Mains Syllabus of SBI SO Exam 2024
Section 1: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
This section tests your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills, along with your understanding of computer fundamentals and applications.
Reasoning Ability
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or concepts.
- Classification: Grouping items based on shared characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns in sequences of numbers, letters, or figures.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and applying them to solve problems.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and distances based on given information.
- Logical Deduction: Drawing conclusions from given statements or facts.
- 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 Image: Identifying the mirror image of a given figure.
- Water Image: Identifying the water image of a given figure.
- Paper Folding and Cutting: Solving problems based on folding and cutting paper.
- Embedded Figures: Identifying a given figure within a complex figure.
Computer Aptitude
- Computer Basics:
- Hardware and Software: Understanding the components of a computer system and their functions.
- Operating Systems: Familiarity with different operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux) and their features.
- Networking: Basic concepts of networks, including LAN, WAN, and the Internet.
- Data Representation: Understanding binary, decimal, and hexadecimal systems.
- Data Storage: Knowledge of different storage devices and their characteristics.
- Computer Applications:
- MS Office Suite: Proficiency in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Internet and Web Browsing: Understanding web browsing, search engines, and email.
- Database Management Systems: Basic concepts of databases and SQL.
- Programming Languages: Familiarity with basic programming concepts and syntax.
- Computer Security:
- Viruses and Malware: Understanding different types of threats and how to protect against them.
- Firewalls and Anti-virus Software: Knowledge of security measures and their functions.
- Data Encryption: Understanding the importance of data encryption and different methods.
Section 2: General Awareness
This section assesses your knowledge of current affairs, banking, finance, and the Indian economy.
Current Affairs
- National: Major events, policies, and developments in India.
- International: Significant global events, political situations, and economic trends.
- Banking and Finance: Recent developments in the banking and financial sector, including regulations, policies, and key players.
- Economy: Understanding key economic indicators, government policies, and challenges facing the Indian economy.
- Science and Technology: Major advancements and breakthroughs in science and technology.
- Sports: Important sporting events, achievements, and personalities.
- Arts and Culture: Notable events and developments in the field of arts and culture.
Banking and Finance
- Financial Institutions: Knowledge of different types of financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, and mutual funds.
- Financial Markets: Understanding the functioning of stock markets, bond markets, and foreign exchange markets.
- Financial Instruments: Familiarity with different financial instruments, such as shares, bonds, and derivatives.
- Banking Regulations: Awareness of key regulations governing the banking sector in India.
- Financial Inclusion: Understanding initiatives and policies aimed at promoting financial inclusion.
Indian Economy
- Economic Indicators: Knowledge of key economic indicators, such as GDP, inflation, and unemployment.
- Government Policies: Understanding major economic policies implemented by the Indian government.
- Economic Challenges: Awareness of the challenges facing the Indian economy, such as poverty, inequality, and environmental issues.
- International Trade: Understanding India’s role in international trade and its trade policies.
Section 3: English Language
This section tests your proficiency in the English language, focusing on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
Reading Comprehension
- Passage Analysis: Understanding the main idea, key arguments, and supporting details of given passages.
- Inference and Interpretation: Drawing conclusions and making inferences based on the information provided.
- Vocabulary: Identifying the meaning of unfamiliar words in context.
- Critical Analysis: Evaluating the author’s purpose, tone, and style.
Grammar and Usage
- Parts of Speech: Understanding the different parts of speech and their functions.
- Sentence Structure: Identifying and correcting errors in sentence structure, including subject-verb agreement, tense, and pronoun usage.
- Punctuation: Correctly using punctuation marks, such as commas, semicolons, and colons.
- Vocabulary: Recognizing and using appropriate vocabulary in different contexts.
Writing Ability
- Paragraph Writing: Writing coherent and well-structured paragraphs on given topics.
- Essay Writing: Expressing ideas clearly and effectively in a well-organized essay format.
- Letter Writing: Writing formal and informal letters for various purposes.
- Précis Writing: Summarizing a given passage in a concise and accurate manner.
Section 4: General Knowledge
This section assesses your general knowledge across a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, science, and current affairs.
History
- Indian History: Understanding major events, dynasties, and personalities in Indian history.
- World History: Knowledge of significant events, civilizations, and movements in world history.
Geography
- Indian Geography: Familiarity with the physical features, climate, and resources of India.
- World Geography: Understanding major geographical features, countries, and continents.
Science
- Physics: Basic concepts of physics, including motion, energy, and electricity.
- Chemistry: Fundamental principles of chemistry, including elements, compounds, and reactions.
- Biology: Basic knowledge of living organisms, including cells, tissues, and organs.
Current Affairs
- National: Major events, policies, and developments in India.
- International: Significant global events, political situations, and economic trends.
Section 5: Professional Knowledge
This section is specific to the specialization you have chosen for the SBI SO exam. It tests your knowledge and understanding of the relevant field.
Table 1: Professional Knowledge for Different Specializations
| Specialization | Key Topics |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Agricultural economics, crop production, livestock management, agricultural marketing, rural development |
| Law | Indian legal system, constitutional law, criminal law, civil law, corporate law |
| Marketing | Marketing principles, consumer behavior, market research, advertising, branding, sales management |
| Finance | Financial accounting, financial management, investment analysis, risk management, financial markets |
| HR | Human resource management, recruitment and selection, training and development, compensation and benefits, employee relations |
| IT | Computer programming, software development, database management, network administration, cybersecurity |
| Economics | Microeconomics, macroeconomics, international economics, development economics, econometrics |
Section 6: Data Analysis and Interpretation
This section tests your ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, such as tables, charts, and graphs.
Data Interpretation
- Tables: Analyzing data presented in tabular format.
- Charts: Interpreting data presented in bar charts, pie charts, line charts, and histograms.
- Graphs: Analyzing data presented in different types of graphs.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether given information is sufficient to answer a question.
Data Analysis
- Trend Analysis: Identifying trends and patterns in data.
- Correlation and Regression: Understanding the relationship between different variables.
- Statistical Measures: Calculating and interpreting statistical measures, such as mean, median, mode, and standard deviation.
Table 2: Sample Data Interpretation Questions
| Question | Data |
|---|---|
| The table shows the sales of a company for the past five years. Calculate the average annual sales growth rate. | |
| The bar chart shows the market share of different brands in a particular industry. Identify the brand with the highest market share. | |
| The line chart shows the price of a commodity over the past year. Determine the month with the highest price. |
Table 3: Sample Data Analysis Questions
| Question | Data |
|---|---|
| Analyze the trend in the number of bank accounts opened over the past decade. | |
| Calculate the correlation between the price of a stock and the interest rate. | |
| Determine the standard deviation of the daily returns of a particular investment. |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly go through the syllabus and identify the key topics for each section.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Solve previous years’ SBI SO exam papers to get familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Refer to Study Materials: Use reliable study materials, including books, online resources, and mock tests.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Practice time management techniques to complete the exam within the allotted time.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improve them.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online sources to stay updated on current affairs.
- Take Mock Tests: Regularly take mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement.
- Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive attitude and stay calm during the exam.
Note: The syllabus and exam pattern may vary slightly from year to year. It is advisable to refer to the official notification released by SBI for the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers for SBI SO Mains Exam 2024
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
Q: What are some common types of reasoning questions asked in the exam?
A: Analogies, classifications, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, logical deduction, syllogisms, and critical reasoning.
Q: What are the essential computer basics I should know?
A: Hardware and software components, operating systems, networking concepts, data representation, and data storage.
Q: How can I improve my computer aptitude skills?
A: Practice using MS Office Suite, learn basic programming concepts, and understand computer security measures.
General Awareness
Q: What are the key areas to focus on for current affairs?
A: National and international events, banking and finance, economy, science and technology, sports, and arts and culture.
Q: How can I stay updated with current affairs?
A: Read newspapers, magazines, and online sources regularly.
Q: What are some important topics in banking and finance?
A: Financial institutions, financial markets, financial instruments, banking regulations, and financial inclusion.
English Language
Q: What are the main components of reading comprehension?
A: Passage analysis, inference and interpretation, vocabulary, and critical analysis.
Q: How can I improve my grammar and usage skills?
A: Study the different parts of speech, sentence structure, punctuation, and vocabulary.
Q: What are the different types of writing tasks in the exam?
A: Paragraph writing, essay writing, letter writing, and précis writing.
General Knowledge
Q: What are the key areas to focus on for history?
A: Indian history and world history, including major events, dynasties, and personalities.
Q: What are some important topics in geography?
A: Indian geography and world geography, including physical features, climate, and resources.
Q: What are the basic science concepts I should know?
A: Physics, chemistry, and biology, including fundamental principles and concepts.
Professional Knowledge
Q: How can I prepare for the professional knowledge section?
A: Focus on the key topics related to your specialization and refer to relevant study materials.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
Q: What are the different types of data presented in the exam?
A: Tables, charts, graphs, and data sufficiency questions.
Q: How can I improve my data analysis skills?
A: Practice analyzing trends, correlations, and statistical measures.
Preparation Tips
Q: What are some effective preparation strategies?
A: Understand the syllabus, practice previous years’ papers, refer to study materials, develop time management skills, focus on weak areas, stay updated with current affairs, take mock tests, and stay calm and confident.
Q: How important are mock tests in preparation?
A: Mock tests help you assess your preparation level, identify areas for improvement, and get accustomed to the exam environment.
Q: What are some tips for managing time during the exam?
A: Allocate time for each section based on its weightage, attempt easier questions first, and avoid spending too much time on any single question.