SBI CBO Syllabus 2025, Check Circle Based Officer Exam Pattern

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025: The State Bank of India (SBI CBO) has released 2964 vacancies (2600 Fresh and 364 Backlog Posts) for Circle Based Officers (CBO) posts in various locations. The SBI CBO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025 discusses a detailed syllabus, subject-wise topics, the pattern of the online exam, and exam preparation tips. Candidates aspiring for the CBO in SBI can start the online application from 9th May onwards. The last date for the online application is 29th May 2025. The selection process will be based on the score in the online examination, followed by document verification, an Interview, and a Local Language Test. The candidates applying for the SBI CBO post should go through the latest SBI CBO Exam syllabus 2025 and the SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2025 provided in this article.

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025: Overview

The SBI CBO (Circle Based Officer) exam is a competitive recruitment process conducted by the State Bank of India to select officers for its various circles across India. The selection process includes an online written examination and an interview. The syllabus for the SBI CBO exam is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge in English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude. A thorough understanding of these subjects is essential to perform well in the exam. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the SBI CBO syllabus, helping aspirants to prepare effectively and stay ahead in their preparation journey.

In this given table, we are sharing the SBI CBO 2025 exam pattern and syllabus overview so that candidates can easily know the important details in one short.

SBI CBO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2025

If the candidates are starting preparation for the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO), then first of all, they should read the SBI CBO exam pattern and syllabus carefully and give a new direction to their preparation. Here we are providing the SBI Circle Based Officer 2025 exam pattern and syllabus so that candidates can start their preparation accordingly.

SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2025

The SBI CBO 2025 exam will have online written tests (objective and descriptive papers) and an interview. The total duration of online written tests will be 2 hours and 30 minutes. The objective paper will be 2 hours and 30 minutes for the descriptive paper. You will be asked 170 questions, and each question will carry 1 mark. The objective Paper will have 4 sections of 120 marks, and the descriptive Paper will consist of 2 questions of 50 marks. The Merit List will be drawn State-wise and Category-wise based on the aggregate marks scored in the online written test. There will be no sectional qualifying marks and no penalty for wrong answers marked in the objective tests. Sectional Marks will not be maintained for online written examinations.

SBI Circle Based Officer Exam Pattern

SBI CBO Descriptive Exam Pattern 2025

The duration of the Descriptive Test is 30 minutes. It will be a Test of the English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) with two questions for a total of 50 marks.

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025: Subject wise

The SBI CBO Exam Syllabus 2025 will be released by the State Bank of India on its official website along with the SBI CBO notification PDF. The SBI CBO objective paper consists of four sections, including English language, banking knowledge, general awareness/economy, and computer aptitude. Here we are providing the detailed topic-wise syllabus for the SBI CBO 2025 exam.

SBI CBO English Language Syllabus 2025

• Para Jumbles
• Sentence Correction
• Cloze Test
• Reading Comprehension
• Fill in the Blanks
• Spotting Errors
• Sentence Improvement

SBI CBO Banking Knowledge Syllabus 2025

• Financial Awareness
• Money and Banking
• Knowledge of financial institutions of importance
• Principles of Insurance
• Banking Terminologies Knowledge

SBI CBO Exam Syllabus 2025 For General Awareness/Economy

• Important Places
• Currencies
• Banking Awareness
• Current Affairs
• Awards
• Books & Authors
• Headquarters
• Prime Minister Schemes
• Basic Computer Knowledge

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 For Computer Aptitude

• Computer Languages
• Computer Network
• Operating System
• Internet
• History and Generation of Computers
• Computer Memory
• Introduction to Computer Organisation
• Computer Languages
• Computer Software
• Computer and Network Security
• Computer Hardware and I/O Devices

SBI CBO Described Exam Syllabus

The SBI CBO (Circle Based Officer) Descriptive Exam tests candidates’ English writing skills through two main sections: Essay Writing and Letter Writing. Essay topics generally focus on current events, banking and economy-related issues, social topics, or abstract ideas. Letter writing includes both formal and informal types—common tasks include writing complaint letters, requests, or professional correspondence. Each section typically carries equal weight, and clarity, grammar, coherence, and content relevance are key evaluation criteria. The descriptive paper is conducted online and must be completed within 30 minutes. Success requires strong command over English language, structure, and logical presentation of thoughts.

Some sample topics for the SBI CBO Descriptive Exam:

Essay Writing Topics:

1. The Role of Digital Banking in Financial Inclusion
2. Climate Change and Its Impact on the Indian Economy
3. Pros and Cons of Work from Home Culture
4. Cybersecurity Threats in the Banking Sector
5. The Importance of Financial Literacy in India
6. Women’s Empowerment through Self-Help Groups
7. Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Employment
8. The Rise of UPI and Cashless Transactions
9. How Startups Are Changing the Face of the Indian Economy
10. Challenges Faced by Public Sector Banks

Letter Writing Topics:

1. Write a letter to the branch manager requesting a loan for higher education.
2. Write a letter to a friend advising them to start saving early.
3. Write a letter to the editor regarding increasing cyber frauds in banking.
4. Write a letter to the HR department requesting a transfer to your hometown.
5. Write a letter to a customer apologizing for a service delay and assuring resolution.

SBI CBO Interview 2025

The SBI CBO interview will consist of 50 marks. Candidates will have to score a minimum qualifying mark in an interview to clear this round. The minimum qualifying marks will be decided by the State Bank of India. The SBI CBO final merit list will be prepared with a combination of marks scored by the candidates in both the exams, which are, Online Test and the Interview.

Syllabus of SBI CBO Topics Wise Weightage

The syllabus for the SBI CBO (Circle Based Officer) exam is designed to assess candidates on multiple dimensions, with topic-wise weightage reflecting the exam’s practical and professional focus. The main sections include English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude.

English Language (25–30% weightage) tests comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and verbal ability. Key topics include reading comprehension, para jumbles, cloze tests, and error spotting.

Banking Knowledge (30–35%) is core to the role, focusing on banking operations, financial terms, regulatory frameworks, and RBI-related policies. Candidates should be well-versed in digital banking, financial inclusion, and recent banking reforms.

General Awareness/Economy (20–25%) includes current affairs, especially related to banking and the Indian economy. Questions may cover government schemes, monetary policies, financial institutions, and international economic events.

Computer Aptitude (10–15%) assesses familiarity with basic computer concepts, networking, software tools, and cybersecurity. This section does not involve coding but tests practical understanding.

Though no sectional cutoffs exist, balanced preparation across all areas is crucial. Since the exam is aimed at experienced bankers, the difficulty level is moderate to high, with an emphasis on application-based questions. Mastery of banking and awareness of current trends can significantly boost performance.

SBI CBO Exam Marking Scheme 2025

The Marking Scheme for the State Bank of India Circle-based officer Examination is given below:

1. Online Written Exam (Phase I):
   • Total Marks: 120
   • Duration: 2 hours
   • Sections:
     • English Language (30 marks)
     • Banking Knowledge (40 marks)
     • General Awareness/Economy (30 marks)
     • Computer Aptitude (20 marks)
   • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
2. Interview (Phase-II):
   • Total Marks: 50
   • Candidates must qualify separately in the written exam to proceed.
3. Final Selection:
   • Weightage:
     • Written Exam: 80%
     • Interview: 20%
   • Merit list prepared based on combined scores.

Key Points to Remember:

• No sectional cut-off, but overall cut-off applies.
• Descriptive tests (if any) may include essay/letter writing.
• Final selection depends on vacancies & performance.

Best Books to Cover SBI Circle Based Officer Syllabus

The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) syllabus effectively focuses on these key books:

1. Banking & Financial Awareness

• “Banking Awareness” by Arihant – Covers banking terms, RBI functions, and financial terms.
• “Financial Awareness” by Practicemock Blog – Updated with recent banking trends and schemes.

2. Quantitative Aptitude

• “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams” by R.S. Aggarwal – Strong foundation in arithmetic, algebra, and data interpretation.
• “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma – Quick tricks and shortcuts.
• Practicemock Blog will help in improving Quant for the SBI CBO Exam.

3. Reasoning Ability

• “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers puzzles, syllogisms, and seating arrangements.
• “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey – Focuses on logical and analytical reasoning.

4. English Language

• “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
• “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis – Improves vocabulary.

5. General Awareness

• “Lucent’s General Knowledge” – Current affairs, static GK, and banking updates.
• Newspapers (The Hindu, Economic Times) – Daily updates on banking and economy.

How to Prepare for SBI CBO Exam 2025?

The Syllabus for the SBI CBO 2025 contains subjects such as English, General Awareness/Economy, Banking Knowledge, and Computer Aptitude. The subject-wise topics given here will be a guide for the complete syllabus. Students should learn each topic carefully and practice effectively. Some of the tips to clear the exam on your first attempt are listed here.

• Try to cover the syllabus first.
• Then take small topic-wise quizzes for each topic.
• Make a daily routine for your preparation.
• This exam involves all subjective topics, so use standard NCERT books to cover the fundamentals.
• Read current affairs for the General Awareness Section.
• Improve your Grammar and vocabulary for the English Section.
• Try to write an essay in a week for descriptive test practice.
• Give a time-bound mock test.
• Take a free mock test from PracticeMock and know your score in the test.

Join our exclusive Telegram group where our experts are ready to answer all your queries, guide you in banking exam preparation, and give personalised tips to boost your success. Get access to real-time solutions, expert advice, and valuable resources to improve your study journey. [Click here to join now!]

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025: FAQs

• Sign Up on Practicemock for Updated Current Affairs, Topic Tests and Mini Mocks
• Sign Up Here to Download Free Study Material