).
- Reasoning Ability: Reduced to 30 marks (from 35 marks).
Although the total time and question count remain unchanged, these modifications stress the importance of excelling in English, making it the most critical section in Phase I.
2. Overhauled Mains Exam Structure
The Mains Exam has seen significant restructuring, testing candidates’ endurance and adaptability:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Now 40 questions worth 60 marks (up from 50 marks).
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Reduced to 30 questions but worth 60 marks (previously 40 questions, 50 marks).
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness: Increased to 60 questions for 60 marks (from 50 questions).
- English Language: Reduced to 40 questions carrying 20 marks (previously 35 questions, 40 marks).
The total questions in the Mains exam have increased to 170 questions (from 155), requiring sharper time management and focus.
3. Revamped Descriptive Paper
This year’s Descriptive Paper will now test real-world communication skills through tasks like Email Writing, Report Drafting, and Situation Analysis instead of traditional Letter and Essay writing. This change reflects SBI’s focus on assessing candidates’ readiness for practical scenarios in their roles.
4. SBI PO Salary Hike
The starting basic pay for SBI POs has increased significantly to ₹56,480 (from ₹41,960), along with additional perks like DA, HRA, and other allowances. The total annual CTC now stands at an attractive ₹18.67 lakh, positioning this role as a premium career choice in the banking sector.
5. Steep Decline in Vacancies
The number of vacancies has plummeted to 600 (from 2000 last year), marking the lowest count in recent history. This reduction will likely lead to higher cut-off marks and stiffer competition, making strategic preparation essential.
6. No Sectional Cut-Off in Prelims
The Prelims Exam no longer features a sectional cut-off, allowing candidates to focus on maximizing their overall score. However, the Mains Exam retains minimum sectional score requirements, requiring balanced performance across all sections.
7. Relaxed Eligibility Deadlines
The age and educational qualification cut-off dates have been revised to provide greater flexibility:
- Age: Calculated as of 01 April 2024.
- Education: Candidates must complete their degree by 30 April 2025.
This change offers more inclusivity compared to last year’s stricter deadlines.
What These Changes Mean for Aspirants
These updates demand a strategic shift in preparation. Candidates must:
- Focus on English Language proficiency for both Prelims and Mains.
- Prepare for the Descriptive Paper with practical writing exercises.
- Tackle Mains with time management and an emphasis on high-weightage sections like Reasoning and General Awareness.
With only 600 vacancies, it’s crucial to start early, stay consistent, and practice mock tests regularly.
For more details and expert guidance on preparing for SBI PO 2025, stay tuned for our upcoming study plans and resources!
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