Major Changes in SBI PO Notification 2025: Don’t Miss These Updates

The State Bank of India (SBI) has introduced significant changes in its Probationary Officer (PO) Notification 2025, which aspiring candidates should carefully note to strategize their preparation effectively. From exam pattern modifications to updates in emoluments, this year’s notification reflects SBI’s evolving standards to test candidates holistically. Additionally, the number of vacancies has been reduced significantly to 600 posts, a steep decline from 2000 vacancies announced last year, increasing competition manifold.

Major Changes in SBI PO Notification 2025

The updates in the SBI PO 2025 Notification reflect a balanced emphasis on academic excellence, real-world aptitude and professional readiness. From the revamped exam pattern to the lucrative salary structure, candidates must align their preparation strategies with these changes to stand out in this competitive process.

Changes in SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern

The Prelims (Phase I) exam now allocates marks differently across sections. The English Language section carries 40 marks (increased from 30 marks), while the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability sections are now worth 30 marks each (reduced from 35 marks). This shift emphasizes the importance of excelling in the English section, which now holds the largest weight in Prelims. The total time and question count remains unchanged, ensuring that candidates must adapt their time management strategies to excel in this updated format.

Changes in SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern

The Mains (Phase II) exam has seen substantial restructuring. Notable updates include:

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 40 questions now carry 60 marks (previously 50 marks).
• Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 questions are worth 60 marks (previously 40 questions, 50 marks).
• General/Economy/Banking Awareness: Increased to 60 questions for 60 marks (previously 50 questions).
• English Language: Reduced weightage, with 40 questions carrying 20 marks (previously 35 questions, 40 marks).
• The total number of questions in Mains has increased to 170 (from 155), further testing candidates’ endurance and focus during the examination.

SBI PO 2025: Notification PDF

SBI PO Descriptive Paper Updates

The Descriptive Paper has been revamped to assess candidates’ communication skills through Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis and Precis Writing instead of the traditional Letter Writing and Essay. This change reflects the bank’s emphasis on real-world communication skills crucial for professional scenarios.

SBI PO Revised Emoluments

The starting basic pay for SBI POs has seen a significant hike. Previously set at ₹41,960, it is now ₹56,480, including four advance increments. The revised salary falls under the scale ₹48,480-85,920, applicable to Junior Management Grade Scale-I. The total CTC, including perks like DA, HRA, NPS, LFC, lease rental, and medical facilities, amounts to an impressive ₹18.67 lakhs annually for Mumbai postings. This increase in emoluments highlights the enhanced financial appeal of this role, solidifying its position as a premium career opportunity in the banking sector.

SBI PO 2025 Decreased Vacancies

This year, only 600 vacancies have been announced, a sharp decline from last year’s 2000 positions and this is the lowest number of vacancies in recent past years. This reduction in vacancies is expected to raise the cutoff marks, making the competition tougher than ever. Aspirants must bring their best efforts to secure a place among the limited seats available.

Sectional Cut-Off Changes in SBI PO Notification 2025

The SBI PO Notification 2025 has made notable adjustments regarding sectional cut-offs. This year, there will be no sectional cut-off in the preliminary examination, allowing candidates to focus on achieving an overall cut-off score. However, candidates must still meet a minimum score in each section of the Main Examination. In contrast, the previous year’s notification also stated that sectional marks would not be maintained for both the Preliminary and Main Examinations, indicating a consistent trend towards a more unified scoring approach across examination phases.

Revised Eligibility Dates SBI PO Notification 2025

In the SBI PO Notification 2025, a notable change has been made in the cut-off dates for eligibility criteria. The age limit is now calculated as of 01 April 2024, while the essential academic qualifications must be fulfilled by 30 April 2025, providing more flexibility for candidates completing their degrees. In contrast, the previous notification had stricter deadlines, with academic qualifications required as of 31 December 2023 and age considered as of 01 April 2023. This adjustment reflects a more inclusive approach, allowing aspiring candidates additional time to meet the eligibility requirements.