SBI PO Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online

Dreaming of a powerful career in India’s largest bank? The wait is almost over! The State Bank of India (SBI) is set to release the SBI PO Recruitment 2025 notification, inviting applications for the prestigious role of Probationary Officer (PO). This is one of the most sought-after banking jobs in the country, and this year, it’s expected to open doors for over 2,000 aspirants to join the banking behemoth.

If you are a graduate with ambition, this is your ultimate guide to understanding the entire process—from eligibility and the step-by-step application to the three-tier selection process and the lucrative career that awaits you. Let’s get you started on your journey to becoming an SBI PO!

Why is an SBI PO Job the Ultimate Banking Career?

Before we dive into the details, understand why this role is the crown jewel of public sector banking jobs:

Prestige & Brand Value: Work with the largest and most trusted bank in India, a Fortune 500 company.
Excellent Salary Package: The starting basic pay is ₹36,000/- (in the scale of ₹36,000-1490/7-46430-1740/2-49910-1990/7-63840). The initial in-hand salary is approximately ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 per month including allowances (DA, HRA, CCA, etc.).
Rapid Career Growth: Clear and fast-paced promotion opportunities to Middle Management Grade (MMGS Scale II, III) and beyond.
Job Security & Perks: Enjoy unparalleled job security, a defined working hours culture, reimbursed medical expenses, and concessional loans.
Pan-India Presence: Get posted across the vast network of SBI branches in India, offering a dynamic work experience.

SBI PO 2025: Key Details at a Glance

Criteria	Details
Conducting Body	State Bank of India (SBI)
Post Name	Probationary Officer (PO)
Vacancies	2000+ (Expected)
Application Mode	Online Only
Official Website	sbi.co.in/careers or bank.sbi/careers
Tentative Application Dates	September – October 2025
Tentative Exam Date	November – December 2025
Starting In-Hand Salary	₹55,000 – ₹60,000 per month (approx.)

*(Note: Vacancy numbers are an estimate based on previous years. The official count will be announced in the notification.)_

Eligibility Criteria for SBI PO 2025

Before you apply, ensure you meet these essential requirements:

1. Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.

2. Age Limit (as on 01/04/2025):

Minimum Age: 21 years
Maximum Age: 30 years
Age Relaxation: Applicable as per government rules for SC/ST (5 years), OBC (3 years), PwBD (10 years), and other categories.

3. Educational Qualification:

You must be a graduate in any discipline from a recognized university.
Candidates in their final year/semester can also apply, provided they produce proof of having passed the graduation exam on or before a specified date.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for SBI PO 2025

The application process is completely online. Follow these steps carefully to avoid errors:

Visit the Official Careers Portal: Go to the SBI official careers page: sbi.co.in/careers or bank.sbi/careers.
Find the Notification: Click on the “Current Openings” tab and find the link for “Recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) 2025”.
Click on “Apply Online”: Read the official notification PDF thoroughly before proceeding.
New Registration: Click on “New Registration”. Enter your basic details like name, mobile number, and email ID. You will receive a registration number and password. Note it down carefully.
Fill the Application Form: Log in with your credentials. Carefully fill in all personal, educational, and communication details.
Upload Documents: Have scanned copies ready of your:
- Photograph (4.5cm × 3.5cm, 20-50 KB)
- Signature (with a black pen, 10-20 KB)
- Left Thumb Impression (10-20 KB)
- Handwritten Declaration (20-50 KB)
Pay the Application Fee:
- Pay the fee online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
- Fee Structure: General/OBC/EWS: ₹750/-, SC/ST/PwBD: Nil.
Submit and Print: Review all details thoroughly. After final submission, download and print the application form and fee receipt for your records.

SBI PO Selection Process: The 3-Stage Challenge

The selection process is rigorous and consists of three phases:

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Online)

Duration: 1 hour
Sections: English Language (30 Q), Quantitative Aptitude (35 Q), Reasoning Ability (35 Q)
Total Questions: 100
Total Marks: 100
Marking: +1 for correct, -0.25 for incorrect

Phase-II: Main Examination (Online)

Objective Test: Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language (Total 155 Q, 200 Marks).
Descriptive Test: English Language (Letter & Essay Writing, 25 Marks).

Phase-III: Group Exercises & Interview (20 Marks)

Shortlisted candidates from the Main exam are called for a Group Discussion and a personal interview.

The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview, normalized out of 100.

How to Prepare for SBI PO 2025 Exam

Know the Syllabus Inside Out: Focus on all sections, especially Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, which are high-scoring.
Master the Basics: Clear your concepts in maths and logical reasoning. For English, focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs: This is crucial for the GA section. Read a daily newspaper (The Hindu, Economic Times) and follow monthly current affairs magazines.
Practice Mock Tests Relentlessly: This is the key to success. Take weekly full-length mock tests to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management.
Work on Your Communication Skills: Start preparing for the interview and group discussion round by reading on banking topics and practicing speaking.

For a detailed subject-wise strategy, check out our [Ultimate Guide to cracking Bank PO Exams](link to your internal article on bank exam prep).

Final Thoughts

The SBI PO Recruitment 2025 is more than just an exam; it’s a gateway to a fulfilling and powerful career in the banking sector. With disciplined preparation, a clear strategy, and self-belief, you can absolutely crack this examination.

Start your preparation early, keep your documents ready, and apply as soon as the notification is released on the official SBI website.

📢 Pro Tip: Beware of scams! Only trust the official sbi.co.in/careers website for all information and application. Never share your registration details or OTP with anyone.

🔗 Share this guide with your friends who are also preparing for bank exams!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the job profile of an SBI PO?
A: An SBI PO starts as a junior management Grade Scale I officer. Their work includes handling customer relations, managing loans and finances, promoting bank products, and general branch administration.

Q2: Is there a bond period for SBI PO?
A: Yes, selected candidates must sign a service bond agreement. Currently, the bond is for ₹2 lakhs to serve the bank for a minimum period of three years.

Q3: Can final year students apply for SBI PO 2025?
A: Yes, final year graduates can apply provisionally. However, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before a date specified by SBI in the notification.

Q4: How many times can I attempt the SBI PO exam?
A: There is no fixed number of attempts. The only restriction is the upper age limit (30 years for General category, with relaxations for reserved categories).