Table of Contents
- Introduction to SBI Circle Based Officer Role
- SBI CBO 2025 Notification Overview
- Eligibility Criteria
- Exam Pattern & Syllabus
- Application Process Step-by-Step
- Document Requirements
- Preparation Strategy
- Recommended Books & Resources
- Section-wise Preparation Tips
- Previous Year Cut-off Analysis
- Tier 1 Exam Strategy
- Tier 2 Exam Strategy
- Interview Preparation Guide
- Salary Structure & Benefits
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Job Profile & Responsibilities
- Posting & Transfer Policy
- Comparison with Other Bank Exams
- FAQs About SBI CBO Recruitment
- Conclusion & Final Checklist
1. Introduction to SBI Circle Based Officer Role
What is SBI CBO?
The State Bank of India’s Circle Based Officer (CBO) is:
✔ A specialized recruitment drive for local candidates
✔ Circle-specific postings (No all-India transfers)
✔ Direct recruitment to Scale I officer position
Key Features of 2025 Recruitment
- Total Vacancies: 2,964 posts
- Circles Covered: All 17 SBI circles
- Job Security: Permanent position in India’s largest bank
Why SBI CBO is Unique?
✅ Localized recruitment (Work in home circle)
✅ Faster promotion than clerical cadre
✅ Better work-life balance than PO postings
2. SBI CBO 2025 Notification Overview
Important Dates
- Starting Date for Apply Online: 21-06-2025
- Last Date for Apply Online: 30-06-2025
- Notification link
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC | ₹750 |
| SC/ST/PwD | Nil |
Vacancy Distribution
3. Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from recognized university
- Percentage: Minimum 60% marks (55% for SC/ST/PwD)
Age Limit (as of 01.04.2025)
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 30 years
- Age Relaxation:
- OBC: 3 years
- SC/ST: 5 years
Language Requirement
✔ Proficiency in local language of applied circle
✔ Verification through 10th/12th marksheet
4. Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Tier 1: Online Written Test
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Tier 2: Interview
- Weightage: 50 marks
- Focus Areas:
- Banking awareness
- Communication skills
- Local circle knowledge
5. Step-by-Step Application Process
Phase 1: Registration
- Visit SBI Careers
- Click “CBO Recruitment 2025”
- Fill basic details to get Registration Number
Phase 2: Form Filling
- Upload documents:
- Photo (20-50kb, 200×230 pixels)
- Signature (10-20kb)
- Graduation marksheet
Phase 3: Fee Payment
- Options:
- SBI Net Banking
- Debit/Credit Cards
- Cash at SBI Branches
6. Document Requirements
Mandatory Documents
✔ Class 10 certificate (Age proof)
✔ Graduation degree/provisional certificate
✔ Caste certificate (if applicable)
✔ Local language proof
Photo Specifications
- Format: JPEG
- Background: White
- Size: 20-50kb
7. Preparation Strategy
3-Month Intensive Plan
| Month | Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Month 1 | Concept building + daily quizzes |
| Month 2 | Sectional tests + weak areas |
| Month 3 | Full mocks + time management |
Daily Study Routine
- Morning (2 hrs): Quantitative Aptitude
- Afternoon (2 hrs): Reasoning
- Evening (1 hr): English & Current Affairs
8. Recommended Books
Subject-wise Book List
| Subject | Book Title | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantum CAT | Sarvesh Verma |
| Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | MK Pandey |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| Banking Awareness | Banking Awareness | Arihant |
9. Section-wise Preparation Tips
Quantitative Aptitude
- Focus Chapters:
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation
- Number Series
Reasoning Ability
- High-Weightage Topics:
- Puzzles (Floor, Scheduling)
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
English Language
- Preparation Strategy:
- Read editorial daily (The Hindu)
- Practice para jumbles
- Learn 10 new words daily
10. Previous Year Cut-offs
Tier 1 Cut-off Marks (2024)
| Category | Cut-off |
|---|---|
| General | 65+ |
| OBC | 60+ |
| SC | 55+ |
| ST | 50+ |
11. Tier 1 Exam Strategy
Time Management
| Section | Ideal Time |
|---|---|
| English | 15 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 20 mins |
| Reasoning | 25 mins |
Question Selection Approach
- First Pass: Attempt all easy questions
- Second Pass: Medium difficulty
- Review: Marked questions
12. Tier 2 Interview Preparation
Expected Questions
- “Why do you want to join SBI?”
- “How will you handle difficult customers?”
- “Recent RBI policies affecting banking?”
Dress Code
- Men: Formal shirt+tie, blazer optional
- Women: Saree/Formal suit
13. Salary Structure
Pay Scale (7th CPC)
- Basic Pay: ₹36,000/-
- Gross Salary: ₹55,000-₹60,000/month
Allowances
✅ DA (Currently 46% of basic)
✅ HRA (8-24% based on city)
✅ Medical insurance
14. Career Growth
Promotion Timeline
- Officer → Assistant Manager: 2-3 years
- AM → Manager: 3-5 years
Specialization Options
- Retail Banking
- Agriculture Credit
- Foreign Exchange
15. Job Profile
Key Responsibilities
- Customer relationship management
- Loan processing & verification
- Branch operations supervision
Work Pressure
- Moderate compared to POs
- Fixed working hours (9:30 AM – 5:30 PM)
16. Posting Policy
Circle Allocation Rules
- Must serve minimum 5 years in home circle
- Optional transfers after 5 years
Rural Service
- 2-3 years rural posting mandatory
- Additional allowances for rural areas
17. Comparison with Other Exams
| Parameter | SBI CBO | SBI PO | IBPS SO |
|---|---|---|---|
| Posting | Circle-bound | All-India | Zonal |
| Work-Life | Better | High pressure | Moderate |
| Promotion | Slower | Faster | Technical track |
18. FAQs
Q1: Can final year students apply?
A: No, degree completion mandatory
Q2: Is computer knowledge tested?
A: Basic proficiency expected
19. Conclusion
Final Checklist
✅ Form filled with correct details
✅ 50+ mock tests completed
✅ Interview dress ready
Pro Tip: Focus on banking current affairs for interview. Please check the official notification we are providing ultimate guide to get the job based on common criteria.
