The SBI CBO (Circle Based Officer) Exam is a prestigious recruitment examination conducted by the State Bank of India to appoint experienced banking professionals as Circle Based Officers. This exam is specially designed for candidates who already have prior experience in the banking sector and wish to advance their careers with India’s largest public sector bank. The CBO post offers a stable career, attractive salary, and opportunities for growth within a specific geographical circle, ensuring better work life balance and local familiarity.
The selection process generally includes an online objective test, a descriptive test, screening of experience, and an interview. The exam evaluates candidates on English language, banking knowledge, general awareness, and computer aptitude, focusing on practical banking skills rather than purely theoretical concepts. Overall, the SBI CBO Exam is an excellent opportunity for skilled bankers seeking leadership roles and long-term professional growth in a reputed national banking institution.
SBI CBO Exam 2025-26: Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
| Notification No. | CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18 |
| Total Vacancies | 2,273 (2,050 Regular + 223 Backlog) |
| Registration Dates | 29.01.2026 to 18.02.2026 |
| Online Test Date | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Selection Phases | Online Test, Screening, Interview, Local Language Test |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹48,480/- (with 2 advance increments) |
| Experience Required | Minimum 2 years as an officer in SCB/RRB |
| Age Limit | 21 to 30 years (as on 31.12.2025) |
| Application Fee | ₹750 (Gen/EWS/OBC); Nil (SC/ST/PwBD) |
SBI CBO Exam Pattern
The selection begins with an online test consisting of two parts: an Objective Test and a Descriptive Test.
1. Objective Test Pattern
The objective test lasts for 2 hours and consists of four sections with a total of 120 marks.
| Section | No. of Questions | Max 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 |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 Hours |
Note: There is no penalty for wrong answers in the objective tests.
2. Descriptive Test Pattern
Immediately following the objective test, candidates must take a 30-minute Descriptive Test on a computer.
| Topic | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| Letter Writing & Essay | 2 | 50 | 30 minutes |
SBI CBO Syllabus
Objective Test Syllabus (120 Marks)
The objective test is divided into four sections, each with its own specific time limit.
| Subject | No. of Qs | Marks | Detailed Focus Areas (Based on Exam Type) |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Fillers, and Para Jumbles. |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | RBI Guidelines, Retail Banking, Corporate Banking, Priority Sector Lending (PSL), NPA Management, and Latest Banking Technology. |
| General Awareness / Economy | 30 | 30 | Current Affairs (Financial & General), Indian Economy, Banking History, Monetary Policy, and Union Budget. |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | Logic-based puzzles related to data, Basic Networking, Operating Systems, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Cyber Security. |
Descriptive Test Syllabus (50 Marks)
This section is administered immediately after the objective test and must be typed on the computer.
| Topic | No. of Qs | Marks | Detailed Focus Areas |
| Letter Writing | 1 | 25 | Formal letters to Bank Managers, RBI, or Government authorities regarding banking issues or customer service. |
| Essay Writing | 1 | 25 | Topics related to the Indian Economy, Digital Banking, Social Issues, and Current Financial Trends. |
Local Language Proficiency Test
If you have not studied the local language of the Circle you applied for in the 10th or 12th standard, you must qualify for this test.
| Skill Set | Requirements |
| Reading | Ability to read local newspapers and official documents in the specified language. |
| Writing | Ability to draft basic correspondence and fill out bank forms in the local language. |
| Understanding | Ability to communicate effectively with local customers in their native language |
SBI CBO Preparation Tips
| Phase | Activity | Goal |
| Week 1-2 | Concept Building | Focus on Banking Knowledge and Computer Aptitude basics. |
| Week 3-4 | Current Affairs & Revision | Go through the last 4-6 months of economic news and general awareness. |
| Week 5-6 | Mock Tests & Speed | Practice full-length mock tests to manage time between sections. |
| Continuous | Language Proficiency | Regularly read and write in the local language of the applied circle. |
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