SBI PO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024 A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

SBI PO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024 : The State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) examination is one of India's most sought-after bank exams. Each year, thousands of candidates compete for a limited number of vacancies. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for aspirants preparing for this competitive exam. This article provides an in-depth look at the SBI PO exam structure, covering each phase and outlining essential details to help candidates prepare strategically.

Selection Procedure for SBI PO or SBI PO Exam Pattern

The SBI PO selection process consists of three main phases:

Preliminary Examination
Main Examination
Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview

Each phase plays a critical role in assessing the candidate’s abilities across various domains. Let’s dive into each phase in detail.

Phase I: Preliminary Examination

The SBI PO Preliminary Exam is an objective test with a total of 100 marks. It is conducted online and comprises three sections:

Sl. No.	Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
1	English Language	30	30	20 mins
2	Quantitative Aptitude	35	35	20 mins
3	Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 mins
Total	-	100	100	1 hour

Key Points for Prelims

Duration: 1 hour total.
Merit List for Mains: The merit list for the Main Examination is based on the total score in the Preliminary Examination.
Selection Criteria: Approximately 10 times the number of available vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Exam.

Phase II: Main Examination

The Main Exam is more comprehensive, assessing candidates through objective and descriptive tests. The objective test is worth 200 marks, while the descriptive test adds 50 marks.

Objective Test

The objective test lasts for 3 hours and consists of four sections:

Sl. No.	Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
1	Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	50	50 mins
2	Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	50	45 mins
3	General/Economy/Banking Awareness	50	60	45 mins
4	English Language	35	40	40 mins
Total	-	155	200	3 hours

Descriptive Paper

The descriptive section, conducted immediately after the objective test, assesses candidates' English proficiency in letter writing and essay writing. This section is evaluated for 50 marks over 30 minutes. Candidates must type their answers on the computer.

Total Marks for Mains: 250 marks (200 for objective + 50 for descriptive).
Penalty for Wrong Answers: There is a negative marking for incorrect answers in both Preliminary and Main exams. Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 1/4th of the assigned marks for that question.

Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview

After the Main Examination, candidates are shortlisted for Phase III, which consists of a Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview.

Test Structure	Group Exercise	Interview
Maximum Marks	20	30

Psychometric Test: This assesses personality traits and suitability for the role.
Group Exercise and Interview: Together, these two parts are worth 50 marks. The final qualifying marks are determined by the bank.

Final Selection

The final merit list combines scores from both the Main Exam (objective and descriptive) and the Group Exercise & Interview, normalized to 100 marks. Here’s the breakdown:

Test	Maximum Marks	Normalized Marks
Main Exam	250	75
Group Exercise & Interview	50	25
Total	300	100

The final merit list is created by aggregating these scores, and candidates are selected based on their ranking.

SBI PO Important Notes

Sectional Marks Not Maintained: Sectional marks are not maintained for both Preliminary and Main Exams.
No Sectional Cut-offs: There is no sectional cut-off. Selection is based on aggregate scores in each phase.
Eligibility for Reserved Categories: Candidates in certain reserved categories need to submit relevant certificates to qualify for reservation benefits.

Preparation for the SBI PO exam requires a well-rounded approach, focusing on both speed and accuracy. Candidates should strategize their study plan to cover all sections thoroughly, given the diverse range of topics in each phase. With a comprehensive understanding of the SBI PO exam pattern and syllabus, aspirants can prepare effectively and increase their chances of success in one of India's most prestigious banking exams.

Good luck to all aspirants! Prepare with dedication, and remember that every effort brings you one step closer to your goal.

frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to the SBI PO exam pattern, selection process, and preparation strategy:

1. What is the selection process for SBI PO?

The SBI PO selection process consists of three phases:

Phase I: Preliminary Examination
Phase II: Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive)
Phase III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview

2. Is there a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam?

No, there is no sectional cut-off for either the Preliminary or Main exams. The selection is based on the aggregate score, and candidates need to perform well across all sections to maximize their total score.

3. What is the exam pattern for the SBI PO Preliminary Examination?

The Preliminary Examination is a 1-hour test with 100 marks, divided into three sections:

English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes
Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes

4. How many questions are there in the SBI PO Main Exam?

The SBI PO Main Exam (Objective) has a total of 155 questions across four sections. It also includes a Descriptive Test, where candidates must write an essay and a letter.

5. What is the duration of the SBI PO Main Examination?

The duration of the objective test in the SBI PO Main Examination is 3 hours. An additional 30 minutes is provided for the Descriptive Test, making the total time 3 hours and 30 minutes.

6. Is there negative marking in the SBI PO exam?

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers in both Preliminary and Main exams. Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question. However, there is no penalty for unanswered questions.

7. What topics are covered in the Descriptive Test of the Main Exam?

The Descriptive Test in the SBI PO Main Examination includes two tasks:

Letter Writing
Essay Writing

Candidates are required to type their answers on the computer, and the test is worth 50 marks.

8. What is the Psychometric Test in Phase III of the SBI PO exam?

The Psychometric Test assesses the personality traits and suitability of candidates for the role of a Probationary Officer. This test is conducted before the Group Exercise and Interview to help the interview panel understand the candidates' psychological and professional profiles.

9. How is the final merit list for SBI PO prepared?

The final merit list is prepared based on the combined scores of the Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive) and Phase III (Group Exercise and Interview). These scores are normalized to a total of 100 marks.

10. What is the weightage of the Main Exam and Interview in the final selection?

The Main Exam carries a weightage of 75%, and the Group Exercise & Interview hold a weightage of 25% in the final merit list.

11. Are the scores of the Preliminary Exam included in the final merit list?

No, the scores from the Preliminary Exam are not included in the final merit list. The Preliminary Exam is only qualifying in nature and serves to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.

12. What is the syllabus for the SBI PO Objective Test in the Main Exam?

The Main Exam objective test covers the following sections:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Data Analysis & Interpretation
General/Economy/Banking Awareness
English Language

Each section has a specific number of questions and time allocation.

13. How many candidates are shortlisted for the Main Exam from the Preliminary Exam?

Approximately 10 times the number of available vacancies are shortlisted for the Main Exam based on the scores of the Preliminary Examination.

14. Do I need to submit my caste certificate during the SBI PO selection process?

Yes, candidates applying under reserved categories (such as OBC, SC, ST, and EWS) must submit valid certificates to qualify for the respective reservation benefits.

15. Can I appear for the SBI PO exam if I don't meet the eligibility criteria but still want to give it a try?

No, you must meet the SBI PO eligibility criteria to apply for the exam. Candidates who do not fulfill the eligibility criteria will be disqualified from the recruitment process.