SBI PO Syllabus 2024, and Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains

The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most prestigious banking exams in India, attracting thousands of aspirants each year. To secure a position as a PO in SBI, it’s essential to understand the detailed SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern. Having a clear understanding of the syllabus helps candidates streamline their preparation and focus on the right topics. In this article, we’ll walk you through the SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 2024, providing you with the tools to create an effective study plan.

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SBI PO Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2024

The SBI PO Exam consists of three stages: Prelims, Mains, and Interview. The Prelims is a qualifying exam, while the Mains exam holds a significant weight in the final selection. Both the Prelims and Mains tests have a specific pattern with varying difficulty levels. Let’s break down the exam structure and syllabus for each stage.

SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024

The SBI PO exam pattern is divided into two main stages—Prelims and Mains—followed by an interview round for selected candidates. Here’s a look at the exam pattern for both stages:

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SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2024

The Preliminary examination is the first stage of the SBI PO Exam. It consists of 100 questions divided into three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

  • Total Duration: 1 hour
  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer.
SectionNumber of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
English Language303020 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude353520 minutes
Reasoning Ability353520 minutes
Total1001001 hour

SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2024

The Mains exam is more comprehensive and consists of both Objective and Descriptive tests. The Objective Test comprises 200 marks and is divided into four sections, while the Descriptive Test consists of letter writing and essay writing, totaling 50 marks.

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  • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the Objective Test.
SectionNumber of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude405050 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation305045 minutes
General/Economy/Banking Awareness506045 minutes
English Language354040 minutes
Total (MCQs)1552003 hours
Descriptive Test (English)25030 minutes

SBI PO Syllabus 2024

The syllabus for SBI PO 2024 differs for the Prelims and Mains exam. Each section in both stages covers a wide range of topics that candidates need to master to perform well. Below is a breakdown of the syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains exams:

SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024

  1. Quantitative Aptitude:
    • Simplification & Approximation
    • Profit & Loss
    • Mixtures & Alligations
    • Permutation, Combination & Probability
    • Work & Time
    • Data Interpretation (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, etc.)
    • Simple Interest & Compound Interest
    • Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere)
  2. Reasoning Ability:
    • Alphanumeric Series
    • Logical Reasoning
    • Directions & Distances
    • Syllogism
    • Blood Relations
    • Seating Arrangements (Linear & Circular)
    • Coding-Decoding
    • Data Sufficiency
  3. English Language:
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Cloze Test
    • Para Jumbles
    • Sentence Correction
    • Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)

SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2024

  1. Data Analysis & Interpretation:
    • Tabular Graph
    • Line Graphs
    • Bar Graphs
    • Pie Charts
    • Caselets
    • Probability & Permutation/Combination
  2. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:
    • Verbal Reasoning
    • Syllogism
    • Circular & Linear Seating Arrangement
    • Blood Relations
    • Input-Output
    • Computer Abbreviations
    • Internet, Networking, Operating Systems
  3. General/Economy/Banking Awareness:
    • Current Affairs (National & International)
    • Banking Terminologies
    • Financial Awareness
    • Static GK (Geography, History, Polity)
  4. English Language:
    • Reading Comprehension
    • Grammar & Sentence Improvement
    • Error Spotting
    • Cloze Test
    • Para Jumbles
  5. Descriptive Test:
    • Letter Writing
    • Essay Writing

SBI PO Descriptive Test 2024

The Descriptive Test is part of the Mains exam, consisting of two questions worth a total of 50 marks. Candidates are required to write an essay and a letter. This section is designed to evaluate candidates’ writing skills, grammar, and ability to express thoughts clearly.

SBI PO Final Stage Group Discussion & Interview

After qualifying the Mains exam, candidates are called for the Group Discussion (GD) and Personal Interview. The GD is worth 20 marks, while the Interview is worth 30 marks. The final merit list is based on the marks scored in both the Mains exam and Interview, with a 75:25 weightage.

Tips for SBI PO Preparation

  • Start Early: Begin your preparation well in advance to cover the vast syllabus. Don’t wait for the Prelims results to start preparing for the Mains.
  • Practice Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help you assess your progress and improve time management.
  • Focus on Accuracy: Negative marking is crucial, so focus on solving questions with accuracy.
  • Revise Regularly: Make revision a part of your daily routine to retain important formulas and concepts.

By understanding the SBI PO syllabus and exam pattern in detail, candidates can approach their preparation with confidence. A structured study plan, coupled with consistent practice, will certainly improve the chances of success in the SBI PO 2024 exam.

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SBI PO Syllabus 2024 – FAQs

Q1. What is the SBI PO Syllabus for Preliminary Exam?

A1. The SBI PO Preliminary Exam syllabus includes English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.

Q2. What is the SBI PO Syllabus for Main Exam?

A2. The SBI PO Main Exam syllabus covers Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.

Q3. Is there a descriptive test in the SBI PO Main Exam?

A3. Yes, the SBI PO Main Exam includes a descriptive test comprising Essay Writing, Letter Writing, Precis Writing, etc.

Q4. What is the marking scheme for the SBI PO Preliminary Exam?

A4. Each correct answer in the Preliminary Exam is usually awarded one mark, and there is a 1/4th negative mark for wrong answers.

Q5. What is the duration of the SBI PO Main Exam?

A5. The duration of the SBI PO Main Exam is 3 hours 30 minutes.

Q6. Are there sectional cutoffs in the SBI PO Exam?

A6. No, there are no sectional cutoffs in the SBI PO Exam, only overall cut off.

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