The SBI PO job is one of the most sought-after opportunities in the banking sector. Aspirants put in months and sometimes years’ worth of hard work to crack this exam. Basically, the job profile of a SBI PO or Probationary Officer involves taking care of any and all customer grievances while simultaneously handling complaints regarding bank services. SBI PO’s are also entrusted with the power to issue ATM Cards, Demand Drafts, and Cheque books. The remuneration is satisfactory and comes with its fair share of perks.
To be eligible for the examination, you first have to be an Indian citizen who has completed their graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or has any equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Moreover, aspirants who are in the final year of their graduation can also apply provisionally subject to certain conditions. If called for an interview, they must be able to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before the eligibility date. You must be 21 years of age before applying to sit for the exam.
SBI PO Exam Pattern And Syllabus
The SBI PO exam consists of the preliminary exam and the main exam. The Preliminary exam is divided into 3 sections, namely Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language. In contrast to this, the Main exam comprises of 4 sections, namely Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation and General/Economy/Banking Awareness.
SBI PO Main Exam:
This is a lengthy paper of 3 hours. The marks distribution varies with each section. Read more to understand the exam pattern and syllabus.
General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness: This is the last section that has 40 questions consisting of 1 mark each. 35 minutes are given to the aspirants for this section.
- Static Awareness
- General Knowledge
- Financial Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Basics of Banking
- Banking and Financial Awareness
English Language: 35 questions worth 40 marks are asked in a span of 40 minutes.
- Word Association
- Vocabulary
- Verbal Ability
- Sentence Improvement
- Reading
- Para Jumbles
- Grammar
- Comprehension
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: Aspirants have to attempt this section in 1 hour. 45 questions are asked, totalling up to 60 marks. The syllabus includes:
- Verbal Reasoning
- The Course of Action
- Syllogism
- Scheduling
- Ordering and Ranking
- Operating System
- Networking
- Microsoft Office
- Memory
- Linear Seating Arrangement
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Internet
- Input-Output
- Double Lineup
- Directions and Distances
- Data Sufficiency
- Critical Reasoning
- Computer Software
- Computer Hardware
- Computer Fundamentals and Terminologies
- Computer Abbreviation
- Coding and Decoding
- Coded Inequalities
- Circular Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Analytical and Decision Making
Data Analysis: This entire section has to be solved in 45 minutes. 35 questions are asked, totalling up to 60 marks. The syllabus is mostly analytical and is based on understanding concepts.
- Tabular Graph
- Radar Graph Case-let
- Probability
- Pie Chart
- Permutation and Combination
- Missing Case DI
- Line Graph
- Let it Case DI
- Data Sufficiency
- Bar Graph
In addition to this mains exam, there is a descriptive test as well. This descriptive test consists of two questions. One question deals with letter-writing while the other deals with an essay. Candidates need to score passing marks in the descriptive test too to be able to qualify for the SBI PO mains exam.
SBI PO Preliminary Exam:
This exam is for 1 hour and has a total of 100 marks. 20 minutes are allotted for each section.
Quantitative Aptitude: This section also comprises of 35 questions and the syllabus is:
- Work & Time
- Surds & Indices
- Simplification
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Sequence & Series
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit & Loss
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Percentage
- Number Systems
- Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
- Data Interpretation
Reasoning Ability: Aspirants have to answer 35 questions, rounding up to a total of 35 marks.
- Tabulation
- Syllogism
- Seating arrangement
- Ranking and Alphabet test
- Puzzle
- Logical Reasoning
- Input and Output
- Data sufficiency
- Coding and Decoding
- Coded inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Alphanumeric series
English Language: 30 questions are asked that are worth 1 mark each. The syllabus consists of:
- Reading
- Paragraph jumbles
- Paragraph completion
- Grammar
- Error spotting
- Comprehension
30 Day Study Plan
- Revise your syllabus – With just a month left, you should have completed your entire syllabus at least once. The last 30 days should be solely dedicated to consistent and thorough revision. Unless you keep revising, you are bound to forget important formulas and figures. Stay up to date and do not slack off on your studies.
- Know the important topics – Give more importance to Quantitative Aptitude for Prelims and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude for Mains. These portions usually have tougher questions but if dealt with correctly, can fetch you a lot of marks. This is why you should concentrate on these specific areas more.
- Practice as many mock papers as possible – Proper time management can act like a total game-changer when it comes to the PO exam. Since you have to answer a lot of questions in a stipulated time period, make sure you practice enough mock papers before the final day of the examination. You will already be at an advantage if you know how to manage time efficiently.
- Do not burn yourself out – You are now in the last stretch of your exam preparation phase. Although it is essential to keep revising, make sure you take adequate breaks and do not burn yourself out. Keeping a clear head before exams and staying optimistic can work wonders.
- Follow the latest news – As banking and financial awareness form a part of your question paper, you must not miss out on any important updates. You can download a news application onto your phone to get easy access to any such relevant news articles.
