Prelims Syllabus of SBI PO Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide
1. Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning Ability section of the SBI PO Prelims exam assesses your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
1.1. Puzzles and Seating Arrangements:
- Puzzles: These questions involve analyzing information presented in the form of a puzzle, often with multiple constraints. You need to deduce relationships, identify patterns, and arrive at the correct solution.
- Seating Arrangements: These questions involve arranging people or objects in a specific order, based on given clues. You need to understand the relationships between individuals and their positions.
1.2. Syllogisms:
- Syllogisms: These questions present two or more statements (premises) and ask you to determine the logical conclusion that can be drawn from them. You need to identify the relationship between the premises and the conclusion.
1.3. Inequalities:
- Inequalities: These questions involve comparing the values of variables using symbols like ‘>’ (greater than), ‘<‘ (less than), ‘⥒ (greater than or equal to), ‘⤒ (less than or equal to), and ‘â ‘ (not equal to). You need to apply logical reasoning to determine the relationships between variables.
1.4. Data Sufficiency:
- Data Sufficiency: These questions present a problem statement and two statements (I and II). You need to determine whether each statement alone or both statements together are sufficient to solve the problem.
1.5. Coding-Decoding:
- Coding-Decoding: These questions involve converting words or numbers into a coded form or vice versa. You need to identify the pattern used for coding and apply it to decode or encode the given information.
1.6. Blood Relations:
- Blood Relations: These questions involve understanding family relationships and identifying the relationship between two individuals based on given information.
1.7. Direction Sense:
- Direction Sense: These questions involve determining the final position of a person or object after a series of movements in different directions. You need to apply knowledge of cardinal directions (North, South, East, West) and their combinations.
1.8. Order and Ranking:
- Order and Ranking: These questions involve arranging individuals or objects in a specific order based on given criteria. You need to understand the relative positions of individuals and their rankings.
1.9. Miscellaneous:
- Miscellaneous: This category includes other reasoning-based questions that do not fall under the above categories. These questions may involve logical reasoning, analytical skills, and problem-solving abilities.
Table 1: Reasoning Ability Topics and their Importance
| Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
| Puzzles and Seating Arrangements | High |
| Syllogisms | Moderate |
| Inequalities | Moderate |
| Data Sufficiency | High |
| Coding-Decoding | Moderate |
| Blood Relations | Moderate |
| Direction Sense | Moderate |
| Order and Ranking | Moderate |
| Miscellaneous | Moderate |
2. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section of the SBI PO Prelims exam assesses your mathematical skills and ability to solve numerical problems. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
2.1. Arithmetic:
- Number Systems: This topic includes questions on divisibility rules, prime numbers, factors, multiples, HCF, LCM, and number series.
- Percentages: This topic includes questions on calculating percentages, discounts, profit and loss, simple interest, compound interest, and mixtures and alligations.
- Ratio and Proportion: This topic includes questions on finding ratios, proportions, and solving problems related to partnerships and time and work.
- Average: This topic includes questions on calculating averages, weighted averages, and finding missing values.
- Time and Work: This topic includes questions on calculating the time taken to complete a task by one or more individuals, and finding the efficiency of individuals.
- Time, Speed, and Distance: This topic includes questions on calculating speed, distance, and time, and solving problems related to trains, boats, and streams.
- Profit and Loss: This topic includes questions on calculating profit, loss, cost price, selling price, and markup.
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest: This topic includes questions on calculating simple interest and compound interest, and solving problems related to investments and loans.
- Mixtures and Alligations: This topic includes questions on finding the ratio of two or more mixtures, and calculating the average price of a mixture.
2.2. Algebra:
- Linear Equations: This topic includes questions on solving linear equations in one or two variables, and finding the values of unknowns.
- Quadratic Equations: This topic includes questions on solving quadratic equations, finding the roots of equations, and applying the quadratic formula.
- Inequalities: This topic includes questions on solving inequalities, finding the solution set, and applying the properties of inequalities.
- Surds and Indices: This topic includes questions on simplifying surds, rationalizing the denominator, and applying the laws of indices.
2.3. Geometry:
- Triangles: This topic includes questions on finding the area, perimeter, and properties of triangles, and solving problems related to similar triangles.
- Circles: This topic includes questions on finding the circumference, area, and properties of circles, and solving problems related to tangents and chords.
- Quadrilaterals: This topic includes questions on finding the area, perimeter, and properties of quadrilaterals, and solving problems related to parallelograms, rectangles, and squares.
- Mensuration: This topic includes questions on finding the volume and surface area of three-dimensional shapes, such as cubes, cuboids, cylinders, cones, and spheres.
2.4. Data Interpretation:
- Data Interpretation: This topic includes questions on analyzing data presented in various formats, such as tables, charts, graphs, and passages. You need to interpret the data, draw inferences, and answer questions based on the information provided.
Table 2: Quantitative Aptitude Topics and their Importance
| Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
| Arithmetic | High |
| Algebra | Moderate |
| Geometry | Moderate |
| Data Interpretation | High |
3. English Language
The English Language section of the SBI PO Prelims exam assesses your understanding and usage of the English language. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
3.1. Reading Comprehension:
- Reading Comprehension: This topic includes passages on various subjects, followed by multiple-choice questions. You need to understand the passage, identify the main idea, draw inferences, and answer questions based on the information provided.
3.2. Vocabulary:
- Vocabulary: This topic includes questions on synonyms, antonyms, and word meanings. You need to have a strong vocabulary and be able to identify the correct meaning of words in context.
3.3. Grammar:
- Grammar: This topic includes questions on parts of speech, tenses, subject-verb agreement, articles, prepositions, and other grammatical concepts. You need to have a strong understanding of grammar rules and be able to identify errors in sentences.
3.4. Sentence Correction:
- Sentence Correction: This topic includes questions on identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences. You need to be able to identify errors in grammar, punctuation, and usage.
3.5. Cloze Test:
- Cloze Test: This topic includes passages with missing words. You need to choose the most appropriate words to fill in the blanks, based on the context and grammar rules.
3.6. Para Jumbles:
- Para Jumbles: This topic includes sets of sentences that are jumbled. You need to rearrange the sentences in the correct order to form a coherent paragraph.
3.7. Error Spotting:
- Error Spotting: This topic includes sentences with grammatical errors. You need to identify the error in each sentence.
Table 3: English Language Topics and their Importance
| Topic | Importance |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | High |
| Vocabulary | Moderate |
| Grammar | Moderate |
| Sentence Correction | Moderate |
| Cloze Test | Moderate |
| Para Jumbles | Moderate |
| Error Spotting | Moderate |
4. General Awareness
The General Awareness section of the SBI PO Prelims exam assesses your knowledge of current affairs, banking, and financial awareness. It covers a wide range of topics, including:
4.1. Current Affairs:
- National and International Current Affairs: This topic includes questions on recent events in India and around the world, including politics, economics, social issues, and science and technology.
- Banking and Financial Awareness: This topic includes questions on recent developments in the banking and financial sector, including policies, regulations, and key players.
4.2. Static GK:
- Indian History: This topic includes questions on important events, personalities, and movements in Indian history.
- Indian Geography: This topic includes questions on the physical features, climate, and resources of India.
- Indian Polity: This topic includes questions on the Indian Constitution, government structure, and political system.
- Indian Economy: This topic includes questions on the Indian economy, key sectors, and economic policies.
- Science and Technology: This topic includes questions on recent advancements in science and technology, including space exploration, medicine, and information technology.
4.3. Banking Awareness:
- Banking Terminology: This topic includes questions on common banking terms, concepts, and regulations.
- Financial Institutions: This topic includes questions on various financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds.
- Financial Markets: This topic includes questions on the stock market, bond market, and other financial markets.
- Financial Products: This topic includes questions on various financial products, including loans, deposits, and insurance policies.
4.4. Miscellaneous:
- Miscellaneous: This category includes other general awareness questions that do not fall under the above categories. These questions may involve current events, social issues, and general knowledge.
Tips for Preparing for the General Awareness Section:
- Read Newspapers and Magazines: Stay updated on current affairs by reading newspapers and magazines regularly.
- Follow Online News Sources: Follow reputable online news sources and websites for updates on current events.
- Refer to GK Books and Websites: Refer to general knowledge books and websites for information on static GK topics.
- Focus on Banking and Financial Awareness: Pay special attention to banking and financial awareness topics, as they are crucial for the SBI PO exam.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice mock tests to assess your understanding of the General Awareness section and identify areas where you need to improve.
Note: The syllabus and exam pattern for the SBI PO exam are subject to change. It is advisable to refer to the official notification released by SBI for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions and Short Answers: SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024
1. What are the main sections of the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The SBI PO Prelims exam consists of three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
2. How many questions are there in each section?
The number of questions in each section may vary from year to year. However, typically, there are 35 questions in each section.
3. What is the duration of the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The SBI PO Prelims exam has a duration of 1 hour (60 minutes).
4. What is the marking scheme for the SBI PO Prelims exam?
Each correct answer carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
5. What are some important topics in Reasoning Ability?
Important topics in Reasoning Ability include Puzzles and Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, Inequalities, Data Sufficiency, and Coding-Decoding.
6. What are some important topics in Quantitative Aptitude?
Important topics in Quantitative Aptitude include Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation.
7. What are some important topics in English Language?
Important topics in English Language include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, and Error Spotting.
8. What is the level of difficulty of the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The SBI PO Prelims exam is considered to be of moderate difficulty level.
9. How can I prepare for the SBI PO Prelims exam?
To prepare for the SBI PO Prelims exam, you should:
- Understand the syllabus and exam pattern.
- Practice mock tests regularly.
- Refer to study materials and books.
- Focus on your weak areas.
- Stay updated on current affairs.
10. What are some tips for attempting the SBI PO Prelims exam?
- Manage your time effectively.
- Attempt easy questions first.
- Avoid guessing too much.
- Read the instructions carefully.
- Stay calm and focused.
11. What is the cutoff for the SBI PO Prelims exam?
The cutoff for the SBI PO Prelims exam varies each year depending on factors such as the number of candidates, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of vacancies.
12. What happens after clearing the SBI PO Prelims exam?
Candidates who clear the SBI PO Prelims exam are eligible to appear for the SBI PO Mains exam.
13. What is the syllabus for the SBI PO Mains exam?
The SBI PO Mains exam syllabus includes topics such as Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge.
14. What are some good resources for preparing for the SBI PO exam?
Some good resources for preparing for the SBI PO exam include:
- Online coaching websites
- Books and study materials
- Mock test series
- Previous year’s question papers
15. What are some important things to keep in mind while preparing for the SBI PO exam?
- Stay motivated and focused.
- Practice regularly.
- Seek guidance from experienced mentors.
- Believe in yourself.