The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) exam is one of the most competitive exams in India. It is conducted annually by the State Bank of India to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officer. Below is a comprehensive guide to help you understand all the important details about the SBI PO exam:
SBI PO 2024 Eligibility Criteria
· Candidates must be Indian citizens.
· Candidates must have completed their graduation from a recognised university.
· The age limit for the exam is 21-30 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories.
SBI PO 2024 Exam Pattern
The SBI PO exam consists of three phases:
SBI PO Preliminary Examination:
The SBI PO exam is administered online and comprises 100 multiple-choice questions worth a total of 100 marks. The test is divided into three sections, namely English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
SBI PO Main Examination:
It is an online exam consisting of 155 objective-type questions and 2 descriptive questions. The objective-type questions are for 200 marks, and the descriptive questions are for 50 marks. The mains exam has mainly four sections – Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
SBI PO Group Exercises & Interview:
Candidates who clear the Main Examination are then shortlisted for Group Exercises & Interviews, which is the final phase of the selection process. It is for 30 marks.
SBI PO 2024 Exam Syllabus
The syllabus for the SBI PO exam includes the following topics:
· English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Phrase Replacement, Sentence Improvement, Fill in the blanks, Vocabulary.
· Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Time, Speed and Distance, Simple and Compound Interest, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Mensuration, Probability, Permutation and Combination.
· Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Inequality, Syllogism, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Blood Relations, Order and Ranking, Direction Sense, Alphanumeric Series, Coding-Decoding.
· General/Economy/Banking Awareness: Current Affairs, Static GK, Banking and Financial Awareness.
· Computer Awareness: Basics of Computer, Internet, Networking, Software and Hardware, MS Office.
SBI PO Exam Preparation Tips
· Let’s begin with understanding the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
· Make a study plan and follow it regularly.
· Practice mock tests and previous year’s question papers.
· Read newspapers and stay updated with current affairs.
· Improve your English skills by reading books and articles and watching English News.
SBI PO 2024 Application Process
The application process for the SBI PO exam is online. Candidates must first visit the official website of SBI and complete the registration process by providing basic information. Once registered, applicants can proceed to fill out the application form, upload a photograph and signature, and pay the requisite application fee. While applying for the exam, candidates belonging to the general category have to pay Rs. 750, and reserved category candidates are charged Rs. 125.
SBI PO 2024 Admit Card
The admit card for the SBI PO 2024 exam is released online on the official website of SBI. Candidates need to download and take a printout of their admit card to appear for the exam. The admit card comprises important details such as exam date, time, venue, and the candidate’s name, photograph, and roll number.
SBI PO Result
The result of the SBI PO exam is declared online on the official website of SBI. Candidates who clear all three phases of the exam are then selected for the post of Probationary Officer.
SBI PO Career Growth
SBI provides good career growth opportunities to its employees. An SBI PO can be promoted to higher positions, such as Deputy Manager, Manager, Senior Manager, Chief Manager, Assistant General Manager, Deputy General Manager, and General Manager, based on their performance and experience.
SBI PO Training
SBI provides comprehensive training to its employees to enhance their skills and knowledge. The training programs are designed to develop the employees’ technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills. The training includes classroom sessions, on-the-job training, and e-learning modules.
SBI PO Benefits and Perks
Apart from the salary and allowances, SBI provides various benefits and perks to its employees, such as:
· Medical Insurance: SBI provides medical insurance to its employees and their family members.
· Pension: SBI provides a pension scheme to its employees after retirement.
· Leave Policy: SBI provides various types of leaves, such as casual leave, sick leave, earned leave, and maternity leave.
· Loans and Advances: SBI provides loans and advances to its employees at a lower interest rate.
· Holidays: SBI provides national and state holidays to its employees.
Tips for Preparation OF SBI PO Exam
Understand the Exam Pattern:
The first step towards preparation is to understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Knowing the exam pattern will help you plan your preparation strategy and allocate time for each section.
Create a Study Plan:
Create a study plan and allocate time for each topic. Cover all the topics from the syllabus and exercise as many mock tests as possible to improve your speed and accuracy.
Read Newspapers and Current Affairs:
Reading newspapers and current affairs is crucial for the SBI PO exam. It will help you improve your General Awareness and score well in the General Awareness section.
Improve Your English Language Skills:
The SBI PO exam has an English Language section, which includes reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary questions. Read books and newspapers, and practice mock tests to improve your English language skills.
Exercise Previous Year Question Papers:
Practicing previous year question papers is important to understand the exam pattern, types of questions, and difficulty level. It will aid you in determining your strengths and weaknesses and improve your performance in the exam.
Take Mock Tests:
Mock tests are essential to improve your speed and accuracy. It will also aid you in getting familiar with the exam pattern and difficulty level.
SBI PO Salary and Benefits
The salary and benefits offered to SBI POs are as follows:
· Basic Pay: The basic pay for SBI POs is Rs. 27,620/-.
· Dearness Allowance (DA): The current DA rate for SBI POs is 17%.
· House Rent Allowance (HRA): The HRA for SBI POs varies from 8.5% to 10% of the basic pay depending on the city of posting.
· Medical Benefits: SBI POs are entitled to medical benefits for themselves and their family members.
· Leave Policy: SBI POs are entitled to leave as per the bank’s leave policy.
· Pension and Gratuity: SBI POs are entitled to pension and gratuity as per the bank’s rules.
· Loans and Advances: SBI POs are eligible for loans and advances at concessional rates of interest.
· Performance-Based Incentives: SBI POs are eligible for performance-based incentives and bonuses.
SBI PO Books and Study Materials
Choosing the right books and study material is crucial for the SBI PO exam preparation. Here are some of the recommended books and study materials:
· Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal, Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma, and Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma.
· Reasoning Ability: A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal and Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey.
· English Language: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi, Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis, and English Grammar and Composition by Wren & Martin.
· General Awareness: Lucent’s General Knowledge, Pratiyogita Darpan, and Manorama Yearbook.
· Computer Knowledge: Objective Computer Awareness by Arihant Publications, Computer Awareness by Kiran Publication, and Computer Fundamentals by P.K. Sinha.
Tips for Exam Day
On the day of the SBI PO exam, candidates should keep the following tips in mind:
· Reach the Exam Center Early: Candidates should reach the exam centre well before the reporting time to avoid any last-minute rush or inconvenience.
· Carry the Admit Card and ID Proof: Candidates should carry their admit card and a valid ID proof such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or driving license.
· Follow the Exam Rules: Candidates should follow the exam rules and regulations, such as not carrying any electronic devices, not using unfair means, and not leaving the exam hall before the completion of the exam.
· Read the Instructions Carefully: Candidates should carefully read the instructions on the question paper and answer sheet before attempting the questions.
· Prioritise the Sections: Candidates should prioritise the sections based on their strengths and weaknesses. They can attempt the easier sections and then move on to the tougher ones.
· Manage Time Wisely: Time management is crucial in the SBI PO exam. Candidates should manage their time wisely and not spend too much time on any question.
· Review the Answers: Candidates should review their answers before submitting the answer sheet. They should make sure that they have answered all the questions and have not made any mistakes.
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SBI PO FAQs:
1. How many times can I attempt the SBI PO exam?
There are no constraints on the number of attempts for the SBI PO exam. Candidates can appear for the exam as many times as they want.
2. Is there any negative marking in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in the SBI PO exam.
3. What is the minimum educational qualification required for the SBI PO exam?
Candidates should have a degree in any discipline from a recognised university to be eligible for the SBI PO exam.
4. Can final-year graduation students apply for the SBI PO exam?
Yes, final-year graduation students can apply for the SBI PO exam, but they should have the graduation degree at the time of document verification.
5. What is the selection process for the SBI PO exam?
The selection process for the SBI PO exam consists of three stages:
Stage 1: Preliminary Exam
Stage 2: Main Exam
Stage 3: Group Exercises and Interview
Candidates have to qualify for each stage to progress to the next stage. The final selection will be made on the basis of the candidate’s performance in the Main Exam, Group Exercises, and Interview.
6. Can I choose the exam centre for the SBI PO exam?
Yes, candidates can choose their preferred exam centre while filling out the online SBI PO exam application form. However, the final allotment of the exam centre is at the discretion of the SBI.
7. Is there any sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam. Candidates must clear each section’s cut-off separately in both the Preliminary and Main exams.
8. How can I prepare for the SBI PO exam?
Candidates can prepare for the SBI PO exam by referring to various books, online resources, and previous year’s question papers. They can also enrol in coaching institutes or online courses for better guidance and preparation.
9. Is there any age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam?
Yes, the age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam is between 21 to 30 years. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.
10. Can I apply for both Probationary Officer and Clerk posts in SBI?
Yes, candidates can apply for both Probationary Officer and Clerk posts in SBI. However, they have to fulfil the eligibility criteria separately for both posts and have to apply for each post separately.
11. Can I apply for the SBI PO exam if I have a backlog in graduation?
No, candidates who have a backlog in graduation are not eligible to apply for the SBI PO exam. They should have a graduation degree with no backlog at the time of document verification.
12. Is there any age relaxation for ex-servicemen in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, ex-servicemen can avail of age relaxation up to the extent of their service rendered in the Armed Forces, plus an additional 5 years, subject to a maximum age of 45 years.
13. How long is the training period for SBI POs?
The training period for SBI POs is for 2 years. During the training period, they will undergo various training programs, including classroom training and on-the-job training.
14. Is there any bond or service agreement for SBI POs?
Yes, selected candidates have to execute a bond of Rs. 2 lakhs, undertaking to serve the bank for a minimum period of 3 years.
15. What is the salary of an SBI PO after the 7th pay commission?
After the 7th pay commission, the starting basic pay of an SBI PO is Rs. 27,620/- per month. In addition to this, there are several other perks and allowances such as Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, and Medical Benefits.
16 Can I apply for the SBI PO exam if I have a gap year after graduation?
Yes, candidates with a gap year after graduation can apply for the SBI PO exam, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
17 What is the application fee for the SBI PO exam?
The application fee for the SBI PO exam is Rs. 750/- for general and OBC candidates and Rs. 125/- for SC/ST/PWD candidates.
18. Is there any relaxation in the application fee for female candidates?
Yes, female candidates are eligible for a relaxation in the application fee. The application fee for female candidates is Rs. 125/-.
19. How many vacancies are there in the SBI PO exam?
The number of vacancies in the SBI PO exam varies every year. It is announced along with the official notification.
20. When will the next SBI PO exam be conducted?
The dates for the next SBI PO exam have not been announced yet. Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website for updates.
21. Can I appear for the SBI PO exam in Hindi?
Yes, candidates can appear for the SBI PO exam in Hindi. The exam is conducted in both English and Hindi languages.
22. How many attempts are allowed for the SBI PO exam?
There is a limit on the number of attempts allowed for the SBI PO exam. The limit is different for candidates belonging to different categories. For general category candidates, the maximum number of attempts is 4. However, for candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/PWD categories, there are relaxations in the number of attempts.
23. What are the documents required to apply for the SBI PO exam?
The documents required to apply for the SBI PO exam are a valid email ID, a scanned copy of the candidate’s photograph and signature, and a valid ID proof such as an Aadhar card, PAN card, Voter ID, etc.
24. Can I apply for the SBI PO exam if I am in the final year of graduation?
Yes, candidates who are in the final year of graduation can apply for the SBI PO exam. However, they have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination at the time of document verification.
25. What is the syllabus for the SBI PO exam?
The syllabus for the SBI PO exam includes topics from Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, and Computer Aptitude.
26. Can I apply for the SBI PO exam from outside India?
Yes, candidates can apply for the SBI PO exam from outside India. However, they have to fulfil the eligibility criteria and pay the application fee in Indian currency.
27. What is the duration of the SBI PO exam?
The duration of the SBI PO exam varies for each stage. The Preliminary Exam is of 1 hour, the Main Exam is of 3 hours, and the Group Exercises and Interviews are conducted for 50 marks.
28. Can I use a calculator for the SBI PO exam?
No, candidates are not allowed to use calculators in the SBI PO exam. However, they can use the virtual calculator provided in the exam.
29. Is there any minimum age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam?
Yes, the minimum age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam is 21 years. Candidates must not have been born earlier than April 2, 2000, and not later than April 1, 2003.
30. What is the maximum age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam?
The maximum age limit to apply for the SBI PO exam is 30 years. However, there are relaxations in the upper age limit for candidates belonging to certain categories.
31. What is the salary of an SBI PO?
The starting basic pay of an SBI PO is Rs. 27,620/- per month. In addition to this, they are also entitled to various allowances and benefits.
32. Can I apply for both the SBI PO and IBPS PO exams simultaneously?
Yes, candidates can apply for both the SBI PO and IBPS PO exams simultaneously. However, they have to fulfil the eligibility criteria and pay the application fee separately for each exam.
33. What is the application fee for the SBI PO exam?
The application fee for the SBI PO exam varies for candidates belonging to different categories. For general and OBC candidates, the application fee is Rs. 750/-, while for SC/ST/PWD candidates, the application fee is Rs. 125/-.
34. Can I apply for the SBI PO exam offline?
No, candidates cannot apply for the SBI PO exam offline. The application process is completely online, and candidates have to apply through the official website of SBI.
35. How can I prepare for the SBI PO exam?
Candidates can prepare for the SBI PO exam by referring to the official syllabus and exam pattern, practising the previous year’s question papers and mock tests, and studying from standard books and study materials.
36. When will the result of the SBI PO exam be declared?
The result of the SBI PO exam is usually declared within a few weeks after the completion of each stage of the exam. Candidates can check their results on the official website of SBI.
37. Is it possible to take the SBI PO exam multiple times?
Yes, candidates can appear for the SBI PO exam multiple times, as there is no restriction on the number of attempts. However, they have to fulfil the eligibility criteria for each attempt.
38. How difficult is the SBI PO exam?
The complexity of the SBI PO exam is considered to be moderate to difficult. However, the difficulty level may vary for each stage of the exam.
39. Is there any separate cut-off for the overall score in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a separate overall cut-off for the SBI PO exam, which is decided by the SBI based on various components such as the number of vacancies, the complexity of the exam, and the candidate’s performance.
40. Can I change my exam centre after submitting the application form for the SBI PO 2024 exam?
No, candidates cannot change their exam centre after submitting the application form for the SBI PO exam. The exam centre, once allotted by the SBI, is final and cannot be changed under any circumstances.
41. Is there any sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is a sectional cut-off in the SBI PO exam, which means that candidates have to score a minimum qualifying mark in each section of the exam in order to clear that stage.
42. How many vacancies are usually announced for the SBI PO exam?
The number of vacancies announced for the SBI PO exam varies each year. It depends on the requirements of SBI and other factors such as retirements and resignations of existing employees.
43. Is there any interview round in the SBI PO exam?
Yes, there is an interview round in the SBI PO exam, which is the final stage of the selection process. Candidates who clear the written exam and meet the cut-off criteria are called for the interview round.
44. What is the duration of the probation period for an SBI PO?
The probation period for an SBI PO is 2 years. During this period, the candidates are trained and monitored to ensure that they are suitable for the job. Upon completion of the probationary period, they are offered permanent employment.
