If you are studying for the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) 2025 exam, time management is key. One of the most common questions students ask is, Is there sectional timing in the SBI CBO exam? It’s important to understand the complete SBI CBO 2025 exam pattern, including the online written test, descriptive test. Read this blog to know about the sectional timing in SBI CBO and how you can perform well with these timings.
Understand the SBI CBO 2025 Exam Structure Well
The SBI Circle-Based Officer (CBO) 2025 exam is conducted in two parts: an Objective Test (MCQ) and a Descriptive Test, followed by an Interview round. The objective test checks your knowledge in English, Banking, Economy, and Computers, while the descriptive test assesses your writing skills. The exam has no negative marking and no sectional cutoffs, so it is a good opportunity to score well with a smart strategy. The total duration of the written exam is 2 hours and 30 minutes, including both tests.
SBI CBO Objective Test
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Sectional Timings |
| 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
| Topic | No. of Questions | Marks |
| Letter Writing | 1 | 25 |
| Essay (Banking Topic) | 1 | 25 |
| Total | 2 | 50 |
Duration: 30 minutes

Is There Sectional Timing in SBI CBO 2025?
Yes, there is a fixed sectional timing for each part of the SBI CBO 2025 written test.
In the Objective Test, each section has a fixed time: 30 minutes for English, 40 for Banking Knowledge, 30 for General Awareness, and 20 for Computer Aptitude. You must complete one section within the given time before moving to the next.
In the Descriptive Test, you are given 30 minutes total to write both a letter and an essay. You must manage your time well within this fixed duration to complete both writing tasks .
How to Perform Well with Sectional Timing
In exams with sectional timing, you can’t move between sections, so it’s important to give your best in the time allotted for each section. Firstly, use the full time wisely, don’t leave a section early, and try to attempt as many questions as you can. Next, practice each section separately using a timer so you get used to solving questions within a fixed time. Also, know your strong areas and start each section with confidence. Lastly, take mock tests that follow real exam patterns to practice switching sections smoothly and managing time better.
In a Nutshell
Yes, the SBI CBO 2025 exam has sectional timing in the Objective test. Each section has its time slot, and you can not take extra time from one section to another. There’s also a separate 30-minute Descriptive test, which tests your writing skills. Smart practice and time management are key to cracking this exam!
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FAQs
Yes, each section has its fixed time limit in the MCQ test.
No, once a section’s time is over, the system automatically moves to the next.
No, there is no negative marking in the SBI CBO exam.
The entire descriptive test (letter + essay) must be completed in 30 minutes.
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