According to the latest guidelines (notified in information handout), each candidate will have to score minimum qualifying marks in all sections of objective paper, ie logic and computer aptitude, data analysis and interpretation, general/ economy/ banking awareness, and English language. This requirement also extends to descriptive paper, which tests the candidates on written communications through emails, statusal analysis and reports/preiscis writing.
Sectional cut-offs offered in SBI PO Mains 2025
SBI PO Mains 2025 has a significant change in the start of sectional cut-offs how candidates should approach the exam. There is no room for selective preparation, with the date of the exam for 05 May 2025 and already released admit card.
This means that even though a candidate performs exceptionally well, but fails to clean the cut-off in a section, they will not qualify for the next stage. Therefore, balanced preparations in all classes are now more important than ever.
Also download, SBI PO Mains Admit Card 2025
Factors for sectional cut-off
The sectional cut-off will be decided by the bank based on several factors, including the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination and the overall performance of the candidates. These cut-offs are not predetermined, but are designed after the test, which is important for the high target in every individual testing area for aspirations.
Impact on step III selection criteria
The selection for SBI PO Step-III (Interview and Group Practice) will be done from the candidates who rank high in the category-wise merit list based on the total score in Mains (Phase-II). However, only those who clean each sectional cut-off and overall qualifying score will be considered. As per the official update, the final stage will be shortlisted up to three times the number of vacancies (approx) from the top scorer in each category.
How to prepare for SBI Po Main now
With this game-changing update, candidates should focus their attention by maximizing their overall scores to ensure frequent performance in all classes. Even ignoring a section can be a difference between merit and being unqualified. It is now necessary to practice full-lengthy fake testing, sectional quiz and time-bound exercises. In addition, descriptive paper should not be left for the final-minute preparation, as it carries equal weight in merit.
