Understanding the SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for aspirants. With this, you can ensure your study materials perfectly align with the current SBI PO exam requirements, prioritize high-weightage sections, and create a focused study plan.
Here’s a breakdown of the new SBI PO pattern and syllabus as per the latest official notification.
SBI PO 2024 Pattern
According to the official notification of SBI, the selection procedure of the SBI PO 2024 exam is:
- Phase 1 (Pre)
- Phase 2 (Mains)
- Phase 3 (Interview)
Let’s start with understanding the official SBI PO Phase 1 pattern.
SBI PO Pre Pattern 2024
We have broken the prelims pattern of SBI PO 2024 into subjects, questions, marks, and duration.
Number of Subjects in SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The SBI PO prelims exam consists of 3 subjects:
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude.
Number of Questions in SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The number of questions vary by subject:
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions
- English Language: 30 questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions
Maximum Marks in SBI PO 2024 Prelims
Each question carries 1 mark, so the maximum marks for each subject are:
- Reasoning Ability: 35 marks
- English Language: 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 marks
Time Duration in SBI PO 2024 Prelims
A total of 1 hour is allocated for the SBI PO prelims exam, 20 minutes for each subject:
- Reasoning Ability: 20 minutes
- English Language: 20 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes
We have summarised the above information in the table below.
| SBI PO 2024 Prelims Pattern | |||
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important Note: PwBD candidates, with 40% or more disability, who have physical limitations to type/write including that of speed shall be allowed compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the examination whether availing the facility of a scribe or not.
Additional Details of SBI PO 2024 Prelims Pattern
Mode of Exam of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The SBI PO Phase 1 exam is conducted in online mode. Candidates are required to tick the right answers on a computer screen.
Paper Structure of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
SBI PO Prelims exam is qualifying in nature and consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Nature of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
SBI PO Phase 1 is qualifying in nature.
Paper Language of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The exam is offered in Hindi and English languages, except for the English Language test which is solely in English. Candidates can answer the questions in either English or Hindi based on their language preference.
Total Number of Questions of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
There are a total of 100 questions. Each question is worth 1 mark, making it a total of 100 marks for 100 questions.
Total Marks of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The total marks for the SBI PO Phase 1 exam are 100.
Cut-Off Marks of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
The overall cut-off marks are decided as per the calling ratio. Please note that there are no sectional cutoff marks in SBI PO Phase 1 (preliminary) exam.
Negative Marking of SBI PO 2024 Prelims
There is 1/4th negative marking, i.e., 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted if a candidate leaves a question unattempted.
The above details have been summarised below.
| SBI PO 2024 Prelims Pattern Additionaml Details | |
| Mode | Online |
| Paper Structure | Objective-Type (MCQs) |
| Nature | Qualifying |
| Language | Hindi & English (Except the test of English) |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Overall Cut-Off Marks | Decided as per the calling ratio |
| Sectional Cut-Off Marks | No |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 (1/4th for every wrong answer) |
| Total Duration | 1 Hours |
| Sectional Timing | Yes |
Candidates who achieve the minimum qualifying marks (overall as well as section-wise) set by SBI in the Prelims exam are eligible to appear for Phase 2 (Mains).
SBI PO Mains Pattern 2024
Mains is the second stage of the SBI PO selection process. It consists of 2 papers:
Objective Paper of SBI PO Mains
Objective paper consists of 4 subjects:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness
- English Language
Descriptive Paper of SBI PO Mains
Descriptive paper consists of an English language test.
As per the official notification, here is the SBI PO mains pattern:
| SBI PO 2024 Mains Pattern | ||||
| Test | Name | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Objective | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 Minutes | |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes | |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes | |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours | |
| Descriptive | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 250 | |||
Important Note: PwBD candidates, with 40% or more disability, who have physical limitations to type/write including that of speed shall be allowed compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the examination whether availing the facility of a scribe or not.
Additional Details of SBI PO 2024 Mains Pattern
Here are some other essential details of the SBI PO 2024 mains pattern.
Mode of Exam of SBI PO 2024 Mains
The SBI PO Phase 2 exam is conducted online. Candidates answer objective questions by selecting answers on the screen and respond to descriptive questions by typing their answers using the keyboard.
Paper Language of SBI PO 2024 Mains
The exam is offered in Hindi and English languages, except for the English Language test and descriptive paper, which are solely in English.
Total Marks of SBI PO 2024 Mains
The total marks for the SBI PO Phase 2 exam are 250.
Cut-Off Marks of SBI PO 2024 Mains
Cut-off marks are decided as per the calling ratio. Please note that there are no sectional cutoff marks in SBI PO Phase 2 (mains) exam.
Negative Marking of SBI PO 2024 Mains
There is 1/4th negative marking for each incorrect answer. No marks are deducted if a candidate leaves a question unanswered.
The above details have been summarised below.
| SBI PO 2024 Mains Pattern Additional Details | |
| Mode | Online |
| Language | Hindi & English (Except for the test of English Language and Descriptive Paper) |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Cut-Off Marks | Decided as per the calling ratio |
| Sectional Cut-Off Marks | No |
| Negative Marking (Objective questions) | 1/4th |
Candidates who qualify in SBI PO Phase 2 are then shortlisted for a psychometric test, group discussion, and interview. This stage evaluates the candidate’s knowledge, skills, and suitability for the SBI Probationary Officer role.
SBI PO 2024 Interview Pattern
- The SBI PO interview is the final stage of the selection process for candidates who have successfully cleared Phase 1 and 2 exams.
- Before understanding the SBI PO interview pattern, let’s take a look at the Psychometric test that candidates must undergo before appearing for the interview.
Psychometric Test for SBI PO 2024
SBI will conduct a Psychometric test for personality profiling, of those candidates who will be shortlisted for interview. Findings of the test may be placed before the interview panel for having a thorough perspective on the candidates.
- Mode: The psychometric test is online.
- Language: You can take the test in English only.
- Number of Questions: Expect 100-120 questions to assess your personality and behavioral traits.
- Marks: No marks are allotted for the psychometric test.
- Time: You’ll get 90 minutes to complete this test.
Group Discussion for SBI PO 2024
Here is the group discussion pattern for the SBI PO 2024 exam:
- Mode: The interview is conducted in person at various exam centers.
- Language: You can take the interview in Hindi or English.
- Marks: The group discussion carries a weightage of 20 marks.
- Number of Persons in a Group: Usually there are 8 people in 1 group discussion.
- Time The group discussion typically lasts between 10 and 30 minutes.
Interview Pattern for SBI PO 2024
Here is the interview pattern for the SBI PO 2024 exam:
- Mode: The interview is conducted in person at various exam centers.
- Language: You can take the interview in Hindi or English.
- Number of Questions: The number of questions varies depending on the panel.
- Marks: The interview carries a weightage of 30 marks.
- Time: The interview typically lasts between 20 and 45 minutes.
Final Selection as SBI PO
The final selection is based on the aggregate marks obtained in mains and interview (Group Discussion and Interview).
SBI PO Pattern Change
The SBI PO mains exam pattern underwent some changes in the 2021 notification.
Before 2021
| SBI PO 2021 Mains Objective Pattern | |||
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Changes Introduced in 2021
| SBI PO 2022 Mains Objective Pattern | |||
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 50 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- Questions: 40 (reduced from 45)
- Marks: 50 (reduced from 60)
- Time Allotted: 50 minutes (reduced from 60)
Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- Questions: 30 (reduced from 35)
- Marks: 50 (reduced from 60)
- Time Allotted: 45 minutes (remains the same)
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness:
- Questions: 50 (increased from 40)
- Marks: 60 (increased from 40)
- Time Allotted: 45 minutes (increased from 35)
In the 2021 SBI PO notification, SBI also introduced a psychometric test before the group discussion and interview stage.
SBI PO 2024 Syllabus
Analyzing the SBI PO 2024 syllabus is crucial for aspirants. It helps you:
- Understand the subjects and topics asked in the exam.
- Identify recent changes, preventing you from missing out on newly added topics.
- Ensure your study material is aligned with the current syllabus.
However, the official notification does not mention the detailed syllabus for the SBI PO exam. To save your time and effort, we have analyzed the previous years’ questions (PYQs) and list down the topic-wise syllabus of each subject of SBO PO pre and mains.
For decoded syllabus, click on the link: SBI PO Detailed Syllabus.
Conclusion
Understanding the SBI PO 2024 pattern and syllabus provides a roadmap for your preparation. This knowledge empowers you to start your preparation journey with confidence. By familiarizing yourself with the latest requirements, you can:
- Choose the right study materials
- Prioritize high-weightage sections
- Develop a focused study plan
