The SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam is one of the most competitive and highly anticipated banking exams in India. Conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI), it is a gateway to a prestigious career in banking. To succeed in the exam, it is essential to have a strong understanding of the SBI PO syllabus and the exam pattern.
In this blog, we will break down the complete SBI PO syllabus, highlighting important topics for each section of the exam, along with preparation strategies to help you ace the exam.
SBI PO Exam Pattern
The SBI PO exam is divided into three stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
- Group Discussion & Interview
Here’s a detailed look at the pattern of each stage:
1. Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam is a qualifying round, which tests your skills in three sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total Marks: 100
- Sectional Distribution:
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks
2. Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains Exam consists of two parts:
- Objective Test
- Descriptive Test
- Duration: 3 hours (Objective + Descriptive combined)
- Total Marks: 200 (Objective), 50 (Descriptive)
Objective Test:
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 45 questions, 60 marks
- Data Analysis & Interpretation: 35 questions, 60 marks
- General/Economic/Banking Awareness: 40 questions, 40 marks
- English Language: 35 questions, 40 marks
Descriptive Test:
- English Language (Letter Writing & Essay): 2 questions, 50 marks
3. Group Discussion & Interview
- Group Discussion: 20 marks
- Interview: 30 marks
SBI PO Syllabus for Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Exam tests your skills in three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
1. English Language
This section assesses your proficiency in the English language. Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Completion
- Error Spotting
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms and Antonyms
2. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section tests your mathematical skills. Key topics include:
- Simplification
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Average
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Speed and Distance
- Probability
- Mixture and Alligation
3. Reasoning Ability
This section assesses your logical and analytical reasoning skills. Key topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Direction Sense Test
- Syllogism
- Data Sufficiency
- Statements and Arguments
SBI PO Syllabus for Mains Exam
The Mains Exam is more comprehensive and includes sections like Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness, and English Language.
1. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
This section tests your reasoning ability and basic computer knowledge. Key topics include:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
- Computer Terminology
- Data Structures
- Operating Systems
- Internet and Networking
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation
This section assesses your ability to solve data-related problems. Key topics include:
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Charts, Line Graphs, Pie Charts)
- Data Sufficiency
- Caselets
- Missing Data
- Number Series
- Probability
3. General/Economic/Banking Awareness
This section tests your knowledge of current affairs, banking terms, and economic policies. Key topics include:
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Government Schemes
- Financial Institutions and Policies
- Economic Survey
- Budget and Banking Reforms
- RBI and its Functions
4. English Language
This section tests your proficiency in English. Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Spotting
- Vocabulary (Synonyms and Antonyms)
- Fill in the Blanks
5. Descriptive Test (Letter Writing & Essay)
This section evaluates your written communication skills. The two main components are:
- Letter Writing: Formal and informal letters
- Essay Writing: Topics related to social issues, current events, banking, and economy
Preparation Tips for SBI PO Exam
- Understand the Syllabus: Go through the entire syllabus and focus on the topics that are most frequently asked in previous exams.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take as many mock tests as possible to improve time management and accuracy.
- Stay Updated on Current Affairs: Read newspapers and magazines to stay updated on current affairs, especially for the General Awareness section.
- Work on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and focus more on improving them.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions under a time limit to enhance your speed during the exam.
Conclusion
The SBI PO syllabus covers a wide range of topics, from reasoning and quantitative aptitude to general awareness and professional knowledge. It is essential to have a well-structured preparation plan, focusing on all sections and practicing regularly. Stay consistent, focus on your weak areas, and use the right study materials to increase your chances of success in the SBI PO exam.