SBI CBO 2025 Exam Overview
The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Circle Based Officer (CBO) recruitment for experienced banking professionals. SBI CBO is a direct recruitment process without any prelims or mains; it consists of an Online Written Test and an Interview. The post offers excellent career growth with a stable job profile in India’s largest public sector bank. Understanding the exam pattern, eligibility, and detailed syllabus is crucial for aspirants aiming to secure this post.
SBI CBO 2025 Exam Pattern
The SBI CBO selection comprises two stages – an Online Written Test and an Interview. The online written exam consists of two sections: Objective Test and Descriptive Test.
SBI CBO Online Written Test Pattern (Objective Test)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 hours |
SBI CBO Descriptive Test Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Letter Writing | 1 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Essay Writing | 1 | 25 | |
| Total | 2 | 50 | 30 minutes |
Note: There is no negative marking in the SBI CBO exam.
SBI CBO 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for SBI CBO involves the following stages:
- Online Written Test (Objective + Descriptive)
- Screening: Shortlisting based on performance and eligibility criteria.
- Interview (50 marks)
- Final Selection: Based on performance in the written test and interview. No sectional cutoff.
SBI CBO 2025 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for SBI CBO 2025, candidates must fulfill the following criteria:
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India
Age Limit (As on notification date)
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 30 years
- Age relaxation:
- SC/ST: 5 years
- OBC (NCL): 3 years
- PwD: 10–15 years (based on category)
Educational Qualification
- A Graduation (Bachelor’s Degree) in any discipline from a recognized university.
Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience (as on cut-off date) as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank.
Local Language Proficiency
- Must be proficient in reading, writing, and speaking the local language of the circle for which you’re applying.
SBI CBO 2025 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / PwD | NIL |
Mode of Payment: Online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI.
SBI CBO 2025 Detailed Syllabus
Below is the detailed syllabus for both the objective and descriptive sections:
📘 Objective Test Syllabus
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Idioms and Phrases
- Synonyms & Antonyms
Banking Knowledge
- RBI Functions and Structure
- Monetary Policy
- Basel Norms
- Latest Circulars by RBI
- Types of Banks
- Financial Institutions (NABARD, SIDBI)
- Priority Sector Lending
- NPA & SARFAESI Act
- Banking Terminologies
General Awareness / Economy
- Indian Economy Overview
- Budget and Economic Survey
- Current Affairs (National & International)
- Banking & Finance Current Affairs
- Government Schemes & Policies
- International Financial Institutions (IMF, World Bank)
- Important MOUs & Appointments
Computer Aptitude
- Basics of Hardware and Software
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Networking Concepts
- Internet and Email
- Operating Systems
- Cyber Security & Virus
- Shortcut Keys
- Cloud Computing and Digital Banking
📝 Descriptive Test Syllabus
Essay Writing (choose one)
- Financial Inclusion
- Role of RBI in Banking
- Importance of Digital Banking
- Cyber Security in Banks
- Non-performing Assets
Letter Writing (choose one)
- Letter to Branch Manager requesting account transfer
- Letter to Editor about increasing cyber frauds
- Letter to customer apologizing for ATM malfunction
- Letter to a friend explaining benefits of mobile banking
Interview
- Candidates shortlisted from written tests are called for personal interviews worth 50 marks.
- The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, banking knowledge, communication skills, and fitment for the role.
- Final merit is prepared out of 170 marks (120+50).
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website – SBI Careers | Click Here |
| Download My Coaching App (Play Store) | Click Here |
| Join My Coaching WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join My Coaching Telegram Channel | Click Here |
SBI CBO 2025 offers a great opportunity for experienced bankers to grow in the public sector. The exam involves an objective and descriptive paper followed by an interview. Understanding the pattern and syllabus is key to success.