The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the notification for 2964 Circle Based Officer (CBO) vacancies. Moreover, to help aspirants prepare strategically, the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern Out have been detailed. This blog explains every aspect of the new structure and subjects to ease your preparation journey.
SBI Circle-Based Officer 2025: Overview
Before diving into the specifics, it’s crucial to understand the complete structure of the recruitment process. The exam will be held in July 2025, and the selection process will include four distinct phases.
| Feature | Details |
| Recruitment Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Posts | Circle-Based Officer (CBO) |
| Exam Name | SBI CBO 2025 |
| Category | Syllabus |
| SBI CBO Exam Date 2025 | July 2025 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Total Marks | Objective test-120 Descriptive Test-50 Interview- 50 |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each right answer |
| Negative Marking Scheme | No negative marking |
| Selection Process | Online Examination Screening Interview Local Language Proficiency Test |
| Official Website | Objective test-120 Descriptive Test—50 Interview- 50 |
Clearly, the process demands thorough preparation. So, let’s now explore the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern in detail.
Also read – https://majesticacademy.in/blog/sbi-cbo-notification-2964-vacancies-2025/
SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2025: Stage-Wise Breakdown
Understanding the exam pattern is the first step toward effective preparation. Therefore, candidates must note that the exam comprises two parts: an Objective Test and a Descriptive Test.
The selection process of the SBI Circle Based Officer consists of an online written test, screening, an interview round, and a Local Language Proficiency Test. Candidates must qualify separately in each stage to be selected for circle-based officer posts in the State Bank of India. Candidates seeking the SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2025 can check the section below, as a detailed & complete SBI CBO Exam Pattern has been written here:
- There will be 2 tests- MCQ and Descriptive.
- In the computer-based test, there will be 120 questions carrying 1 mark each.
- The online test will be for 2 hours and 30 minutes, which means 2 hours for the computer-based test and 30 minutes for the description test.
- There is no negative marking in the exam.
- There are no sectional qualifying marks.
- In the descriptive test, you will be asked to answer a letter and an essay.
SBI CBO Exam: Objective Test Pattern
This part evaluates your conceptual knowledge across four major sections. The entire test carries 120 marks and has no negative marking.
| Sections | No of Questions | 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 Exam: Descriptive Test Pattern
Following the objective section, candidates must appear for a descriptive test, which includes Letter Writing and an Essay.
| Topics | No of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Letter Writing | 01 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Essay-250 words on banking-related | 01 | 25 | |
| Total | 02 | 50 | 30 minutes |
With both objective and descriptive formats, this stage tests comprehensive skill sets. Furthermore, let us now look into the interview round.
SBI CBO Interview 2025: Important Details
After clearing the online test, candidates will face an interview. This round carries 50 marks, and candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks as decided by SBI. Additionally, the final merit list will include marks from both the online test and the interview.
SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern Out: Subject-Wise Syllabus
Now that the structure is clear, let us discuss the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern subject-wise. Preparation must begin with an in-depth focus on all these topics.
SBI CBO Syllabus: English Language
This section evaluates your command of the English language. Therefore, expect questions from the following areas:
- Cloze Test
- Reading Comprehension
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks
- Paragraph/Sentence Completion
SBI CBO Syllabus: General Awareness/Economy
General Awareness is crucial as it reflects your knowledge of current affairs. Hence, keep yourself updated with:
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Banking Awareness
- Static GK
- Important Places, Books, and Authors
- Currencies and Headquarters
- Government Schemes
- Important Days
- Recent Appointments and Awards
SBI CBO Syllabus: Computer Aptitude
A basic understanding of computer systems is essential for all banking roles. Consequently, prepare the following topics thoroughly:
- History and Generation of Computers
- Input/Output Devices
- Computer Memory and Hardware
- Operating Systems
- Computer Languages
- Networking and Internet Basics
- Network Security and Malware
SBI CBO Syllabus: Banking Knowledge
Since the role is banking-specific, this section tests your domain expertise. Therefore, make sure to cover:
- Banking Terms and Concepts
- Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Structure
- Financial Awareness and the Indian Economy
- Insurance Principles
- Financial Institutions and Regulatory Bodies
- Monetary Policy and Reforms
Why You Should Start Preparing Now
Since the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern Out have already been announced, early preparation is non-negotiable. Also, the absence of negative marking is a significant advantage. As a result, you must aim to maximize your attempt rate without fear of penalties.
Conclusion
To conclude, the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 and Exam Pattern Out clearly outline a well-structured selection process. With 2964 vacancies, aspirants must treat this opportunity with the utmost seriousness. Moreover, the absence of sectional cutoffs and negative markings makes it a strategically favorable exam. Begin your preparation today with a well-planned strategy that comprehensively covers all subjects.
FAQs
Q1. How many stages are there in the SBI CBO 2025 selection process?
A: There are four stages: Online Test, Screening, Interview, and Local Language Proficiency Test.
Q2. Is there any negative marking in the SBI CBO 2025?
A: No, there is no negative marking at any stage of the online test.
Q3. How many questions are asked in the SBI CBO objective test?
A: A total of 120 questions are asked in the computer-based test.
Q4. What is the duration of the SBI CBO exam?
A: The total duration is 2 hours and 30 minutes (2 hours for the objective test and 30 minutes for the descriptive test).
Q5. What are the topics asked in the descriptive section?
A: The descriptive section includes one Letter Writing and one Essay on banking-related topics.
