The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2025 is here at last, and thousands of candidates all over India have made their first move towards a high-ranking banking career. So what’s next? If you’re looking to know how your try went or wondering what will happen next, this comprehensive SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 is what you’re looking for. Let’s analyze the exam shift-wise, section-wise, and help you estimate your performance like a pro!
Exam Pattern Overview
Sections in SBI PO Prelims
The SBI PO Prelims 2025 adheres to the traditional three-section pattern:
English Language – 30 Questions (20 mins)
Quantitative Aptitude – 35 Questions (20 mins)
Reasoning Ability – 35 Questions (20 mins)
Total Questions: 100 | Total Marks: 100 | Duration: 60 minutes
Marking Scheme & Time Limit
+1 mark for each correct answer
-0.25 for each incorrect attempt
uangually, Sectional timing is strictly enforced. No changing between sections.
Shift-Wise SBI PO Prelims 2025 Analysis
Shift 1 Analysis
Overall Level: Moderate
English: Easy to Moderate – RC and Cloze Test dominated
Quant: Moderate – very few DI sets were long
Reasoning: Troublesome puzzles but doable
Shift 2 Analysis
Overall Level: Slightly more challenging than Shift 1
English: Vocabulary-based questions saw an increase
Quant: Arithmetic questions ruled the roost
Reasoning: Two new types of puzzles surfaced
Shift 3 Analysis
Overall Level: Easy to Moderate
English: Balanced, with a mix of grammar and vocabulary
Quant: Simplification and number series made it easier
Ranking: Puzzles were manageable, but time-consuming
Shift 4 Analysis
Overall Level: Moderate to Difficult
English: Comprehension-oriented
Quant: Challenging questions on data interpretation
Ranking: Puzzle-intensive; managing time was the key
Section-Wise Breakdown
English Language
Difficulty Level
Easy to Moderate
General Topics Asked
Reading Comprehension (RC)
Cloze Test
Fill in the Blanks
Error Detection
Para Jumbles
Quantitative Aptitude
Difficulty Level
Moderate
Frequent Questions Asked
Data Interpretation (Pie Chart + Table)
Number Series (Missing and Wrong)
Simplification/Approximation
Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Time-Speed)
Reasoning Ability
Difficulty Level
Moderate to Difficult
Puzzle Trends
Box-based Puzzle
Circular Seating Arrangement
Floor Puzzle
Direction Sense
Inequality
Syllogism
Good Attempts and Accuracy
What Is Considered a Good Attempt?
English: 22–25
Quant: 23–27
Reasoning: 25–28
Overall Good Attempts: 70–75 with 90% accuracy
Role of Accuracy in SBI PO Prelims
Keep in mind that it’s not necessary to attempt all 100 questions. Even 65–75 attempts with high accuracy can easily leave you in the safe zone because of negative marking.
Expected Cut-Off for SBI PO Prelims 2025
Category-Wise Predictions
| Category | Expected Cut-Off (2025) |
| General | 68–72 |
| OBC | 65–68 |
| SC | 58–62 |
| ST | 53–57 |
| EWS | 66–69 |
Memory-Based Questions
English Language
RC on “Digital India and its global impact”
Cloze test based on technology
Synonym of “acquire”
Quantitative Aptitude
Pie chart based on company revenue
Simplification: √144 + 13 × 2 – 11
Arithmetic: Train crossing problem
Reasoning Ability
Puzzle: 8-person linear seating
Syllogism: Either-or case
Direction Sense: Two-person walking scenario
Opinions of Coaching Institutes
Leading coaching centers like Oliveboard and Gradeup graded the exam as Moderate and stressed on accuracy rather than attempts.
Tips for Preparing After Prelims
Targeting SBI PO Mains
Begin Mains prep now! Don’t wait for the result. Refresh on:
Descriptive Writing
Data Analysis
Banking Awareness
Computer Knowledge
Time Management and Study Strategy
Allocate your time judiciously between Reasoning, Quant, and English, and include General Awareness in your daily prep too.
Final Thoughts
The SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis 2025 indicates a balanced paper overall with a couple of tricky bits in Reasoning and DI-heavy Quant sections. If your attempts lie in the 70–75 range with 85–90% accuracy, you stand a good chance of clearing the cut-off. If you’re shifting to Mains prep or merely reviewing your performance, use this breakdown as your bible.
Read also: SSC Stenographer Admit Card Download 2025
