The State Bank of India (SBI), one of India's most trusted financial institutions, has opened its online application process for the Circle Based Officers (CBO) Recruitment 2025. This recruitment drive provides a promising opportunity for candidates seeking a stable and respected career in the banking sector. With numerous vacancies across different circles, aspirants from various states can take part in this highly anticipated recruitment process.
If you're planning to build your future in banking with India's largest public sector bank, this is your opportunity. The SBI CBO recruitment is known for its minimal transfer policies and focus on local talent. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the SBI CBO Recruitment 2025, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam patterns, important dates, and more.
SBI CBO 2025 Recruitment Overview
The Circle Based Officers are appointed for specific circles and are not subject to inter-circle transfers. This means candidates are often posted in their home state or region, making this job attractive for those who prefer regional postings.
This year's notification by SBI includes details about vacancies, reservation policies, online application procedures, and selection stages. Here’s a quick snapshot of the recruitment:
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Name of Recruitment: SBI Circle Based Officers Recruitment 2025
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Conducting Authority: State Bank of India
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Post: Circle Based Officer (CBO)
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Mode of Application: Online only
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Selection Process: Online written test followed by interview
Key Dates to Remember
Applicants should keep track of the important dates to avoid missing out on deadlines:
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Notification Release Date: June 2025
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Online Application Start Date: June 2025
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Last Date to Apply Online: July 2025
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Application Fee Submission Deadline: July 2025
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Admit Card Release: Expected in August 2025
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Tentative Exam Date: September 2025
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Interview Schedule: To be notified after result
SBI CBO 2025 Vacancy Details
The vacancies for the SBI CBO 2025 are announced state-wise and circle-wise. The number of posts may vary depending on the requirement in different regions. The notification provides a detailed breakdown by circle:
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Maharashtra Circle
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Delhi Circle
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Uttar Pradesh Circle
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Karnataka Circle
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Gujarat Circle
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Rajasthan Circle
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Tamil Nadu Circle
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West Bengal Circle
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Bihar Circle
Reservation categories include General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS. A portion of the seats is also reserved for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities).
Eligibility Criteria for SBI CBO 2025
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet all the eligibility requirements set by SBI.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must hold a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or have any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
Work Experience
Candidates must have at least two years of experience (as of the application cut-off date) as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or any Regional Rural Bank.
Age Limit
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Minimum age: 21 years
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Maximum age: 30 years
Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government guidelines:
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SC/ST: 5 years
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OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
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PwBD: 10 to 15 years depending on the category
SBI CBO 2025 Application Process
To apply for the SBI Circle Based Officers 2025, candidates must complete the application form through the official website of SBI. Follow these steps:
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Visit the official SBI Careers portal
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Click on the ‘Current Openings’ section
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Find the Circle Based Officer Recruitment 2025 link
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Register using your mobile number and email ID
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Fill in personal, academic, and work experience details
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Upload the required documents and a recent photograph
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Pay the application fee
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Submit the form and take a printout for reference
Application Fee Structure
The fee for submitting the application varies by category:
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General/OBC/EWS: ₹750
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SC/ST/PwBD: No fee
Payment is accepted online through debit card, credit card, or net banking only.
Documents Required for Application
Ensure you have these documents ready before you begin:
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Recent passport-size photo
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Signature scan
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Graduation mark sheet
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ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, etc.)
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Work experience certificate
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Caste/Category certificate if applicable
SBI CBO 2025 Selection Procedure
The selection of candidates is carried out in two main stages:
Online Written Test
This is a computer-based examination with the following sections:
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English Language: 30 questions
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Banking Knowledge: 40 questions
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General Awareness/Economy: 30 questions
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Computer Aptitude: 20 questions
Duration: 2 hours
Total Marks: 120
There is also a descriptive paper consisting of Letter and Essay Writing (50 marks), which is held on the same day.
Interview Round
Candidates shortlisted from the written exam will be invited for a personal interview. This carries a weightage of 50 marks. The final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the written test and interview.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the exam structure and syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. The written exam tests your aptitude in the following areas:
Objective Test Syllabus
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English Language: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, error spotting, sentence improvement
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Banking Knowledge: Banking history, RBI functions, current banking updates
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General Awareness: Economic updates, financial markets, government schemes
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Computer Aptitude: Basic IT knowledge, MS Office, Internet, networking
Descriptive Paper
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Essay Writing: Based on banking, financial topics, or social issues
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Letter Writing: Formal and informal types – complaints, requests, and inquiries
SBI CBO 2025 Admit Card
The admit card for the online test will be released approximately 10–15 days before the exam. Candidates can download it by logging into the official portal using their registration number and password.
The admit card will contain:
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Exam date and time
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Exam center address
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Instructions for the test
Carry a printed copy of your admit card along with valid photo ID proof to the exam venue.
Preparation Tips for SBI CBO Exam
Here are some tips to help you ace the SBI CBO exam:
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Start with understanding the complete syllabus
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Create a study plan and stick to it
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Practice mock tests and previous year question papers
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Focus on improving your typing speed for the descriptive test
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Stay updated with current affairs, especially economic news
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Read daily newspapers and banking journals
Benefits of Joining as SBI Circle Based Officer
Becoming a Circle Based Officer with SBI offers a range of advantages:
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Posting in your native or preferred circle
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Limited transfers compared to other posts
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Fast-track promotion opportunities
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Prestigious government job with job security
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Competitive salary and additional allowances
Salary Structure of SBI CBO 2025
The Circle Based Officer role comes under the Junior Management Grade Scale-I. The initial basic pay is ₹36,000, with increments as per the SBI pay matrix.
Other benefits include:
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Dearness Allowance (DA)
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House Rent Allowance (HRA)
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City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
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Furniture allowance
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Medical coverage
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Contributory Provident Fund, Pension Scheme
The gross monthly salary can range from ₹52,000 to ₹55,000 depending on location and allowances.
Career Growth and Promotions
The SBI CBO role provides structured growth with promotions to higher managerial roles. Employees can move up the ladder to positions such as:
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Assistant Manager
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Deputy Manager
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Manager
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Senior Manager
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Chief Manager
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Assistant General Manager
Promotions are conducted through internal exams and performance-based evaluations.
SBI CBO Previous Year Cut-Offs
Understanding the previous years’ cut-off marks helps set a target score. Here are some indicative cut-offs:
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General: 80–85 marks
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OBC: 75–80 marks
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SC/ST: 65–70 marks
These vary depending on the difficulty level of the paper and the number of applicants.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is SBI CBO a permanent job?
Yes, SBI CBO is a permanent government job with all standard benefits of employment in SBI.
Can freshers apply for SBI CBO?
No, this post is meant for candidates who already have at least two years of work experience in a scheduled commercial or regional rural bank.
Is there negative marking in SBI CBO exam?
No, there is no negative marking in the objective paper of SBI CBO.
Can I apply for a different circle than my home state?
Candidates are expected to apply for the circle in which they are proficient in the local language and ready to serve permanently.
Conclusion
The SBI Circle Based Officers Recruitment 2025 is an ideal opportunity for banking professionals looking to grow within the country’s top financial institution. With a stable career path, strong salary structure, and the comfort of being posted within your home circle, this post offers both professional and personal balance.
Interested candidates should apply online before the deadline and begin their preparation for the competitive selection process. Stay updated through official notifications and focus on thorough preparation to secure your place as an SBI Circle Based Officer in 2025.
Make sure to fill out your application form carefully and check all eligibility criteria before submission. A career at SBI awaits those who are ready to take the next big step in banking.
