The SBI PO exam which stands for the State Bank of India Probationary Officer is finally conducting its exam this year. It is a prestigious and competitive examination conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit qualified individuals for the position of Probationary Officer.
You can find all the important details such as Admit Card, Result and Dates in this article regarding the SBI PO exam.
Exam Dates & Admit Card Download
The SBI PO 2023 Mains Admit Card was released by the State Bank of India (SBI) on its official website at www.sbi.co.in on 22nd November 2023.
The SBI Mains Exam was held on 5th December 2023. Candidates who have cleared the SBI PO Prelims Examination can download their SBI PO Mains Admit Card 2023 using their registration number/roll number and password/date of birth.
Here are the steps to download the SBI PO Mains Admit Card 2023:
- Visit the official website of the State Bank of India @sbi.co.in.
- On the bottom left corner of the homepage, click on the “Careers” option.
- You will get the PO Mains Admit Card 2023 link on the home page.
- You must provide your login credentials to the link on the home page.
The prelims exam of SBI PO was conducted on November 1, 4 and 6, 2023. Based on the SBI PO prelims result 2023, candidates 10 times the number of vacancies were selected for the mains exam. The prelims result displays the qualifying status of candidates for the mains exam. SBI PO prelims cut-off and scorecard were released along with the result.
Please note that the last date to download the SBI Mains Exam Admit Card 2023 is 5th December 2023. Make sure to download your admit card before the exam date to avoid any last-minute rush.
Full Exam Details
| Exam Particulars | Exam Details |
| Exam Name | SBI PO |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Frequency | Once a year |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Total Registrations | Approximately 10 lakh |
| Stages of Exam | Prelims, Mains and Interview |
| Exam Fees | INR 750 for General/EWS/OBC/ST/PWD categories are exempted from fee payment |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: One hour Mains: 3 hours 30 minutes |
| No. of Papers and Total Marks | Prelims: Three (100 marks) Mains: Four (250 marks) |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 questions Mains: 156 questions |
| Marking Scheme | 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| Exam Purpose | For the selection of Probationary Officers in various branches of SBI |
| No. of Test Cities | Prelims: 200 cities (Approx.)Mains: 70 cities (Approx.) |
| Official Website | https://sbi.co.in/web/careers |
| Contact Details | 022-22820427 |
SBI PO Exam Selection Process
- The selection process comprises a prelims exam, mains exam, psychometric test, group exercise, and interview.
- The Prelims exam comprises English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The total marks allotted to the exam are 100.
- The Mains exam carries both objective and descriptive type questions. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 250.
- Candidates qualifying for the mains exam are called for Group Exercises and Interviews. The Group Exercises and Interview carries a total of 50 marks.
- The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list.
What is the SBI PO exam?
State Bank of India (SBI) every year conducts the SBI PO exam to select eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officer. A large number of candidates apply for the exam, out of which only a few are selected depending on the number of vacancies. It is considered one of the most sought-after banking exams in the country.
The SBI Probationary Officer (PO) exam serves as a gateway for aspiring candidates to embark on a rewarding career in the banking industry.
SBI releases vacancies for PO annually to fulfil manpower requirements among its branches.
Why should one choose SBI PO as a career?
The exam holds immense significance due to the pivotal role that Probationary Officers play in the functioning of the State Bank of India. As future leaders of the bank, SBI POs are entrusted with responsibilities ranging from customer service to decision-making, making the examination a crucial step for those aspiring to shape the financial landscape of the nation.
Furthermore, it is considered a premium job opportunity in the banking sector because of the following reasons:
- SBI has a brand value and the post is highly reputed
- SBI offers a lucrative pay scale which is the highest among PSU banks
- Candidates joining the post of PO can reach up to the level of Chairperson
- It offers job security
SBI PO Exam Cutoffs 2023
The cutoff for the prelims exam 2023 was released on November 21, 2023.
The cut-off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure in the prelims exam, mains exam group exercises and interview. The cut-off is applied to the overall score.
To check the cutoff, candidates need to enter the registration number or roll number, date of birth, and verification code. There is no sectional cutoff in the exam. Candidates are only required to secure the overall aggregate cutoff marks.
Candidates can check previous years’ cut-off here.
SBI PO 2023 Prelims Cut-off
| Category | Cut-Off Marks |
| GEN | 59.25 |
| SC | 53 |
| ST | 47.50 |
| OBC | 59.25 |
| EWS | 59.25 |
SBI PO Mains Cut off 2022
| Category | Cut-Off Marks |
| GEN | 59.50 |
| SC | 52.50 |
| ST | 47.75 |
| OBC | 58.25 |
| EWS | 59.50 |
SBI PO Prelims Cut off 2022
| Category | Cut-Off Marks |
| GEN | 59.50 |
| SC | 52.50 |
| ST | 47.75 |
| OBC | 58.25 |
| EWS | 59.50 |
SBI PO Exam Analysis
The Mains exam was more difficult than last year. The State Bank of India conducted the Mains Exam 2023 on 5th December 2023 in a single shift. Aspiring bankers are now eager to know the exam’s difficulty level and have a summary of the Mains exam.
This analysis will help you prepare for future banking exams. This year, the difficulty level of the Mains Exam is of moderate level.
The Mains exam consisted of four sections and a descriptive paper-
- English
- General Awareness
- Quantitative
- Reasoning.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis – Good Attempts & Difficulty
Here we have updated the number of good attempts for each section and overall good attempts that a candidate must score in today’s Mains Exam.
| Sections | Good Attempts | Difficulty |
| English Language | 16-18 | Moderate |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 16-18 | Moderate |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 8-10 | Moderate to Difficult |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness. | 18-20 | Moderate |
| Overall | 58-76 | Moderate |
SBI PO 2023 Exam – Overall Difficulty Level
| Sections | Difficulty Level |
| Reasoning Ability | Moderate |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate to Difficult |
| English Language | Easy |
| Overall | Moderate |
SBI PO Eligibility Criteria 2023
SBI prescribes the eligibility criteria in terms of educational qualification, nationality, and age limit:
- Age Limit: The age limit for SBI PO exam is 21 and 30 years. Relaxation in age limit is given to unreserved categories.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must be graduates of any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government. Those who are in the final year/semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally subject to the condition that, if called for an interview, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination.
- Number of Attempts: The maximum number of attempts is fixed for each category. Candidates who have used up all the chances are not eligible to apply. Appearing in the prelims exam is not counted as an attempt but appearing in the mains exam is counted.
| Category | Attempts |
| General | 4 |
| General (PwD) | 7 |
| OBC | 7 |
| OBC (PwD) | 7 |
| SC/ST (PwD) | No Restriction |
SBI PO Syllabus 2023
SBI PO syllabus for the prelims exam comprises topics from sections such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Candidates can check the prelims syllabus below:
Reasoning Ability: Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output and many more.
English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting, etc.
Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Simple Interest and compound Interest and surds and indices, Time and distance, Work and time, Ratio and proportion, Percentage, Data Interpretation, Number Systems, etc.
How to Prepare for Competitive Exams as a College Student?
SBI PO Weightage of Topics
The subject-wise weightages given to different topics in the exam are given below.
Quantitative Aptitude
| Topic | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Data Interpretation | 15 | Moderate |
| Missing No. Series | 5 | Moderate |
| Quadratic Equation | 5 | Easy |
| Miscellaneous Word Problems | 10 | Moderate |
| Total | 35 | Moderate |
Reasoning Ability
| Topics | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangement | 20 | Moderate |
| Coding-Decoding | 1 | Easy |
| Direction Sense Test | 3 | Moderate |
| Blood Relation | 4 | Easy |
| Syllogism | 4 | Easy |
| Alphabet based | 1 | Easy |
| Comparison Based | 2 | Easy |
| Total | 35 | Easy-Moderate |
English Language
| Topic | No. of Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Reading Comprehension | 5 | Moderate |
| Error Detection | 6 | Easy |
| Sentence Correction | 5 | Easy |
| Single Filers | 7 | Easy |
| Cloze Test | 5 | Easy |
| Sentence Formation | 2 | Easy |
| Total | 30 | Easy |
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2023
The exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims, mains, Psychometric Tests, Interviews and Group Exercises. The prelims exam carries 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions.
SBI PO prelims exam is divided into three sections-
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude.
The duration of the test is one hour with separate timings for each section. The test carries a total of 100 marks.
The Second phase is the mains exam. The main exam comprises both objective-type and subjective-type questions. The total marks allotted to the exam are 250. The duration of the test is 3.5 hours.
Phase III comprises:
- Psychometric Test
- Interview and
- Group Exercises.
The Psychometric test is conducted for personality profiling of those candidates shortlisted for Phase III. The result of the test may be placed before the Interview panel to have a thorough perspective on the candidates.
The Group Exercises comprise 20 marks and the Interview carries 30 marks. The total marks allotted to Phase 3 are 50. The structure of the SBI PO exam pattern for prelims and mains exams is given below.
SBI PO Vacancies 2023
SBI PO 2023 vacancies were released along with the notification. A total of 2000 vacancies were announced for the exam. In 2022, 1673 vacancies were announced for the SBI PO exam. In 2021, the vacancy was 2056.
Candidates can check the 2023 vacancy below:
| Category | SC | ST | OBC | EWS | GEN | Total |
| Current Vacancy | 300 | 150 | 540 | 200 | 810 | 2000 |
| Total Vacancy | 300 | 150 | 540 | 200 | 810 | 2000 |
SBI PO Salary & Job Profile
The salary structure of SBI PO in terms of basic pay, pay scale, and allowances is given below:
- Basic Pay: The starting basic pay is INR 41,960 (With four advance increments).
- Payscale: INR 36,000-1490/7-46430-1740/2-49910-1990/7-63,840 applicable to Junior Management.
- Allowances: DA, HRA/Lease rental, CCA, Medical, and other allowances & perquisites as per rules.
SBI PO Job Profile
Once the candidate joins as a SBI Probationary Officer, they will undergo a probation period or training of 2 years. The candidate after getting recruited as an SBI Probationary Officer will have different job roles which will include-
- Work as a Public Relations Officer- handle customer problems and address issues.
- Managerial works like supervision of Clerical works, making decisions for the development of the bank, etc.
- Verification of all the work done by the clerks.
- Must be aware of the latest developments of banks.
- Issuing of ATM Cards, chequebooks, Demand drafts, etc.
SBI PO Job Profile – Training Period
Applicants who will get selected for the SBI PO Recruitment will have a probation period of two years. The shortlisted applicants would be required to execute a bond for INR 2.00 lakh (two lac only) to serve the bank for a minimum of three years.
Check the further details of the Training Period below –
- The Bank will activate the Bond if the candidate resigns from the Bank’s employment three years from the date of joining.
- During the probation term, they will be subjected to continuous assessment by the Bank’s current policy. Applicants will be exposed to basic banking knowledge and will have different job roles after the training such as finance, accounting, billing, investment, revenue collection, etc. during his/ her probation period.
- Candidates who pass the evaluation according to the requirements established by the bank from time to time will be confirmed in the bank’s service in Junior Management Grade Scale-I. (JMGS-I).
- If a candidate fails to meet the SBI PO minimum criteria set, their services may be terminated by the Bank’s current policy.
SBI PO Job Profile – Career Growth
The career growth of a Probationary Officer is a longer path with a stable future. The SBI PO Job is one of the most desirable posts for lakhs of candidates who apply every year.
- The career as an SBI Probationary Officer is a great chance to stay connected with the most reputed nationalized bank and the Central Government.;
- SBI offers several chances for career advancement, including postings abroad.;
- The Bank’s appealing promotion program allows deserving and extremely brilliant officers to advance to the Top Management Grade in a very short period.
SBI PO Job Profile – Promotion Hierarchy
SBI offers many career growth and promotion opportunities to its employees. Check the Promotion Hierarchy given below:
- Assistant Manager
- Deputy Manager
- Manager
- Chief Manager
- Assistant General Manager
- Deputy General Manager
- General Manager
- Chief General Manager
- Deputy Managing Director
- Managing Director
- Chairman
For more details about the exam, refer to the official website.
FAQs
Q1. Is the individual, currently in the final year of graduation, eligible for the SBI PO 2023-24 exam this year?
Yes, the candidate is eligible to apply for the exam. However, it is crucial to note that during the interview, the candidate must present the graduation certificate.
Q2. Are there any negative marks for incorrect answers in the SBI PO 2023-24 exam?
Yes, there will be a deduction of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in all sections of the SBI PO 2023-24 exam.
Q3. Does the SBI PO question paper include descriptive-type questions?
Indeed, the main exam of SBI PO 2023-24 will feature two descriptive-type questions: Letter writing and Essay writing. Each question will carry 25 marks.
Q4. What is the online application fee for the SBI PO 2023-24 Exam?
The application fee for the General/OBC/EWS categories is INR 750 for the SBI PO 2023-24 Exam. However, there is no application fee for SC/ST/PwD categories. For more details about the fee, click here.
Q5. Is an individual who is one month short of 21 years old eligible to apply for SBI PO 2023-24?
No, the individual is not eligible to apply, as the minimum age requirement for the exam is 21 years (as of April 1, 2023).
