The SBI PO Exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Each year, thousands of aspirants compete for the coveted position of Probationary Officer (PO) in the State Bank of India. However, the exam's difficulty level requires a well-structured preparation strategy and disciplined execution.
In this blog, we’ll cover everything
you need to know to crack both SBI PO Prelims and Mains,
including the syllabus, preparation tips, study plan, daily timetable, and
more.
Why
SBI PO?
The SBI PO position offers not only
a prestigious career in banking but also:
- Attractive Salary and Perks: The in-hand salary for SBI PO
is around ₹42,000 to ₹47,000/month.
- Career Growth: Rapid promotions and exposure
to global banking trends.
- Job Stability: SBI is a government-backed
institution offering excellent job security.
- Prestige and Respect: Being a PO is a highly
respected position in the financial sector.
SBI
PO Exam Overview:-
Before diving into preparation,
let’s understand the structure of the exam:
Candidates must be aware of the exam pattern and marks distribution for Preliminary and Mains exam before appearing for the SBI PO 2024 Examination process.
The examination process of SBI PO consists of 3 Phase:
This Prelims exam will be conducted in an online mode wherein the candidates are required to attempt 100 questions having 1 mark each, in a composite duration of 60 minutes. It is to be noted that the sectional cut-offs in the Prelims Exam have been removed now and the overall score of all 3 sections shall be considered for selection to the next round of the recruitment process.
S.No. | Name of the Section | Total Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
3 | Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
Total | 100 | 60 Minutes |
S. No. | Name of Test (Objective) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
3 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
4 | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours |
Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing) shall be asked in this test and the test will be of 50 marks which needs to be completed in a duration of 30 minutes.
S.No | Name of the Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Communication Skills: Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis & Precis Writing) | -- | 50 | 30 Minutes |
TEST STRUCTURE | (b) GROUP EXERCISE | (c) INTERVIEW | TOTAL | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Marks | 20 | 30 | 50 | -- |
Test | Main Examination (written Test) (objective & descriptive) | Group Exercise & Interview | Total | Duration |
---|---|---|---|---|
Maximum Marks | 250 | 50 | 300 | -- |
Normalized Marks | 75 | 25 | 100 | -- |
- Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Approximation, Data Interpretation (DI), Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, etc.).
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, Blood Relations.
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement.
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: Advanced DI sets (Caselets, Tables, Pie Charts), Probability, Permutations & Combinations.
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: High-level puzzles, Input-Output, Logical Reasoning, and basic Computer Awareness.
- General Awareness: Banking Terms, Current Affairs, Economic Developments.
- Descriptive Writing: Essays and Letters on trending topics like digital banking, climate change, etc.
2.
Prioritize Key Sections:-
Here’s how to tackle each section:
Reasoning
Ability:
- Prelims: Focus on puzzles and seating
arrangements, as they carry maximum weight.
- Mains: Emphasize logical reasoning,
machine input-output, and decision-making.
Quantitative
Aptitude:
- Prelims: Start with easy topics like
Simplification, Approximation, and then move to Data Interpretation.
- Mains: Advanced DI and Arithmetic
dominate. Practice 3-4 DI sets daily.
English
Language:
- Build a habit of reading
editorials from The Hindu or Indian Express to improve
vocabulary and comprehension.
- Practice para-jumbles, cloze
tests, and sentence improvement.
General
Awareness:
- Regularly read newspapers and
monthly magazines like Banking Services Chronicle.
- Note important events in
banking, finance, and current affairs.
Descriptive
Writing:
- Practice writing essays and
letters on topics like impact of digital banking, financial
inclusion, etc.
- Stick to the word limit and
ensure clarity.
3.
Mock Tests and Analysis:-
- Attempt at least 2 full-length
Prelims mock tests per week in the initial months.
- For Mains, focus on sectional
tests for reasoning and DI.
- Post-test, analyze mistakes and
revisit weak topics.
Daily
Study Plan for SBI PO Exam:-
Here’s a 10-hour timetable for SBI
PO aspirants preparing full-time:
Morning
Routine (4 Hours):
- 6:00 AM - 7:00 AM:
- Read newspapers (The Hindu,
Mint) for current affairs and editorials.
- Note important banking news
and financial terms.
- 7:00 AM - 8:30 AM:
- Practice reasoning puzzles
(Seating Arrangements, Blood Relations, Syllogisms).
- 8:30 AM - 9:00 AM:
- Take a break.
- 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM:
- Solve 2-3 DI sets and practice
simplification questions.
Afternoon
Routine (4 Hours):
- 11:00 AM - 12:30 PM:
- Focus on English Language:
Reading Comprehensions, Error Spotting, Cloze Tests.
- 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM:
- Revise General Awareness or
watch videos on current affairs for quick updates.
- 1:30 PM - 2:00 PM:
- Lunch break.
- 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM:
- Attempt a Prelims mock test or
a sectional test.
Evening
Routine (2-3 Hours):
- 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM:
- Analyze mock test performance
and revise weak areas.
- 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM:
- Practice descriptive writing:
Write one essay and one letter on trending topics.
Final
Tips:-
- Start your preparation early to
cover all topics systematically.
- Focus on concept clarity,
time management, and regular practice.
- Keep a positive mindset and
stay consistent with your efforts.
By following this detailed guide and
structured plan, you can significantly increase your chances of cracking the SBI
PO Exam 2024. Stay committed and keep practicing!
Have
questions or need personalized guidance? Drop them in the comments below!
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MAHENDRA GURU