The State Bank of India Probationary Officer’s exam is one of the most awaited exams for aspirants looking to make their career in the banking industry. Each year, thousands of candidates appear for this exam, but only a few are selected to fill in these posts. This is one of the most competitive exams to enter into the banking industry. However, with the right preparation, one can crack it easily because all it requires is the focus, speed, and accuracy that come with practice. This post contains some valuable tips to crack the SBI Probationary Officers exam.
The exam pattern
Previously, the exam was conducted in two phases. However, from the last year, the pattern has changed into III phase system.
Phase I – The Preliminary Exam. This is a 100-mark question paper that needs to be answered in an hour. This paper is divided into three parts: English Language (30 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (35 marks), and Reasoning Ability (35 marks). Candidates who successfully clear this round are called in to appear in the next round.
Phase II – The Main Examination: This is an online examination consisting of an objective test for 200 marks and a descriptive test for 50 marks. The objective test contains questions based on Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Banking and Economic Awareness, and English Language. The descriptive test has an essay and letter writing test.
Phase III – Group Discussion and Interview: Successful candidates are called for the final group discussion followed by the personal interview round.
Plan your strategy
- Set a time table: The easiest way to study for any competitive exam is to set a time table to study daily and follow it with full focus and dedication. This will help you concentrate and study better.
- Prioritize: It becomes easier to study if you prioritize your subjects according to the levels of difficulty. It helps you to focus your mind on important subjects first.
- Deadlines are important: Set deadlines to finish subjects. This will help you to avoid pitfalls of time and keep the track of the long term goals.
- Gain familiarity with the exam pattern: Understand the exam pattern. Get hold of previous year’s question papers and solve them. This will give you a feel of what you are in for.
Helpful tips for the exam
- At first, answer all the questions to which you can answer efficiently. But, you should also remember to answer at least 15 questions from each category in order to score well and increase your chances of being qualified for the next round.
- Time your answers according to the question sections. A maximum of fifteen minutes for each section will help you get through.
- After attempting all the questions that you know well if time is left, then go back for the tough questions. Employ a guess work policy and hope that it gives you the added advantage.
Study material to help you in your preparation
Some of the most referred books for various subjects are as follows:
- English Language
- Objective English for Competitive Examinations by Hari Mohan Prasad, Uma Rani Sinha
- Objective General English by R. S. Aggarwal, Vikas Aggarwal
- Objective English by Edgar Thorpe
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal
- Quantitative Aptitude Test by N. K. Singh
- Magical Book On Quicker Maths by M. Tyra
- Reasoning Ability
- A Modern Approach To Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R. S. Aggarwal
- A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-Verbal by BS Sijwali, Indu Sijwal
- The Hand on Guide to Analytical Reasoning and Logical Reasoning by Peeyush Bhardwaj