The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially rolled out the dates for the SBI PO Preliminary Exam 2025, setting the stage for thousands of aspiring candidates. This year, the Prelims will be conducted on August 4 and 5, 2025. As the exam date approaches, it’s crucial for aspirants to gear up with a solid strategy and stay updated with all the key information.
If you’re aiming to crack the SBI PO exam this year, this guide covers everything you need to know — from admit card downloads to effective preparation tactics that can give you an edge.
SBI PO Notification 2025 Official PDF- Click to Download
Important SBI PO 2025 Dates You Must Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | June 24, 2025 |
| Application Window | June 24 – July 14, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | July 25, 2025 |
| Prelims Exam | August 4 & 5, 2025 |
| Prelims Result | August – September 2025 |
| Mains Exam | September 2025 |
| Interview & Group Discussion | October – November 2025 |
| Final Results Declaration | November – December 2025 |
How to Download SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2025
The SBI PO Prelims Admit Card will be available for download from July 25, 2025, on SBI’s official website. Here’s how you can get yours:
Visit the SBI official website.
Go to the ‘Careers’ or ‘Current Openings’ section.
Find the link titled “SBI PO Prelims Admit Card 2025”.
Enter your Registration Number and Date of Birth.
Download and print your admit card.
It’s advised to check all details mentioned on the admit card carefully. Any discrepancies should be reported to SBI authorities immediately.
SBI PO Prelims 2025 Exam Pattern Overview
The Prelims will be an objective-type online test that evaluates candidates in three sections:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
There will be negative marking of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
No sectional cut-offs are applied in Prelims; overall performance matters.
Practical Preparation Tips to Crack SBI PO Prelims 2025
With limited days left, you need a razor-sharp strategy to ace this highly competitive exam. Here’s a checklist to fine-tune your preparation:
1. Focus on What You Already Know
Rather than learning new topics, spend your time sharpening your strengths. Practice frequently asked question types and revise shortcuts and formulas.
2. Take Full-Length Mock Tests Daily
Simulate the exam environment by attempting at least one full mock test every day. Analyze your performance after each test to identify your weak points and improve upon them.
3. Don’t Chase All Questions — Be Selective
Remember, it’s not about attempting all 100 questions but about maximizing accuracy. Identify and attempt only those questions you are confident in.
4. Time Management is Key
Assign specific time slots for each section. Don’t spend more than the allotted time on a single section, even if you feel you can solve more.
5. Practice High-Scoring Sections
English: Focus on Cloze Tests, Error Detection, and Reading Comprehension.
Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation.
Reasoning: Puzzles, Blood Relations, Inequality, and Coding-Decoding.
6. Prepare Your Exam Kit in Advance
Don’t leave anything to the last minute. Keep your admit card, photo-ID proof, and necessary stationery ready a day before the exam.
Expected SBI PO Prelims Cut-Off 2025: How Much Should You Aim For?
Although SBI doesn’t announce official cut-offs beforehand, based on past years’ trends, here’s the expected safe zone:
General Category: 62 – 65 Marks
OBC/EWS: 60 – 62 Marks
SC/ST: 50 – 56 Marks
Aiming for 65+ marks will give you a competitive edge to comfortably qualify for the Mains.
After Prelims: What Comes Next?
Once the Preliminary Exam results are declared (expected by September 2025), shortlisted candidates will move on to Phase II – Mains Examination. The Mains is much more detailed and includes a Descriptive Test alongside the Objective Paper.
Candidates clearing Mains will then face Phase III, which involves a Psychometric Test, Group Exercises, and a Personal Interview. The final merit list will be compiled based on Mains and Phase III scores.
Conclusion: Stay Positive & Strategize Smartly
The SBI PO Prelims isn’t just a test of knowledge but a test of composure under pressure. Use these final days to focus on practice, stay calm, and boost your confidence. Effective time management, consistent mock tests, and strategic question selection will be your key tools to succeed.
This could be your stepping stone into India’s largest public sector bank — make it count!
