SBI PO Prelims 2025 exam dates have just been confirmed, and if you’ve been waiting for them, the countdown begins now. The State Bank of India has officially announced that the much-anticipated SBI PO prelims will be conducted on August 2, 4, and 5, 2025. These dates have now been published on the official SBI careers portal at sbi.co.in/web/careers/Current-openings.
Timeline of Events
The release of exam dates puts candidates on a firm schedule. Here’s a breakdown of key milestones:
- Registration Window: June 24 – July 14, 2025
- Admit Card Release: Expected in late July 2025
- Preliminary Exam Dates: August 2, 4 & 5, 2025
- Result Date: Late August to early September 2025
These milestones matter. For many, this is the first big step toward securing one of the 541 Probationary Officer posts on offer. That number includes 500 regular vacancies and 41 backlog vacancies.
What to Expect in the SBI PO Prelims Exam
The preliminary stage is critical. It acts as a screening round but still bears significant weight. The format is fairly standard, yet often underestimated.
Here’s what you’ll be dealing with:
- Total Marks: 100 (Objective Type)
- Total Duration: 1 Hour
- Sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Time Allocation: Separate timings for each section
- Penalty: 1/4th mark cut for each wrong answer
- Sectional Cut-Offs: None
It’s fast-paced and not forgiving. Smart time management could be just as important as getting answers right. You’ll want to focus on accuracy too—every incorrect answer costs you 25% of that question’s marks.
Official Statements
The organization has not issued a formal press release but quietly posted an update on the careers portal. While that might seem low-key, the implications are big across India’s exam-focused crowd.
“The preliminary examination for SBI PO 2025 is scheduled for August 2, 4 and 5. Candidates can download the admit card from the careers section ahead of the examination,” — SBI Official Website
That’s it. No elaborate event, no statement from the Chairperson. Just a date, and the implicit message: Be ready.
Community Response
Anxious, a bit overwhelmed, but mostly focused. That’s the mood across forums and Telegram channels right now. Students and job seekers have been refreshing the SBI site all week. YouTubers and coaching centers were quick to upload new videos, analysis, and last-minute prep strategies.
Some reactions from social platforms:
- “Finally, some confirmation. Thought they’d delay it.” – comment on Reddit
- “Three days, huh? That should help reduce overcrowding.” – user on a Telegram group
- “No sectional cut-offs might help, but negative marking always messes with my head.” – aspirant from Lucknow
It’s not just students this affects. Coaching institutes, both digital and in-person, are repositioning their modules. More crash courses, more mock tests, and a sharp pivot to prelims-focused prep are already visible.
Selection Process: After the Prelims
If you’re among those who qualify for the next stages (and many won’t—let’s be honest), here’s how the rest of the selection pans out:
- Phase I: Preliminary Examination (Now scheduled for August 2025)
- Phase II: Main Examination (Only for those shortlisted in Phase I)
- Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview
The structure hasn’t changed much from previous years. But each phase demands a different skill set. If Prelims is mostly speed and smart guessing, the Mains challenge comprehension, depth and focused strategy.
What’s Next?
We’re now less than two months away from the preliminary exam. If you’re preparing, mark these steps on your personal calendar:
- Download your admit card as soon as it drops
- Take full-length mock tests under timed conditions
- Revise formulae, facts, and practice puzzles daily
- Don’t ignore English language—those marks add up quickly
- Keep checking SBI Careers Website for updates
Admit cards are expected by end of July. Make a note: no admit card, no entry to the exam hall. Don’t wait until the last minute to download it.
You might also want to keep a soft folder ready with required ID proofs, a printed copy of the admit card, and maybe even a few extra passport-sized photos. Small things count more when stress is high.
Final Thoughts for Aspirants
This isn’t new for many reading this. The SBI PO is among the most competitive exams in India’s public sector hiring. It’s not just the salary benefits or status—it’s the path it opens later, and most of you know that already.
So these dates? They’re a signal. The race is on. Take a breath, assess where you stand, and drive your effort from here on out with a bit more intensity. You’ve got time—but not much.
Follow this space for our upcoming guides on Mains strategy, interview prep, and possible score predictions once the prelims are done. Until then, keep hustling, smartly.
Link to official page: https://sbi.co.in/web/careers/Current-openings
