Highlights of SBI PO Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Exam Overview
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) Exam is a highly competitive national-level examination conducted by the State Bank of India for recruitment of Probationary Officers in its various branches across India. The exam is conducted in three phases:
Phase 1: Preliminary Exam
- Objective Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 1 hour
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 Questions
- English Language: 30 Questions
Phase 2: Mains Exam
- Objective Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 3 hours
- Sections:
- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude: 60 Questions
- Data Analysis and Interpretation: 60 Questions
- General Awareness: 40 Questions
- English Language: 40 Questions
Phase 3: Interview
- Mode: Face-to-Face
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Assessment: Communication skills, personality, general awareness, and banking knowledge.
2. Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian Citizen
- Age: Minimum 21 years and Maximum 30 years as on 01.04.2024 (Age relaxation is available for reserved categories as per government norms)
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent.
3. Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Expected in February 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | Expected in February 2024 |
| Online Application Last Date | Expected in March 2024 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | Expected in April/May 2024 |
| Mains Exam Date | Expected in June/July 2024 |
| Interview Date | Expected in August/September 2024 |
Note: These dates are tentative and subject to change. Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest updates.
4. Exam Pattern and Syllabus
4.1 Preliminary Exam
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Syllabus:
-
Reasoning Ability:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
- Data Sufficiency
-
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems
- Simplification
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Averages
- Ratio and Proportion
- Data Interpretation
-
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
4.2 Mains Exam
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 60 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation | 60 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 3 hours |
Syllabus:
-
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Coding-Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
- Data Sufficiency
- Computer Basics
- Operating Systems
- Computer Networks
- MS Office
-
Data Analysis and Interpretation:
- Data Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Mixed Graphs
- Caselets
- Data Sufficiency
-
General Awareness:
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Banking Awareness
- Economy
- Finance
- Static GK
-
English Language:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
5. Selection Process
The selection process for SBI PO Exam 2024 will be as follows:
- Preliminary Exam: Candidates need to clear the preliminary exam to be eligible for the Mains Exam.
- Mains Exam: Candidates need to clear the Mains Exam to be eligible for the Interview.
- Interview: Candidates shortlisted after the Mains Exam will be called for an interview.
- Final Merit List: The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidates’ performance in the Mains Exam and Interview.
6. Preparation Strategy
6.1 Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus:
- Go through the official notification and understand the exam pattern, syllabus, and marking scheme.
- Analyze previous year’s question papers to get an idea of the difficulty level and types of questions asked.
6.2 Create a Study Plan:
- Divide your study time into different sections based on your strengths and weaknesses.
- Allocate sufficient time for each section and ensure you cover the entire syllabus.
- Set realistic goals and track your progress regularly.
6.3 Choose the Right Study Material:
- Refer to reliable study materials like textbooks, mock tests, and online resources.
- Join coaching classes if required.
6.4 Practice Regularly:
- Solve as many mock tests and previous year’s question papers as possible.
- Analyze your performance and identify your weak areas.
- Work on improving your speed and accuracy.
6.5 Stay Updated with Current Affairs:
- Read newspapers, magazines, and online portals to stay updated with current affairs.
- Focus on banking and financial news.
6.6 Develop Time Management Skills:
- Learn to manage your time effectively during the exam.
- Practice time-bound mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
6.7 Stay Calm and Focused:
- Avoid stress and anxiety during the exam.
- Stay calm and focused on your goal.
7. Important Tips
- Start your preparation early: Don’t wait till the last minute to start preparing.
- Focus on your strengths: Identify your strong areas and work on them to score well.
- Improve your weak areas: Don’t neglect your weak areas. Work on them consistently to improve your performance.
- Practice mock tests: Mock tests are essential for improving your speed, accuracy, and time management skills.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Current affairs play a crucial role in the General Awareness section.
- Stay motivated: Stay motivated and focused on your goal.
- Believe in yourself: Believe in your abilities and you will succeed.
8. Resources
- Official Website: www.sbi.co.in
- Previous Year’s Question Papers: Available on various websites and online platforms.
- Mock Tests: Available on various websites and online platforms.
- Coaching Classes: Available in various cities across India.
9. FAQs
9.1 What is the salary of an SBI PO?
The salary of an SBI PO is around â¹50,000 – â¹60,000 per month, including basic pay, allowances, and other benefits.
9.2 What is the job profile of an SBI PO?
The job profile of an SBI PO includes handling customer transactions, providing financial advice, managing loans, and other banking operations.
9.3 What are the career growth opportunities for an SBI PO?
SBI POs have excellent career growth opportunities. They can progress to higher positions like Assistant Manager, Manager, and Chief Manager.
9.4 What are the benefits of working as an SBI PO?
The benefits of working as an SBI PO include a good salary, allowances, medical insurance, and other perks.
9.5 How can I prepare for the SBI PO Exam 2024?
You can prepare for the SBI PO Exam 2024 by following the preparation strategy and tips mentioned above.
10. Conclusion
The SBI PO Exam 2024 is a challenging but rewarding exam. With proper preparation and dedication, you can crack the exam and secure a prestigious career in the banking sector. Remember to stay focused, motivated, and believe in yourself. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the SBI PO 2024 notification be released?
The notification is expected to be released in February 2024.
2. What is the eligibility criteria for the SBI PO Exam 2024?
Candidates must be Indian citizens, aged between 21 and 30 years as on 01.04.2024, and hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
3. What is the exam pattern for the SBI PO Exam 2024?
The exam is conducted in three phases: Preliminary, Mains, and Interview. Each phase has specific sections with objective-type questions.
4. What is the syllabus for the SBI PO Exam 2024?
The syllabus covers topics like Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude.
5. How can I prepare for the SBI PO Exam 2024?
Start your preparation early, understand the exam pattern and syllabus, create a study plan, choose the right study material, practice regularly, and stay updated with current affairs.
6. What are some good resources for SBI PO Exam preparation?
Refer to the official SBI website, previous year’s question papers, mock tests, and coaching classes.
7. What is the salary of an SBI PO?
The salary is around â¹50,000 – â¹60,000 per month, including basic pay, allowances, and other benefits.
8. What is the job profile of an SBI PO?
SBI POs handle customer transactions, provide financial advice, manage loans, and perform other banking operations.
9. What are the career growth opportunities for an SBI PO?
SBI POs can progress to higher positions like Assistant Manager, Manager, and Chief Manager.
10. What are the benefits of working as an SBI PO?
Benefits include a good salary, allowances, medical insurance, and other perks.