Comprehensive Guide to SBI PO 2024 Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Preparing for it requires a deep understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern. The SBI PO 2024 exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Psychometric Test/Group Exercise/Interview, with each phase testing specific skill sets. Below is a detailed breakdown of the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024 to help aspirants prepare effectively.
Overview of SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024
| SBI PO 2024 Syllabus & Exam Pattern WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |
| Exam Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
|---|---|
| Post | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Selection Stages | Prelims, Mains, Psychometric Test/Group Exercise/Interview |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each correct answer, 0.25 negative marking for incorrect answers |
| Language Options | English and Hindi (except English section) |
| Final Selection Criteria | Combined score from Mains (75%) and Psychometric Test/Interview (25%) |
SBI PO 2024 Prelims: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
Syllabus
The Prelims exam focuses on three sections:
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
Here’s the chapter-wise breakdown:
| SBI PO 2024 Prelims Syllabus WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||
| Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language |
| Logical Reasoning | Simplification | Reading Comprehension |
| Alphanumeric Series | Profit & Loss | Cloze Test |
| Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test | Mixtures & Allegations | Para jumbles |
| Data Sufficiency | Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices | Miscellaneous |
| Coded Inequalities | Work & Time | Fill in the blanks |
| Seating Arrangement | Time & Distance | Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting |
| Puzzle | Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere | Paragraph Completion |
| Tabulation | Data Interpretation | Vocabulary |
| Syllogism | Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | Sentence Improvement |
| Blood Relations | Number Systems | Word Association |
| Input-Output | Sequence & Series | Error Spotting |
| Coding-Decoding | Permutation, Combination &Probability | Verbal Ability |
Exam Pattern
| SBI PO 2024 Prelims Exam Pattern WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |||
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 100 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 20 minutes | |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 20 minutes | |
| Total | 100 | 1 hour | |
There will be no sectional cut-off in preliminary examination. There will be penalty for wrong answers marked in Objective Tests. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate,
1/4th of marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty to arrive at corrected score
SBI PO Mains: Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The Mains exam is more comprehensive, with an objective test (200 marks) and a descriptive test (50 marks).
SBI PO 2024 Mains Syllabus: Topic-Wise Breakdown
| SBI PO 2024 Mains Syllabus WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | |
|---|---|
| Section | Topics Covered |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Tabular Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Bar Graph, Radar Graph Case-let, Missing Case DI, Let it Case DI, Data Sufficiency, Probability, Permutation and Combination |
| Reasoning | Verbal Reasoning, Syllogism, Circular Seating Arrangement, Linear Seating Arrangement, Double Lineup, Scheduling, Input-Output, Blood Relations, Directions and Distances, Ordering and Ranking, Data Sufficiency, Coding and Decoding, Coded Inequalities, Course of Action, Critical Reasoning, Analytical and Decision Making |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Verbal Ability, Word Association, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks |
| General Awareness/Economy/Banking | Financial Awareness, Current Affairs, General Knowledge, Static Awareness, Banking and Financial Awareness |
| Computer Aptitude | Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Operating System, Networking, Computer Fundamentals/Terminologies |
Exam Pattern
The selection process for SBI PO Recruitment 2024 includes both Objective and Descriptive Tests. Below is the detailed structure of the examination:
Note:
- Each candidate will have to score a minimum score in each test (i.e. Test I, II, III, IV & Descriptive paper individually) in Main Examination.
- Depending on the number of vacancies available, cut offs will be decided and candidates will be shortlisted for Phase III
- There will be penalty for wrong answers marked in Objective Tests. For each question for which a wrong answer has been given by the candidate, 1/4th of marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty to arrive at corrected score
Objective Test
The Objective Test consists of 4 sections, with a total of 170 questions carrying 200 marks. The total duration of the test is 3 hours, and each section has a specific time limit.
| SBI PO 2024 Mains Exam Pattern WWW.SARKARIJOBLIST.COM | ||||
| Test | Name of the Test | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| II | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| III | General Awareness/Economy/Banking Knowledge | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| IV | English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 170 | 200 | 3 hours | |
Descriptive Paper
The Descriptive Test assesses candidates communication skills through email writing, report preparation, situation analysis, and précis writing.
| Section | Topics | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication Skills | Emails, Reports, Situation Analysis, Precis Writing | 50 | 30 minutes |
Grand Total
| Test Type | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Objective Test | 200 | 3 hours |
| Descriptive Paper | 50 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 250 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
This comprehensive exam pattern ensures the assessment of candidates’ analytical, reasoning, communication, and general awareness skills, making it a thorough and competitive process for SBI PO aspirants.
SBI PO 2024 Interview
The Bank may conduct a Psychometric Test for shortlisted candidates in Phase III to assess their personality profile. The results of this test may be shared with the Interview panel to provide a comprehensive understanding of the candidates.
This phase represents the final stage of selection for candidates who have successfully cleared the first two stages of the SBI PO exam. It includes a Group Discussion (20 marks) and an Interview (30 marks).
The aggregate scores of candidates who clear both the Objective and Descriptive Tests will be ranked in descending order within each category. Based on these rankings, a specified number of candidates from each category, as determined by the Bank, will be invited for the Group Exercises and Interview. The qualifying marks for the Group Discussion and Interview will be set by the Bank.
SBI PO 2024 Final Selection Process
The final selection for the SBI PO 2024 exam is determined based on the following criteria:
- Exclusion of Preliminary Exam Marks: Scores obtained in the Preliminary Exam (Phase 1) will not contribute to the final selection.
- Mandatory Qualification in Phase 2 and Phase 3: Candidates must clear both the Mains Exam and the Group Exercises & Interview stages independently to be considered for selection.
- Score Conversion:
- Marks secured in the SBI PO Mains Exam (out of 250) are scaled down to 75.
- Marks obtained in Group Exercises & Interview (out of 50) are scaled down to 25.
- This brings the total score (Mains + GD/PI) to a combined 100.
- Merit List Preparation: The aggregate score out of 100 is used to compile the final merit list for each category. Candidates with the highest ranks in their respective categories are selected for the position.
Preparation Strategy for SBI PO 2024
1. Understand the Syllabus
Focus on each section based on its weightage. Use the provided syllabus to create a detailed study plan.
2. Study Resources
- For reasoning, practice puzzles and seating arrangements extensively.
- Use standard books like Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal for QA.
- Refer to daily editorials for English improvement.
3. Mock Tests and Previous Papers
- Regularly attempt mock tests to simulate exam conditions.
- Analyze your mistakes and work on weak areas.
4. Time Management
Allocate time wisely during the exam. Practice solving sections within the prescribed time limits.
5. General Awareness Preparation
Stay updated with current affairs and read financial newspapers like The Economic Times.
Key Highlights
- Prelims is the qualifying stage. Focus on accuracy to minimize negative marking.
- Mains holds higher weightage. Prioritize Data Interpretation and Reasoning.
- The Descriptive Test is crucial for scoring well in Mains.
- Group discussions and interviews determine your personality and soft skills.
Conclusion
Preparing for the SBI PO 2024 exam demands thorough knowledge of the syllabus and consistent practice. With proper planning, smart work, and regular revisions, you can ace the exam and secure your position as a Probationary Officer in one of India’s most prestigious banks. Good luck!
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