📊 SBI PO Prelims Vs Mains: What’s The Difference?

SBI PO Prelims vs Mains: Are you gearing up for the SBI PO 2025 exam? One of the most common queries aspirants have is: What’s the difference between SBI PO Prelims and Mains? In this detailed post, we’ll break down the key differences between these two exam stages, how to approach each, and why they matter in your overall preparation.

Table of Contents

📌 SBI PO Exam Structure: Prelims vs Mains

The SBI PO exam is divided into three phases:

Prelims (Objective)
Mains (Objective + Descriptive)
Interview & Group Exercise

While both Prelims and Mains are objective-based, the Mains exam has additional descriptive and complexity factors. Here’s a breakdown of SBI PO Prelims vs Mains:

🔹 SBI PO Prelims Exam

🔑 Key Highlights:

Mode: Online Computer-based Test (Objective)
Duration: 60 minutes
Total Marks: 100
Sections: English, Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude
Negative Marking: -0.25 for each wrong answer

📋 SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern (2025)

Section	Number of Questions	Marks	Time
English Language	30	30	20 mins
Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 mins
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 mins
Total	100	100	60 mins

🧠 Preparation Tips for Prelims:

Focus on Speed and Accuracy: Prelims is about quick decision-making.
Prioritize topics like Number Series, Cloze Test, Data Interpretation for Quant.
Practice mock tests regularly to get the timing right.

🔸 SBI PO Mains Exam

🔑 Key Highlights:

Mode: Online Computer-based Test (Objective) + Descriptive Test
Duration: 3 hours for Objective + 30 minutes for Descriptive
Total Marks: 250
Sections: Reasoning, Data Analysis, General Awareness, English, and Descriptive Paper
Negative Marking: -0.25 for each wrong answer (Objective)

📋 SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern (2025)

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Time
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	50	50 mins
Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	50	45 mins
General Awareness & Banking	50	60	35 mins
English Language	35	40	40 mins
Objective Total	155	200	3 hours
Descriptive Test	2 (Essay + Letter)	50	30 mins

📝 Descriptive Paper:

The Descriptive Test is evaluated separately only after qualifying the objective part.

Essay Writing: Write an essay on a given topic.
Letter Writing: Write a formal or informal letter on a given subject.

🧠 Preparation Tips for Mains:

English Section: Focus on Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary.
Reasoning Section: Master Puzzle Solving and Seating Arrangement.
General Awareness: Read newspapers, banking journals, and apps like Banking Awareness.
Descriptive Paper: Practice essay and letter writing. Keep them structured and to the point.

🔑 SBI PO Prelims vs Mains: Key Differences

Aspect	Prelims	Mains
Mode	Objective (online)	Objective + Descriptive (online)
Time Duration	60 minutes	3 hours (Objective) + 30 minutes (Descriptive)
Total Marks	100	250
Sections	Reasoning, Quant, English	Reasoning, Quant, English, GA, Descriptive
Negative Marking	0.25 for each wrong answer	0.25 for each wrong answer (Objective)
Descriptive Test	No	Yes (Essay + Letter Writing)
Complexity Level	Easy to Moderate	Moderate to High

📥 Download SBI PO Prelims vs Mains Comparison PDF (Free)

👉 Get a detailed comparison between SBI PO Prelims and Mains, including important timings, marks, and section-wise tips. Download the PDF now:
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🤔 FAQs – SBI PO Prelims vs Mains

Q1. Can I skip Prelims if I clear Mains?
No. You need to clear both Prelims and Mains to qualify for the Interview stage.

Q2. Is the Descriptive Paper important for Mains?
Yes. It is critical for your final selection after clearing the Objective section.

Q3. Is the Prelims score included in the final merit list?
No. Only Mains marks (Objective + Descriptive) and the Interview score are considered for the final selection.

Q4. How much time should I dedicate to Mains preparation?
After Prelims, 3-4 weeks of dedicated preparation for Mains is recommended.

🚀 Final Thoughts

The SBI PO Prelims and Mains exams differ significantly in terms of difficulty, sections, and time. Prelims is more about speed and accuracy, while Mains requires deep knowledge and analytical skills, especially in the Descriptive Paper. Understanding these differences will guide your preparation and help you stay focused on the right strategies.

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