How To Apply, Exam Pattern, Eligibility, Selection Process, Salary Structure, Number of Vacancies and More
The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its latest CBO (Circle Based Officer) Recruitment 2025, opening up a golden opportunity for experienced banking professionals to work with one of India’s largest and most reputed banks. SBI is known for its robust career growth, attractive salary structure, and a highly prestigious work environment. The Circle Based Officer role is an excellent option for candidates looking to elevate their banking careers.
This blog will guide you through every detail of the SBI CBO 2025 recruitment including the notification highlights, eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, salary structure, preparation tips, and how to apply.
🏦 What is the SBI CBO Post?
The Circle Based Officer (CBO) is a position offered to experienced banking candidates who are expected to handle core banking responsibilities including customer relations, credit disbursement, loan sanctioning, and branch management. A unique aspect of this job is that selected candidates are posted within a specific circle and cannot be transferred outside it for a fixed time.
📢 SBI CBO 2025 Notification Overview
- Recruiting Organization: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Post Name: Circle Based Officer (CBO)
- Total Vacancies: 2964 (Including 364 backlog vacancies)
- Advt. No.: CRPD/CBO/2025-26/03
- Application Mode: Online
- Job Type: Government (Permanent)
- Circle-wise Job Posting: Candidates are posted in their selected circle and not transferred for a specified tenure
- Official Website: https://sbi.co.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 9, 2025 |
| Online Application Start | May 9, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | May 29, 2025 |
| Exam Date | July 2025 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Interview Date | To be announced |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill the following conditions to apply for SBI CBO 2025:
🎓 Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government.
🧑💼 Work Experience
- Minimum 2 years of experience as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank (RRB) as of April 30, 2025.
🗣️ Local Language Proficiency
- Candidates must be proficient in the local language (reading, writing, speaking) of the circle they apply for. SBI may conduct a language proficiency test as part of the selection process.
🎂 Age Limit (As on April 30, 2025)
- Minimum: 21 years
- Maximum: 30 years
(Born between May 01, 1995 and April 30, 2004)
💼 Job Responsibilities of a CBO
A Circle Based Officer performs duties similar to a Probationary Officer (PO) but is expected to bring more stability within a local circle. Key responsibilities include:
- Managing branch operations
- Ensuring customer satisfaction
- Promoting banking products and services
- Loan processing and credit approvals
- Compliance with banking regulations
- Leading a team of junior staff in daily operations
💰 Salary Structure
CBOs in SBI are offered an attractive salary package along with perks. The pay scale is:
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹48,480/- in the scale of
₹48,480 – ₹1,740 (1 increment) – ₹49,220 – ₹1,990 (10 increments) – ₹68,810 – ₹2,220 (4 increments) – ₹77,690 – ₹2,300 (1 increment) – ₹79,990
Additional Benefits:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Medical and Leave Benefits
- Contributory Provident Fund
- Pension and Gratuity
- Travel and Leave Fare Concession
📝 SBI CBO 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for the SBI CBO 2025 includes the following stages:
- Online Written Examination
- Screening of Applications
- Interview
- Local Language Proficiency Test (if applicable)
1. 🖥️ Online Written Examination
The online written examination consists of two parts:
A. Objective Test
- Total Questions: 120
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 2 hours
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 minutes |
B. Descriptive Test
- Total Questions: 2 (Letter Writing & Essay)
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 minutes
Note: There is no negative marking for wrong answers in the objective test.
2. 📄 Screening of Applications
After the online examination, applications are screened to ensure candidates meet the eligibility criteria, including educational qualifications and work experience. The screening committee shortlists candidates based on their performance in the online test and the fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
3. 🗣️ Interview
Shortlisted candidates are invited for an interview, which carries a maximum of 50 marks. This interview assesses the candidates’ banking knowledge, communication skills, and overall suitability for the role of Circle Based Officer.
4. 🗣️ Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates applying for a specific circle must be proficient in the local language of that region. A language proficiency test is conducted to assess the candidates’ ability to read, write, and speak the local language. Candidates who have studied the local language in their 10th or 12th standard are generally exempt from this test.
🏁 Final Selection
The final merit list is created based on the aggregate marks obtained in the online written examination and the interview, with a weightage of 75:25, respectively. Candidates must qualify in both stages separately. The merit list is drawn circle-wise and category-wise, and selections are made from the top-ranked candidates in each list.
📚 Syllabus Breakdown
1. English Language
- Vocabulary, Grammar
- Reading Comprehension
- Para Jumbles
- Cloze Tests
- Sentence Correction
2. Banking Knowledge
- Banking Terminology
- RBI Functions
- Financial Markets
- Types of Accounts and Loans
- Digital Banking Trends
3. General Awareness / Economy
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Economic Developments
- Union Budget & Economic Survey
- National and International News
- Financial Institutions
4. Computer Aptitude
- Basics of Hardware/Software
- Networking and Internet
- MS Office Tools
- Cyber Security Concepts
💡 Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern
Start by carefully reviewing the exam structure and syllabus. Make a personalized study plan. - Time Management
Practice mock tests under timed conditions to improve speed and accuracy. - Stay Updated
Read financial newspapers like The Hindu Business Line or Economic Times daily for current affairs. - Focus on Descriptive Writing
Practice letter and essay writing on banking-related topics regularly. - Revise Regularly
Weekly revision will help retain key concepts and current affairs.
📝 Application Process
Follow these steps to apply for the SBI CBO 2025:
- Visit https://sbi.co.in/web/careers
- Click on “Current Openings”
- Select “Recruitment of Circle Based Officers (CBO)”
- Click “Apply Online” and register
- Fill in personal and professional details
- Upload required documents:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Educational Certificates
- Experience Proof
- Pay the application fee:
- Submit the form and download a copy for future use
📎 Required Documents
- Proof of age (Birth Certificate/10th Class Certificate)
- Graduation mark sheets
- Experience certificate from current/previous employer
- Caste/Disability certificate (if applicable)
- Local language proof (if required)
✅ Final Words
The SBI CBO Recruitment 2025 is a perfect chance for banking professionals with 2+ years of experience to join a reputed financial institution with strong career growth and employee benefits. With a stable job role, competitive salary, and work-life balance, this post is ideal for those looking to strengthen their career in banking.
Don’t wait until the last day—start preparing and apply as early as possible. Best of luck to all the aspiring candidates!
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