SBI PO Vacancy 2021 : Full Comparison 2021 vs 2024 – Check Now!

SBI PO Vacancy 2021: For aspiring candidates aiming for a career as a Probationary Officer (PO) with the State Bank of India (SBI), the number of vacancies announced each year is a crucial factor in their preparation strategy. With the competition becoming increasingly intense, the number of vacancies can directly impact their chances. In 2024-25, there has been a noticeable decrease in the vacancies available compared to previous years. This shift in the vacancy trend presents a new challenge for candidates, making it essential to understand how the numbers have changed from 2022 to 2024-25 and what it means for those preparing for the exam.

SBI PO 2021 Vacancies

The SBI PO 2021 recruitment drive announced a total of 2,056 vacancies, a considerable number that offered ample opportunities for candidates across various categories. The vacancies were divided between regular and backlog positions, with specific provisions for candidates with disabilities. Here’s the category-wise breakdown of the vacancies for 2021:

Category	Regular Vacancies	Backlog Vacancies	Total Vacancies
SC	300	24	324
ST	150	12	162
OBC	540	20	560
EWS	200	—	200
General (GEN)	810	—	810
Total	2000	56	2056

Additionally, vacancies were also available for candidates with disabilities (LD, VI, HI) as follows:

Category	LD	VI	HI
Total	20	20	20

This large number of vacancies provided an excellent opportunity for candidates across different categories, particularly in the General category (810 vacancies).

SBI PO 2024-25 Vacancies

In contrast, the total number of vacancies for SBI PO 2024-25 has drastically reduced to 600 vacancies. Although the possibility of an increase remains, the sharp decline in available positions has made the competition more intense. Here’s a breakdown of the 2024-25 vacancies:

Category	SC	ST	OBC	EWS	UR	Total
Regular Vacancies	87	43	158	58	240	586
Backlog Vacancies	—	14	—	—	—	14
Total	87	57	158	58	240	600

As observed, the 2024-25 vacancies are significantly lower than those of 2021, with the most significant reduction in the General category, where vacancies have decreased from 810 to just 240. The overall vacancy count has reduced by 1,456 positions, making the selection process much more competitive.

Year-Wise Vacancy Trend

Here’s a quick look at the vacancy numbers for SBI PO recruitment over the past few years:

Year	Number of Vacancies
2024	600
2023	CHECK HERE
2022	CHECK HERE
2021	2056
2020	CHECK HERE
2019	CHECK HERE
2018	CHECK HERE
2017	CHECK HERE

From the table, it is evident that the vacancies have fluctuated over the years. The number of vacancies in 2021 (2,056) was among the highest in recent years, while the 2024-25 vacancies (600) represent the lowest in the past decade. This decline in available positions is a critical factor that aspirants must consider while preparing for the exam.

Key Observations and What It Means for Candidates

The significant reduction in vacancies for 2024-25 carries several important implications for SBI PO aspirants:

1. Increased Competition: With only 600 vacancies available, the competition is expected to be fiercer, especially in the General (UR) category, where only 240 positions are open. Candidates need to ensure that their preparation is sharp and well-targeted to stand out in this highly competitive pool.
2. Impact on Category-Wise Vacancies: The reduction in vacancies is felt across all categories, but it’s especially noticeable in the General category, which saw a steep drop from 810 in 2021 to 240 in 2024. Other categories like SC, ST, and OBC also saw substantial decreases in vacancies.
3. Focus on High-Quality Preparation: As the number of vacancies decreases, candidates must focus on quality preparation. Time management, accuracy, and in-depth understanding of the exam pattern are now more important than ever to increase the chances of success.
4. Stay Updated for Any Changes: While the current vacancies stand at 600, candidates should keep an eye on any updates from SBI regarding an increase in vacancies or changes in the recruitment process. Any changes could affect the competition and the selection criteria.

Conclusion: Adjusting Strategies for a Competitive Exam

The reduction in SBI PO vacancies for 2024-25 underscores the importance of thorough preparation and strategic planning. With fewer positions available, candidates must make sure they are well-prepared for every stage of the exam, from Prelims to Mains, and stay updated with any changes in the vacancy numbers. Despite the increased competition, dedicated preparation and focus can help candidates overcome the challenges and secure a position in one of India’s most prestigious banks.