SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025: Must-Know Strategy

SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 Important Topics & Tips

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the official notification for SBI Circle Based Officers (CBO) Recruitment 2025 with 2964 vacancies. To crack the exam, it’s crucial to understand the SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 in detail. The selection process includes four stages – Online Test, Screening, Interview, and Local Language Proficiency Test. The online test consists of two papers: an Objective Test (120 marks) and a Descriptive Test (50 marks) with a total of 170 marks.

The SBI CBO syllabus 2025 includes four key subjects – English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude. Candidates should note that there is no negative marking in the exam. Knowing the latest SBI CBO exam pattern and syllabus helps focus your preparation on the right topics. Begin your preparation early to stay ahead in the SBI CBO 2025 recruitment race.

SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 

The recruitment process includes an Online Test followed by an Interview. The job is national-level with attractive perks, offering a starting salary of ₹48,480/- per month, along with other allowances and benefits.


SBI Circle Based Officer 2025: At a Glance

ComponentDetails
Conducting BodyState Bank of India (SBI)
Post NameCircle Based Officer (CBO)
Total Vacancies2964 Posts
Exam LevelNational
Mode of ApplicationOnline
Application Dates9th May to 29th May 2025
Required ExperienceMinimum 2 Years in a Commercial Bank
Selection ProcessOnline Test & Interview
Starting Salary₹48,480/- + Allowances
Official Websitewww.sbi.co.in

To prepare smartly for the SBI Circle Based Officers (CBO) Exam 2025, candidates must understand the latest SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025. The exam will assess a candidate’s understanding in subjects like English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness, Economy, and Computer Aptitude. The selection process includes an online written exam, screening, interview, and a local language test.

The SBI CBO 2025 online exam is divided into two parts — Objective Test and Descriptive Test. The objective section includes 120 questions worth 120 marks and is to be completed in 2 hours. The descriptive section is for 30 minutes, where candidates must write a letter and an essay related to banking. There is no negative marking and no sectional cutoff, giving candidates a fair chance to score better overall.


SBI CBO CBT Exam Pattern 2025 (Objective Test)

SectionsNo. of QuestionsMarksDuration
English Language303030 minutes
Banking Knowledge404040 minutes
General Awareness/Economy303030 minutes
Computer Aptitude202020 minutes
Total1201202 Hours

SBI CBO Descriptive Test 2025

TopicsNo. of QuestionsMarksDuration
Letter Writing12530 minutes
Essay (250 words on banking-related)125
Total25030 minutes

Candidates preparing for the SBI Circle Based Officers (CBO) 2025 exam should start with a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. The SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 includes two written papers—an objective test and a descriptive test. These papers assess knowledge in English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude. Candidates must clear the online test, screening, interview, and local language proficiency test to get selected.

The recruitment is a great opportunity for banking professionals aiming to grow their careers with State Bank of India. Below is a quick overview of all important details about the SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 to help aspirants plan their preparation accordingly.


SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 – Overview Table

ParticularsDetails
OrganizationState Bank of India (SBI)
PostCircle Based Officer (CBO)
Exam NameSBI CBO Recruitment 2025
Total Vacancies2600+ (expected)
CategorySyllabus & Exam Pattern
Exam ModeOnline
PapersObjective Test & Descriptive Test
SubjectsEnglish, Banking, GA/Economy, Computer Aptitude
Exam Duration2 hours 30 minutes
Total MarksObjective Test: 120, Descriptive Test: 50
Marking Scheme+1 for each correct answer, No negative marking
Selection ProcessOnline Test, Screening, Interview, Language Test
Exam LanguageEnglish & Hindi
Official Websitewww.sbi.co.in/careers
Exam Date (Tentative)July 2025

To perform well in the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Exam 2025, candidates need a solid grasp of the updated exam syllabus. The exam evaluates candidates on four major subjects: English Language, General Awareness/Economy, Banking Knowledge, and Computer Aptitude. Below is a subject-wise breakdown of the SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025 with each topic explained in simple terms.


SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 – English Language

This section checks grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Candidates must practice reading and writing to score well.

TopicDescription
Cloze TestFill in the blanks within a paragraph based on grammar and context.
Reading ComprehensionAnswer questions from a passage to test understanding.
Spotting ErrorsIdentify grammatical errors in sentences.
Sentence CorrectionCorrect grammatically wrong sentences.
Sentence ImprovementImprove sentence structure or word usage.
Fill in the BlanksChoose the right word/phrase to complete a sentence.
Para JumblesRearrange jumbled sentences to form a logical paragraph.
Word RearrangementArrange a group of words into a meaningful sentence.
Word SwapSwap incorrect words in a sentence to make it correct.
Sentence RearrangementRearranging parts of a sentence to form a correct sentence.
Misspelt WordsIdentify incorrectly spelled words.
Word UsageUse given words correctly in different contexts.

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 – General Awareness / Economy

This section tests current and static general knowledge, focusing on national and international events.

TopicDescription
National & International NewsLatest happenings in India and around the world.
RBI in NewsUpdates and policies from the Reserve Bank of India.
Business & EconomyKey economic indicators and business trends.
Indexes & RankingsGlobal and Indian indexes like HDI, GDP ranking, etc.
Government SchemesCentral schemes like PM Awas Yojana, Ujjwala, etc.
Agreements & MoUsRecent national/international pacts and deals.
Static GKCapitals, currencies, sports, history, geography, etc.
Awards & HonorsLatest recognitions in various fields.
Banking & Insurance NewsUpdates on banking regulations and insurance sectors.

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 – Computer Aptitude

Although it has fewer questions, this section can boost your score with basic tech knowledge.

TopicDescription
History of ComputersEvolution and generations of computing.
Computer BasicsInput/output devices, CPU, memory types.
Internet & NetworkingBasics of the internet, LAN, WAN, and protocols.
Operating SystemFunctions and examples like Windows, Linux.
MS Office SuiteMS Word, PowerPoint, Excel – usage and features.
Keyboard ShortcutsCommon shortcut keys like Ctrl+C, Ctrl+V.
Computer TerminologiesDefinitions of CPU, RAM, ROM, etc.
Security & MalwareAntivirus tools, phishing, firewall basics.

SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 – Banking Knowledge

This section holds the most weight and tests your banking industry expertise.

TopicDescription
Financial MarketsTypes of markets: stock, bond, etc.
Monetary PolicyRBI policies on repo rate, CRR, etc.
NBFCsRole of Non-Banking Financial Companies.
NPA & SARFAESI ActNon-performing assets and recovery laws.
Payment Banks & SFBsFunctions and examples like Paytm Bank, AU Small Finance.
NPCI & UPIRole of National Payments Corporation and UPI systems.
Financial AbbreviationsCRR, SLR, RTGS, NEFT, etc.
Basel NormsGlobal banking regulations for risk management.
RBI Structure & FunctionsGovernor, departments, financial regulations.
Banking ReformsRecent developments and digitization in banking.

After qualifying the online written test, candidates will be called for the SBI CBO 2025 Screening round, conducted by the Screening Committee. This panel checks if the candidate’s job profile matches the required experience of a Scale I Generalist Officer at SBI. If the job profile does not meet the criteria, the application will be rejected. Only candidates whose profile matches SBI’s requirements will proceed to the next and final stage—the interview.

The SBI CBO Interview 2025 carries 50 marks, and candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks set by the bank to move forward. The final selection for SBI Circle Based Officer 2025 will be based on the combined marks of the online written exam and interview in a 75:25 ratio. Also, OBC and EWS category candidates must submit valid certificates to be considered during the final selection. The final SBI CBO merit list 2025 will be prepared State-wise and Category-wise.

To clear the SBI Circle Based Officer Exam 2025 on your first attempt, a smart and well-planned preparation strategy is a must. Follow these expert tips to boost your success rate:

  1. Understand the SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025
    Start by carefully reviewing the latest SBI CBO syllabus and exam pattern. Know what topics are important and how the exam is structured.
  2. Solve Previous Year Question Papers
    Go through old SBI CBO papers to understand the question trends and difficulty level. It helps in planning your preparation effectively.
  3. Stay Updated with Current Affairs & Banking News
    Read daily newspapers, especially the business and finance sections. Stay informed about major banking updates, RBI policies, and economic news.
  4. Create a Daily Study Schedule
    Make a realistic study plan that covers all subjects—English, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude—and follow it consistently.
  5. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly
    Take online mock tests based on the SBI CBO exam pattern. Analyze your performance and work on weak areas to improve speed and accuracy.
  6. Revise Smartly and Consistently
    Set aside time daily for revision. Focus more on important topics and frequently asked questions in the exam.
  7. Focus on Descriptive Writing Practice
    Practice essay and letter writing regularly for the descriptive paper. Stick to banking-related topics and improve grammar and structure.

✅ What is the syllabus of SBI CBO 2025?

The SBI CBO Syllabus 2025 includes four main sections:

  • English Language (Grammar, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, etc.)
  • Banking Knowledge (RBI Functions, Financial Markets, NPA, Basel Norms, etc.)
  • General Awareness/Economy (Current Affairs, Govt Schemes, Awards, Static GK)
  • Computer Aptitude (Basics of Computers, MS Office, Internet, Networking)

✅ What is the exam pattern for SBI CBO 2025?

The SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2025 includes two stages:

  • Objective Test: 120 Questions – 120 Marks – 2 Hours
  • Descriptive Test: Essay & Letter Writing – 2 Questions – 50 Marks – 30 Minutes
    No negative marking and no sectional cut-off.

✅ Is it easy to crack SBI CBO exam?

With proper understanding of the SBI CBO Exam Pattern Syllabus 2025, consistent preparation, daily current affairs, and mock tests, it is definitely possible to crack the SBI CBO exam in your first attempt.


✅ What is the best book for SBI CBO preparation?

Here are some top-recommended books for SBI CBO 2025:

  • Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
  • Banking Awareness by Arihant
  • Lucent’s General Knowledge
  • Computer Knowledge by Rani Ahilya
  • Descriptive English by BSC Publication

✅ What is the passing marks for SBI CBO exam?

There is no fixed passing mark. Final selection is based on the combined score of the online test and interview in 75:25 ratio, and minimum qualifying marks in the interview are set by the bank.


✅ What is the salary of SBI CBO 2025?

The starting basic pay of SBI CBO is ₹36,000 + allowances. The gross monthly salary is approx ₹48,480, including HRA, DA, medical, and other perks.


✅ Who has the highest salary in SBI?

The Chairman of SBI holds the highest salary package, followed by Managing Directors and Deputy MDs. Among officers, SBI PO at senior scale and CBOs enjoy excellent pay growth.


✅ What is the salary of a Circle Officer in SBI?

An SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) earns a starting in-hand salary of around ₹48,000 – ₹52,000/month, with steady annual increments and promotional growth up to senior management roles.


✅ What is the job profile of SBI CBO?

The SBI CBO job role involves:

  • Managing branch operations
  • Customer service and loan approvals
  • Supervising banking activities
  • Achieving business targets
    CBOs are posted in the assigned circle/state and usually not transferred outside.

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