Syllabus and Exam Pattern for SBI SO Exam 2024
The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Specialist Officer (SO) exam annually to recruit candidates for various specialist roles in the bank. The exam pattern and syllabus for SBI SO 2024 are likely to be similar to the previous year’s exam.
Exam Pattern for SBI SO 2024
The SBI SO exam is conducted in two phases:
Phase I: Online Examination
- Objective Type: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Duration: 120 minutes (2 hours)
- Sections:
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- General Awareness
Phase II: Interview
- Descriptive Type: Essay Writing and Comprehension
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Sections:
- General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Banking Awareness
- Communication Skills
Note: The final selection will be based on the candidate’s performance in both Phase I and Phase II.
Detailed Syllabus for SBI SO 2024
Phase I: Online Examination
1. Reasoning Ability
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies
- Classification
- Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Syllogisms
- Statement and Assumptions
- Statement and Conclusions
- Statement and Arguments
- Critical Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Pattern Recognition
- Mirror Images
- Water Images
- Embedded Figures
- Paper Folding and Cutting
- Cubes and Dice
- Data Sufficiency
- Puzzles
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Arithmetic:
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Average
- Mixtures and Allegations
- Algebra:
- Linear Equations
- Quadratic Equations
- Inequalities
- Surds and Indices
- Logarithms
- Geometry:
- Lines and Angles
- Triangles
- Quadrilaterals
- Circles
- Mensuration
- Trigonometry:
- Basic Trigonometric Identities
- Heights and Distances
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables
- Bar Graphs
- Line Graphs
- Pie Charts
- Caselets
3. English Language
- Reading Comprehension:
- Passage-based questions
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Sentence Completion
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumbles
- Cloze Test
- Verbal Ability:
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One-Word Substitution
- Sentence Correction
4. General Awareness
- Current Affairs: National and International
- Banking Awareness:
- Recent Developments in the Banking Sector
- Financial Institutions
- Monetary Policy
- Banking Regulations
- Static GK:
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Economy
- Science and Technology
- Sports
- Awards and Honors
Phase II: Interview
- General Awareness:
- Current Affairs
- Banking Awareness
- Economic and Financial Issues
- Communication Skills:
- Fluency
- Clarity
- Confidence
- Body Language
- Personality Assessment:
- Leadership Qualities
- Teamwork Skills
- Problem-Solving Abilities
- Decision-Making Skills
Important Points to Remember
- The syllabus and exam pattern may vary slightly from year to year.
- Candidates are advised to refer to the official notification for the latest updates.
- The exam is highly competitive, so thorough preparation is essential.
- Candidates should focus on their strengths and weaknesses and prepare accordingly.
- Mock tests and previous year’s papers are helpful for practice and understanding the exam pattern.
Tips for Preparation
- Start early: Don’t wait till the last minute to start preparing.
- Understand the syllabus: Go through the syllabus thoroughly and identify the important topics.
- Create a study plan: Divide the syllabus into manageable chunks and allocate time for each topic.
- Refer to good study materials: Use reliable books, online resources, and mock tests for preparation.
- Practice regularly: Solve previous year’s papers and mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Focus on your strengths: Identify your strengths and weaknesses and focus on improving your weaker areas.
- Stay updated with current affairs: Read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated with current events.
- Develop your communication skills: Practice speaking and writing to improve your fluency and confidence.
- Stay motivated and focused: Believe in yourself and stay motivated throughout the preparation process.
Table 1: SBI SO Exam Pattern (Phase I)
| Section | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| English Language | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 200 | 200 | 120 minutes (2 hours) |
Table 2: SBI SO Exam Pattern (Phase II)
| Section | Duration |
|---|---|
| Interview | 30 minutes |
Note: The marks for the interview are not disclosed.
Conclusion
The SBI SO exam is a challenging but rewarding opportunity for candidates seeking a career in the banking sector. With proper preparation and dedication, candidates can increase their chances of success. Remember to stay focused, practice regularly, and stay updated with the latest information.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the SBI SO Exam 2024?
- You must hold a graduate degree in the relevant specialization for the particular SO post you are applying for.
- Age limits vary depending on the category. Refer to the official notification for details.
2. When will the SBI SO 2024 notification be released?
- The official notification is usually released in the last quarter of the year. Keep an eye on the SBI website for updates.
3. What is the exam pattern for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- The exam is conducted in two phases: an online exam (Phase I) and an interview (Phase II).
- Phase I consists of four sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness.
- Phase II is a descriptive type interview focusing on general awareness, current affairs, banking awareness, and communication skills.
4. What is the syllabus for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- The syllabus covers a wide range of topics, including reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, general awareness, banking awareness, and current affairs.
- The detailed syllabus is available in the official notification.
5. How can I prepare for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- Start your preparation early and focus on understanding the syllabus thoroughly.
- Refer to good study materials, practice previous year’s papers, and take mock tests regularly.
- Stay updated with current affairs and banking news.
- Develop your communication skills and practice for the interview.
6. What are the important books for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- There are many good books available for each section of the exam. Refer to the official notification and online resources for recommendations.
7. What is the selection process for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- The final selection is based on the candidate’s performance in both Phase I and Phase II.
- The candidates who clear the online exam (Phase I) will be shortlisted for the interview (Phase II).
- The final merit list will be prepared based on the combined score of both phases.
8. What is the salary for an SBI SO?
- The salary for an SBI SO varies depending on the post and experience.
- Refer to the official notification for details.
9. What are the career prospects for an SBI SO?
- An SBI SO has a promising career path with opportunities for growth and development within the bank.
- You can progress to higher positions based on your performance and experience.
10. How can I apply for the SBI SO 2024 exam?
- The application process is usually online.
- Refer to the official notification for the application procedure and deadlines.