SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus
One of the most sought after banking exams which come along in India is the Probationary Officer exam in State Bank of India, more commonly known as SBI PO. Year after year, thousands of applicants sit down to take up the examination with hope to join the large public sector bank, State Bank of India, as a Probationary Officer.
The struggle to get into this exam is pretty high with a lucrative salary package, excellent opportunities for growth, and the prestige of being employed in an SBI organization. Hence, before appearing for this highly competitive exam, it is essential that you know about the SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus 2024.
In this article, we will start with a detailed exploration of the SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus 2024, highlighting critical parts, topics, and preparation strategies to help you maximize probability for success.
Introduction
The SBI PO exam is one of those research-based tests that check the aptitudes of the candidates which include reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and the ability of the candidate to understand English. It tests the ability of handling the intricacies of banking operations, customer relations, and managerial responsibilities.
The selection process can be divided into three stages
- Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
- Main Examination (Mains)
- Interview and Group Exercises
Understanding the SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus is the first step toward cracking the exam. All stages can be very well cracked if one has the right strategy, study plan, and preparation.
SBI PO Exam Overview
SBI PO Exam is conducted by the State Bank of India for recruitment as probationary officers. These probationary officers are entrusted with performing various managerial and administrative tasks on behalf of the bank. A probationary officer has a leadership role and is concerned with customer relations, handling banking operations, complaint redressing, and implementing banking policies.
The SBI PO exam consists of three phases:
- Phase 1: Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
- Phase 2: Main Exam (Mains)
- Phase 3: Interview and Group Exercises
Each stage tests separately check the candidate’s capabilities at the various levels, with Prelims being a qualifying round, and Mains have weightage in final selection. In interviews and group exercises, a person’s communication skills, leadership, and ability to take decisions are tested.
SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024
The three phases of SBI PO 2024 test at the candidate’s abilities in different aspects of aptitude and suitability for the Probationary Officer role.
Phase 1: Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is a screening test, relatively easier compared to the Main Exam but certainly not a test to be taken lightly since it decides who goes on to the next level.
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Time Allotted |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Important points related to the Preliminary Exam:
- Total Marks: 100
- Duration: 1 hour
- Negative marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- No sectional cut-off: The selection is based on overall performance.
Phase 2: Main Exam Pattern
The Main Exam is a broad test. It has both objective and descriptive types. It tests the knowledge of a candidate in depth areas related to banking, finance, reasoning, data analysis, and general awareness.
Objective Test Pattern:
| Section | No. of Question | Marks | Time Allotted |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
Pattern of Descriptive Test:
| Section | No. of Question | Marks | Time Allotted |
| Essay Writing | 1 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Letter Writing | 1 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 2 | 50 | 30 minutes |
Important details about the Final Exam:
- Total Marks: 250 (200 for objective + 50 for descriptive)
- Duration: 3.5 hours (3 hours for objective + 30 minutes for descriptive)
- Negating marking: 0.25 marks will be deducted for each wrong answer in the objective test.
Phase 3: Interview and Group Exercises
Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam are called for the Interview and Group Exercises, conducted to judge their communication skills, leadership qualities, and ability to work in teams.
| Component | Marks |
| Group Exercises | 20 |
| Personal Interview | 30 |
| Total | 50 |
Selection at the end would be on the basis of aggregate marks of the Main Exam and Interview/Group Exercises.
Comprehensive SBI PO Syllabus 2024
In order to prepare for the SBI PO exam 2024, one has to be well-informed of the syllabus. This post provides a comprehensive outline of the syllabus covering both Prelims as well as Mains exams.
Preliminary Exam Syllabus
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Synonyms and Antonyms
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Series
- Simplification
- Data Interpretation (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Tables)
- Quadratic Equations
- Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time & Work, Speed & Distance
- Mensuration
Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Input-Output
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense
- Logical Reasoning
Main Exam Syllabus
The Main Exam syllabus is much larger than the Prelims, with reasoning, data interpretation, and general awareness topics. It can be roughly divided into the following sections.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
- Complex Puzzles
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Computer Fundamentals
- Networking
Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- Data Sufficiency
- Caselets
- Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs
- Data Tables
- Probability
- Permutations and Combinations
General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
- Banking Terminology
- Current Affairs (Banking and Financial)
- Indian Economy
- Static GK
- Recent Developments in Banking Sector
- RBI Regulations
English Language (Descriptive Test):
- Essay Writing: Themes related to banking, economics, social issues, or current events.
- Letter writing: Formal letters about different circumstances (business complaints, etc.).
Preparation for the SBI PO 2024 Exam
Planning and proper preparation are the mantra to crack the SBI PO exam 2024. Here are some tips to get you rolling:
1. Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Understanding the pattern and syllabus of SBI PO fully is the first step. Then chart out your time slotting according to the weightages of the sections and identifying areas to work upon.
2. Preparing a Study Schedule
A well-planned study schedule creates room for effective preparation. Decide how you can utilize the hours you have each for your subjects, given that you feel a varying intensity about each of them. You will find this to be useful for guidance.
| Day | Subject | Hours |
| Monday | English Language + Quantitative Aptitude | 4 |
| Tuesday | Reasoning Ability + General Awareness | 4 |
| Wednesday | Quantitative Aptitude + Computer Aptitude | 4 |
| Thursday | Reasoning + English Language | 4 |
| Friday | Data Analysis + General Awareness | 4 |
| Saturday | Mock Test (Prelims) | 4 |
| Sunday | Revision + Descriptive Writing Practice | 3 |
3. Practice Mock Tests
You will have to practice as many mock tests as possible, which will let you increase your speed and accuracy. It also lets you know how much time is assigned to each section, and you get accustomed to it.
Now, for each mock test, you analyze how you have done it and then work on your weak areas..
4. Time Management
Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice solving questions within a stipulated time so that it will be possible to answer all sections in real time. Easy questions must be attempted at first so that as many points are scored as possible.
5. General Awareness Preparation
The General Awareness section needs to be updated with the latest news relating to the banking and finance sector along with the state of the economy. Reading newspapers, banking news portals, and current affairs magazines can help you.
Conclusion
The SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus 2024 have been constructed to test candidates’ awareness in a number of domains, such as reasoning and quantitative aptitude, general awareness, computer, etc. Overall it requires a deep understanding of the syllabus, and daily practice will be the way to success. Build a solid foundation in all the subjects, follow a schedule of regular practice, and keep yourself upgraded with current affairs.
Proper strategy and dedication help the aspirant to sail through the diverse stages of the SBI PO exam with colors and thereby finally acquire a coveted position as Probationary Officer.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is the SBI PO 2024 examination pattern?
The SBI PO examination pattern in the year 2024 consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Interview & Group Exercises. While the Prelims is an objective test, the Mains will have objective and descriptive questions.
2. What is the SBI PO exam date 2024?
The SBI is planning to issue the date for the SBI PO exam 2024. Visit the portal and keep an eye on it for any further updates.
3. Will there be any negative marking in SBI PO?
Yes, SBI PO also contains a facility of negative marking, and 0.25 marks will be deducted in both Preliminary and Main objective tests for the wrong answer written by the candidate.
4. What are the parts or subjects in the SBI PO Main Exam?
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language (Descriptive Test) are the topics included in the SBI PO Main Exam syllabus.
5. How do I monitor the SBI PO exam?
You may check updates at the official website of SBI Careers, subscribe to an educational blog, and keep track of other relevant social media channels that concern updates of the SBI PO Exam.
