The State Bank of India (SBI), one of the country’s largest and most reputed public sector banks, has officially released the notification for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) for the year 2025. With a total of 541 vacancies — comprising 500 regular positions and 41 backlog posts — the recruitment drive is set to be one of the most prominent opportunities in the Indian banking sector this year. The application window opened on June 24, 2025, and will remain active until July 14, 2025, giving interested candidates a limited but vital window to apply.

This year, SBI has made a significant shift in its recruitment strategy by broadening the eligibility criteria to invite applications from professionals across a wide spectrum of academic backgrounds. In a move that underscores the increasing cross-functional expectations of banking roles, the bank has encouraged candidates with degrees in Medicine, Engineering, Chartered Accountancy, and Cost Accountancy to apply for the PO positions. This strategic decision reflects the bank’s intent to diversify the skill set within its workforce and cater to the complex, evolving needs of the financial sector.

The SBI PO exam is regarded as one of the most competitive banking examinations in India. Its rigorous, multi-phase selection process aims to ensure the recruitment of capable, versatile, and well-rounded individuals. The selection procedure begins with a preliminary examination, which acts as the first level of screening. Candidates who clear this stage proceed to the main examination. Those who successfully clear the mains are then subjected to a psychometric test followed by group exercises and a personal interview — an elaborate evaluation designed to assess cognitive aptitude, leadership potential, decision-making ability, and communication skills.

Applicants must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of April 1, 2025. However, age relaxation is applicable for candidates belonging to reserved categories such as SC, ST, OBC, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), in line with the norms set by the Government of India. This ensures inclusivity and provides opportunities to candidates from varied social and economic backgrounds.

Academically, a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university is the minimum requirement. Students who are currently in their final year or semester are also eligible to apply, provided they can present proof of graduation by September 30, 2025. This flexibility is extended to those pursuing dual-degree programs as well, as long as they meet the graduation deadline. The emphasis on attracting graduates from varied domains further reiterates SBI’s commitment to evolving its talent pool in tune with modern banking needs.

To apply, candidates must visit the official SBI careers portal at https://sbi.co.in/web/careers. They will need to navigate to the ‘Join SBI’ section and click on ‘Current Openings’. Under this tab, they should locate the link for ‘Recruitment of Probationary Officers 2025’ and then proceed to click on ‘Apply Online’. New applicants will need to register themselves by providing basic details such as their name, mobile number, and email ID. Upon successful registration, login credentials will be shared via email and SMS, which candidates can use to access the application form.

The online application requires candidates to fill in their personal, educational, and professional details accurately. They must also upload scanned copies of their photograph, signature, thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration, all adhering to specific formatting guidelines mentioned in the official notification.

An application fee of ₹750 is applicable for candidates belonging to the General, Economically Weaker Section (EWS), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). However, candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and PwBD categories are exempted from paying any fee, making the process more accessible for underprivileged groups.

In a welcome initiative aimed at promoting equal opportunity, SBI has also announced pre-examination training for eligible candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD categories. This training is likely to be held in July or August 2025 and is designed to better equip underrepresented candidates for the preliminary exam by helping them familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and types of questions asked.

As the banking industry continues to embrace technological advancements and customer-centric services, the role of a Probationary Officer is no longer limited to routine operations. It now demands a more holistic skill set — from financial literacy and digital acumen to strong interpersonal and analytical abilities. By welcoming candidates from disciplines such as Medicine and Engineering, SBI acknowledges this shift and is taking proactive steps to strengthen its institutional capacity with diverse talent.

Candidates are advised to go through the official notification carefully before submitting their applications to ensure that they meet all eligibility conditions. This includes reviewing the age criteria, educational requirements, document upload specifications, and other procedural details.

With a legacy of trust and growth, and the added prestige of serving in India’s largest public sector bank, the SBI PO 2025 recruitment drive is a golden opportunity for aspirants seeking a dynamic and fulfilling career in banking.