What is SBI PO Exam? - Full Form, Eligibility, Salary, Pattern & Career Growth
What is SBI Probationary Officer (PO) Exam?
The full form of SBI PO is State Bank of India Probationary Officer. This exam is conducted every year by the State Bank of India (SBI). It is a national level banking competitive examination aimed at recruiting eligible candidates to the post of bank officer. Officers selected for this post work in branches, regional offices and headquarters.
SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages:
- Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Phase 2: Main Examination (Mains)
- Phase 3: Interview (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview)
Who is an SBI Probationary Officer (PO)?
A Probationary Officer (PO) is a training officer in the bank. When a candidate is selected as SBI PO, he is first put on a probation period of 2 years. During this period, he is given training in various areas of banking so that he can become an efficient bank officer in the future.
What is the work of SBI PO?
The job of an SBI Probationary Officer is very important. During the probation period, candidates are trained in various areas of banking such as customer service, loan and advance processing, monitoring of banking transactions and functions like branch management and team leading.
Why Should Take the SBI PO Exam?
During the training, the candidates selected for the SBI PO post are not only provided with proficiency in banking operations, but their administrative and managerial skills are also developed. This will make them suitable for the post of branch manager or other senior posts in the future.
Moreover, the salary and perks of SBI PO are more competitive and attractive than other government banks. With high salary and stability, this career ensures a better lifestyle and financial security.
SBI PO Exam Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SBI Probationary Officer (PO) Exam |
| Full Form | State Bank of India Probationary Officer (PO) Exam |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Purpose | Recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) in various SBI branches across India |
| Target Candidates | Graduates |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | Website |
SBI PO Exam Eligibility Criteria
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Indian |
| Education Qualification |
|
| Age limit |
|
1. Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years (Up to 33 years) |
| SC/ST | 5 years (Up to 35 years) |
| PwBD (UR/EWS) | 10 years (Up to 40 years) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years (Up to 43 years) |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years (Up to 45 years) |
| Ex-Servicemen, ECOs, SSCOs | 5 years (Up to 35 years) |
2. Total Attempts Limit
| Category | Attempts Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | 4 |
| PWD (General) | 7 |
| OBC | 7 |
| PWD (OBC) | 7 |
| SC/ST | No limit |
| PWD (SC/ST) | No limit |
SBI PO Exam Pattern
SBI PO exam is conducted in three stages. Each stage evaluates the aptitude, skills and potential of the candidate at different levels.
- Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Phase 2: Main Examination (Mains)
- Phase 3: Interview (Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview)
1. Phase - 1: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
The preliminary exam is also commonly known as the screening test. The preliminary exam is the first stage of the SBI PO exam.
The purpose of this stage is to shortlist the candidates so that they can be eligible for the Mains. There are a total of 3 subjects in the preliminary exam, and each subject has a different time limit.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Question type | Objective-type (MCQ) |
| Papers |
|
| No of Question |
|
| Total Question | 100 |
| Total marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1hr (20 minuits each paper) |
2. Phase - 2: Main Examination
Mains is the second stage of the SBI PO exam. This stage is more difficult and in-depth than the preliminary exam. It tests the banking knowledge, logical thinking, and effective writing ability of the candidates.
The main exam is conducted in a total of two parts. Both these tests are conducted in online mode on the same day. In this, the descriptive test is taken immediately after the objective test is over.
- Objective Test
- Descriptive Test
A. Objective Test
Objective test consists of a total of 4 papers, and all the questions are objective type. These four papers consist of 155 questions carrying a total of 200 marks.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online |
| Question type | Objective-type (MCQ) |
| Paper |
|
| Total question | 170 |
| Total marks | 200 |
| Duration | 3 hours (180 minuits) |
B. Descriptive Test
Descriptive test is of 50 marks and has to be completed within the time limit of 30 minutes.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online |
| Exam type | Descriptive |
| Paper name | Descriptive Paper Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing. |
| Total question | - |
| Total marks | 50 |
| Duration | 30 minuits |
3. Phase - 3: Interview (Psychometric Test, Group Exercises and Interview)
Interview is the third and final phase of the SBI PO selection process. In this, candidates are evaluated on the basis of personality, communication skills, leadership ability, and banking awareness. This phase has two main parts. The combined total of Phase 3 is 50 marks.
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Personal Interview (PI)
1. Group Discussion (GD)
Group Discussion (GD) is the first part, which is of total 20 marks.
2. Personal Interview (PI)
Personal Interview (PI) is the second part which carries a total of 30 marks.
SBI PO Selection Process
The PO exam conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) goes through a multi-stage selection process that holistically evaluates the intellectual ability, communication skills, and leadership potential of the candidates.
- Phase 1: Phase 1 is an online exam in which candidates have to qualify only.
- Phase 1 Result: The result list is prepared on the basis of the total marks obtained in the preliminary exam, and candidates are selected for Phase 2 (main exam).
- Phase 2: Phase 2 exam is more difficult than the preliminary exam, and it tests the in-depth knowledge of banking related to the candidates.
- Phase 2 Merit List: The merit list of candidates is released on the basis of marks obtained in the main exam.
- Phase 3: Candidates are shortlisted for Phase 3 on the basis of marks obtained in Phase 2.
- Final Merit List (Phase 2 + Phase 3): The final merit list is prepared on the basis of combined marks of main exam and interview stage.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates are informed by SBI through email or call for document verification. In this, they have to appear at the regional circle office of SBI or Local Head Office (LHO) with all their original documents.
- Medical Examination: After document verification, candidates have to submit medical report to the authorized medical officer of the bank.
- Service Bond: Selected candidates have to sign a service bond of Rs 2 lakh for a minimum service period of 3 years.
SBI PO Promotion and Career Growth
A Probationary Officer (PO) in State Bank of India (SBI) not only gets a permanent government job but can also reach top leadership positions based on his performance, experience and qualification. Here are the SBI PO promotions below.
- Assistant Manager (Scale 1)
- Deputy Manager (Scale 2)
- Manager (Scale 3)
- Chief Manager ( Scale 4)
- Assistant General Manager (Scale 5)
- Deputy General Manager (Scale 6)
- General Manager( Scale 7)
- Chief General Manager
- Deputy Managing Director
- Managing Director
- Chairman
SBI PO Job Profile and Responsibilities
SBI Probationary Officer (SBI PO) is one of the most prestigious government banking positions in India. Candidates selected for this position are trained in various branches of the bank so that they can hold leadership positions in the bank in future.
SBI PO Training during Probation Period
Probationary Officers are posted in rural, urban, and SME branches of the bank during the initial probation period of 2 years. During this period, they are trained in all the essential areas of banking:
- Field level experience of banking operations
- Customer service, cash management, loan processing, and credit assessment
- Information on RBI guidelines and banking regulations
After successful completion of training the candidate is appointed as Assistant Manager in Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I).
SBI PO Main Responsibilities
1. Customer Care
SBI POs assist customers in account opening, check book issuance, debit/credit card services and other banking issues. Their main objective is to provide better customer experience.
2. Cash Management and Transactions
Monitoring the bank's cash deposit and withdrawal activities. Also, conducting online transactions like NEFT, RTGS, IMPS in a secure and efficient manner.
3. Loan Processing and Credit Management
Information is given about the documents required for SBI PO loan approval and loan repayment process. Apart from this, they are taught how to recover NPA (Non-Performing Assets).
4. Banking Rules and Government Schemes
Probationary officers are taught about RBI guidelines, KYC rules, and AML (Anti-Money Laundering) protocols. Also, information about Jan Dhan Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and other financial government schemes is given.
5. Branch Management and Administrative Functions
The PO is entrusted with the responsibility of day-to-day running of the branch. This includes preparing reports, analyzing performance, updating senior executives and coordinating with employees.
SBI PO Salary
Starting Basic Salary of Probationary Officer in SBI is ₹41,960/- per month till hota hai. This vetan is prescribed with 4 advance increments.
Apart from the basic pay of SBI POs, there are various types of allowances, adding all these together the total monthly salary of SBI POs can be up to ₹95,000/- depending on the city category (X, Y, Z).
After deductions like PF, NPS and Income Tax, SBI PO's in-hand salary comes up to ₹85,000/- per month.
If we add all the benefits, allowances, bonus, leave encashment and other facilities then the annual total CTC of SBI PO comes to around ₹12 lakhs. This CTC may vary slightly depending on city, posting and performance.
SBI PO Perks and Allowances
Listed below are all major perks and additional benefits of SBI Probationary Officer.
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Special Allowance (SA)
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Traveling Allowance (TA)
- Teaching Allowance
- Petrol Allowance
- Furniture Allowance (including GST)
- Housing Loan (lowest interest rate)
- Medical Allowance
- Entertainment Allowance
- National Pension Scheme (NPS)
- Mobile Allowance
- Leisure Travel Concession (LTC)
- Briefcase Allowance
SBI PO Exam Advantages
Clearing the SBI PO exam does not just get you a bank job, but a career that is full of salary, promotion, training and global opportunities.
1. High Salary
The salary and allowances of an SBI PO are significantly higher compared to other Bank POs.
2. Promotion Growth
Unlike other government services, SBI POs receive promotions every 3 years providing faster career growth.
3. Long Training
SBI PO is one of the most prestigious government services and its training is as extensive as IAS, IPS and IFS. This training helps candidates gain in-depth knowledge of banking, finance and management.
4. Foreign Postings Opportunities
SBI is a multinational bank with several branches abroad. Officers with outstanding performance may get an opportunity to work in foreign branches.
5. High-Level Post
In any SBI branch, the two key positions are Branch Manager and Deputy Branch Manager (also called Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager). The Deputy Branch Manager is recruited through the SBI PO exam.
SBI PO Exam Disadvantages
1. Probation Period
After being selected as an SBI PO, candidates are not directly placed in a higher position. Instead, they undergo a probation period of approximately 2 years, during which they are assigned various postings at different locations. A higher position is granted only if their performance score is satisfactory; otherwise, their training may be discontinued.
2. Excessive Workload
The role of an SBI PO is administrative, preparing them for the Branch Manager position in the future. Since SBI is a large public sector bank, POs handle significant responsibilities and workload.
3. Transfers Policy
Even after the probation period, based on performance and organizational needs, SBI POs can be transferred anywhere in India every 3–5 years.
4. Tough Exam
Every year thousands of candidates from across the country appear for the SBI PO exam. The cut-off score is high and the exam includes negative marking, time constraints, and the need for quick thinking, making it highly competitive and challenging.
SBI PO FAQ
You must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply (if they produce proof of passing before the final selection).
Yes, the SBI PO exam is competitive and moderately to highly difficult. It tests reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, general awareness, and includes a descriptive test + interview, making preparation intensive.
Attempt limits are based on category:
- General: 4 attempts
- OBC: 7 attempts
- SC/ST: No restriction
Attempts count only if you appear in Prelims.
Yes, SBI PO is a central government job under State Bank of India, which is a public sector bank.
Yes, it can be stressful, especially in the beginning. SBI POs handle targets, customer service, operations, and team management, often with long working hours. However, it offers good salary, growth, and perks.
No, only graduates are eligible. A 12th pass candidate cannot apply.
Any graduation degree (B.A., B.Com, B.Sc, B.Tech, etc.) from a recognized university is accepted. No specific stream is required.