If you’re aiming to become a Probationary Officer (PO) in a bank, then choosing the right set of books is your first step toward success. Every year, Bank PO exams are conducted at the national level in India, and lakhs of graduates appear for them. With rising competition and evolving exam patterns, only smart preparation can give you the edge and that starts with choosing the right study material.
This article lists the top 5 highly recommended books for Bank PO exam preparation in 2025 trusted by toppers, aligned with the latest syllabus, and perfect for Prelims as well as Mains.
Why Choose Banking as a Career?
Banking continues to be one of the most sought-after government job sectors in India due to its reputation, job security, and attractive salary packages. Whether it’s SBI, IBPS, or RBI, PO-level jobs offer a stable career path and social respect.
But let’s be honest cracking a Bank PO exam isn’t easy. The selection process usually involves three stages: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. And with lakhs of aspirants preparing every year, you must use the best resources to stay ahead.
That’s where books tailored to the syllabus come into play.
5 Best Books for Bank PO Exam Preparation (2025 Edition)
These five books have consistently delivered results for aspirants and are aligned with the latest Bank PO syllabus:
1. SBI PO Guide for Prelims & Mains
Author/Publisher: LearnX Academy
Price: ₹599
This book is specifically designed for both Prelims and Mains stages of the SBI PO exam. It includes 6 full-length practice tests, updated exam strategies, and a self-study approach that’s ideal for beginners. The content is crisp, exam-oriented, and quality-driven.
2. The Yearly Current Affairs
Price: ₹155
Current affairs is a make-or-break section in any competitive exam. This book is a must-read not just for Bank PO, but also for UPSC, SSC, CUET, NDA, CDS, and other state-level exams. It compiles all key events, issues, and personalities from the past year in a reader-friendly format.
3. Comprehensive Guide to SBI Bank PO
Edition: 11th
Price: ₹479
This all-in-one guide provides in-depth coverage for both Prelims and Mains. What makes it stand out is the access to 100+ hours of video lectures and 5 online mock tests. It’s a powerful tool for serious aspirants who want to combine book learning with digital resources.
4. Topic-Wise Solved Papers: Reasoning & Quantitative Aptitude
Includes: Reasoning, Quant, English, Banking Awareness
Price: ₹1,242
This four-book combo is great for aspirants who want section-wise mastery. With solved papers from previous years and topic-wise questions, it helps in identifying trends and improving speed and accuracy. Ideal for IBPS, SBI, RBI, and RRB exams.
5. S. Chand’s Objective General English
Author: S.P. Bakshi
Price: ₹410
A classic choice for the English section, this book is designed based on the latest exam pattern. It covers grammar rules, comprehension, sentence improvement, and vocabulary — essential for Bank PO, SSC, Railways, and other competitive exams.
Expert Tip
While books are important, also make use of:
- Online mock tests
- Previous year question papers
- Daily current affairs quizzes
- Time-bound practice sessions
A combination of traditional books and smart online tools will help you score better.
Bank PO is one of the toughest competitive exams in India but with the right books and strategic preparation, it’s entirely achievable. The books mentioned above are not just popular but proven to help aspirants succeed.
Whether you’re just starting or already in your prep journey, make sure these books are in your study arsenal.
FAQs
Q1. Are these books helpful for IBPS PO and SBI PO both?
Yes, all five books are relevant for IBPS, SBI, and even RRB PO exams.
Q2. Do these books cover both Prelims and Mains syllabi?
Yes, most of these books are designed for both stages, with dedicated sections for each.
Q3. Is online material enough or are books still important?
Books provide structured learning and practice sets that online PDFs often lack. A combination of both is ideal.
Q4. How many hours should I study for Bank PO exam daily?
Ideally 6–8 focused hours per day, including revision and mock test practice.