SBI PO Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Find Details

The Probationary Officer (PO) Exam is organized and administered by the State Bank of India (SBI) as a part of the hiring process for the managerial cadre position. This process is similar to other banking exams in terms of syllabus and procedure. However, it is comparatively more difficult than the recruitment process of other PSU banks. The dates for SBI PO Exam are released by the State Bank of India. Click here to learn about detailed information and apply.

Before candidates begin their preparation for the PO exam, it is important to know certain details about the process, mode of exam, syllabus, exam pattern, topic-wise weightage, etc. Knowing these details will help you prioritize your preparation in a more effective way. Here, we have provided all the information candidates should be aware of before they start their preparations for the SBI PO Exam.

The process has 3 rounds that candidates need to appear for. These include:

• Prelims: 1-hour computer-based test worth 100 marks
• Mains: 3 hours Objective and 30 minutes Descriptive computer-based test worth 250 marks
• Group Discussion and Interview. 

Exam Pattern for SBI PO Prelims

The SBI PO Prelim consists of objective-type questions divided into 3 sections: Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Reasoning Ability. Each of these sections has cut-offs as well as a time limit of 20 minutes. The prelims are worth 100 marks with each question worth 1 mark and a negative marking of 1/4th or 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. The medium of answers can be either English or Hindi, however, the answers for the English Language section can only be in English. Only candidates who qualify for the prelims can appear for the SBI PO Mains. 

Exam Syllabus for SBI PO Prelims

Quantitative Aptitude

The candidates appearing for the prelims should have strong and clear knowledge about basic Mathematical concepts since this section assesses the Analytical and Mathematical abilities. Candidates are advised to attempt first the questions they find easier to solve, less time-consuming. Topics that are part of the syllabus include:

• Simplification
• Profit & Loss
• Simple & Compound Interest, Surds & Indices
• Mixtures & Allegations
• Work & Time
• Time & Distance
• Mensuration (Cylinder, Sphere, Cone)
• Ratio, Proportion & Percentage
• Data Interpretation
• Number Systems
• Sequence & Series
• Probability, Permutation, & Combinations

Reasoning Ability

This section involves questions that examine a candidate’s ability to apply reason in solving the given particular problem. Here is the list of topics under this section:

• Coding & Decoding
• Ordering & Ranking
• Inequalities
• Directions & Distances
• Arrangement & Pattern
• Classification
• Analogy
• Classification
• Blood Relations
• Syllogisms
• Input-Output
• Circular Seating Arrangement
• Scheduling
• Grouping & Selection
• Data Sufficiency
• Verbal Reasoning

English Language

This is the third section in SBI PO Prelims. Here are several topics that will be covered in this concept:

• Fill in the Blanks
• Para Jumbles
• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Error Spotting
• Sentence/Phrase Correction
• Sentence/Paragraph Completion
• Spellings
• Phrase/Idiom Meanings

Exam Pattern for SBI PO Mains

The SBI PO Mains exam comprises both objective and descriptive types of questions which are divided into 4 sections: Data Analysis and Interpretation, General/Banking Awareness/Economy, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, and English Language. The Mains have a specific time limit to attempt each section as well. The objective questions are worth 200 marks with a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer. The descriptive test is taken immediately after the objective test. The candidates are given 30 minutes to attempt a total of 2 questions worth 25 marks each. The syllabus for SBI PO Mains is more detail-oriented in comparison to the Prelims.

SBI PO Mains Syllabus

Computer Aptitude:

• Internet
• Microsoft Office
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Networking
• Computer Software
• Memory
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Abbreviation
• Basic of Logic Gates
• Computer Fundamentals or Terminologies
• Operating System
• Number System

General Awareness:

• Financial Awareness
• Banking Awareness
• Static Awareness
• Current Affair- Sports, Books & Authors, Awards, Technology, Nations & International events, etc.
• Principles of Insurance
• Banking Terminologies Knowledge
• General Knowledge

Data Analysis and Interpretation: 

• Tabular Graph
• Probability
• Line Graph
• Pie Charts
• Radar Graph Caselet
• Let it Case DI
• Missing Case DI
• Bar Graph
• Charts & Tables
• Permutation & Combination
• Data Sufficiency

Reasoning Ability:

• Syllogism
• Double Lineup
• Circular Seating Arrangement
• Directions & Distance
• Blood Relations
• Coding-Decoding
• Code Inequalities
• Analytical & Decision Making
• Critical Reasoning
• Linear Seating Arrangement
• Verbal Reasoning
• Input-Output
• Scheduling
• Data Sufficiency
• Ordering and Ranking
• Course of Action

English Language: 

• Reading Comprehension
• Vocabulary
• Cloze Test
• Tenses Rules
• Multiple Meaning/ Error Spotting
• Para jumbles
• Fill in the blanks
• Paragraph/Sentence Completion

Descriptive Test Syllabus

Candidates must appear for the descriptive test after their objective tests. Each question is worth 25 marks, making the total marks to be 50. The candidates will be asked to write essays on topics based on economic reforms, social and political reforms. All candidates will be provided 30 minutes to complete their test which comprises a total of 2 questions that are usually Letter Writing and Essay Writing. 

SBI PO Personal Interview & Final Selection Process

The candidates who qualify for both the Objective and Description Test will be eligible to appear for the next stages that are Group Exercise and Personal Interview. The Personal Interview is worth 30 marks and Group Discussions are worth 20 marks. The final sum of results of the SBI PO Main and Group Discussion and Interview determines the final selection of the candidate. The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate scores out of 100 that will be calculated.