SBI PO(Prelim)

The SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer) examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India for recruitment to the position of Probationary Officer (PO) in the State Bank of India (SBI). The exam is conducted annually to select candidates who will undergo training to become officers in SBI.

Here is an overview of the SBI PO Examination:

Stages of the SBI PO Exam

The SBI PO recruitment process involves three main stages:

1. Preliminary Exam (Prelims):

   • This is the first stage of the SBI PO exam and is an online objective test.
   • The exam consists of 3 sections:
     • English Language (30 questions, 30 marks)
     • Quantitative Aptitude (35 questions, 35 marks)
     • Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 35 marks)
   • Duration: 1 hour (20 minutes for each section).
   • Total Marks: 100
   • Negative Marking: 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.

2. Main Exam:

   • The SBI PO Main Exam is a more extensive test, consisting of two parts:
     • Objective Test (Online)
     • Descriptive Test (Writing test)
   • Objective Test:
     • Sections:
       • Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (45 questions, 60 marks)
       • Data Analysis and Interpretation (35 questions, 60 marks)
       • General/Economy/Banking Awareness (40 questions, 40 marks)
       • English Language (35 questions, 40 marks)
     • Duration: 3 hours (for Objective Test)
     • Total Marks: 200
   • Descriptive Test:
     • This includes 2 questions: Letter Writing and Essay Writing.
     • Duration: 30 minutes
     • Total Marks: 50

3. Group Exercise (GE) and Interview:

   • Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam are called for a Group Exercise and Interview.
   • The Group Exercise involves discussions on current issues, leadership, and teamwork.
   • The Interview assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, knowledge, and suitability for a career in banking.
   • Total Marks: 50 (30 for Group Exercise and 20 for Interview)
   • The final merit list is prepared by combining the marks from the Main Exam and the Group Exercise & Interview.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Age Limit:

   • Candidates must be between 21 to 30 years of age.
   • Relaxations are available for candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD).

2. Educational Qualification:

   • Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent.
   • Candidates in their final year of graduation are also eligible to apply, but they must provide proof of graduation before joining.

3. Nationality:

   • Candidates must be Indian citizens.
   • In some cases, candidates from Nepal, Bhutan, or Tibet may also apply.

SBI PO Syllabus:

The syllabus for the SBI PO exam generally includes the following topics:

1. Prelims:

   • English Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and sentence correction.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: Number series, simplification, arithmetic, data interpretation, etc.
   • Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangement, logical reasoning, blood relations, and analogies.

2. Mains:

   • Reasoning and Computer Aptitude: Syllogism, coding-decoding, input-output, data sufficiency, and computer knowledge.
   • Data Analysis and Interpretation: Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tables, and caselets.
   • General/Economy/Banking Awareness: Current affairs, banking awareness, financial institutions, economy, and government schemes.
   • English Language: Reading comprehension, error spotting, sentence improvement, and para jumbles.

Preparation Tips:

• Time Management: Time management is crucial in this exam, especially with the large number of questions in each section.
• Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous year papers to understand the exam pattern and improve speed.
• Focus on Basics: Strengthen your foundation in topics like quantitative aptitude and reasoning, as they are the core sections.
• Stay Updated: Regularly read newspapers and follow current affairs to stay updated, especially for the General Awareness section.
• Revision: Set aside time for revision, especially for sections like English and Data Interpretation.

Important Dates (Indicative):

• Notification Release: Typically in the month of April.
• Preliminary Exam: Usually held in June or July.
• Mains Exam: Usually held in August or September.
• Group Exercise & Interview: Usually conducted in September or October.

Salary and Perks:

• The basic salary of an SBI PO ranges from ₹41,960 to ₹ 42,020 (approx.) along with allowances such as Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and medical facilities.
• In-hand salary is usually around ₹55,000 to ₹60,000 depending on the location of posting and other factors.

The SBI PO exam is one of the most sought-after exams for young graduates looking to start their career in banking due to the prestige and benefits associated with the position.