SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025, 5th May Difficulty Level, Good Attempts and More
The State Bank of India (SBI) successfully held the SBI PO Mains Exam on 5th May 2025 in a single shift from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon. Thousands of candidates participated in the exam and shared their insights regarding the paper. Based on initial reactions and detailed feedback, the overall difficulty level of the SBI PO Mains 2025 exam was reported to be Moderate to Difficult. Our team interacted with many test-takers to compile this comprehensive SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis, which highlights section-wise difficulty, good attempts, and types of questions asked. In this article, we have provided the SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis for the SBI PO 2025. Candidates can refer to the list of topics we will focus on in this article below.
- Section wise analysis
- Difficulty level of the exam
- Expected cut-off marks
- SBI PO Exam Pattern
Check details on SBI PO Prelims Exam Analysis.
SBI PO Mains 2025 Exam: Key Highlights & Student Feedback
This year’s SBI PO Mains exam covered five key sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive Paper. Candidates were allotted a total of 3 hours and 30 minutes to complete the exam. As per reviews from examinees, several sections were more challenging compared to previous years, especially the reasoning and data interpretation segments.
Aspirants can now refer to this detailed SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025 to improve their performance and get a better understanding of how others performed. This analysis includes good attempt ranges, section-wise insights, and question patterns observed in the exam. If you're preparing for upcoming SBI exams or waiting for results, this breakdown will give you clarity on the expected cut-off trends and preparation strategies.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025: Good Attempts – 5th May 2025
Candidates who appeared for the SBI PO Mains Exam on 5th May 2025 have shared their feedback regarding the number of questions they attempted confidently in each section. Based on their responses and expert review, we’ve provided a detailed overview of the section-wise good attempts to help you estimate your performance. These attempts reflect the questions candidates marked with accuracy under the Moderate to Difficult difficulty level.
|
S.No. |
Name of the Section |
Total Questions |
Good Attempts |
|
1 |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
40 |
18 – 20 |
|
2 |
Data Analysis & Interpretation |
30 |
10 – 12 |
|
3 |
General / Economy / Banking Awareness |
60 |
19 – 22 |
|
4 |
English Language |
40 |
19 – 21 |
|
Total |
170 |
62 – 84 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025: Difficulty Level, 5th May 2025
Candidates who appeared for the SBI PO Mains Exam on 5th May 2025 reported a mixed level of difficulty across various sections. Based on the feedback received from aspirants and expert reviews, the paper ranged between Moderate to Difficult. The table below presents a section-wise difficulty level analysis to help you understand how each part of the exam was perceived.
|
S.No. |
Name of Subjects |
Difficulty Level |
|
1 |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude |
Moderate |
|
2 |
Data Analysis & Interpretation |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
3 |
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness |
Moderate to Difficult |
|
4 |
English Language |
Moderate |
|
5 |
Descriptive |
Moderate |
|
– |
Overall |
Moderate to Difficult |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025: Sectional Review
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2025 was conducted on 5th May in a single shift, covering key sections like English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, and a Descriptive Test. Aspirants found the overall paper moderately difficult, with varying difficulty levels across sections. Here’s a detailed section-wise analysis based on candidate feedback and expert insights.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025, English Language
The English section was rated Moderate by most candidates. Two reading comprehension passages were included—one on the Middle Eastern economy and another on fashion trends. Other topics included Cloze Tests, Error Detection, and Para Jumbles.
|
Topics |
No. of Questions |
|
Reading Comprehension – 1 |
08 |
|
Reading Comprehension – 2 |
07 |
|
Error Detection |
02 |
|
Cloze Test |
04 |
|
Match the Column |
03 |
|
Para Jumble (Last Sentence Fixed) |
06–07 |
|
Sentence Rearrangement |
02–03 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025, Quantitative Aptitude
This section had a Moderate to Difficult difficulty level. It featured five sets of Data Interpretation, a few Arithmetic-based questions, and some from Number Series and Quadratic Equations.
|
Topics |
No. of Questions |
|
Number System |
04 |
|
Quadratic Equation |
02 |
|
Number Series |
02 |
|
Table DI |
05 |
|
Bar Graph DI |
05 |
|
Quantity Comparison (Q1 vs Q2) |
01 |
|
Arithmetic (Mensuration, etc.) |
10–11 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2025, Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning section saw a mix of questions from Puzzles, Critical Reasoning, and Input-Output. Difficulty was Moderate. Several types of puzzles and seating arrangements were included.
Puzzle & Seating Topics Asked:
- Time slot puzzle: 4–5 questions
- Certain linear puzzle with variables: 4 questions
- Circular seating arrangement: 1 question
|
Topics |
No. of Questions |
|
Puzzle & Seating Arrangement |
10 |
|
Coding & Direction |
04 |
|
Critical Reasoning |
06–08 |
|
Machine Input Output (Word-based) |
04 |
|
Data Sufficiency |
02 |
SBI PO Mains General Awareness / Economy / Banking Awareness
This section was of Moderate to Difficult level and had 60 questions. It covered current affairs and banking-specific updates.
Sample Questions Included:
- WMA Limit
- Urban Challenge Fund
- Operation Brahma
- Priority Sector Lending applicability
- BRICS Partner Country
- Fintech Inter-ministerial Panel
- Vajra Prahar & Vapra Pahan Exercises
- Zoowin Portal Development
SBI PO Mains Descriptive Test 2025
The descriptive paper included email and report writing with practical and analytical topics.
Topics Asked:
- Email Writing: Write to a bank manager for a home loan
- Report: Artificial Intelligence
- Situation Analysis: Based on staff meeting and supervisor response
- Precis Writing: Workplace communication scenario.
Message for Future SBI PO Aspirants
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2025 reflected a balanced mix of conceptual clarity, smart time management, and presence of mind. With sections ranging from moderate to difficult, success clearly favored those who practiced consistently, stayed updated on current affairs, and sharpened their analytical thinking. The exam demanded not just accuracy but a strategic approach to each section, especially with the high-weightage areas like Data Interpretation and General Awareness.
So if you're aiming to crack SBI PO in the upcoming cycle, now is the time to start preparing smartly. Join Testbook’s SBI PO Mock Test Series and Online Coaching to get a real exam-like experience and expert guidance throughout your journey.
Also Check, SBI PO Mains Expected Cut Off 2025
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2023: Difficulty level of Questions & Good Attempts - 30th January 2023
The exam analysis done in this section is holistic. This means that the exam analysis has been done for the overall sections of each shift everyday. The SBI PO Mains Exam was conducted on 30th January 2022. The overall difficulty level for the objective and descriptive parts of the paper have been explained in the tables below.
| Section | Difficulty Level of Questions | Good Attempts |
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | Moderate to Difficult | 20-23 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Easy to Moderate | 20-22 |
| General Economy and Banking Awareness | Easy to Moderate | 36-40 |
| English Language (Objective-type) | Easy | 30-32 |
| Total | Easy to Moderate | 106-117 |
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SBI PO Main Section-wise Exam Analysis - 30th January 2023
In this segment, we provide candidates with the section-wise analysis of the SBI PO Mains Exam. The SBI PO Mains Exam is Objective and Descriptive in nature. The exam has 4 sections. These are: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Banking Awareness and English Language. The descriptive exam has 2 questions on letter and essay writing. These sections have been analyzed and explained in detail below.
Quantitative Aptitude
The section on Quantitative Ability had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Number Series (DI) | 2-3 |
| Quadratic Equation | 4-5 |
| Arithmetic Percentage | 1-2 |
| DI Ratio | 1-2 |
| Line Graph | 1-2 |
Reasoning Aptitude
The section on Mental and Reasoning Ability had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Reverse Syllogism | 1-2 |
| Coded Blood Relations | 3-4 |
| Uncertainased Floor B Puzzle | 1-2 |
| New Pattern Puzzle | 1-2 |
| Machine Input | 1-2 |
| Data Sufficiency | 2-3 |
| Direction & Distance | 1-2 |
| Inference | 1-2 |
General Awareness
The section on General Awareness had questions from the topics listed below:
- B20 Chairman
- 1st Year of ETF
- SEBI Circular
- Tennis
- Literature Awards
- Y K Alag
- Good and Services Tax (GST)
- MOUs: General electrical - NTPC
- World Science Congress - Bhopal (Chief Guest)
- Electric racing card created by IIT Students
- Gender Equality (Descriptive)
- Artificial Intelligence (Descriptive)
- Letter to editor regarding Depression
- Letter to Branch Manager- Minor to Major
- Letter to Village Panchayat Library Building Funds
English Section
The section on English Language had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Error Detection | 4-5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 5 |
| Para Jumble | 5-6 |
| Sentence Completion | 3-4 |
| Word Replacement | 2-3 |
Descriptive Paper
The English Descriptive Paper had questions from the topics listed below:
| Section | Topics |
| Letter Writing |
|
| Essay Writing |
|
Find the detailed SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern here!
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2022: Difficulty level of Questions & Good Attempts - 2nd January 2022
The exam analysis done in this section is holistic. This means that the exam analysis has been done for the overall sections of each shift everyday. The SBI PO Mains Exam was conducted on 2nd January 2022. The overall difficulty level for the objective and descriptive parts of the paper have been explained in the tables below.
| Section | Difficulty Level of Questions | Good Attempts |
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | Easy to Moderate | 21-25 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Difficult | 12-15 |
| General Economy and Banking Awareness | Moderate to Difficult | 18-24 |
| English Language (Objective-type) | Moderate | 18-20 |
| English Language (Descriptive-type) | Moderate | 2 |
| Total | Moderate to Difficult | 69-84 |
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SBI PO Main Section-wise Exam Analysis - 2nd January 2022
In this segment, we provide candidates with the section-wise analysis of the SBI PO Mains Exam. The SBI PO Mains Exam is Objective and Descriptive in nature. The exam has 4 sections. These are: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Banking Awareness and English Language. The descriptive exam has 2 questions on letter and essay writing. These sections have been analyzed and explained in detail below.
Quantitative Aptitude
The section on Quantitative Ability had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Missing Number Series | 3 |
| Data Sufficiency | 3 |
| Quantity Comparison | 5-6 |
| Quadratic Equation | 1-2 |
| Bar Graph DI | 6-7 |
| Caslet DI | 9-12 |
| Misc. | 2-3 |
| Total | 35 |
Reasoning Aptitude
The section on Mental and Reasoning Ability had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Reverse Syllogism | 3-4 |
| Coded Inequality | 4-5 |
| Linear Arrangement | 5 |
| Circular Seating Arrangement | 5 |
| Rank based Puzzle | 5 |
| People Puzzle | 5 |
| Machine Input | 7-8 |
| Data Sufficiency | 4 |
| Direction & Distance | 4-5 |
| Total | 45 |
General Awareness
The section on General Awareness had questions from the topics listed below:
- Ramsar Sites in India
- Harnaaz Sandhu: Miss Universe Edition
- Mission Samudrayan
- Time Magazine Person of the Year
- SBI’s stake in Jio Payment Bank
- 7 MITRA Parks
- World Chess Championship
- Indexes and Reports
- Books and Authors
- Full Forms of CRPC, PCA, GRIHA, POS, QIP etc.
- LIC IPO
- Third man to set foot on the moon
- Ethanol Lending Rate
- Satpura Tiger Reserve location
- 3-in-1 Account: Equitas Microfinance Bank
English Section
The section on English Language had questions from the topics listed below:
| Topics | Number of Questions |
| Error Detection | 4-5 |
| Reading Comprehension | 12-14 |
| Match the Following + Sentence Fillers | 4 |
| Sentence Improvement | 2-3 |
| Phrasal Verbs | 4-5 |
| Misc. | 4 |
| Total | 35 |
Descriptive Paper
The English Descriptive Paper had questions from the topics listed below:
| Section | Topics |
| Letter Writing |
|
| Essay Writing |
|
Find the detailed SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern here!
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021: Detailed Information
The SBI PO Mains Exam 2021 was conducted on 29 January 2021. On the basis of that, we have prepared the SBI PO Exam Analysis 2021 for mains paper overall below.
- The test was Moderate to Difficult overall, according to the data reviewed for the SBI PO Mains 2021 exam analysis.
- The overall number of good attempts were around 85 plus.;
- The SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude Section and reasoning was lengthy and difficult
- The SBI PO Mains Paper 2021 General Awareness and English Language part was moderate.
- Descriptive paper (letter & essay writing) difficulty level was also moderate
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SBI PO Exam Analysis 2021: Mains Paper Good Attempts
The SBI PO Mains Exam conducted on 29 January 2021, was round moderate to difficult. Check the SBI PO Exam Analysis 2021 on mains paper good attempts in the table below.
| Subject Name | Good Attempts |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 20+ |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 15+ |
| English Language | 25+ |
| General Awareness | 20+ |
| Total good attempts | 85+ |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 of Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
There were 45 questions in SBI PO Reasoning & Computer Aptitude area, and the level of thinking ranged from moderate to tough. In the SBI PO reasoning Paper , here is one new matrix question (4*4, odd-even matrix).
Puzzles:
- Parallel-row Puzzle
- Circular Arrangement + Blood Relationship
- Staircase Puzzle
- Age/ Name/ Color Puzzle
Check the SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 for Reasoning & Computer Aptitude given below.
| Topic Name | Total Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Sitting Arrangement and Puzzles | 20 | Moderate-Difficult |
| Input-Output (Word + No.) | 05 | Moderate |
| Syllogism (Reverse) | 03 | Moderate |
| Coded Direction question | 05 | Moderate |
| Logical ( Couse of Action, Statement, and Assumption, Consequence) | 07 | Moderate |
| Odd-Even | 05 | Moderate |
| Total | 45 | Moderate-Difficult |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 of Data Analysis & Interpretation
In the Data Analysis & Interpretation section of the SBI PO Mains test 2021, there were 35 questions. We anticipate the same this year.
;Data Interpretation Questions:
- Conditional Missing- 4 questions asked
- Line Graph- 6 questions asked
- Statement D.I- 5 questions asked
- Pie chart- 5 questions asked
Check the detailed SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 for Data Analysis & Interpretation below.
| Topic Name; | Total Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Data sufficiency | 05 | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation | 20 | Moderate-Difficult |
| Missing | 05 | Moderate |
| Miscellaneous (Arithmetic) | 05 | Moderate |
| Total | 35 | Moderate-Difficult |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 of English
There were around 35 questions in the English language part of the SBI PO mains test 2021. This year, the same amount of inquiries are predicted. Check the SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis for the English Language Section given below.
| Topic Name | Total Questions | Difficulty Level |
| Reading Comprehension | 13 | Moderate |
| Word Rearrangement (Swapping) | 05 | Moderate |
| Match the following (connecter) | 05 | Moderate |
| Fillers/ Cloze Test | 05-07 | Moderate |
| Error Detection | 05 | Moderate |
| Fill in the Blanks | 03-05 | Moderate |
| Total | 35 | Moderate |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 of General Awareness
The General Awareness section was of Moderate level. The majority of the questions in this area were from the Current Affairs Section and Static GK.Check the questions asked in the SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis for General Awareness section below.
- Which bank introduced a three-in-one account? - Equitas Microfinance Bank
- Which bank started Home Utsav? - Chairman of ICICI Bank SAIL? - Mondal, Soma
- What is the letter A in GRIHA?
- Hamed Bakayoko, Prime Minister of Ivory Coast
- One question concerning the Living Root Bridge,
- One question on the LIC IPO,
- Concerning the Financial Inclusion Committee
- In relation to the Kharif crop, whose nation is the JAVA bike business from?
- One inquiry about the PIDF,
- Is this the third man to set foot on the Moon? Conrad, Charles P. (Pete) (Capt., USN, Ret.)
- One PMVVY-related question,
- China is the world's greatest coal producer.
- One question on UPI-Autopay, one question about British Sansad Bhawna
- One lighthouse-related question: What is the full form of POS?
- - Retail Point of Sale
- What is the WMA limit?- One lakh
- One question about the regulatory sandbox concept,
- What is the ethanol lending rate? -5.9%
- Where can I find the Satpura Tiger Reserve? Madhya Pradesh
- One CAR/CRAI-related question
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis 2021 of Descriptive Paper
State Bank of India has included a descriptive paper in the SBI PO mains Exam 2021. The descriptive paper consists of two 50-point questions. Candidates have 30 minutes to finish both questions. Check the SBI PO Descriptive Paper Analysis below.
The letter (150 words)
- The letter to the editor urging young people to join the armed services
- Bank client requests that the bank account be closed.
Essay (250 words)
- Utilization of natural resources in a cost-effective manner.
- The Benefits and Drawbacks of Online Education
SBI PO Exam Analysis - Mains 2019
The candidates can refer to the SBI PO 2019 exam analysis. Here we have analyzed the 2019 SBI PO Mains examination.
| Sections | No. of Questions | Marks | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | Difficult | 15 - 18 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | Difficult | 10 - 12 |
| General/Economic/Banking Awareness | 50 | 40 | Easy-Moderate | 30 - 35 |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | Easy-Moderate | 20 - 25 |
| Total | 155 | 200 | Moderate - Difficult; | 75 - 80 |
SBI PO Mains Exam: Previous Year’s Cut Off and Expected Cut Off
Cut-Offs are the deciding factor as to who qualifies for the recruitment. The SBI PO Cut Off details has been listed below for the Mains stage separately.
| Category | Cut Off for Mains (out of 250) | Cut Off for Interview (out of 50) | Final Cut Off (normalized to 100) |
| GEN | 88.93 | 20 | 51.23 |
| SC | 73.83 | 17.50 | 44.09 |
| ST | 66.86 | 17.50 | 41.87 |
| OBC | 80.96 | 17.50 | 45.09 |
| EWS | 84.60 | 20 | 45.35 |
| LD | 80.45 | 17.50 | 45.27 |
| VI | 93.08 | 17.50 | 51.55 |
| HI | 63.10 | 17.50 | 28.62 |
| D & E | 63.25 | 17.50 | 29.43 |
Check the SBI PO Result details here!
SBI PO Revised Exam Pattern: Mains
The exam pattern for any particular exam contains information regarding the subjects tested in the exam, the number of questions, their weightage, exam duration, marking scheme etc. The SBI PO Exam Pattern for the Mains exam has been explained in the table below.
| SBI PO Exam Pattern 2022: Mains | ||||
| Sr.No. | Sections | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| 1 | Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 50 Minutes |
| 2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| 3 | General Economy and Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| 4 | English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Total | 155 Questions | 200 Marks | 3 Hours | |
| SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern for the Descriptive Paper 2022 | |||
| Name | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Descriptive Section (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
- The mains exam will be divided into 2 parts. One was an Objective Test and the other was a Descriptive Test.
- The Objective Test had 4 sections, carrying a total of 200 marks.
- The Descriptive Test include Letter & Essay Writing for a total of 50 marks.
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