State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest public
sector bank of India and a Probationary Officer (PO) profile in SBI is
considered to be most coveted job among all PSU Banks. Recently, in the months
of April 2014, SBI had invited applications against 1837 vacancies for
the post of Probationary Officers. As per our estimates nearly 20 Lac
candidates applied for these coveted 1837 vacancies, which is approx 0.1 % of
the total vacancies (this translates to selection of 1 candidate out of 1,000).
Hence competition is going to be tough and it will not be easy for a candidate
to sail through.
Recruitment process will have two phases - Phase I (Written Test) and Phase II (Group Discussion and Interview).
Phase I: Written test will consist of a online objective exam and a descriptive test. The online objective test will having following 4 sections, each section of 50 marks (total 200 Marks) -
a) Test of English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension etc.)
b) Test of General Awareness, Marketing & Computers
c) Test of Data Analysis & Interpretation
d) Test of Reasoning (High Level)
The Descriptive Test with 1 hour duration (50 Marks) will be of “Test Descriptive Test: of English Language (comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay)”.
Descriptive Test paper will evaluated for only those candidates who have scored qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are Placed adequately high as per total marks in objective test.
Keeping in mind the tough competition, candidates should ensure that they go to the exam hall with full preparation and should avoid the slightest mistake in the exam. Essentially, candidates should keep in mind the following, while attempting the exam -
1. Go with a Plan: Candidates should go with proper plan - as in which section to attempt first and which section to attempt last and how much time should one devote on each section. It is very important that candidate stick to their plan (time wise) i.e. if you had decided that you will give 40 minutes to Reasoning
section, you should stick to it. Reason for the same is - sometimes a particular section may be very difficult, and while attempting the same you may get carried away by devoting more time on that, it will mean that you will compromise on some other section as you will have lesser time for it. You need to remember that there is a sectional cut-off in the exam and if a particular section is tough, it will be tough for everyone and hence cut-off for that section will be low.
Recruitment process will have two phases - Phase I (Written Test) and Phase II (Group Discussion and Interview).
Phase I: Written test will consist of a online objective exam and a descriptive test. The online objective test will having following 4 sections, each section of 50 marks (total 200 Marks) -
a) Test of English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension etc.)
b) Test of General Awareness, Marketing & Computers
c) Test of Data Analysis & Interpretation
d) Test of Reasoning (High Level)
The Descriptive Test with 1 hour duration (50 Marks) will be of “Test Descriptive Test: of English Language (comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay)”.
Descriptive Test paper will evaluated for only those candidates who have scored qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are Placed adequately high as per total marks in objective test.
Keeping in mind the tough competition, candidates should ensure that they go to the exam hall with full preparation and should avoid the slightest mistake in the exam. Essentially, candidates should keep in mind the following, while attempting the exam -
1. Go with a Plan: Candidates should go with proper plan - as in which section to attempt first and which section to attempt last and how much time should one devote on each section. It is very important that candidate stick to their plan (time wise) i.e. if you had decided that you will give 40 minutes to Reasoning
section, you should stick to it. Reason for the same is - sometimes a particular section may be very difficult, and while attempting the same you may get carried away by devoting more time on that, it will mean that you will compromise on some other section as you will have lesser time for it. You need to remember that there is a sectional cut-off in the exam and if a particular section is tough, it will be tough for everyone and hence cut-off for that section will be low.
2. Attempt Paper in 2 rounds: You should attempt the question paper in two rounds. While attempting each section - first do the questions, for which you are sure and which can be done in less than a minute. Leave tougher questions for the second round. This way, you will not miss any easy question in the paper and will be able to optimize the score.
3. Be careful about sectional cut-off: In SBI PO, you have to score a minimum qualifying marks in each section and qualify overall score also. So, be careful that you do not miss on a section and try to maintain a balance across all sections.
4. Be careful about negative marking: Each correct answer will fetch you 1 mark, while each wrong answer will attract penalty of ¼ marks. There is no negative marking for unattempted questions. So, if you are not sure about a question, it is better to leave that question rather than attempting it wrong.
5. Start with easier section: Suppose, you are more comfortable in a particular section, attempt it first. It will give you the confidence and set the pace for the exam. Attempt most difficult part in the end.
6. Do not get stuck on a question: Never get touchy about any question and hence do not waste time if you are not able to crack it within 1-2 mins. We have seen, many candidates get stuck with questions like seating arrangement/puzzles in reasoning part and waste precious time on these. Never do that. If you feel that you might get stuck, leave it for second round.
7. Go prepared for the descriptive exam: Remember, in SBI PO exam, you will have a descriptive paper of 50 marks, for which, you will be allotted 1 hour after the online exam. This is very important, as you need to qualify in this descriptive exam also, to sail through to the next phase of the selection process.
8. Never give up during exam: Competitions like this are the tests of your nerves. You should go with a positive frame of mind to the exam hall and maintain the same throughout the exam. Many times, when candidates get stuck or find a particular section difficult, they give up. Never ever give up. Paper is not going to be easy for anyone and winner will be one who will hold the nerves till the end.
9. Practice Online Tests: Since this is the first time, SBI PO will be online, it is very important for you to be familiar with the online testing environment. You should join Online Practice tests from a reputed coaching and do regular practice. This will make you comfortable with the online testing platform and also help you prepare your strategy for the exam.
10. Take Proper Sleep Before Exam: Candidates should take a proper sleep before the exam day and should have light breakfast before the exam.
BankersAdda wishes you all the best! Good Luck! God Speed!
"Believe you can and you’re halfway there." –Theodore Roosevelt
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