Introduction
The SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English Paper includes a Letter Writing section worth 20 marks. Candidates must write a formal or informal letter within 150 words in 10 minutes. Since formal letters are more commonly asked, mastering their format and tone is essential for securing high marks.
In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ The correct format for formal letters
✅ Step-by-step writing strategy
✅ Common mistakes to avoid
✅ Sample formal letter for SBI PO 2025
Understanding Formal Letters
A formal letter is used for official and professional communication, such as:
✔ Letters to bank managers, government officials, HR, and editors.
✔ Complaint, request, or application letters.
✔ Business correspondence.
Since SBI PO is a professional exam, letters should be:
📌 Clear, concise, and well-structured.
📌 Written in a polite and respectful tone.
📌 Error-free in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Formal Letter Format for SBI PO 2025
A formal letter follows a fixed structure. Here’s the correct format:
1. Sender’s Address (Your Address)
📌 Mention your complete address at the top-left corner.
📌 No need to write your name in the address.
📍 Example:
ABC Apartments, Sector 15,
New Delhi – 110001
2. Date
📌 Write the date in DD/MM/YYYY format below the sender’s address.
📍 Example:
10th February 2025
3. Receiver’s Address (Recipient’s Designation & Address)
📌 Address the letter to the correct authority (Bank Manager, HR, Editor, etc.).
📍 Example:
The Branch Manager,
State Bank of India,
Connaught Place, New Delhi
4. Subject (One Line Summary of Purpose)
📌 The subject should be clear, short, and to the point.
📍 Example:
Request for Increasing ATM Withdrawal Limit
5. Salutation (Greeting)
📌 Use a formal greeting:
✔ Respected Sir/Madam,
✔ Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], (for business letters)
6. Body of the Letter (Main Content, 3-4 Short Paragraphs)
- First Paragraph: Mention the purpose of writing the letter clearly.
- Second Paragraph: Explain your request/issue with facts or supporting details.
- Third Paragraph: End with a polite request for action or response.
📌 Keep sentences short, formal, and to the point.
7. Closing (Yours Sincerely/Faithfully, Name, Signature)
📌 Use the correct closing statement based on the recipient:
✔ Yours sincerely, (If you know the name of the recipient)
✔ Yours faithfully, (If the recipient is unknown)
📌 Below this, write your full name and designation (if applicable).
📍 Example:
Yours sincerely,
Ravi Kumar
Step-by-Step Approach to Writing a High-Scoring Formal Letter
Step 1: Read the Question Carefully (1 Minute)
✔ Identify the type of letter (Request, Complaint, Inquiry, etc.).
✔ Understand the recipient and purpose of writing.
Step 2: Outline Key Points (2 Minutes)
✔ Decide what to include in the introduction, body, and conclusion.
✔ Keep it concise but informative.
Step 3: Write the Letter (5-6 Minutes)
✔ Follow the formal letter format.
✔ Keep sentences clear and precise.
Step 4: Proofread & Make Final Edits (1 Minute)
✔ Check for spelling, punctuation, and formatting errors.
✔ Ensure proper word limit (~150 words).
Sample Formal Letter for SBI PO 2025
📍 Question: Write a letter to the bank manager requesting an increase in your ATM withdrawal limit.
📌 Answer:
ABC Apartments, Sector 15,
New Delhi – 110001
10th February 2025
To,
The Branch Manager,
State Bank of India,
Connaught Place, New Delhi
Subject: Request for Increasing ATM Withdrawal Limit
Respected Sir/Madam,
I am writing to request an increase in my ATM withdrawal limit for my savings account (A/C No: XXXXXXXX). Currently, my withdrawal limit is ₹50,000 per day, which is insufficient for my financial needs.
As a salaried professional, I often require higher withdrawals for medical expenses, business transactions, and emergency situations. I have been a loyal customer of SBI for five years, and I maintain a good banking record. Given my financial stability, I kindly request you to increase my ATM withdrawal limit to ₹1,00,000 per day.
I would appreciate your prompt assistance in processing my request. Please let me know if any formalities or additional documentation are required.
Yours sincerely,
Ravi Kumar
Contact: 98XXXXXXXX
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SBI PO Formal Letter Writing
🚫 1. Incorrect Format – Missing sender’s/receiver’s address, wrong subject placement.
🚫 2. Informal Tone – Using slang, contractions (e.g., “I’d like” instead of “I would like”).
🚫 3. Unclear Purpose – Not stating the request clearly in the first paragraph.
🚫 4. Exceeding Word Limit – Avoid writing more than 180 words.
🚫 5. Spelling & Grammar Errors – Proofread before submission.
✅ Tip: Memorize common letter structures to save time during the exam.
Practice Topics for SBI PO 2025 Letter Writing
✔ Letter to a bank manager requesting a loan for higher education
✔ Letter to the editor about rising cyber frauds in online banking
✔ Letter to HR requesting a change in work location
✔ Letter to the municipal corporation about poor road conditions
✔ Letter to a newspaper editor regarding pollution control measures
Final Takeaways
📌 Use the correct format – Sender’s Address → Date → Receiver’s Address → Subject → Salutation → Body → Closing.
📌 Keep it professional and concise – ~150 words, clear and error-free.
📌 State your purpose early – First paragraph should clearly mention the request/issue.
📌 Proofread before submitting – Eliminate spelling & grammar mistakes.
📌 Practice daily – Write one formal letter per day under a 10-minute timer.
By following these strategies and formats, you can maximize your score in the SBI PO 2025 Descriptive English Paper and excel in letter writing!