The State Bank of India (SBI) has once again proven its popularity among job aspirants, with a massive 1,87,000 candidates applying for the SBI CBO 2025 recruitment. The competition is particularly intense this year, as the total number of vacancies announced is only 2,964, highlighting the growing demand for stable, prestigious jobs in the public banking sector.
1 Lakh 87 Thousand Candidates Applied for SBI CBO 2025
This overwhelming response reflects the aspirants’ trust in SBI as a career destination and the high regard for the Circle Based Officer (CBO) role, which offers a blend of growth, security, and leadership responsibilities. With lakhs of candidates vying for a few thousand posts, the selection process will be rigorous and merit-driven, making preparation all the more crucial.
Why So Many People Applied for SBI CBO 2025?
The SBI CBO post is targeted at professionals with experience in the banking sector, typically those working in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), private sector banks, or cooperative banks. Unlike fresh graduate-level exams, the CBO role is designed for individuals who already understand the operational side of banking and are ready to take on mid-level responsibilities. Here’s what makes the SBI CBO role stand out from other banking jobs:
- No Prelims Stage: The exam skips the prelims and directly tests candidates through an objective + descriptive test.
- Experience-Based Role: It’s designed for working professionals in banks, making it ideal for career advancement.
- Attractive Salary & Perks: Officers are appointed in Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) with good pay, allowances, and benefits.
- Brand Power of SBI: A job in SBI brings recognition, stability, and future growth opportunities.
Exam Structure for SBI CBO 2025
The SBI CBO 2025 selection process consists of three main stages:
Online Written Exam (Objective + Descriptive)
- Objective Paper: Tests English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude.
- Descriptive Paper: Includes Letter and Essay writing in English.
Screening of Documents: Verification of work experience and eligibility criteria.
Interview: Conducted to assess personality traits, communication skills, and professional knowledge.
SBI CBO Vacancy vs. Applicant
With 2,964 vacancies and 1.87 lakh applicants, the approximate candidate-to-vacancy ratio is over 63:1. This means that for every available seat, more than 60 candidates are competing, a figure that underlines the exam’s competitiveness. Such high application numbers highlight the need for focused preparation, especially in sections like professional banking knowledge, descriptive writing, and current economic awareness.