SBI PO Exam 2025: Best Preparation Plan to Crack Probationary Officer Exam
The State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) exam is one of the most prestigious banking exams in India. With lakhs of aspirants applying every year, cracking SBI PO requires a smart preparation strategy, not just hard work. Here's a complete preparation plan to help you succeed in your SBI PO 2025 journey.
- Prelims: Speed and accuracy are key.
- Mains: Deep understanding of concepts and time management.
- Interview: Clarity of thought, confidence, and current affairs.
|
Stage |
Test Type |
Sections |
Marks |
Time |
|
Prelims |
Objective (MCQ) |
English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning |
100 |
1 Hour |
|
Mains |
Objective + Descriptive |
Reasoning, Data Analysis, GA, English |
200 + 50 |
3 Hours + 30 min |
|
Interview |
Group Discussion + Interview |
Personal Assessment |
50 |
– |
- Read newspapers (The Hindu/Indian Express) daily.
- Practice comprehension, para jumbles, and error spotting.
- Build vocabulary using daily word lists.
- Focus on simplification, DI, profit & loss, number series.
- Use shortcuts for speed.
- Practice previous year questions regularly.
- Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, coding-decoding.
- Time-bound practice is crucial for this section.
- Follow banking, financial news, and monthly current affairs magazines.
- Revise static GK and latest RBI/Banking updates.
- Practice letter and essay writing.
- Stick to word limits and structured formatting.
- Know your biodata thoroughly.
- Practice mock interviews and group discussions.
- Stay confident, calm, and aware of current events.
|
Phase |
Focus Areas |
Duration |
|
Phase 1 |
Basics + Prelims Practice |
3–4 weeks |
|
Phase 2 |
Mains Subjects + Descriptive Writing |
4–5 weeks |
|
Phase 3 |
Revision + Mock Tests + Interview Prep |
2–3 weeks |
- Quantitative: Arun Sharma / RS Aggarwal
- Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal / M.K. Pandey
- English: Wren & Martin, Norman Lewis
- Current Affairs: Monthly Banking Capsules, PIB releases
- Mock Tests: Practice from Adda247, Oliveboard, Testbook, or Gradeup
Daily Study Schedule (Sample)
|
Time Slot |
Activity |
|
6:30 am – 7:30 am |
Editorial Reading + Vocabulary |
|
10:00 am – 11:30 am |
Quantitative Aptitude Practice |
|
12:00 pm – 1:30 pm |
Reasoning + Puzzle Solving |
|
3:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
English Grammar + Mock Test |
|
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm |
Current Affairs + Banking Awareness |
|
8:00 pm – 9:00 pm |
Essay/Letter Writing or Review |
Pro Tips to Crack SBI PO 2025
- Take regular mock tests and analyze performance.
- Work on speed + accuracy balance.
- Focus on time management during practice.
- Revise static GK and bank-related schemes.
- Stay motivated and consistent.
Q: How much time is needed to prepare for SBI PO?
A: Ideally, 3–4 months of focused preparation is sufficient for most candidates.
Q: Is it possible to crack SBI PO without coaching?
A: Yes. With good online resources and self-discipline, many aspirants crack it without coaching.
Q: What are the cut-off marks?
A: It varies yearly, but you should aim for 65–70+ in Prelims and 100–110+ in Mains.
Q: How many attempts are allowed?
A: It depends on the category. General – 4 attempts, OBC – 7, SC/ST – no limit (until age limit).
Q: How important is the interview stage?
A: Very important. It carries 50 marks and plays a key role in final selection.
Here I go with my Final Words
Cracking SBI PO 2025 requires a blend of strategy, smart work, and dedication. Whether you're a first-time aspirant or a repeater, following a structured plan will take you closer to your goal.
Start today, stay consistent, and success will follow. All the best!






