Everything That You Should Know About SBI PO Exam Pattern

The post of an SBI probationary officer (PO) is one of India’s most lucrative jobs, with nearly 20 lakhs of aspirants appearing for it each year.  

But the exam is quite competitive, as the profile demands you to provide excellent banking services, diligently handle cash activities and improve the bank’s business. It is best to know the SBI PO exam pattern in detail and engage an experienced guide to plan a preparation strategy for a confirmed placement as a PO in SBI.

The Three-tiered Process

The exam pattern includes three phases, the preliminary round, main exam, group discussion and interview.

The 60 minutes preliminary exam is objective type, carrying a maximum of 100 marks. It is a screening test only to qualify you for the next phase, with a penalty of 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect answer and no negative marking for questions not attempted.

The main exam consists of online objective and descriptive tests, with the former for 200 marks and the latter for 50. You will get 3 hours to attend the objective questions and 30 mins to complete the descriptive test. Here again, the negative marking system is the same as that of the previous phase. 

Phase three includes a group discussion for 20 marks and an interview for 30. Under the mentorship of an adept specialist, you can score high in stages 2 and 3, which decide your position on the merit list. 

Preliminary Examination

The syllabus includes three major sections, with 35 questions, each in quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability, and 30 in the English language section.

An online coach can help you excel at mathematical concepts, logical reasoning and English grammar, essential for clearing phase 1.

Main Examination

The objective test has four major sections. While there are 35 questions in the units on data analysis & interpretation and English language, reasoning ability and general awareness have 45 and 40, respectively. The descriptive test consists of two items, one on letter writing and the other on an essay.

The latest SBI PO exam pattern lists the topics you need to prepare for each section, ensuring you pass both the tests, which is mandatory to qualify for phase 3.

Group Discussion and Interview

You will require to put forth your valid viewpoints during the group discussion, based on facts. And for the interview, you have to be confident and make a good impression on the selectors to clear the final round.

More on the PO Exam Pattern

The prelims score is not a part of the final cut-off calculation. What you score out of 250 gets converted to out of 75 marks for the main exam. And your score out of 50 in the 3rd phase gets converted to out of 25. By adding these two marks, you get your final score out of 100.  

The available vacancies for the year decide the final cut-off out of 100. Renowned online instructors can guide you to get a score higher than the cut-off, thus putting you on the merit list.

Based on the exam pattern, assess your strengths and weaknesses. Practice well with the help of a reputed guide. Rest assured, you will qualify each round with an excellent score and successfully pursue your career in SBI as a probationary officer.