The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Probationary Officers (PO) for the year 2024-25 under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2024-25/22. The SBI PO Recruitment 2024 process will include online applications, multiple examination phases, and interviews. Below is a detailed summary in table format for easy reference.
Preparing for the SBI PO examination requires a focused approach, a clear understanding of the syllabus, and consistent practice. Here are some tips and strategies for each phase of the exam:
Phase-I: Preliminary Exam Preparation
This phase tests speed and accuracy. Focus on the following:
English Language
Improve reading comprehension skills by practicing passages from newspapers like The Hindu or Economic Times.
Focus on grammar basics, cloze tests, and para jumbles.
Quantitative Aptitude
Master basics of topics like percentages, profit & loss, averages, and number systems.
Regularly practice simplification, data interpretation, and arithmetic questions.
Reasoning Ability
Practice puzzles and seating arrangements daily.
Strengthen logical reasoning and miscellaneous topics like blood relations and direction sense.
Suggested Preparation Tools:
Books: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis.
Apps: Oliveboard, Adda247, or Testbook for mock tests and quizzes.
Phase-II: Main Exam Preparation
This phase requires conceptual clarity and analytical ability:
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Focus on critical reasoning and puzzles of high difficulty.
Basic knowledge of computer fundamentals like MS Office, networking, and shortcuts.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Practice pie charts, bar graphs, and caselets.
Understand advanced DI topics like probability and time-series graphs.
General Awareness
Read banking awareness books and current affairs regularly.
Focus on topics like RBI policies, government schemes, and economic developments.
English Language (Descriptive)
Practice essay and letter writing on current issues (e.g., digital banking, inflation, climate change).
Phase-III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercise & Interview
Psychometric Test: Practice personality tests available online to prepare for situational judgment questions.
Group Exercise: Build skills in presenting your thoughts clearly and constructively during group discussions.
Interview:
Prepare answers to common questions like “Why do you want to join SBI?” or “What are your career goals?”.
Stay updated on banking news and current affairs.
Previous Year Cut-Offs for SBI PO
2023 (Indicative Cut-offs)
Category
Preliminary Exam (out of 100)
Main Exam (out of 250)
Final Score (out of 100)
General
62
85
51
OBC
55
80
47
SC
50
73
42
ST
45
68
37
Additional Resources
Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mocks to build exam stamina. Analyze your performance after every test.
Previous Year Papers: Solve at least 5 years of SBI PO papers to understand the question patterns.
Current Affairs: Refer to daily updates on platforms like AffairsCloud, GKToday, or GradeUp.
Important Preparation Tips
Create a detailed study schedule, allotting specific time slots for each section.
Dedicate at least 3-4 hours daily to preparation.
Revise regularly and focus on weak areas.
Join online study groups or coaching if needed for guidance.
With structured preparation, dedication, and regular practice, cracking the SBI PO exam is achievable.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Prelims
Section
Topics
Weightage
English
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting
60-70%
Quantitative Aptitude
DI, Simplifications, Arithmetic
50-60%
Reasoning
Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding
70-80%
Mains
Section
Topics
Weightage
Reasoning & Computer
High-Level Puzzles, Critical Reasoning, Basics
40-50%
Data Interpretation
Pie Charts, Caselets, Time & Work, Probability
50-60%
General Awareness
Banking, RBI Circulars, Schemes, Economy
70-80%
English Descriptive
Essay & Letter Writing
100%
Exam Pattern at a Glance
Phase
Details
Preliminary Exam
Screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam.
Main Exam
In-depth assessment including Objective & Descriptive tests.
Phase III
Psychometric Test, Group Exercise, and Interview.
Final Selection
Based on normalized marks from Main Exam (75%) and Phase III (25%).
Preparation Strategy by Timeframe
3-Month Plan
1st Month: Focus on basics of Quant, Reasoning, and English. Build a foundation for General Awareness.
2nd Month: Start practicing mock tests and focus on Data Interpretation (DI), puzzles, and descriptive writing.
3rd Month: Focus on full-length mocks, time management, and revision.
1-Month Plan (Crash Course)
Prioritize high-weightage topics like puzzles, DI, banking awareness, and essay writing.
Dedicate 6-8 hours daily, emphasizing speed and accuracy through mocks.
Category-Specific Cutoff Trends
Understanding the trends for SBI PO cutoffs will help set your preparation goals:
General Category: Higher cutoffs demand consistent practice and accuracy.
Reserved Categories: Focus on clearing sectional cutoffs and maximizing overall scores.
Topic-Wise Weightage
Prelims
Section
Topics
Weightage
English
Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting
60-70%
Quantitative Aptitude
DI, Simplifications, Arithmetic
50-60%
Reasoning
Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding
70-80%
Mains
Section
Topics
Weightage
Reasoning & Computer
High-Level Puzzles, Critical Reasoning, Basics
40-50%
Data Interpretation
Pie Charts, Caselet, Time & Work, Probability
50-60%
General Awareness
Banking, RBI Circulars, Schemes, Economy
70-80%
English Descriptive
Essay & Letter Writing
100%
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the expected difficulty level of SBI PO 2024?
The difficulty typically ranges from moderate to high, especially for Mains. Strengthening conceptual clarity and practicing advanced questions is key.
Q2: Can final-year students apply?
Yes, provided they can produce proof of passing their graduation before April 30, 2025.
Q3: What happens if I fail the probationary period?
Candidates who fail to meet the required standards during the probation period may have their services terminated as per SBI’s policies.
Q4: What is the role of a Psychometric Test in Phase III?
It assesses personality traits to determine suitability for leadership and banking roles. Insights from this test may be shared with the interview panel.
