Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
SBI PO is widely regarded as the most prestigious and lucrative public sector bank officer recruitment in India. Selected officers enjoy higher pay allowances than standard PSU banks, accelerated promotion tracks to executive roles, and international assignment opportunities across SBI foreign branches.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: Mains 250 Marks + Phase III 50 Marks (Scaled to 75:25 Composite Index)| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims: English Language | 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Prelims: Quantitative Aptitude | 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Prelims: Reasoning Ability | 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 Questions | 50 Marks | 50 Minutes |
| Mains: Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 Questions | 50 Marks | 45 Minutes |
| Mains: General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 50 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes |
| Mains: English Language | 35 Questions | 40 Marks | 40 Minutes |
| Mains: Descriptive Paper (English Letter & Essay) | 2 Questions | 50 Marks | 30 Minutes |
| Phase III: GD & Interview | Group Discussion (20 M) + Interview (30 M) | 50 Marks | 30 Minutes |
Negative marking of 1/4th of marks assigned per question. Notably, SBI PO has NO sectional cutoffs in Prelims or Mains. Final score: 75% Mains (out of 250) + 25% Phase III (out of 50).
Negative Marking Rule: 0.25 of marks assigned to question deducted as penalty
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Prelims aggregate cutoff hovers around 56-62 marks out of 100. Final composite selection cutoff (scaled out of 100) typically hovers around 45-51 marks.
Recruited Posts, Services & Cadres
Frequently Asked Questions
Does SBI PO have sectional cutoffs?
No! Unlike IBPS PO, State Bank of India does not mandate individual sectional cutoffs in either Prelims or Mains. Only the overall aggregate score is considered for qualifying.
How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?
General category candidates have a maximum of 4 chances; General PwD has 7 chances; OBC has 7 chances; there is no restriction on number of attempts for SC/ST candidates up to the upper age limit.
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