Recruitment of Probationary Officers (Advertisement No: CRPD/PO/2025-26/04)
Issuing Authority: State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Corporate Centre, Mumbai
Position: Probationary Officer (PO)
Vacancies: Provisional, subject to variation based on SBI’s requirements (exact numbers not fully provided in the document; refer to Annexure I).
Objective: To recruit eligible Indian citizens as Probationary Officers for posting anywhere in India or abroad, through a three-phase selection process involving Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Psychometric Test/Group Exercise/Interview.
About the Role
Probationary Officers at SBI perform critical banking functions, including customer service, loan processing, and operational management. The role offers job stability, competitive compensation (starting basic pay of ₹48,480/- with additional benefits), and opportunities for career growth, including potential postings abroad.
Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality:
- Must be a citizen of India. (The document does not explicitly mention other nationalities, unlike IBPS, but Indian citizenship is implied for eligibility.)
- Age Limit (as on 01.04.2025):
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 30 years (candidates born between 02.04.1995 and 01.04.2004, both inclusive).
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD): 10 years (13 years for OBC-PwBD, 15 years for SC/ST-PwBD)
- Ex-Servicemen/ECOs/SSCOs (with 5 years of military service): 5 years
- Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not allowed. Candidates must submit necessary certificates during Group Exercise/Interview.
- Educational Qualifications (as on 30.09.2025):
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
- Final-year/semester students can apply provisionally but must provide proof of passing by 30.09.2025 if shortlisted for the interview.
- Candidates with qualifications like Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, or Cost Accountant are also eligible.
- The date of passing is as per the mark sheet/provisional certificate or the date the result was posted on the university’s website.
- Credit History:
- Candidates must have a clean credit history (no defaults on loans/credit card dues) as of the date of the offer letter.
- Candidates with adverse CIBIL or similar agency reports must regularize their status or provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the lender before joining, or the offer will be withdrawn.
- Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD):
- 4% horizontal reservation as per Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016.
- Eligible categories include:
- Visual Impairment (VI): Blindness (total absence of sight, visual acuity <3/60, or field of vision <10°) or Low Vision (visual acuity 6/18 to 3/60 or field of vision 10°–40°).
- Hearing Impaired (HI): Hard of Hearing (60–70 dB hearing loss in speech frequencies in both ears).
- Locomotor Disability (LD): Includes One Arm (OA), Both Arms (BA), One Leg (OL), Both Legs (BL), One Arm & One Leg (OAL), Cerebral Palsy (CP), Leprosy Cured (LC), Dwarfism (Dw), Acid Attack Victims (AAV), Spine Deformity (SD), and Spine Injury (SI) without neurological/limb dysfunction.
- Mental Illness (MI) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild) (ASD-M): Substantial disorders affecting thinking, mood, perception, or communication.
- Multiple Disabilities (MD): Combination of the above categories.
- Note: Only candidates with 40% or more disability are eligible for reservation. Certificates must be issued by a Competent Authority as per Government guidelines and dated on or before 14.07.2025.
- Category Restrictions:
- OBC candidates in the Creamy Layer must apply as Unreserved (UR).
- No change in category (e.g., from OBC to UR or between PwBD sub-categories) is allowed after registration.
- SC/ST candidates must submit caste certificates, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates issued on/after 01.04.2025, and EWS candidates need an Income and Asset Certificate for FY 2024-25, valid for 2025-26.
- Failure to produce valid certificates during document verification disqualifies candidates from the interview.
- Number of Chances:
- UR/EWS: 4 chances
- UR(PwBD)/EWS(PwBD)/OBC/OBC(PwBD): 7 chances
- SC/SC(PwBD)/ST/ST(PwBD): No restriction
- Chances are counted from the Main Exam appearance since 18.04.2010. Preliminary Exam appearances are not counted.
Vacancies
- Provisional, subject to change based on SBI’s requirements (refer to Annexure I for details, not fully provided in the document).
- Categories include SC, ST, OBC, EWS, UR, and PwBD (VI, HI, LD, d&e).
- Backlog vacancies for PwBD will be filled by candidates from the respective sub-category, with interchange among VI, HI, LD, and d&e if needed.
Application Process
- Mode of Application: Online only via https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings.
- Application Period: 24.06.2025 to 14.07.2025.
- Application Fee (Non-Refundable):
- UR/EWS/OBC: ₹750/-
- SC/ST/PwBD: Nil
- Payment via Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, UPI, etc. Transaction charges are borne by the candidate.
- Steps to Apply:
- Register on the SBI Careers website using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Upload scanned documents:
- Photograph: Recent, passport-style, 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, 20–50 KB, JPG/JPEG, against a light background.
- Live Photograph: Captured via webcam/mobile during registration.
- Signature: On white paper with black ink, 140 x 60 pixels, 10–20 KB, JPG/JPEG, not in capital letters.
- Left-Hand Thumb Impression: On white paper with black/blue ink, 240 x 240 pixels, 20–50 KB, JPG/JPEG (right thumb if left unavailable).
- Hand-Written Declaration: In English, on white paper with black ink, 800 x 400 pixels, 50–100 KB, JPG/JPEG, text: “I, (Name), (Date of Birth) hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required. The signature, photograph and left-hand thumb impression is of mine.”
- Pay the fee online and submit the application.
- Save and print the e-receipt and application form.
- Candidates can save partially completed applications using the provisional registration number and password but must finalize before the deadline.
- Important Notes:
- No changes allowed after final submission.
- Unclear or non-compliant uploads (photo, signature, etc.) may lead to rejection.
- Retain 8 copies of the uploaded photograph for future stages.
- Do not send hard copies to SBI.
- Contact the helpdesk (022-22820427, 11:00 AM–5:00 PM on working days) or http://cgrs.ibps.in for issues, mentioning “RECRUITMENT OF PROBATIONARY OFFICERS IN STATE BANK OF INDIA – 2025” in the email subject.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of three phases:
- Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Online, Objective, 100 marks, 1 hour):
- Structure:
- English Language: 40 questions, 20 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 30 questions, 20 minutes
- Reasoning Ability: 30 questions, 20 minutes
- Total: 100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour
- No sectional cut-off; a category-wise merit list is drawn based on aggregate marks.
- Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for the Main Exam.
- Penalty: 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer; no penalty for unanswered questions.
- Structure:
- Phase-II: Main Examination (Online, 250 marks):
- Objective Test (200 marks, 3 hours):
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 40 questions, 60 marks, 50 minutes
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: 30 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- General Awareness/Economy/Banking Knowledge: 60 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- English Language: 40 questions, 20 marks, 40 minutes
- Total: 170 questions, 200 marks
- Descriptive Paper (50 marks, 30 minutes):
- Communication Skills: Emails (1/2 options, compulsory), Reports (1/2 options, compulsory), and either Situation Analysis or Precis Writing (1/2 options).
- Candidates must score minimum marks in each test (sectional cut-off) and an aggregate qualifying score.
- Approximately 3 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted for Phase-III.
- Penalty: 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer; no penalty for unanswered questions.
- Objective Test (200 marks, 3 hours):
- Phase-III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview (50 marks):
- Psychometric Test: For personality profiling, results may be shared with the interview panel.
- Group Exercise: 20 marks
- Interview: 30 marks
- Minimum qualifying marks are decided by SBI.
- Candidates must bring the authenticated Preliminary Exam call letter, Main Exam call letter, and requisite documents (e.g., ID proof, caste/EWS/PwBD certificates, mark sheets).
- Final Selection:
- Marks from Phase-II (Objective + Descriptive, 250 marks) and Phase-III (Group Exercise + Interview, 50 marks) are normalized to 100 (75% Main Exam, 25% Phase-III).
- Final merit list is based on normalized scores, with selection from the top-ranked candidates in each category.
- In case of a tie, candidates are ranked by age (descending order).
- Preliminary Exam marks are not considered for final selection.
Document Verification
- Required Documents (at Main Exam and Interview):
- Authenticated Preliminary Exam call letter with ID proof copy.
- Main Exam call letter.
- Photo identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving License, Voter ID, etc.).
- Two additional photographs (same as uploaded).
- Mark sheets and degree certificate (with CGPA conversion proof, if applicable).
- Caste certificate (SC/ST, issued by Competent Authority).
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate (issued on/after 01.04.2025).
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (for FY 2024-25, valid for 2025-26).
- PwBD certificate (dated on/before 14.07.2025, issued per Government guidelines).
- Scribe undertaking (if applicable, with scribe’s photo).
- No Objection Certificate (for candidates in Government/PSU roles).
- Ex-Servicemen: Service records and discharge certificate.
- Note: Failure to produce valid documents disqualifies candidates. OBC Creamy Layer candidates must apply as UR.
Examination Centres
- Tentative list in Annexure I (not provided in the document).
- Preliminary and Main Exams are conducted online at multiple centres across India.
- Main Exam centres are limited.
- No requests for centre/date/session changes are entertained.
- SBI may cancel/add centres or allot a different centre than the one chosen.
- Candidates bear their own risks and expenses for appearing at the allotted centre.
Emoluments and Career Path
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹48,480/- (with 4 advance increments) in the scale of ₹48,480–85,920 (Junior Management Grade Scale-I).
- Additional Benefits: DA, HRA, CCA, PF, NPS, LFC, Medical Facility, Lease Rental Facility, and other allowances.
- Approximate CTC: ₹20.43 Lakhs at Mumbai Centre.
- Joining and Training:
- Candidates must complete an online basic banking course before joining.
- Execute a ₹2 Lakh bond to serve for 3 years; resignation before this invokes the bond.
- 2-year probation with continuous assessment; failure to meet standards may lead to termination.
- Career Growth: Opportunities for promotions, including to Top Management Grade, and potential postings abroad.
Guidelines for PwBD Candidates
- Scribe Usage:
- Allowed for candidates with 40%+ disability or those with less than 40% disability but difficulty in writing (per Government guidelines).
- Candidates arrange their own scribe (qualification one step below the candidate’s).
- Scribe must not be a candidate for the same exam.
- Undertaking with scribe’s and candidate’s photos required at the exam.
- Violation of scribe guidelines leads to disqualification and potential removal from service.
- Compensatory Time: 20 minutes per hour for eligible PwBD candidates, whether using a scribe or not.
- Certificate: Must be issued by a Competent Authority, dated on/before 14.07.2025, and is subject to verification.
Pre-Examination Training (PET)
- Online training for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates who opt for it during application.
- Candidates access PET via the SBI website using their registration number and date of birth.
- Schedule shared via email/SMS; no hard copies sent.
General Instructions
- Call Letters:
- Download from https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings using registration number and password/date of birth.
- No hard copies sent.
- Preliminary Exam call letter must be authenticated/stamped at the exam centre and retained for the Main Exam.
- Bring two additional photographs and ID proof to exams.
- Biometric Verification:
- Photo and thumb impression/IRIS scan captured at various stages.
- Inconsistent biometrics lead to rejection.
- Avoid applying mehndi, ink, or chemicals on hands.
- Prohibited Items:
- Mobile phones, calculators, smartwatches, or other electronic devices are banned in exam venues.
- Violation leads to disqualification and potential debarment.
- Misconduct:
- Unfair means, impersonation, or misbehavior results in disqualification, debarment, and potential legal action.
- Response pattern analysis may lead to cancellation if responses are not genuine.
- Identity Proof:
- Bring original and self-attested photocopy of Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, Driving License, Voter ID, or other approved ID.
- Mismatch or failure to submit leads to disqualification.
- Other Notes:
- No changes to application details (including category) after submission.
- Multiple applications result in only the last valid application being considered; fees for others are forfeited.
- SBI may cancel/modify the process or vacancies without liability.
- Interview travel reimbursement: AC-III railway fare (shortest route) or actual expenses (lower amount), excluding local transport.
- Legal disputes are subject to Mumbai jurisdiction only.
- Candidates must ensure eligibility; false information leads to cancellation, even post-appointment.
- Results and updates are posted only on the SBI website.
Important Dates
- Online Registration and Fee Payment: 24.06.2025 to 14.07.2025
- Preliminary Exam: Dates notified via call letters
- Main Exam: Dates notified via call letters
- Psychometric Test/Group Exercise/Interview: Dates notified via call letters
- Result Publication: On https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings
Why Apply?
- Prestigious Role: Join India’s largest bank, recognized as the “Best Bank in India” by Global Finance (2024).
- Competitive Pay: Starting CTC of ₹20.43 Lakhs in Mumbai.
- Career Growth: Fast-track promotions and international opportunities.
- Trustworthy Employer: Among the top 5 most trustworthy banks globally (Newsweek & Statista Survey, 2024).
Important Links
- Official Website: Click here
- Apply Online: Click here
- Official Notification: Click here
Key Notes
- SBI reserves the right to modify/cancel the process, change vacancies, or allot candidates to any centre/office.
- Candidates must ensure document authenticity and eligibility; discrepancies lead to disqualification.
- No responsibility for technical issues affecting email/SMS delivery.
- Candidates with adverse character/antecedent reports or pending criminal cases are ineligible.