The SBI PO Mains and Interview stages play a significant role in your final selection as a Probationary Officer. With the updated SBI PO 2025 selection process giving higher weightage to the Main Exam + Interview/Psychometric Test, candidates must approach preparation with a strategic, disciplined, and exam-focused plan.

This guide provides a complete section-wise strategy, descriptive paper preparation, interview tips, recommended resources, and a 30-day schedule to help you prepare effectively.

SBI PO Selection Process 2025 (Updated Overview)

Understanding the complete selection process helps you plan your preparation more effectively and focus on the stages that carry the highest weightage.

The SBI PO recruitment process includes:

1. Preliminary Exam

2. Main Exam

3. Group Discussion / Interview / Psychometric Test

Each stage has its own cut-off, but your final rank depends largely on the Mains and Interview performance. This means deep conceptual understanding, strong reasoning skills, updated banking awareness, and confident communication will determine your final result.

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern & Weightage (2025 Updated)

Before starting your preparation, it’s essential to know the detailed exam pattern, section-wise timing, and scoring system for the Mains exam.

The Mains exam is three hours long, followed by a descriptive test.

SBI PO Mains 2025 Exam Pattern

How to Prepare for SBI PO Mains (Section-Wise Strategy)

A targeted, section-wise approach ensures balanced preparation and helps you improve both accuracy and speed across all subjects.

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

Topics to Master:

• High-level puzzles & seating arrangements

• Machine input–output

• Statement–Assumption | Inference | Conclusion

• Coding-decoding (new pattern)

• Computer logic & decision-making

How to Prepare:

• Practice 2–3 mains-level puzzles daily

• Focus on pattern recognition

• Solve analytical & logic-heavy computer aptitude sets

• Improve accuracy before speed

Data Analysis & Interpretation (DA & DI)

Important Areas:

• Caselet DI

• Radar/Funnel charts

• Financial DI (GDP, Budget, RBI data)

• Probability, Permutation–Combination

• Ratio/Percentage-based DI

Strategy:

• Practice DI sets from recent mock tests

• Improve calculation speed with daily drills

• Understand question types from previous years

• Analyze mistakes to build consistency

English Language (Advanced Level)

Important Topics:

• Reading Comprehension (Economy/Finance themes)

• Para-jumbles & Para-completion

• Grammar-based error detection

• Vocabulary in context

Strategy:

• Read editorials (ET, Mint, Business Standard)

• Make a vocabulary list with examples

• Practice inference-based RC questions

• Focus on accuracy over attempts

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

High-Weight Topics:

• RBI monetary policy

• Inflation, GDP, Economic Survey

• Digital banking: UPI, cybersecurity, CBDC

• Basel norms, CRR, SLR, NPA

• Government schemes & budget highlights

Strategy:

• Read RBI press releases

• Use monthly banking capsules

• Revise last 6 months of current affairs

• Focus on conceptual understanding

SBI PO Descriptive Test Strategy (Essay + Letter Writing)

The descriptive test is a scoring section that reflects your clarity of thought and communication skills, so a structured preparation strategy is crucial.

Expected Essay Topics

• Digital banking & cybersecurity

• Ethical lending

• Financial inclusion

• AI in banking

• Sustainable/Green finance

Expected Letter Topics

• Complaint to the branch manager

• Loan restructuring request

• ATM card lost/damaged

• Salary account transfer request

Tips for High Scores:

• Follow the proper format

• Use a formal tone

• Keep the introduction and conclusion crisp

• Include real banking terms (without overuse)

How to Prepare for the SBI PO Interview 2025

The interview phase evaluates your banking awareness, personality, and decision-making skills, making it important to prepare confidently and professionally.

Banking & Economy Topics to Prepare

• Role of SBI in the economy

• Monetary policy: Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR

• Types of retail loans

• Priority sector lending

• Government schemes (Mudra, PMJDY)

HR & Personal Questions

• “Introduce yourself professionally.”

• “Why do you want to join SBI?”

• Leadership examples

• Handling customer conflicts

• Difference between SBI and other banks

Interview Etiquette

• Wear formal attire

• Maintain calm and confident posture

• Answer honestly and avoid guessing

• Carry all necessary documents

Last-Minute SBI PO Mains Tips

In the final days before the exam, smart revision and efficient practice can significantly boost your performance.

• Take regular mock tests

• Analyze performance after each test

• Improve time management for each section

• Revise banking awareness daily

• Avoid starting new topics in the last week

Recommended Resources

Banking Awareness

• RBI website

• PIB

• Monthly banking capsules

English

• Editorials (ET, Mint, Business Standard)

DI & Reasoning

• High-level caselet DI

• Mains-level mock tests

Interview

• Mock interviews

• RBI policy summaries

• Current economic updates

30-Day SBI PO Mains Study Plan

A structured month-long study plan helps you stay consistent, maintain balance across sections, and track your progress effectively.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Recognising and avoiding these common preparation mistakes can save you valuable time and improve your exam performance.

• Ignoring the descriptive paper

• Not analysing mock test mistakes

• Relying on too many study sources

• Weak current affairs preparation

• Poor time management