1. Statutory Eligibility Criteria
21 to 30 Years as on crucial date. Standard category relaxations: OBC-NCL +3 yrs, SC/ST +5 yrs, PwBD +10 yrs.
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. Final year students can apply provisionally.
Citizen of India.
General / EWS: 4 Attempts (in Mains). OBC: 7 Attempts. SC / ST: No restriction. PwBD: 7 Attempts.
2. Multi-Stage Selection Framework
English (30), Quantitative Aptitude (35), Reasoning (35). Sectional timers of 20 mins. Qualifying for Phase-II.
Objective: 155 Qs in 3 Hours. Descriptive: 30 Mins (Essay & Letter Writing on keyboard, 50 marks). Total 250 Marks.
Total 50 Marks. Final merit combines normalized Phase-II (75 marks) and Phase-III (25 marks) for 100 total points.
3. Examination Scheme & Syllabus
High-difficulty conceptual problems in Data Analysis & Interpretation and advanced reasoning puzzles.
| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phase-I Prelims: English, Math, Reasoning | 100 | 100 | 60 Mins (20 Mins each) | 0.25 marks |
| Phase-II Mains: Reasoning & Computer | 40 | 50 | 50 Mins | 0.25 marks |
| Phase-II Mains: Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 Mins | 0.25 marks |
| Phase-II Mains: General / Economy / Banking | 50 | 60 | 45 Mins | 0.25 marks |
| Phase-II Mains: English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Mins | 0.25 marks |
| Phase-II Mains: Descriptive (Letter & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Mins | Subjective |
4. 7th CPC Pay Scale & Career Growth
Scale-I Starting Basic Pay of ₹48,480 (with 4 advance increments on the scale of ₹48,480–₹85,920 under 12th Bipartite Settlement)
Starting Basic & In-Hand Range:₹48,480 (includes 4 advance increments) (Estimated in-hand: ₹68,000 to ₹76,000 per month (plus leased accommodation worth ₹12,000 to ₹35,000/month in metropolises).)
- Entry: Assistant Manager / Probationary Officer (Scale-I)
- Promotion 1 (3-4 Yrs): Deputy Manager (Scale-II)
- Promotion 2 (6-8 Yrs): Manager / Branch Manager (Scale-III)
- Middle Management: Chief Manager (Scale-IV) -> Assistant General Manager (Scale-V)
- Executive Leadership: Deputy General Manager (Scale-VI) -> General Manager (Scale-VII) -> Chairman
5. Frequently Asked Questions (State Bank of India Probationary Officer)
What counts as an attempt in SBI PO?
Appearing in the Preliminary Examination does NOT count as an attempt. An attempt is counted only if a candidate appears in the Phase-II Mains Examination.
What are the 4 advance increments in SBI PO?
Unlike other nationalized banks where probationary officers start at the base scale, SBI awards 4 advance increments at entry, starting basic pay at ₹48,480 instead of ₹36,000.
Is leased accommodation provided to SBI POs?
Yes. In metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Delhi, SBI provides leased residential accommodation up to ₹30,000 to ₹35,000 per month directly paid to the landlord.
Are there sectional cutoffs in SBI PO?
No. State Bank of India does not apply sectional cutoff marks in either Prelims or Mains. Shortlisting is based purely on the aggregate score.
What is the in-hand salary of an SBI PO?
A newly appointed SBI Probationary Officer receives an in-hand monthly salary of approximately ₹68,000 to ₹74,000 post deductions, excluding perks and leased housing.