Do you think that SBI PO Exam is easy to crack?
Every year lakhs of aspirants apply for the exam, and only a few of them get selected. You have to go through more than two steps to reach the final position.
But your Preparation for the SBI PO Online Exam will become easy now. I will tell you what to do in a straightforward way.
If you have read my previous article How to prepare for SBI SO Exam, you have an idea about the selection process and exam syllabus of the State Bank of India.
You know that SBI has made some changes in the system of the online exam.
The main key to smooth and efficient preparation for SBI PO is to get a piece of precise knowledge about the Exam Pattern and the official syllabus for the exam.
Both the Objective and Descriptive Tests, Exams will be online. You will have to answer the Descriptive Test by typing on the computer. A descriptive test will be administered, after completion of the Objective Test.
The candidates who score above the SBI PO Preliminary Cutoff Score will be allowed to take the SBI PO Main Exam which will follow an entirely different exam pattern.
SBI has made some changes in the exam pattern of the SBI PO Main Examination. The Main Examination will consist of Objective Tests for 200 marks and a Descriptive Test for 50 marks. Both the Objective and Descriptive Tests will be online.
Candidates will have to answer the Descriptive Test by typing on the computer. Immediately after completion of the Objective Test, Descriptive Test will be administered.
The candidates are required to qualify in each of the Tests by securing passing marks, to be decided by the Bank.
For every correct response provided, the candidates would be awarded 1 mark and for every wrong answer, ¼ marks will get deducted. However, no mark will be deducted for any response.
Marks secured by the candidates in the Written Test (out of 250 marks) are converted to out of 75 and marks secured in Group Discussion & Interview (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25.
Who clear the cutoff score for the Main Examination would be called for a group discussion and personal Interview. In this stage, candidates will face an Interview Board.
The aggregate marks of candidates qualifying in both the Objective Tests and the Descriptive Test will be arranged in descending order in each category. An adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank will be called for Group Discussion and Interview. The qualifying marks in Group Discussion, and Interview will be determined by the Bank.
After the Interview, The final merit list is arrived at after aggregating converted marks of Written Test and Group Discussion & Interview ( Phase I + Phase II + Phase III) out of 100 for each category. The selection will be made from the top merit-ranked candidates in each category.
Duration = Composite Time of 1 hour
Total No. of Questions = 100
Marks =100
You have to qualify in each of the three Tests by securing passing marks as decided by SBI. An adequate number of candidates in each category as selected by the Bank (approximately 20 times the number of vacancies subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
Every year lakhs of aspirants apply for the exam, and only a few of them get selected. You have to go through more than two steps to reach the final position.
But your Preparation for the SBI PO Online Exam will become easy now. I will tell you what to do in a straightforward way.
If you have read my previous article How to prepare for SBI SO Exam, you have an idea about the selection process and exam syllabus of the State Bank of India.
You know that SBI has made some changes in the system of the online exam.
The main key to smooth and efficient preparation for SBI PO is to get a piece of precise knowledge about the Exam Pattern and the official syllabus for the exam.
Selection Procedure and Exam Pattern for SBI PO Exam:
SBI PO Exam will be held in three (03) phases-- Phase-I: Preliminary Examination:
- Phase – II: Main Examination:
Both the Objective and Descriptive Tests, Exams will be online. You will have to answer the Descriptive Test by typing on the computer. A descriptive test will be administered, after completion of the Objective Test.
The candidates who score above the SBI PO Preliminary Cutoff Score will be allowed to take the SBI PO Main Exam which will follow an entirely different exam pattern.
SBI has made some changes in the exam pattern of the SBI PO Main Examination. The Main Examination will consist of Objective Tests for 200 marks and a Descriptive Test for 50 marks. Both the Objective and Descriptive Tests will be online.
Candidates will have to answer the Descriptive Test by typing on the computer. Immediately after completion of the Objective Test, Descriptive Test will be administered.
The candidates are required to qualify in each of the Tests by securing passing marks, to be decided by the Bank.
For every correct response provided, the candidates would be awarded 1 mark and for every wrong answer, ¼ marks will get deducted. However, no mark will be deducted for any response.
- Phase -III:
Marks secured by the candidates in the Written Test (out of 250 marks) are converted to out of 75 and marks secured in Group Discussion & Interview (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25.
Who clear the cutoff score for the Main Examination would be called for a group discussion and personal Interview. In this stage, candidates will face an Interview Board.
The aggregate marks of candidates qualifying in both the Objective Tests and the Descriptive Test will be arranged in descending order in each category. An adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank will be called for Group Discussion and Interview. The qualifying marks in Group Discussion, and Interview will be determined by the Bank.
- Preparation of Final Merit List:
After the Interview, The final merit list is arrived at after aggregating converted marks of Written Test and Group Discussion & Interview ( Phase I + Phase II + Phase III) out of 100 for each category. The selection will be made from the top merit-ranked candidates in each category.
Syllabus of SBI PO Preliminary Examination:
Duration = Composite Time of 1 hour
Total No. of Questions = 100
Marks =100
You have to qualify in each of the three Tests by securing passing marks as decided by SBI. An adequate number of candidates in each category as selected by the Bank (approximately 20 times the number of vacancies subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
#1 English Language
Marks = 30
#2 Quantitative Aptitude
Marks = 35
#3 Reasoning Ability
Marks = 35
Objective Test
Total No of Questions - 155
Max Marks - 200
Duration - 3 hours
SBI PO Main Examination will consist of Objective Tests for 200 marks. The test will be for 3-hour period consisting of 4 sections. The Objective Test will have separate timing for every section.
#1 Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
No of Questions - 45
Max Marks - 60
Duration - 60 minutes
#2 Data Analysis & Interpretation
No of Questions - 35
Max Marks - 60
Duration - 45 minutes
#3 General/Economy/ Banking Awareness
No of Questions - 40
Max Marks - 40
Duration - 35 minutes
#4 English Language
No of Questions - 35
Max Marks - 40
Duration - 40 minutes
Descriptive Test
Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)
Max Marks - 50
Duration - 30 minutes
Immediately after completion of the Objective Test, Descriptive Test will be administered. Descriptive Test for 50 marks
You should have a sound knowledge of grammar too. In this section, the questions are asked from the following categories-
Bank PO English Language Previous Years’ Solved Papers:
This book has been divided into nine chapters namely: Spotting the Error, Sentence Improvement, Double Fillers, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Idioms & Phrases, Synonyms & Antonyms, and Miscellaneous.
Each chapter contains an ample number of solved questions asked in previous years’ Bank Probationary Officers Recruitment Examinations. The questions asked in previous years’ Bank PO Examinations have been solved in detail with explanations wherever required.
The book also contains five practice sets designed on the lines of the current examination pattern of Bank PO Examinations. With over 4000 previous years’ solved questions, the book covers questions asked in previous years’ exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, etc
Most common questions come from the below subjects.
To solve a question you should read the question again and again until you understand the question correctly. To score more, you should do practice again and again. Previous years' questions can help you to better understand this section.
Study the following subjects carefully and start practicing from now.
Also, Read> Read These 60 Important Objective GK From History
Reasoning and Computer Ability Test is one of the most important tests in this section. As I described above, prepare for Reasoning ability and learn the basics of Computer. Study some competitive books for this section.
For this, you can study Arihant's Banking, Computer & Marketing Aptitude for Bank Clerk/ PO Exams to get the best result.
This guide consists of entire chapters on General Awareness especially banking awareness, the latest happenings in the Banking arena understanding the fundamentals and the current developments in the Computer domain, etc.
DI tests your decision-making ability and speed using limited input. It consists of a myriad of graphs, charts, and tables from which you have to clean and analyze data.
DS problems usually take the form of a logical puzzle, and as a question followed by two statements. This book is the source to get the concepts related to various topics which will help in going through the examination. It also includes the basics behind the questions, asked in different tests, and does your better practice to solve the problems.
Collect this book Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency which is an equally weighed section in many competitive examinations tests the thinking power and mind applicability skills of the candidates.
The questions asked in various competitive examinations are not easy to solve without having enough practice. The Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency will help aspirants master the ‘Tricks of the Trade.'
This book has been divided into nine chapters namely Analysis of Data, Data Table, Bar Chart, Line Graph, Pie Chart or Circle Graph, Mixed Graph, Case Studies, Miscellaneous Charts & Data Sufficiency, each sub-divided into some chapters with different types of questions of multiple patterns asked in various exams. Ample number of solved problems have been covered in each chapter followed by practice exercises at the end to help aspirants revise and practice the concepts discussed in each chapter.
Study Banking, Computer & Marketing Aptitude for Bank Clerk/ PO Exams to get the best result.
This guide consists of entire chapters on General Awareness especially banking awareness, the latest happenings in the Banking arena understanding the fundamentals and the current developments in the Computer domain, etc.
As SBI Po gives most importance to the knowledge of the English language, you should not ignore this subject.
Here is an excellent book for SBI PO Descriptive Paper -
Buy Steps to Writing Letters and Essays from Flipkart to get a sound knowledge of writing English.
While not all writing methods work for everyone, tips in this book both in writing Letters and Essays should get you started on your path to writing.
In this book, the first chapter gives insights towards teaching writing skills. Chapter two explains techniques for either starting writing or different teaching types of writing. Chapter three is about various kinds of letters.
The candidates are required to qualify in the Descriptive Test by securing passing marks as decided by the Bank. Descriptive Test paper is only for those candidates who have scored qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are placed adequately high as per total marks in Objective Test.
Group Discussion & Interview:
The aggregate marks of candidates qualifying in both the Objective Tests and the Descriptive Test will be arranged in descending order in each category. An adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank will be called for Group Discussion and Interview. The qualifying marks in Group Discussion & Interview will be as decided by the Bank. Candidates qualifying for GD & Interview.
Final Selection:
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination (Phase-I) will not be added to the selection and only the marks obtained in Main Examination (Phase-II), both in Objective Test and Descriptive Test, will be added to the marks obtained in GD&Interview(Phase-III) for the preparation of the final merit list.
Declaration of Result:
Results of the candidates who have qualified for GD & Interview and the list of candidates finally selected will be made available on the Bank's website. The final select list will be published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar and also on Bank’s website.
Have I missed anything? Feel free to discuss with me Tips to Prepare for SBI PO Exam.
Share with your friends.
Marks = 30
#2 Quantitative Aptitude
Marks = 35
#3 Reasoning Ability
Marks = 35
Syllabus for SBI PO Main Exam (Phase II):
Total No of Questions - 155
Max Marks - 200
Duration - 3 hours
SBI PO Main Examination will consist of Objective Tests for 200 marks. The test will be for 3-hour period consisting of 4 sections. The Objective Test will have separate timing for every section.
#1 Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
No of Questions - 45
Max Marks - 60
Duration - 60 minutes
#2 Data Analysis & Interpretation
No of Questions - 35
Max Marks - 60
Duration - 45 minutes
#3 General/Economy/ Banking Awareness
No of Questions - 40
Max Marks - 40
Duration - 35 minutes
#4 English Language
No of Questions - 35
Max Marks - 40
Duration - 40 minutes
Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)
Max Marks - 50
Duration - 30 minutes
The candidates are required to qualify in the Descriptive Test by securing passing marks as decided by the Bank. Descriptive Test paper is only for those candidates who have scored qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are placed adequately high as per total marks in Objective Test.
Preparation of English Language for SBI PO Exam:
SBI PO English Exam is tough to prepare for. If you compare with other competitive exams, SBI gives more interest in the English Language. In this is the section most of the aspirants can't score minimum cut-off marks too.You should have a sound knowledge of grammar too. In this section, the questions are asked from the following categories-
- Grammar
- Synonyms & Antonyms.
- Comprehension
- Error Correction
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Vocabulary
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the blanks
- Para jumbles
Bank PO English Language Previous Years’ Solved Papers:
This book has been divided into nine chapters namely: Spotting the Error, Sentence Improvement, Double Fillers, Sentence Rearrangement, Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Idioms & Phrases, Synonyms & Antonyms, and Miscellaneous.
Each chapter contains an ample number of solved questions asked in previous years’ Bank Probationary Officers Recruitment Examinations. The questions asked in previous years’ Bank PO Examinations have been solved in detail with explanations wherever required.
The book also contains five practice sets designed on the lines of the current examination pattern of Bank PO Examinations. With over 4000 previous years’ solved questions, the book covers questions asked in previous years’ exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, etc
Preparation of Quantitative Aptitude for SBI PO Exam:
To Score a good mark in this section, you must be a master in the fundamental mathematical questions. You can score more marks in this section if you learn some shortcuts to solve the problems. Go through the basic mathematical formula. Otherwise, you will lose all your time in the Quantitative Aptitude section.Most common questions come from the below subjects.
- Fractions
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Profit & Loss
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Mensuration
- Partnership
- Bar graph, Pie-chart, and Probability
- Average
- Number Systems
- Time & Work
- Time & Distance etc.
Preparation of Reasoning Ability for SBI PO Exam:
The aim of the Reasoning Ability Test is to test the capacity of solving a problem in lesser time. There are Two Types of Reasoning Ability Tests - Verbal and Non-Verbal.To solve a question you should read the question again and again until you understand the question correctly. To score more, you should do practice again and again. Previous years' questions can help you to better understand this section.
Study the following subjects carefully and start practicing from now.
- Analogy
- Classification
- Seating Arrangements
- Syllogism
- Ranking
- Coding-Decoding
- Directions
- Blood Relations
- Series problems
- Data sufficiency etc.
Also, Read> Read These 60 Important Objective GK From History
Preparation for Computer Ability:
Reasoning and Computer Ability Test is one of the most important tests in this section. As I described above, prepare for Reasoning ability and learn the basics of Computer. Study some competitive books for this section.
For this, you can study Arihant's Banking, Computer & Marketing Aptitude for Bank Clerk/ PO Exams to get the best result.
This guide consists of entire chapters on General Awareness especially banking awareness, the latest happenings in the Banking arena understanding the fundamentals and the current developments in the Computer domain, etc.
Preparation for Data Analysis & Interpretation Test:
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency Data Interpretation is the major factor of the Quantitative Aptitude Test. The Data Interpretation section can be divided into 2 key areas- i.e. Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency.DI tests your decision-making ability and speed using limited input. It consists of a myriad of graphs, charts, and tables from which you have to clean and analyze data.
DS problems usually take the form of a logical puzzle, and as a question followed by two statements. This book is the source to get the concepts related to various topics which will help in going through the examination. It also includes the basics behind the questions, asked in different tests, and does your better practice to solve the problems.
Collect this book Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency which is an equally weighed section in many competitive examinations tests the thinking power and mind applicability skills of the candidates.
The questions asked in various competitive examinations are not easy to solve without having enough practice. The Accredited Guide to Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency will help aspirants master the ‘Tricks of the Trade.'
This book has been divided into nine chapters namely Analysis of Data, Data Table, Bar Chart, Line Graph, Pie Chart or Circle Graph, Mixed Graph, Case Studies, Miscellaneous Charts & Data Sufficiency, each sub-divided into some chapters with different types of questions of multiple patterns asked in various exams. Ample number of solved problems have been covered in each chapter followed by practice exercises at the end to help aspirants revise and practice the concepts discussed in each chapter.
Preparation for General/Economy/ Banking Awareness:
It is the most relevant section of the main examination. Study regularly Newspapers and watch TV news to keep yourself updated on this part.Study Banking, Computer & Marketing Aptitude for Bank Clerk/ PO Exams to get the best result.
This guide consists of entire chapters on General Awareness especially banking awareness, the latest happenings in the Banking arena understanding the fundamentals and the current developments in the Computer domain, etc.
Preparation for Letter Writing & Essay:
As SBI Po gives most importance to the knowledge of the English language, you should not ignore this subject.
Here is an excellent book for SBI PO Descriptive Paper -
Buy Steps to Writing Letters and Essays from Flipkart to get a sound knowledge of writing English.
While not all writing methods work for everyone, tips in this book both in writing Letters and Essays should get you started on your path to writing.
In this book, the first chapter gives insights towards teaching writing skills. Chapter two explains techniques for either starting writing or different teaching types of writing. Chapter three is about various kinds of letters.
The candidates are required to qualify in the Descriptive Test by securing passing marks as decided by the Bank. Descriptive Test paper is only for those candidates who have scored qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are placed adequately high as per total marks in Objective Test.
Group Discussion & Interview:
The aggregate marks of candidates qualifying in both the Objective Tests and the Descriptive Test will be arranged in descending order in each category. An adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank will be called for Group Discussion and Interview. The qualifying marks in Group Discussion & Interview will be as decided by the Bank. Candidates qualifying for GD & Interview.
Final Selection:
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination (Phase-I) will not be added to the selection and only the marks obtained in Main Examination (Phase-II), both in Objective Test and Descriptive Test, will be added to the marks obtained in GD&Interview(Phase-III) for the preparation of the final merit list.
Declaration of Result:
Results of the candidates who have qualified for GD & Interview and the list of candidates finally selected will be made available on the Bank's website. The final select list will be published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar and also on Bank’s website.
Have I missed anything? Feel free to discuss with me Tips to Prepare for SBI PO Exam.
Share with your friends.