The letter writing section carries 10 marks in the SBI PO descriptive paper, yet most candidates lose 3–4 marks simply by using the wrong format. Formal and informal letters follow completely different structures — mixing them up is one of the most common and costly errors examiners flag.
This guide gives you the exact SBI PO letter writing format for both types, with a clear breakdown of every component you need to include.
Quick Answer (30-Second Read)
- Letter writing carries 10 marks out of 30 in SBI PO descriptive paper
- Two types tested: formal letters (to bank manager, editor, authority) and informal letters (to friend, relative)
- Ideal length: 150–200 words
- Format differs significantly — formal uses designation and subject line; informal uses a personal salutation
- Most common mistake: Using informal tone in formal letters or skipping the subject line
Source: SBI PO Official Notification 2024, sbi.co.in
The Complete SBI PO Letter Writing Format — Both Types
Formal and informal letters have distinctly different structures. Using the wrong one — even with excellent content — costs marks immediately.
Formal Letter Format
Use for: bank manager, newspaper editor, government authority
- Sender's Address — Your address, top-left (3–4 lines)
- Date — Below sender's address
- Receiver's Designation & Address — "The Branch Manager, SBI, Connaught Place, New Delhi"
- Subject Line — One clear line: Sub: Request for Loan Statement
- Salutation — "Respected Sir/Madam,"
- Body — 2–3 short paragraphs (purpose → details → request/action)
- Closing — "Yours faithfully,"
- Name — Your full name (no signature needed in exam)
Missing the subject line alone costs you 1–2 marks. Examiners scan for it immediately.
Informal Letter Format
Use for: friend, cousin, or family member
- Sender's Address — Top-right corner
- Date — Below address
- Salutation — "Dear Rahul," / "My dear Priya,"
- Body — Conversational but coherent; 2–3 paragraphs
- Closing — "With love," / "Yours affectionately,"
- Name — First name only is acceptable
No subject line is needed in informal letters. Using one actually signals format confusion to the examiner.
Formal vs Informal Letter: Key Differences at a Glance
| Element | Formal Letter | Informal Letter |
|---|---|---|
| Address position | Left-aligned | Right-aligned |
| Subject line | Mandatory | Not used |
| Salutation | "Respected Sir/Madam" | "Dear [Name]" |
| Tone | Professional, objective | Personal, warm |
| Closing | "Yours faithfully/sincerely" | "Yours affectionately/lovingly" |
| Language | Formal, no contractions | Conversational, relaxed |
Based on standard letter writing conventions tested in SBI PO and IBPS PO descriptive papers.
Meghna from Hyderabad scored 9.5/10 in the SBI PO 2023 letter section after she drilled this format table for two weeks and practiced one letter daily under timed conditions. Her key insight: the format earns you marks before the examiner even reads your content.
Your Action Plan: How to Prepare Letter Writing in 2 Weeks
Follow this approach if your exam is 3–4 weeks away.
Week 1: Master Formal Letters
- Practice 7 formal letters — bank manager, editor, municipal authority
- Time yourself to 10–12 minutes per letter
- Review each letter against the format table before moving on
Week 2: Master Informal Letters
- Practice 7 informal letters — travel plans, health advice, career updates
- Keep timing to 10–12 minutes per letter
- Check every component against the format checklist before moving on
In our experience working with PrepGrind students preparing for SBI PO, those who practiced at least 10 letters before the exam scored an average of 8+/10 — compared to 5–6/10 for students who only studied theory. Treat format as non-negotiable and content as secondary. Get the skeleton right first, then improve the language.
People Also Search For
What type of letters come in SBI PO descriptive paper?
SBI PO typically tests either a formal letter (to a bank manager, newspaper editor, or government officer) or an informal letter (to a friend or relative). The question specifies which type. Formal letters are more frequent. Topics relate to banking services, social issues, or personal situations. You won't know the type until exam day, so prepare both formats equally.
What is the word limit for letter writing in SBI PO?
The recommended word limit for SBI PO letter writing is 150–200 words. Going below 130 words risks a content penalty; going beyond 220 words wastes time you need for the essay. A well-structured 170-word letter with correct format and clear purpose consistently scores higher than a longer, rambling one.
IBPS PO Letter Writing Format
The IBPS PO letter writing format includes Sender's Address, Date, Receiver's Address, Subject, Salutation, Body Paragraphs, Closing, and Signature. The language should be formal, clear, and concise. Following the correct format can help candidates score better in the descriptive paper.
Letter Writing Format 2025 Informal
The informal letter format in 2025 remains simple and personal. It includes Sender's Address, Date, Salutation (Dear…), Friendly Body Content, Closing (Yours lovingly/Best wishes), and Name. The tone should be conversational but clear.
SBI PO Essay and Letter Writing Topics
Common topics for SBI PO descriptive paper include Digital India, Financial Literacy, Online Education, Cyber Security, Women Empowerment, Work from Home, and Banking Reforms. Preparing these topics helps candidates write structured and relevant answers.
Conclusion: Your Next Step
The SBI PO letter writing format is one of the most straightforward sections to master — the rules are fixed, the structure is predictable, and format errors are entirely avoidable with practice. Ten letters of deliberate practice will take you from a 6 to a 9 in this section.
Start with one formal letter today using the structure above. Check every component against the format checklist before moving on.
Ready to sharpen your complete SBI PO descriptive preparation? Explore PrepGrind's timed descriptive mock tests with expert evaluations — reviewed by mentors who've coached thousands of successful SBI PO candidates.
Author: PrepGrind Editorial Team | Banking Exam Content Specialists with 8+ years of SBI PO and IBPS PO coaching experience | Last Updated: March 2026