SBI CBO Interview Questions 2026: Real Circle-Wise Interview Experiences

Kolkata Circle – Experience 1 Verified

• Introduce yourself to the board.
• What is a semiconductor? Why is there a global rush to build its ecosystem?
• What is today’s most important news or current event?
• What do you mean by strategic expansion of a business enterprise?
• What is a D-SIB (Domestically Systemically Important Bank)?
• Why is a bank classified as D-SIB given extra regulatory attention?
• What is famous in your local area or hometown?
• Your hobby is related to music. Name five popular singers of India.
• Highlight three primary operational strengths of Axis Bank.
• Detail three major market strengths of the State Bank of India (SBI).

Kolkata Circle – Experience 2 Verified

• Who is the current chairman of your previous bank?
• What is up-selling, and how does it generate non-interest income?
• [Conversational questions asked in Bengali to check regional dialect familiarity].
• What sports do you follow? Tell us about recent global tournament achievements.
• Discuss current affairs based on today’s national headlines.
• What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)? Why does it matter to the Indian economy?
• [Deep questioning based on details from the candidate’s personal biodata form].

Kolkata Circle – Experience 3 (Kolkata Zone / Jharkhand)

• Who is the current Governor of Jharkhand?
• What is the district of Giridih internationally or nationally famous for?
• [Operational and transactional questions related to the candidate’s active banking branch profile].
• What is a Balance Sheet? Detail its design structure.
• What is Cash Flow? How is it different from Funds Flow?
• What is a cash fund, and how is it maintained at the treasury?

Kolkata Circle – Experience 4

• What is the USP or famous specialty of your native district?
• Define “Bank” in the simplest way possible to a common layman.
• What is your current operational role and designation?
• How do you motivate a demotivated branch team to hit target benchmarks?
• Explain GDP (Gross Domestic Product) and its direct correlation with credit growth.
• What is inflation? Describe its main forms and India’s current CPI movement.

Kolkata Circle – Experience 5

• What are your current core duties and daily KRAs?
• Why did you decide to change your previous organization in search of a new role?
• Define Priority Sector Lending (PSL) categories briefly.
• Explain Kisan Credit Card (KCC) features and repayment options.
• How do you manage locker custody and operations safely at your branch?
• Why choose SBI when you are already working at a highly comfortable post in your bank?
• [Questions related to the candidate’s graduation subject stream].
• Since you are from a science background, why did you choose banking as your final career destination?

Bhopal Circle – Experience 1 Verified

• Why are you specifically targeting SBI over other financial institutions?
• Why are commercial banks shifting focus towards high-margin cross-selling?
• What is cold calling? How do you overcome customer reluctance?
• Detail the four mandatory pillars of the KYC (Know Your Customer) framework.
• What is AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and how does suspicious transaction reporting (STR) work?
• How do you organically mobilize CASA deposits in a highly competitive market?
• If offered a job at LIC after joining SBI, would you switch?
• Tell me about yourself, including family history and professional priorities.

Bhopal Circle – Experience 2 (MP / Jaipur Circle Candidate)

Candidate belonged to Madhya Pradesh but opted for the Jaipur Circle. The interview was conducted $80\%$ in English.

• Where do you reside, and where did you complete your higher education?
• Where is your current posting? Explain your branch setup.
• What is the current business size (advances and deposits) of your branch?
• What type of advances are common in your branch, and what are prohibited?
• What is the MUDRA scheme? Explain Shishu, Kishor, and Tarun loan parameters.
• What is the CGFMU credit guarantee?
• At what intervals is the CGFMU guarantee premium charged?
• How do you perform staff lifestyle checks to prevent operational malpractices?
• [Detailed scenario questions based on preventing digital/physical frauds].
• Describe your direct responsibilities at your current job.
• Why didn’t you apply for your home circle? Why did you pick the Jaipur Circle?
• If posted to a distant area in Rajasthan, how will you manage?

Bhopal Circle – Experience 3 (Hometown Operations Head Profile)

• Walk us through your major practical learnings during your bank service.
• How do you manage branch activities and client relationships as a functional Branch Manager?
• What are your core steps to cross-sell banking and insurance products to branch walk-ins?
• Since branch walk-ins are declining due to digitization, how do you sustain third-party product sales?
• What are the primary levers a bank has to scale up its net profit margins?
• What is audit report closure? How do you achieve it within TAT (Turnaround Time) with compliance?
• Which retail product has the highest profitability margin for your branch?
• Explain “conflict of customer interest” in banking sales. How do you deal with it?
• [The board actively cross-questioned on cross-selling ethics, but the candidate maintained a firm, honest stance].

Jaipur Circle – Experience 1 Verified

• What is Net Promoter Score (NPS)? Why is it highly tracked in customer relations?
• What is a money mule account? How can a branch flag and prevent such accounts?
• Classify the banking structure in India (Commercial, Cooperative, Small Finance, Payments, etc.).
• Name five dynamic, customer-friendly features of SBI YONO.
• Where is the global head office of State Bank of India?
• Explain the role of NABARD in developing agricultural infrastructure.
• Can you name the currently active Managing Directors (MDs) of SBI?
• What is Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)? How does it enhance security?
• Why is simple walking not categorized as a standard hobby? Elaborate.
• [The candidate was asked to sing a few lines of a song to demonstrate their hobby].
• What is a branch audit? How would you elevate an ‘Unsatisfactory’ rating to ‘Excellent’?
• Discuss the key regulatory roles of SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India).
• What are the primary vs. secondary functions of a bank?
• Why have secondary functions (insurance, wealth advisory) become crucial to modern banks?

Jaipur Circle – Experience 2 Verified

• What is the Credit-Deposit (CD) Ratio?
• Why is a highly skewed CD ratio problematic for a bank?
• What is an ideal CD ratio, and why?
• What is your parent bank’s current CD ratio?
• What are the currently active repo rate, reverse repo rate, and cash reserve ratio (CRR) values?
• If a working capital account renewal shows a low current ratio, what steps would you take?
• How do you generate organic credit leads in your territory?
• How do you acquire New-To-Bank (NTB) customers?
• What is your current KRA (Key Result Area) setup?
• What is your monthly file processing volume?
• How many loan proposals do you target monthly to meet your disbursement targets?
• [A conditional situation question based on bill discounting guidelines].

Jaipur Circle – Experience 3 (Raigad / Mumbai Candidate) New

Candidate with backgrounds in Mangaon (Raigad) and Mumbai interviewing for the circle.

• Tell us about yourself.
• Which specific certificates are mandatory and utilized in RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority) transactions?
• What do you know about Mumbai’s financial layout?
• What is the name of the prominent historic place located right in front of the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai?
• When exactly was the Gateway of India built, and what was the historical reason behind its construction?
• Explain the concept of the “One District One Product” (ODOP) initiative.
• What is your native place? Tell us what is famous in Mangaon, Raigad.
• What is a Balance Sheet? Detail what is an Asset and what is a Liability.
• Who is designated as the central custodian of CKYC (Central Know Your Customer) in India?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle Panel 2 – Experience 1

No introduction was asked. Total duration: ~7 minutes.

• What is your personal hobby?
• Which city do you hail from?
• [Multiple questions assessing daily work profile].
• What is working capital? How is it computed?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle – Experience 2 Verified

• What is your father’s occupation?
• Do you actively track national news updates?
• What are the core development pillars of “Viksit Bharat @2047”?
• Which country is hosting the next FIFA World Cup?
• Where will the final match of the tournament be played?
• Explain the role of the RBI Banking Ombudsman in resolving disputes.
• What are the recent RBI guidelines on compensating customers for UPI cyber fraud?
• What is CPGRAMS? How is it integrated into administrative portals?
• Name the leading credit information agencies operating in India.
• Why is a high CASA ratio essential for maintaining a bank’s net interest margin?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle – Experience 3 (Junagadh / Dang Region Focus) New

• [Operational and profile-related introductory questions].
• Provide various situation-based retail problem-solving answers.
• [Current Affairs check based on financial events].
• Your hobby is traveling. Which tourist spots and places are highly recommended to visit in Junagadh?
• If the bank gives you a transfer to the tribal/remote forest area of Dang, will you accept it?
• Where do your parents currently reside?
• What is FCRM (Financial Crimes Risk Management), and how does it safeguard bank assets?
• Define the structural difference between Deferred Tax Assets (DTA) and Deferred Tax Liabilities (DTL).
• Under the Indian Partnership Act, 1932, what are the primary duties and responsibilities of an active partner?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle – Experience 4 (No Intro Case) New

Note: No formal personal introduction was requested by the panel.

• What is your father’s current professional profile?
• Do you read newspapers or actively watch the news?
• What is the vision of the “Viksit Bharat” program?
• Which country is hosting the upcoming FIFA World Cup, and where will the final match be played?
• What is the RBI Banking Ombudsman Scheme, and what are its boundaries?
• What are the recent RBI guidelines on compensations regarding UPI transactions and cyber fraud?
• What is CPGRAMS? How does it resolve national public grievances?
• Name major active CIBIL (credit information) agencies in India.
• Why is generating CASA highly important to lower the bank’s cost of funds?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle (9-10 Mins) – Experience 5

Conducted entirely in English.

• Explain CASA ratio. Why is it critical for bank health?
• [Deep-dive questions into the candidate’s achievements and work profile].
• Tell us about the history and socio-economics of Kachchh.
• Why is Madhapar village economically prominent in banking circles?
• Why are saving accounts cheaper than term deposits?
• How will the ongoing geopolitical conflicts (e.g. US-Iran) affect global supply chains and Indian trade?
• What is Net Interest Margin (NIM)?
• What is AAP (Average Assets Product / Asset Allocation Portfolio)?
• What is the active customer base size of your current bank?
• Why join SBI?
• Explain your current role and responsibilities.

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle – Experience 6 (Gandhinagar Location)

• What is your current designation, and what are your job responsibilities?
• What are the latest KYC guidelines issued by the RBI?
• Define up-selling with an example.
• Define cross-selling with an example.
• Is a sole proprietor eligible for income tax exemptions under current laws?
• Which specific form needs to be filed to get tax exemptions?
• How do you ensure effective team coordination in high-stress work environments?
• What documents are required to open a current account for a Private Limited Company?
• Is a fresh KYC document required to open an FD for an active, KYC-compliant account holder?

Gandhinagar / Gujarat Circle – Experience 7 (Vaishali – HDFC Relationship Manager) New

Candidate Background: Currently working as a Relationship Manager (RM) in HDFC Bank.

• Explain your job profile and day-to-day duties in detail.
• Why do you want to join SBI when HDFC Bank is also ranked as a top private bank with exceptional operational perks?
• What are your key reasons for wanting this job shift?
• Explain the strategic difference between cross-selling and up-selling with practical branch examples.
• Why do relationship managers require mandatory professional certifications like NISM (National Institute of Securities Markets) and IRDA (specified as SP – Specified Person certificates)?
• If selected, realistically how many high-value clients/customers can you migrate from HDFC Bank to the State Bank of India (SBI)?
• “Imagine I am a high-value NTB (New-To-Bank) customer. Pitch a complex product to me. How will you approach and onboard me?”
• Since SBI recently conducted a prominent recruitment drive for the exclusive wealth Relationship Manager (RM) post, why did you not apply for that profile instead of CBO?

Pune Circle Panel 4 – Experience 1 Verified

• What is SMA-2 (Special Mention Account) asset classification?
• Explain Supply Chain Finance. How does it improve liquidity for vendors?
• What is diversion of funds? Give a scenario.
• Define depreciation. What are the main methods of calculating it?
• What is MPBF (Maximum Permissible Bank Finance)?
• Define Working Capital Gap (WCG).
• How do you calculate the working capital gap for a commercial borrower?
• What strategies do you use to target and source supply chain clients?
• Why are you searching for a career change?
• What core parameters do you analyze when checking a client’s ITR?
• How do you check if the business turnover mentioned in the ITR matches actual bank account transactions?
• What are the key recommendations of the Nayak Committee for MSME lending?

Pune Circle Panel 1 – Experience 2 New

• [Operational and profile-based background questions].
• How do you perform retail lead generation and client mapping?
• What are your views on current geopolitical conflicts and wars? How do they impact markets?
• Why choose a public sector/government bank over a private sector bank?
• Compare private banks and government banks on operational services, trust, and public reach.
• Explain your personal lead generation funnel. How do you source new business?

Pune Circle – Experience 3 (Maharashtra Panel 2) New

• Tell us something unique about yourself that isn’t mentioned in your application or documents.
• Define cross-selling and up-selling.
• [Detailed questions about your hometown geography, history, and economy].
• [Situation-Based]: If your posting is given in a remote location away from your family, how will you manage?
• What is AML (Anti-Money Laundering), and what is the role of a banker under it?
• What is the Solvency Ratio, and what does it signify?
• Where are contingent liabilities shown in a company’s balance sheet?
• Who is the current Member of Parliament (MP) representing your hometown?
• What makes your hometown famous?
• Who is the current Managing Director (MD) or CEO of your current banking organization?

Pune Circle – Experience 4

No self-introduction was asked.

• What is Special Mention Account (SMA) classification?
• What is the role of SEBI?
• What is fintech, and who is its primary regulator in India?
• If posted to a rural area, how will you manage?
• Why is traveling your hobby?
• Which destination did you visit recently?
• What valuable life lessons did you learn from traveling that can help you in banking?
• What are the major challenges facing the Indian banking sector today?
• How do you handle uncooperative or resistant branch staff?
• What due diligence steps do you perform before sanctioning a home loan?

Pune Circle Panel 4 / Karnataka Zone – Experience 5

• What are the current investment and turnover limits for MSME classification?
• How do you identify forged or counterfeit currency notes at the cash counter?
• What is the standard procedure to report counterfeit currency?
• What was the Profit After Tax (PAT) of City Union Bank (CUB) in the last quarter?
• Who is the current Chairperson of SBI?
• What are Mutual Funds, and how do they benefit retail investors?
• How do you convince conservative depositors to invest in mutual funds?
• How do you generate profit for your current bank branch?
• Who is the current MD of City Union Bank (CUB)?
• Who originally founded CUB?
• What does punctuality mean in a client-facing banking role?
• [Questions related to the candidate’s declared hobby: Chess].

Pune Circle Panel 4 / Bangalore Candidate – Experience 6

Candidate Profile: Working Capital Business Relationship Manager, Bangalore.

• What is Net Working Capital?
• Why is the MSME sector currently experiencing slow growth?
• What are the primary reasons for the MSME economic slowdown?
• Who is Lionel Messi?
• What are investment products, and how do they benefit retail investors?
• Explain your current job profile in detail.
• What is the current MSME classification framework?
• What are the major financial development schemes for rural areas in India?
• Are you married? What does your spouse do?
• Do you know the Kannada language? Speak a few lines.
• What is your birthplace famous for?
• What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?
• What is the working capital cycle? Explain with an example.

Pune Circle – Experience 7 (MCM Graduate)

• What is MCM (Master of Computer Management)?
• Why did you choose to pursue MCM after completing a B.Com degree?
• What is the exact distinction between “Compliance” and “Regulatory” requirements?
• Describe your day-to-day work in your current bank.
• How do you identify what a customer needs or whom to call for a particular product?
• What is your current branch’s total deposit size?
• Since you belong to Maharashtra, how many districts are there in Maharashtra?
• Who is the primary regulator of commercial banks in India?

Telangana Circle – Experience 1

• Explain inflation. What tools does the RBI use to manage it?
• What is the Repo Rate? How does an increase in the repo rate affect borrowing?
• Detail your exact roles and responsibilities in your current bank.
• What is a Profit & Loss (P&L) statement?
• What is a Balance Sheet? What are its primary components?
• [Situational question: How do you handle a customer who is screaming at the counter due to a technical error?].
• What is the MUDRA scheme? Explain its categories and limits.
• Why is the KYC process crucial for maintaining a healthy banking system?
• Why should SBI hire you?
• [Questions clarifying education or career gaps, if any].

Lucknow Circle – Experience 1

• What are your daily roles and responsibilities in your present bank?
• What documents are required to open a current account for a Private Limited Company?
• How will you target, approach, and acquire large corporate accounts for SBI?
• What strategies do you use for successful cross-selling?
• Tell us about the history, scale, and national importance of SBI.

Lucknow Circle – Experience 2 (Lucknow Zone) New

• Explain your core job profile in detail.
• What is compliance, and why is the banking sector highly regulated?
• Detail your understanding of FIFA.
• What is an IPO (Initial Public Offering)? What is its main objective?
• What is your hobby? [Candidate mentioned singing and was asked to sing a song].
• What is TReDS (Trade Receivables Discounting System) finance? How does it help MSMEs?
• What are CASA deposits? Why are they referred to as low-cost deposits?
• Define AML (Anti-Money Laundering) and how bank systems detect money laundering patterns.
• What is cyber fraud, and what precautions should customers take?

Karnataka Zone – Experience 1

• What are your reasons for seeking a career change?
• What are your exact job roles and day-to-day responsibilities?
• Name some of the top-value corporate or retail customers at your branch.
• How do you convince high-value clients to move their accounts from competing banks to yours?
• What is a Self-Help Group (SHG)? How do they access banking finance?
• What is a Wealth Account, and what features does it offer?
• Name three major public sector banks founded in your region.
• Explain the step-by-step Gold Loan process followed in your bank.
• What are the JAIIB and CAIIB exams? Have you cleared them?
• What is the difference between audit and compliance in banking?

Karnataka Zone – Experience 2 (RRB Banker from Rajasthan posted in Karnataka)

• Explain any gaps between your graduation and your first job.
• Describe your job role as an officer in a Regional Rural Bank (RRB).
• If you are the only officer in your branch, when do you find time to go outside for business canvassing?
• How do you handle and communicate with local Kannada-speaking customers as an outsider?
• While opening a new current account, how do you verify whether the business entity is genuine?
• [Geography-related questions based on the candidate’s graduation background].
• What is the Strait of Hormuz, and why is it globally important?
• When does a Kisan Credit Card (KCC) account become classified as an NPA?
• [Questions related to the candidate’s personal hobbies].
• Do you handle PPS (Positive Pay System) and Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts in your branch?
• What is a Demat account?
• What is a dividend?
• What is the difference between Short-Term Capital Gains (STCG) and Long-Term Capital Gains (LTCG)?
• What is a SIP (Systematic Investment Plan)?
• What is your current branch’s total loan portfolio?
• How much of your branch loan book is KCC, and how much is non-KCC/retail?
• Is a car loan treated as a mortgage or hypothecation?
• What is the key difference between a Mortgage and Hypothecation?

Karnataka Zone – Experience 3

• Explain Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY) parameters.
• Explain Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY) premium and coverage details.
• What are the eligibility criteria and pension slabs under the Atal Pension Yojana (APY)?
• What are the core monetary and regulatory functions of the RBI?
• [Detailed questions about standard KYC documents].
• Are you willing to go to a distant rural place for posting if selected as a CBO?
• What is Monetary Policy? Who are the members of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC)?

Karnataka Zone – Experience 4 (Canara Bank / Agri Background / West Bengal Candidate)

Candidate Background: Agri Graduate, currently working in Canara Bank, West Bengal.

• Give your brief and focused self-introduction.
• Why do agricultural loans have a high tendency to become Non-Performing Assets (NPA)?
• How will you prevent agricultural loans from turning into NPAs in your branch?
• Considering your graduation subject, how are forestry and banking interconnected?
• How do commercial banks help in environmental protection and green finance?
• Can banks extend credit/loans for forestry or afforestation projects?
• Gold loan is mentioned in your resume. Is gold loan portfolio growing in your current bank?
• What kinds of fraud commonly happen in gold loan lending?
• How will you prevent gold loan fraud in your branch?
• Name some famous Indian artists related to your hobby.
• Why have you not cleared the JAIIB and CAIIB certifications yet?
• Is there any financial incentive or training course in your bank to clear JAIIB/CAIIB?
• What are the standard procedures for testing gold purity in banks?
• What is the Siliguri Corridor (popularly known as the Chicken’s Neck)?
• The Chicken’s Neck corridor connects India to which three neighboring countries?
• Name the “Seven Sisters” states of India.

Karnataka Zone – Experience 5 (BOB Candidate)

• What did you learn after joining Bank of Baroda (BOB)?
• What is the major business driver in Bangalore and Bellary districts?
• In the game of chess, what is meant by a “stalemate”?
• What is CIBIL, and what do you know about its working?
• Is a new customer with a CIBIL score of $-1$ better, or is an existing loan account holder with a score of $750$ better?
• What is the difference between EMI (Equated Monthly Installment) and NIM (Net Interest Margin)?
• What is your current branch’s net profit?
• Explain five major loan products offered by SBI.
• What do you know about SBI’s history and its role in the Indian economy?
• What is Net Worth?
• Which is considered better for a firm: a high net worth or a low net worth?
• Some bank branches have high loan books but fewer deposits. What does this indicate, and what corrective action will you take?
• Explain the assets and liabilities in a standard bank balance sheet.

Odisha / Bhubaneswar Circle – Experience 1 (RRB Candidate)

Candidate Background: Working in Odisha Gramya Bank, applied for Bhubaneswar Circle.

• Introduce yourself in a professional manner.
• Since Odisha Gramya Bank (OGB) is your first bank and its sponsor bank is SBI, explain to us what a Mutual Fund is.
• What are the different types of Mutual Funds available?
• How will you motivate a conservative rural customer to invest in mutual funds?
• If a customer comes with ₹2 Lakh and your branch deposit budget is not fulfilled, what will you advise: Fixed Deposit (FD) or Mutual Fund?
• How does your bank currently depend on you (explain your key contributions)?
• What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL)? Why was it introduced?
• What is the Repo Rate?
• What is the Reverse Repo Rate?
• What is the shareholding pattern of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)?
• What do you mean by deposit mobilization?
• If a retired senior citizen has ₹50 Lakh, what will be your advisory approach towards mutual funds and FDs for them?
• If you suggest mutual funds to them, what specific type of mutual fund would you suggest?
• What is the Current Ratio?
• What is the impact on a firm’s liquidity if its Current Ratio is extremely high?

Mumbai Zone – Experience 2 (Telangana Circle Applied Candidate) New

• Explain the rules and safety enhancements introduced under CTS 2010 (Cheque Truncation System).
• What was the reason behind the gap in your academic/professional timeline?
• [Deep questioning based on prior banking experience].
• What is your total number of banking exam attempts?
• What are the updated Priority Sector Lending (PSL) sub-targets for domestic commercial banks?
• [Current Affairs check on global economy and RBI policies].
• What is CERSAI (Central Registry of Securitisation Asset Reconstruction and Security Interest)? Why was it established?
• Detail the resolution limit and guidelines of the Banking Ombudsman.
• What are the transfer speed and transaction limit details for RTGS (Real Time Gross Settlement)?
• Explain KYC guidelines. What are the major penal clauses under PMLA (Prevention of Money Laundering Act)?

Other Candidate Experiences / New Delhi Circle

Several candidates shared updates from their interviews held in New Delhi. While full narrative transcripts were not available, candidates reported a strong focus on corporate exposure, retail loans, government scheme updates, and Delhi NCR-specific geography and administrative structures.

Other Candidate Experiences – Stress & Biodata Focus (Surya – B.Tech Background) New

Interview Date: 14th July 2026 | Interview Duration: ~20 Minutes (Longer than average)

Candidate Profile: B.Tech Graduate. The panel conducted a deep stress-test style interview with extensive focus on personal biodata parameters.

• What is your educational background? Why transition from a technical B.Tech background into commercial branch banking?
• What are your personal active social media handles? [Surprising focus on candidate’s social media footprints].
• [Stress Question]: “Based on your background and profile, it seems you are completely unfit for this specific job role. Why shouldn’t we select a pure commerce graduate instead of you?”
• How do you prove that your tech background is an active asset to a traditional branch business?
• Candidate’s Key Success Takeaway: The interview panels can be completely unpredictable. The primary panelist actively poked and stress-tested my resolve to see if I would lose my composure. Staying confident, maintaining an honest demeanour, and showing comfort in saying ‘I don’t know’ for unpredictable questions is the ultimate key to passing the board.