Mains Syllabus of SBI CBO Exam 2024
The SBI CBO (Circle Based Officer) exam is a challenging and competitive exam that requires thorough preparation. The Mains syllabus is designed to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills in various areas relevant to the role of a Circle Based Officer. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus:
Section 1: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
1.1 Reasoning Ability
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or concepts.
- Classification: Grouping words or concepts based on shared characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns in sequences of numbers, letters, or symbols.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and applying them to decode messages.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and navigating through a given set of instructions.
- Logical Deduction: Drawing logical conclusions from given statements or scenarios.
- Syllogisms: Analyzing arguments and determining their validity.
- Critical Reasoning: Evaluating arguments, identifying assumptions, and drawing inferences.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Figure Series: Identifying patterns in sequences of figures.
- Analogy: Identifying relationships between figures.
- Classification: Grouping figures based on shared characteristics.
- Mirror Images: Identifying the mirror image of a given figure.
- Water Images: Identifying the water image of a given figure.
- Paper Folding & Cutting: Understanding the outcome of folding and cutting a piece of paper.
- Embedded Figures: Identifying a given figure within a larger complex figure.
1.2 Computer Aptitude
- Computer Basics:
- Hardware and Software: Understanding the components of a computer system and their functions.
- Operating Systems: Familiarity with different operating systems like Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Input/Output Devices: Knowledge of various input and output devices.
- Networking: Basic understanding of computer networks, LAN, WAN, and internet.
- MS Office Suite:
- MS Word: Proficiency in word processing, including formatting, tables, and document creation.
- MS Excel: Knowledge of spreadsheets, formulas, charts, and data analysis.
- MS PowerPoint: Ability to create presentations, including slides, animations, and multimedia elements.
- Internet and Web Browsing:
- Understanding the internet and its applications.
- Proficiency in using web browsers and searching for information online.
- Basic knowledge of email and social media platforms.
- Data Interpretation:
- Analyzing data presented in various formats like tables, charts, and graphs.
- Drawing inferences and conclusions from data.
- Computer Programming:
- Basic understanding of programming concepts and languages.
- Ability to write simple programs.
Section 2: General Awareness
2.1 Current Affairs:
- National: Major events, policies, and developments in India.
- International: Significant global events, political developments, and economic trends.
- Banking & Finance: Recent developments in the banking and financial sector, including RBI policies, new schemes, and financial regulations.
- Economy: Key economic indicators, government policies, and major economic events.
- Science & Technology: Latest advancements in science and technology, including space exploration, medical breakthroughs, and technological innovations.
- Sports: Major sporting events, achievements of Indian athletes, and significant developments in the sports world.
- Culture & Heritage: Important cultural events, festivals, and heritage sites in India.
2.2 Static GK:
- Indian History: Major historical events, dynasties, and personalities.
- Indian Geography: Physical features, rivers, climate, and important geographical locations.
- Indian Polity: Constitution of India, fundamental rights, and important institutions.
- Indian Economy: Economic structure, major industries, and economic reforms.
- General Science: Basic concepts of physics, chemistry, and biology.
2.3 Banking Awareness:
- History of Banking in India: Evolution of the banking system in India.
- Types of Banks: Commercial banks, cooperative banks, and specialized banks.
- Banking Regulations: RBI guidelines, banking laws, and regulatory framework.
- Financial Products & Services: Different types of accounts, loans, deposits, and other financial products.
- Digital Banking: Mobile banking, internet banking, and other digital banking services.
- Financial Inclusion: Initiatives and programs aimed at promoting financial inclusion.
Section 3: English Language
3.1 Reading Comprehension:
- Ability to understand and interpret passages from various sources.
- Identifying main ideas, supporting details, and author’s purpose.
- Drawing inferences and making predictions based on the text.
3.2 Vocabulary:
- Understanding the meaning of words and phrases in context.
- Identifying synonyms, antonyms, and homonyms.
- Using vocabulary effectively in writing and speaking.
3.3 Grammar:
- Knowledge of grammatical rules, including tenses, subject-verb agreement, and parts of speech.
- Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences.
- Using correct grammar in writing and speaking.
3.4 Sentence Correction:
- Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure, punctuation, and word usage.
- Understanding the rules of sentence construction and applying them to improve sentences.
3.5 Para Jumbles:
- Rearranging jumbled paragraphs to form a coherent and logical sequence.
- Understanding the flow of ideas and identifying the correct order of sentences.
3.6 Cloze Test:
- Filling in the blanks in a passage with appropriate words or phrases.
- Understanding the context and choosing the most suitable words to complete the passage.
3.7 Error Spotting:
- Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
- Understanding the rules of grammar and identifying violations of those rules.
3.8 Idioms & Phrases:
- Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.
- Using idioms and phrases appropriately in writing and speaking.
Section 4: General Knowledge & Current Affairs
4.1 General Knowledge:
- History: Major historical events, personalities, and movements.
- Geography: Physical features, rivers, climate, and important geographical locations.
- Polity: Constitution of India, fundamental rights, and important institutions.
- Economy: Economic structure, major industries, and economic reforms.
- Science & Technology: Latest advancements in science and technology.
- Sports: Major sporting events, achievements of Indian athletes, and significant developments in the sports world.
- Culture & Heritage: Important cultural events, festivals, and heritage sites in India.
4.2 Current Affairs:
- National: Major events, policies, and developments in India.
- International: Significant global events, political developments, and economic trends.
- Banking & Finance: Recent developments in the banking and financial sector, including RBI policies, new schemes, and financial regulations.
- Economy: Key economic indicators, government policies, and major economic events.
- Science & Technology: Latest advancements in science and technology, including space exploration, medical breakthroughs, and technological innovations.
Section 5: Data Analysis & Interpretation
5.1 Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing data presented in tabular form.
- Charts: Interpreting data presented in various chart formats like bar charts, pie charts, line charts, and histograms.
- Graphs: Analyzing data presented in graphical form.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether the given data is sufficient to answer a question.
- Data Comparison: Comparing data from different sources and drawing conclusions.
5.2 Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems: Understanding different types of numbers, their properties, and operations.
- Arithmetic: Basic arithmetic operations, percentages, ratios, proportions, averages, and time and work.
- Algebra: Linear equations, quadratic equations, and inequalities.
- Geometry: Basic geometric concepts, triangles, circles, and quadrilaterals.
- Mensuration: Calculation of areas, volumes, and perimeters of various shapes.
- Trigonometry: Basic trigonometric ratios, identities, and applications.
Section 6: Financial Awareness
6.1 Financial Markets:
- Capital Market: Understanding the stock market, bond market, and other capital market instruments.
- Money Market: Knowledge of money market instruments, including treasury bills and commercial paper.
- Foreign Exchange Market: Understanding foreign exchange rates, currency fluctuations, and forex trading.
- Financial Institutions: Different types of financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds.
6.2 Financial Products & Services:
- Deposits: Different types of bank deposits, including savings accounts, fixed deposits, and recurring deposits.
- Loans: Various types of loans offered by banks, including home loans, personal loans, and business loans.
- Insurance: Understanding different types of insurance, including life insurance, health insurance, and property insurance.
- Mutual Funds: Knowledge of mutual funds, their types, and investment strategies.
6.3 Financial Regulations:
- RBI Regulations: Understanding the role of the Reserve Bank of India in regulating the financial sector.
- SEBI Regulations: Knowledge of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and its role in regulating the capital market.
- IRDA Regulations: Understanding the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDA) and its role in regulating the insurance sector.
6.4 Financial Analysis:
- Financial Statements: Understanding financial statements like balance sheets, income statements, and cash flow statements.
- Financial Ratios: Calculating and interpreting various financial ratios to assess the financial health of a company.
- Investment Analysis: Evaluating investment opportunities and making informed investment decisions.
Sample Tables
Table 1: Section-wise Weightage for SBI CBO Mains Exam
| Section | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 30% |
| General Awareness | 20% |
| English Language | 20% |
| General Knowledge & Current Affairs | 15% |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 10% |
| Financial Awareness | 5% |
Table 2: Important Topics for General Awareness Section
| Topic | Sub-Topics |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | National, International, Banking & Finance, Economy, Science & Technology, Sports, Culture & Heritage |
| Static GK | Indian History, Indian Geography, Indian Polity, Indian Economy, General Science |
| Banking Awareness | History of Banking in India, Types of Banks, Banking Regulations, Financial Products & Services, Digital Banking, Financial Inclusion |
Note: The syllabus and weightage may vary slightly from year to year. It is advisable to refer to the official notification for the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for SBI CBO Mains Exam 2024
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
Q1: What are some common types of reasoning questions asked in the exam?
A1: Analogies, classifications, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, logical deduction, syllogisms, and critical reasoning.
Q2: What are the essential computer skills required for the exam?
A2: Basic computer knowledge, MS Office Suite proficiency (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), internet and web browsing skills, data interpretation, and basic programming concepts.
General Awareness:
Q3: How can I stay updated on current affairs for the exam?
A3: Read newspapers, magazines, and online news portals regularly. Follow reliable news sources and subscribe to current affairs websites or apps.
Q4: What are some important topics to focus on for static GK?
A4: Indian history, geography, polity, economy, and general science.
Q5: What are the key areas to focus on for banking awareness?
A5: History of banking in India, types of banks, banking regulations, financial products and services, digital banking, and financial inclusion.
English Language:
Q6: What are the most important aspects of English language proficiency for the exam?
A6: Reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, sentence correction, para jumbles, cloze test, error spotting, and idioms & phrases.
Q7: How can I improve my reading comprehension skills?
A7: Practice reading different types of passages, identify main ideas, supporting details, and author’s purpose. Analyze the text and draw inferences.
General Knowledge & Current Affairs:
Q8: What are some good resources for preparing for general knowledge and current affairs?
A8: Newspapers, magazines, online news portals, general knowledge books, and current affairs websites or apps.
Q9: How can I remember important facts and figures for the exam?
A9: Use mnemonics, flashcards, and practice writing down key information. Regularly revise what you have learned.
Data Analysis & Interpretation:
Q10: What are the different types of data interpretation questions asked in the exam?
A10: Tables, charts (bar, pie, line, histogram), graphs, data sufficiency, and data comparison.
Q11: What are some essential quantitative aptitude concepts to know?
A11: Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry, mensuration, and trigonometry.
Financial Awareness:
Q12: What are the key areas to focus on for financial awareness?
A12: Financial markets (capital market, money market, foreign exchange market), financial products and services (deposits, loans, insurance, mutual funds), financial regulations (RBI, SEBI, IRDA), and financial analysis.
Q13: How can I gain knowledge about financial concepts?
A13: Read financial newspapers and magazines, study financial books and websites, and attend workshops or seminars on financial topics.
General Tips:
Q14: What are some general tips for preparing for the SBI CBO Mains exam?
A14: Create a study plan, stick to a consistent schedule, practice mock tests regularly, analyze your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving your weak areas.
Q15: What are the important things to remember on the day of the exam?
A15: Reach the exam center on time, carry all necessary documents, stay calm and focused, manage your time effectively, and attempt all questions to the best of your ability.