How to Clear SBI PO in First Attempt?

The State Bank of India conducts the SBI PO examination for the post of probationary officer. It is considered one of the most prestigious examinations among aspiring bankers. Because of this, there is a huge number of candidates participating, and the competition is tough. Also, the exam date is expected to be around July to August. And in this challenging phase, many students face the dilemma of whether they are capable of clearing the exam, and that too in the first attempt itself. In this blog, we will try to solve all your problems regarding strategy, exam pattern, and how to prepare smartly, so that you will be able to score maximum marks in the first attempt itself. 

Is it possible to clear the SBI PO in the First Attempt?

The answer is yes, but consistency, perseverance, and discipline are the three major skills required from your side, and strategy, resources, and tips to avoid all the possible mistakes are discussed in the article further. Firstly, to crack any examination, you have to decode the exam pattern, syllabus, and the level of difficulty that questions possess. 

Understanding the SBI PO Exam Pattern

The SBI PO Exam Pattern 2025 consists of three stages- prelims, Mains, and Interview. Here is a detailed table below for better understanding. 

Stage	Description	Weightage in Final Merit
Prelims (Qualifying Stage)	100-mark online objective test to screen candidates for Mains examination. Marks are not counted in final selection.	Not considered in final merit
Mains (Merit-Deciding Stage)	Includes objective + descriptive tests. Crucial for selection as these marks form the merit base.	75% weightage in final merit
Group Exercise & Interview	Consists of Group Discussion and Personal Interview for shortlisted candidates.	25% weightage in final merit

SBI PO Prelims Pattern

Prelims will be an objective test of a maximum of 100 marks and will be conducted online.  

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Time (Each Section)
English Language	40	100 marks	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	30		20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	30		20 minutes
Total	100	100	60 minutes

Selection criteria for Main Examination: Category-wise merit list will be drawn on the basis of the aggregate marks scored in the Preliminary Examination. There will be no sectional cut-off in the preliminary examination. Candidates numbering 10 times (approx.) the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for Main Examination from the top of the above merit list.

SBI PO Mains Pattern

The Main Examination will also be conducted through online mode only and will consist of Objective tests for 200 marks and a Descriptive test for 50 marks. The Descriptive test will be administered immediately after the conclusion of the Objective test, and candidates will have to type their Descriptive test answers on the computer.  

Section	Questions	Marks	Time
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	60	50 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	60	45 minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness	60	60	35 minutes
English Language	40	20	40 minutes
total	170	200	3 hours
Descriptive Test (Essay & Letter)
Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing	3	50	30 minutes
Grand Total		250

SELECTION CRITERIA FOR PHASE-III: 

(A) SECTIONAL CUT OFF IN MAIN EXAMINATION: – 

• Each candidate will have to score a minimum score in each test (i.e., Test I, II, III, IV & Descriptive paper individually) in Main Examination.
• Depending on the number of vacancies available, sectional cut-offs will be decided.

(B) MINIMUM AGGREGATE QUALIFYING SCORE: Category-wise merit list will be drawn on the basis of the aggregate marks scored in Main Examination. Candidates numbering up to 3 times (approx.) of the category-wise vacancies will be shortlisted for Phase-III from the top of the category-wise merit list, subject to a candidate scoring the minimum aggregate qualifying score, as decided by the Bank.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Clear SBI PO in First Attempt

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Prioritize Topics

As already mentioned above, to start preparation for the SBI PO Exam 2025, by understand the syllabus and pattern. Once you analyse the syllabus and prioritize topics such as puzzles, reasoning comprehension, etc. Here is a table below to make it easier for you to understand the focus key areas. 

Section	Important Topics
Reasoning	Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogisms, Input-Output
Quantitative Aptitude	Data Interpretation (DI), Arithmetic, Quadratic Equations, Number Series
English Language	Reading Comprehension (RC), Error Spotting, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles
General Awareness	Banking Awareness, Current Affairs (last 4–6 months), Static General Knowledge (GK)
Descriptive Test	Letter Writing, Essay Writing on Current or Banking-Related Topics

Step 2: 30-day Preparation Plan

The expected exam date is around July end to August start, so therefore almost 30 days are left and to prepare in such a short time, here is a detailed week-wise plan. 

Week 1: Foundation + Basics

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA / Descriptive
Day 1	Number Series (CL+P)	Blood Relation & Direction (CL+P)	Grammar Rules (Tenses)	Introduction to Banking Awareness
Day 2	Simplification/Approximation	Coding-Decoding (Old/New)	Cloze Test (P)	Current Affairs (July Recap)
Day 3	Quadratic Equations	Syllogism	Reading Comprehension (CL+P)	Banking Terminologies
Day 4	Percentage & Ratio	Inequality	Error Spotting	Weekly CA Quiz
Day 5	Profit & Loss	Puzzle (Linear/Day-based)	Fill in the Blanks	Essay Practice: “Digital Banking”
Day 6	SI/CI	Puzzle (Box/Floor-based)	Para Jumbles	Static GK (Capitals, Days, Books)
Day 7	Revision + MT-1 (Prelims)	Revision + MT-1 (Analysis)	Revision	Current Affairs PDF (Week 1)

Week 2: Practice + Intermediate Level

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA / Descriptive
Day 8	Time & Work	Input-Output	Cloze Test	Current Affairs (Aug Recap)
Day 9	Mixture & Alligation	Order-Ranking	Error Spotting	GA Quiz + Revision
Day 10	Boats & Streams	Puzzle (Miscellaneous)	RC: Economy Topic	Essay: “Privatization of Banks”
Day 11	Time, Speed & Distance	Machine Input	Match the Column (New Type)	Static GK (RBI, SEBI Functions)
Day 12	Data Interpretation – Tabular	Puzzle Set Practice	Grammar: Prepositions	CA Quick Notes + Quiz
Day 13	DI – Pie/Bar Graph	Logical Reasoning (Assumption)	Sentence Improvement	Letter Writing (Formal)
Day 14	MT-2 + Analysis	MT-2 + Practice	RC + Vocab Revision	Current Affairs PDF (Week 2)

Week 3: Mains-Level Focus + Speed Building

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA / Descriptive
Day 15	Caselet DI	Puzzle (Double Line + Variable)	RC (Banking-based)	Static GK (Budget, Committees)
Day 16	Missing DI	Critical Reasoning (Assumption/Arg)	Vocabulary Practice (Syn/Antonyms)	Essay: “AI in Banking”
Day 17	Arithmetic Word Problems (Mixed)	Puzzle + Input Combo	Error Spotting (Advanced)	Monthly CA Test (July/Aug)
Day 18	Quadratic + Series (Mixed)	Data Sufficiency	Grammar: Conjunctions	Letter Writing (Complaint Format)
Day 19	DI – Radar/Cumulative Graph	Statement-Conclusion	RC (Inference-based)	Descriptive Test Mock
Day 20	Arithmetic + Speed Test (Timer)	High-Level Puzzle Practice	Close Test + Para Summary	Static GK (Govt Schemes)
Day 21	MT-3 (Mains)	MT-3 Analysis + Focus Practice	Grammar Drill	Current Affairs PDF (Week 3)

Week 4: Full-Length Mocks + Final Revision

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA / Descriptive
Day 22	Mock + Revision	Sectional Practice	Sectional Practice	CA + Banking Quiz
Day 23	Arithmetic Full Revision	Puzzle Full Revision	RC + Cloze Full Revision	Descriptive Writing Practice
Day 24	DI Mock Set Practice	Reasoning Mock Set	English Grammar Full Revision	Static GK + Monthly CA PDF
Day 25	MT-4 (Full-Length)	MT-4 Review + Weak Area Fix	RC Summary & Vocab Practice	Essay: “Cybersecurity in Banks”
Day 26	Timed Quiz Practice	Puzzle + Input Combo	Error Spotting + Fill Blanks	Letter: Job Application
Day 27	High-Level Mixed Set	Reasoning Final Test	English Final Set (Mains Level)	Monthly CA Recap
Day 28	MT-5 (Prelims + Mains Combo)	Analysis + Feedback	Final Revision Notes	Descriptive Test (Timed)
Day 29	Final CA & Banking Mock	Puzzle Practice (Speed Test)	Grammar + RC Final Practice	Essay: “Women in Banking Sector”
Day 30	Final MT + Full Review	Final Day Strategy & Confidence	Revision + Mock Analysis	Current Affairs PDF (Week 4 Recap)

Points to Remember

• In the first week, focus on concept building and master the basics of each of the mentioned topics in the table.
• Learn two to three topics and practice as much as possible so that you can get an idea of where to use tricks and shortcuts and where you need to solve the questions using traditional methods.
• Try to do at least 1-2 questions of descriptive writing after every three- four days.
• Give full and sectional mock tests at regular intervals.

Step 3: Strengthen Each Section

Here are a few tips to keep in mind while preparing for each section, so that you can focus on most scoring topics, as we are short on time.

English Language

Component	Topics
Reading Practice	Read The Hindu, Indian Express, or any reputed English newspaper daily or checkout our daily blogs on current affairs
Focus Areas	Reading Comprehension (RC), Vocabulary, Grammar Basics
Daily Practice	Solve at least 20 questions per day from each topic (RC, vocab, grammar)

Quantitative Aptitude

Component	Topics
Concept Building	Strengthen your basics in Arithmetic (percentages, ratios, averages, etc.)
Data Interpretation	Practice DI regularly, focusing on caselets, missing tables, and graphs
Topic-wise Practice	Solve problems on Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion from previous year papers

Reasoning Ability

Component	Topics
Puzzle Practice	Solve various types of puzzles: linear, circular, floor-based, box-based
Topic-wise Practice	Daily practice of Syllogism, Blood Relation, Coding-Decoding
Strategy Focus	Prioritize accuracy first, then work on improving speed

General Awareness 

Component	Topics
Daily Preparation	Read current affairs daily and make concise short notes
Monthly Revision	Go through monthly PDF compilations for quick and structured revision
Focus Areas	Read current affairs daily and make concise, short notes

Step 4: Master the Descriptive Test

As already discussed, try to attempt at least 1-2 questions of the descriptive test in a week. This will enhance your writing skills and will also ensure that you can write within the given exam duration.

Make sure to focus on clarity, structure, grammar, and relevancy of the topic. Also, try to type your answers on the computer, as you are going to do the same in the examination. 

Step 5: Prepare for the Interview & GD

This phase tests your personality, communication, and awareness. So, prepare some general basic introduction-type questions. For example, “Why do you want to join SBI?”, “Tell me about yourself.”, “Recent economic developments?” etc. 

Mistakes to Avoid in the First Attempt

Usually, candidates make certain obvious mistakes in their first attempt, which leads them to go for further attempts, and when it comes to some successful ones, they try to avoid mistakes in their first attempt. Here is a table given below for better clarity. 

Common Mistake	Better Approach
Ignoring Mains while preparing for Prelims	Start Mains prep from Day 1
Skipping GA or descriptive test	Allocate daily time to both
Too many mock tests, no analysis	Focus on quality and review each test
Memorizing shortcuts only	Build conceptual understanding
No revision plan	Reserve 1–2 days/week for revision

Conclusion

In this blog, we have discussed in detail how you can clear the SBI PO Exam 2025 in the first attempt. Remember to practice sectional and full-length mock tests as much as possible, along with analysis. And as you are already short on time, you can take a free mock test or join our full mock test series, where we provide exam-level mocks along with detailed analysis.  

FAQs