The SBI PO examination ranks among the most coveted banking examinations in India. Thousands of candidates are once again likely to appear for one or the other entrance examinations to secure a place for themselves as officers at the Probationary level at the State Bank of India. The selection procedure comprises three stages namely the Prelims, Mains, and Interview. Applying for a well-planned schedule of study plans and effective strategies is the trick if one aims to crack the SBI PO exam in 2025. This blog will help you with some of the best ways of clearing the SBI PO Prelims and Mains like a pro.
To be successful in the SBI PO exam, it is most important to prepare strategically for both SBI PO prelims and mains. The initial preliminary examination is years of testing for speed and accuracy while mains are for knowledge and analytical skills. Furthermore, a disciplined study plan is created covering all subjects with regular practice with mock tests followed by proper revision. Continuing with the right direction will take away both prelims and mains of the SBI PO exam.

Know About the SBI PO Exam Structure
Before moving towards the strategy, first, let us know about the examination patterns of SBI PO prelims and mains. The preliminary examination is subdivided into three tests: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, which tests the speed and accuracy of the candidate. The mains examination goes more thoroughly into the unit of study with an inclusion of Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General Awareness, and English as well. All of it is required to know about the whole structure of the SBI PO exam, which helps a candidate become efficient in the ways of preparation.
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
- The preliminary exam is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks will not be counted in the final selection.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 for an incorrect answer.
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 mins |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 mins |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 mins |
Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 3 hours |
Descriptive (Essay & Letter Writing) | 2 | 50 | 30 mins |
- Unlike Prelims, Mains marks count in the final selection.
- Descriptive Paper will be checked once candidates clear the Objective test.
- Final selection will be made based on marks of Mains + Interview.
Topmost Techniques to Crack SBI PO Prelims and Mains 2025
So now that you know the SBI PO pattern of exams, let’s look into some of the most successful strategies to crack the prelims and mains of the SBI PO examination. The prelims test your speed, accuracy, and time management skills; mains, on the other hand, require you to delve deeply into the study of a number of subjects. Regular practice, mock tests, and clear concepts should be the bywords of preparation for this exam. An organized study schedule coupled with smart preparation techniques will manifold increase the chances of surefire clearance of both prelims and mains in the PO exam.
1. Make a Study Plan and Stick to It Tight
A structured study plan is key to preparation for the SBI PO exam. Allocating time efficiently will help all subjects in the SBI PO prelims and mains be covered comprehensively before the PO exam. Focus on the weaker areas with a well-balanced treatment to maintain a balance among subjects. Regular revision, mock tests, and sound time management strategies will ramp up your performance. Disciplined studying makes one more focused and capable of higher accuracy which in turn increases the chances of success in prelims, mains, and the overall SBI PO exam.
2. Back to Basics
- Pre prelims work on speed and accuracy.
- Main: work on getting to the basic concepts, as the questions are much more difficult.
- Basic to advanced: each topic should be studied from basic to advanced level.
3. Mock Exams
- Conduct entire mock tests to analyze individual performance.
- Find the weak areas and work on them.
- ixamBee puts great mock tests for SBI PO prelims and mains to practice efficiently for you.
4. Mastering Time Control
- Devote specific time for each section.
- Don’t get too involved or engrossed in a single question.
- Practice with the stopwatch to improve speed and accuracy.
5. Enhance English Language
- Obtain a daily reading of newspapers which will allow one to work on comprehension, as well as on vocabulary development.
- Prepare for error spotting, correction of sentences, and para jumbles.
- Solve at least 5 passages of reading comprehension every week.
6. Become Proficient in the Quant Apt Section
- Learn tips and tricks for faster calculations.
- Concentrate your learning on topics that include Data Interpretation, and Simplification, Number Series.
- Solve 20 practice problems per day.
7. Succeed in Reasoning
- Regularly practice puzzles and arrangements.
- Understand syllogisms, blood relations, coding-decoding, and input-output questions thoroughly.
- Practice gives speed.
8. Prepare Well for General Awareness
- Read current affairs, banking news, and static GK.
- Go the distance with credible newspapers and banking magazines.
- Revise important topics like RBI policies, economic terms, and financial consciousness.
9. Improve Your Writing Skills For Descriptive Paper
- Practice essay writing and letter writing at regular intervals.
- Write about topics relevant to current banking and economics.
- Use a structured format and avoid any grammatical mistakes.
10. Take Care of Your Health and Stay Motivated
- Eat healthy and sleep well.
- Take breaks while studying to free yourself from burnout.
- Stay positive and keep motivating yourself with every move you make toward preparation.
Last-Minute Strategy for the SBI PO Exam
Tip | Details |
Revise Important Formulas | Go through the formulas, including many shortcuts for quick calculations. |
Attempt Previous Year Papers | This will familiarize you with the difficulty level and the trend of questions. |
Do Not Start New Topics | Just concentrate on the topics that you have already covered in your revisions and strengthen weak areas. |
Control Stress | Stay calm and focused; do not let anxiety clutter your mind. |
Why ixamBee for SBI PO Preparation?
- ixamBee gives free SBI PO mock tests so you can practice well.
- They have expert faculties who guide all aspirants throughout the preparation journey.
- All modules that constitute the SBI PO course offered by ixamBee cover all aspects right from the basic to the advanced level.
Consistency in SBI PO Exam Preparation
Consistency is the key to success in the SBI PO exam. While many aspirants do start their preparations with enthusiasm, they tend to lose their focus as time goes. To keep your motivation intact, setting achievable targets, following a time-bound study schedule, and regular revisions will help. Your efficiency in the SBI PO exam will improve based on simultaneous preparations for SBI PO prelims and mains alongside mock tests and time management:
- Weekly Goals: Set weekly targets for your studies instead of vague ones, and chunk your syllabus into weekly study goals.
- Fixed Routine: Your everyday study timetable has to have some fixed slots for both prelims and mains preparation.
- Regular Revision: Make sure to revise what you learn, and dedicate a time every week to go over the basic topics.
- Take Short Breaks: Do not spend long hours studying without a break; rather, study fresh with frequent short breaks. Apply the Pomodoro technique.
- Self-Motivation: Follow success stories of toppers in the past and keep reminding yourself why SBI PO should be cleared.
Revision Strategy for SBI PO Prelims and Mains
Revision holds utmost significance in clearing the SBI PO exam. Following a consistent practice of revising crucial topics with respect to SBI PO prelims and mains alongside taking mock tests for assessing performance and strengthening weak areas is necessary. A comprehensively laid out revision will yield better retention and effectively boost your confidence in clearing prelims and mains for the PO exam.
- Daily Revision: Take at least 1 hour every day to revise formulas, vocab, and current affairs.
- Weekly Full Test: Once a week, take one full mock test either for prelims or mains and analyze the mistakes.
- Last 10 Days Strategy: Spend the last 10 days focusing on quick revision, analyzing mock tests, and working on weak areas.
A Mock Test as the Gateway of Success in the SBI PO Exam
Mock tests are the life and soul of the SBI PO prelims and mains, which eventually prepares for speed, accuracy, and time management. Once practiced regularly, mock tests show the weak points of preparation whereby confidence for the examination is established. Mock test records enable knowing how good or bad the preparation is for the mains and preliminaries of the PO exam.
- Increases Speed and Accuracy: With regular practice, you will be attempting questions faster and with fewer mistakes.
- Teaches Time Management: This is where you will figure out what section to do first and how to gauge your time for each.
- Builds Confidence: If you do well in your mock tests, then you will be attending the real SBI PO exam with a lot of confidence.
- Points Out Weaknesses: An exhaustive analysis of mock tests will show squints in your preparation.
Platforms like ixamBee provide free SBI PO prelims and mains mock tests, helping students practice effectively.
Stay Motivated During SBI PO Preparation
Crafting SBI PO prelims and mains preparations is the hard part; remaining motivated is the easy one. Set small achievable goals, reward yourself for petite progress, and override negativity. Being part of a study group or enrolling in good courses like ixamBee gives one the much-needed guidance to cultivate his or her motivation to remain afloat. Regular practice with revision gives one the confidence to have an easier pathway towards the PO exam.
Start Early and Stay Committed to Your SBI PO Exam Preparation
If you mean serious about cracking the SBI PO prelims and mains in lieu of the 2025 calendar year, then an early start noted with consistent preparation is a must. The SBI PO examination is extremely competitive, and any assessment strategy steadily positioned in place would help to give you an edge. Work on your concepts, keep practicing, and analyze your performance on mock tests. Time management is, of course, of utmost importance for both prelims and mains. Hence to acquire accuracy, solve previous years’ papers and full-length tests.
Use good study materials and quality mock tests offered by ixamBee to speed up your preparation. Keep the motivation high, work out these approaches, and work on effective revision methods for a higher chance of success in the PO exam.
All the best for your SBI PO exam preparation!
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Also Read:
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SBI PO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2025: Comprehensive Guide
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