

SBI PO GD and Interview is the final stage of the selection process for candidates who have cleared the mains exam. This stage decides the final merit and plays an important role in the overall selection of a Probationary Officer.
SBI PO GD and Interview round checks communication skills, personality, teamwork, behaviour, decision-making ability, awareness of current events, and banking knowledge. The Group Discussion for SBI PO 2025 will take place from 5th to 9th June 2025, followed by the interview round. Candidates should understand the GD pattern, topics, expected questions, dress code, and evaluation process to prepare well for this phase.
SBI PO GD and Interview consists of two parts: the Group Discussion and the Personal Interview. Candidates sit in a semicircle in groups of 6–10. Two panel members observe the discussion. They give a topic based on social issues, current affairs, banking, or general issues. Candidates get 5 minutes to prepare, followed by a 15–20 minute discussion. After this, candidates proceed to the interview round where the panel asks questions related to banking, current affairs, personal background, and decision-making.
The SBI PO GD and Interview evaluate overall personality, communication, clarity, teamwork, and knowledge. Both rounds together carry a weightage of 50 marks.
Candidates must prepare for SBI PO GD topics ,current affairs because the panel often selects issues linked to national importance, economy, banking, and global changes. The topics may be political, factual, or abstract. The following are likely SBI PO GD topics 2025 based on past trends:
| SBI PO GD Topics Current Affairs 2025 (Expected Questions) | |
| SBI PO GD Topic 2025 | Description |
| Role of Banking in India’s Economic Stability | Discussion on how banking supports growth, credit flow, and financial security. |
| Digital Payments and Future of Cashless Economy | Covers UPI growth, fintech adoption, and challenges in a fully digital system. |
| Artificial Intelligence and its impact on Employment | Focuses on automation, job shifts, and need for new skills. |
| Cyber Security Risks in Banking | Addresses data breaches, fraud prevention, and digital safety infrastructure. |
| India’s GDP Growth and Future Challenges | Talks about growth drivers and concerns like inflation, unemployment, global risks. |
| Climate Change and its Economic Impact | Examines financial losses, sustainability, and policy responses. |
| RBI Digital Currency and its Future in India | Discusses e-Rupee, digital currency models, and user adoption. |
| Social Media Influence on Society | Covers misinformation, mental health, and behavioural changes. |
| Women’s Safety and Workplace Participation | Discusses gender inclusion, safety laws, and economic contributions. |
| India’s Semiconductor Mission | Focuses on chip manufacturing, global competition, and supply chain security. |
| Global Conflicts and Their Impact on Indian Markets | Includes oil prices, trade routes, and stock market volatility. |
| Youth Participation in Policy and Nation Building | Talks about civic engagement, leadership roles, and policy awareness. |
| Inflation and Household Budgets | Discusses rising prices, cost-of-living pressure, and budgeting challenges. |
| Public vs Private Sector Banks | Compares service quality, job roles, loan processes, and customer support. |
| Adoption of Electric Vehicles in India | Discusses EV growth, charging infrastructure, and policy incentives. |
Candidates must also prepare SBI PO interview questions & answers to handle the personal interview confidently. The panel asks simple and straightforward questions that test clarity, confidence, and understanding of banking.
Q1. Why do you want to join SBI as a Probationary Officer?
A: I want to join SBI because it offers a structured banking role, scope for learning, and opportunities to work in different functional areas. It aligns with my career goals in financial services.
Q2. What is the role of a Probationary Officer in a bank?
A: A Probationary Officer handles customer service, account management, loan processing, documentation, and daily branch operations.
Q3. What do you know about monetary policy?
A: Monetary policy refers to the financial steps taken by the RBI to control inflation, manage liquidity, and maintain financial stability.
Q4. What is CRR and SLR?
A: CRR is the percentage of deposits banks must keep with the RBI. SLR is the percentage banks must maintain in liquid assets like cash or government securities.
Q5. Tell us about a recent financial event in India.
A: A recent financial event is the steady rise in digital transactions supported by UPI and the growth of digital banking services.
Candidates must follow a simple and formal SBI PO interview dress code & etiquette. Appearance and behaviour influence the interview impression.
| SBI PO Interview Dress Code & Etiquette | |
| Category | Guidelines |
| Dress Code – Men | Light-coloured shirt |
| Dark trousers | |
| Formal shoes | |
| Simple tie (optional) | |
| Dress Code – Women | Formal shirt and trousers |
| Simple kurta and leggings | |
| Closed footwear | |
| Etiquette | Greet the panel politely |
| Maintain good posture | |
| Keep your voice clear | |
| Listen carefully before answering | |
| Keep gestures minimal | |
The SBI PO GD vs interview difference helps candidates understand what to expect in each round.
| SBI PO GD vs Interview Difference | ||
| Aspect | Group Discussion | Interview |
| Purpose | Evaluate teamwork and communication | Evaluate personality and knowledge |
| Format | Group discussion on a topic | One-to-one or panel conversation |
| Duration | 15–20 minutes | 10–15 minutes |
| Focus | Clarity, group behaviour, listening | Banking knowledge, confidence, awareness |
Candidates often ask how to crack SBI PO GD and interview. Success comes through focused preparation and consistent practice.
Know the Process: GD (20 marks) + Interview (30 marks) = Final Selection.
Stay Updated: Read daily news on banking, economy, and current affairs.
Enhance Communication: Practice speaking clearly, maintain eye contact, and join mock GDs.
Prepare GD Topics: Focus on issues like digital banking, privatization, and AI in finance.
Revise Banking Basics: Understand monetary policy, RBI functions, NPAs, and SBI’s profile.
Ace the Interview: Prepare for personal, academic, and career-related questions confidently.
Show Personality: Be calm, polite, and logical—avoid aggression.
Take Mocks: Analyze performance and improve weak areas.
Dress Formally: Look professional and confident.
Stay Positive: Believe in your preparation and maintain composure throughout.
SBI PO interview weightage and evaluation system is fixed and transparent. The combined weightage of GD and Interview is 25% in the final merit list.
Group Discussion: 20 marks
Interview: 30 marks
Total: 50 marks
The SBI PO interview weightage and evaluation is based on communication, knowledge, clarity, attitude, and listening skills.
Candidates must prepare SBI PO interview bank awareness questions because banking forms an important part of the interview.
What is the meaning of Repo Rate?
What is inflation?
What is a CASA account?
What is priority sector lending?
What is financial inclusion?
What are the functions of the RBI?
In order to complete your SBI PO Group Discussion Preparation, candidates can follow some of the tips mentioned below. Check the list of tips that one can follow:
Stay Updated: One must try to stay updated with all the current affairs, economic developments, banking news, and more in complete detail. In order to prepare effectively, one can refer to a daily newspaper.
Practice Speaking: Practicing speaking skills will boost your presentability. Select trendy topics to build not only clarity of speaking but also sharpen your skills to share insights.
Participate in Mock GD: Participate in mock GD sessions to understand group behaviour. It will also, in turn, help with understanding timing and how to contribute meaningfully.
Keep Key Notes: Use the preparation time to note key points. Try to note down examples and facts that support your argument logically.
Calm Body language: Maintain calm body language, listen actively, and ensure respectful engagement. Make sure that you do not disturb or interrupt others.