SBI PO Exam Pattern #2023

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year to recruit eligible candidates for the role of Probationary Officer. The SBI PO exam is one of the most sought-after bank exams in India and attracts a large number of aspirants from all over the country. To crack this exam, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the SBI PO exam pattern.

The SBI PO exam pattern consists of three phases: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Group Exercise & Interview. Let us discuss each phase in detail:

1. Preliminary Examination:

The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is the first stage of the SBI PO selection process. It is an online objective test consisting of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam has a total of 100 questions, and the total time duration of the exam is 60 minutes (1 hour).

Let us now discuss each section of the SBI PO Preliminary Examination in detail:

• English Language: This section consists of 30 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 30. The questions in this section are based on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Candidates must have a good command of the English language to score well in this section.

• Quantitative Aptitude: This section consists of 35 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 35. The questions in this section are based on mathematical concepts such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data interpretation. Candidates must have a strong grasp of basic mathematical concepts to score well in this section.

• Reasoning Ability: This section consists of 35 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 35. The questions in this section are based on logical reasoning and analytical ability. Candidates must have the ability to think logically and solve problems to score well in this section.

Each correct answer carries one mark, and for every incorrect answer, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks. The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is a qualifying round, and the marks obtained in this exam are not considered for the final selection. Candidates who clear the cut-off for the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the SBI PO Main Examination.

Main Examination:

The SBI PO Main Examination is the second stage of the SBI PO selection process. It is an online objective test consisting of four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. There is also a descriptive section where candidates are required to write an essay and a letter. The total marks for the SBI PO Main Examination are 200, and the total time duration of the exam is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Let us now discuss each section of the SBI PO Main Examination in detail:

• Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: This section consists of 45 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 60. The questions in this section are based on logical reasoning and computer aptitude. Candidates must have a strong grasp of computer fundamentals and logical reasoning to score well in this section.

• Data Analysis & Interpretation: This section consists of 35 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 60. The questions in this section are based on data analysis and interpretation. Candidates must have good analytical skills and the ability to interpret data to score well in this section.

• General/Economy/Banking Awareness: This section consists of 40 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 40. The questions in this section are based on current affairs, general knowledge, and banking and financial awareness. Candidates must have a good understanding of current affairs and banking and financial awareness to score well in this section.

• English Language: This section consists of 35 questions, and the total marks allotted to this section are 40. The questions in this section are based on grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Candidates must have a good command of the English language to score well in this section.

• Descriptive section: In this section, candidates are required to write an essay and a letter. The essay carries 50 marks, and the letter carries 30 marks. Candidates must have good writing skills and the ability to express their thoughts clearly to score well in this section.

Each correct answer carries one mark, and for every incorrect answer, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks. The SBI PO Main Examination is a crucial stage of the selection process, and the marks obtained in this exam are considered for the final selection. Candidates who clear the cut-off for the Main Examination are eligible to appear for the Group Exercise & Interview round.

Group Exercise & Interview:

The SBI PO Group Exercise & Interview is the final stage of the SBI PO selection process. Candidates who clear the SBI PO Main Examination cut-off are eligible to appear for this stage. The Group Exercise & Interview carries a total of 50 marks, and it is designed to test the candidate's personality, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

The Group Exercise & Interview is conducted by a panel of experts, and it usually takes place over a period of two to three days. The candidates are evaluated based on their performance in various activities, including group discussions, case studies, role plays, and personal interviews. Let us now discuss each activity in detail:

• Group Discussion: In this activity, candidates are divided into small groups, and they are given a topic to discuss. The topic can be related to current affairs, social issues, or business-related topics. The candidates are evaluated based on their communication skills, leadership abilities, and their ability to work in a team.

• Case Study: In this activity, candidates are given a business-related case study, and they are required to analyze and provide solutions to the problem presented in the case study. The candidates are evaluated based on their analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, and their ability to think outside the box.

• Role Play: In this activity, candidates are given a scenario, and they are required to play a role based on the given scenario. The scenario can be related to customer service, sales, or team management. The candidates are evaluated based on their communication skills, leadership abilities, and their ability to handle difficult situations.

• Personal Interview: In this activity, candidates are interviewed by the panel of experts. The interview can be based on their personal background, educational qualifications, work experience, and their understanding of the banking industry. The candidates are evaluated based on their communication skills, personality, and their knowledge of the banking industry.

• The Group Exercise & Interview is an important stage of the selection process, and candidates must prepare well for it. They must have a good understanding of the banking industry, current affairs, and they must have good communication skills and leadership abilities. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the SBI PO Main Examination and the Group Exercise & Interview.

To prepare for the SBI PO exam, candidates must have a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. They must also solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam. Time management is also crucial during the exam, and candidates must learn to manage their time efficiently.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the SBI PO exam is a competitive exam, and candidates must be well-prepared to crack it. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first step towards preparation. With dedication and hard work, candidates can ace the SBI PO exam and achieve their dream of becoming a Probationary Officer in the State Bank of India.

SBI PO Exam Pattern FAQ

Q: What is the SBI PO exam pattern?
A: The SBI PO exam pattern consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Group Exercise & Interview.

Q: What is the duration of the SBI PO Preliminary Examination?
A: The SBI PO Preliminary Examination is of one-hour duration.

Q: What are the subjects covered in the SBI PO Preliminary Examination?
A: The SBI PO Preliminary Examination covers three subjects: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

Q: What is the duration of the SBI PO Main Examination?
A: The SBI PO Main Examination is of 3 hours and 30 minutes duration.

Q: What are the sections covered in the SBI PO Main Examination?
A: The SBI PO Main Examination consists of four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. There is also a descriptive section where candidates are required to write an essay and a letter.

Q: What is the marking scheme for the SBI PO Main Examination?
A: Each correct answer carries one mark, and for every incorrect answer, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks.

Q: What is the duration of the Group Exercise & Interview stage?
A: The Group Exercise & Interview stage usually takes place over a period of two to three days.

Q: How is the final selection for the SBI PO exam done?
A: The final selection for the SBI PO exam is based on the candidate's performance in the SBI PO Main Examination and the Group Exercise & Interview.

Q: Is there any sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam?
A: Yes, there is a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam. Candidates must clear the cut-off for each section to be eligible for the next stage.

Q: How can candidates prepare for the SBI PO exam?
A: Candidates can prepare for the SBI PO exam by studying the exam pattern and syllabus, practicing mock tests, and focusing on their weak areas. They can also refer to study material and coaching classes to prepare effectively.