State Bank of India is going to conduct the SBI PO exam soon for eligible candidates. The exam is considered one of the toughest exams for its out-of-the-box and tricky questions. Approx 20 lakh+ candidates apply for 2000+ SBI PO posts thus increasing the difficulty level of the examination. Hence, candidates are advised to resort to a full-proof strategy for selection in the SBI PO exam 2023.
SBI PO Exam Pattern
The SBI PO examination is going to have three rounds, preliminary, mains examination and interview. The candidates preparing for SBI PO exam with online coaching have to keep separate strategies for both levels. Know more about the SBI PO exam pattern below.
SBI PO Preliminary Exam
- SBI PO prelims exam will be qualifying in nature and its marks will not count for final selection
- There shall be 100 questions from three subjects, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability
- For each wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted from the marks
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
SBI PO Mains Exam
- The SBI PO Mains exam will have two sections, objective and subjective
- Candidates who qualify for the minimum marks of the objective section will have their descriptive section
- 0.25 marks will be deducted for the wrong answer marked by the candidate
- The descriptive paper has to be typed by the candidate using the keyboard
| Subject | Total Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| Objective Test | |||
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 60 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 Minutes |
| Subjective/ Descriptive Test | |||
| English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 50 | 30 Minutes |
| Total | 157 | 250 | 3.5 Hours |
Full Proof Strategy for Selection in SBI PO Exam 2023
SBI PO exam 2023 is one of the toughest bank exams conducted for the Probationary Officer. Owing to the difficulty level of the exam, it is very important that candidates follow a full-proof strategy to get selection for SBI PO 2023 exam.
- Familiarise yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus of the SBI PO exam. Know about the different sections, total weightage and time allotted for each section. This helps one to crack the exam
- Develop a study plan that covers all the sections and topics within the given time frame. Allot equal time for each subject with a special focus on practising high-level questions
- Collect relevant study material, including textbooks, previous years’ question papers, and online resources. This helps you to study topics that are relevant for the exam and prepare a strong foundation for the SBI PO exam
- Strengthen your foundation in topics such as quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English language, and general awareness. The question in the exam are not direct hence proper emphasis should be given to strengthening the foundation
- Attempt mock tests and practice papers regularly to create a practice base for the exam. Also, analyse the performance in the mock test to identify weaknesses and improve them before the exam
- Work on your speed and accuracy by indulging in regular practice for the examination. You can resort to shortcuts and tricks to solve a question in less time with high accuracy
- SBI PO exam is going to have a descriptive paper for 50 marks. Candidates are advised to read newspapers, magazines, and online articles. This will help you in being abreast with the latest news and current affairs. Also, make a habit of pracitising essay and letter writing to improve your writing skills, grammar, and vocabulary.
Best Resources to Prepare for SBI PO 2023
SBI PO 2023 exam is very tough and requires a lot of practice and hard work to prepare effectively. There are a total of four subjects namely, English Comprehension. Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and General Awareness. Candidates have to prepare for each of these subjects separately with resources prescribed by experts.
| Subject | Book Name | Description |
| English Language | Objective English by S.P. Bakshi | Comprehensive guide covering English grammar rules and practice exercises. |
| Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis | Vocabulary building book with explanations and exercises to improve word knowledge. | |
| High School English Grammar and Composition | Classic grammar book with explanations, examples, and practice exercises for all levels of learners. | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | Covers a wide range of quantitative aptitude topics with solved examples and practice exercises. |
| Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma | A quick approach to learn and practice arithmetic concepts and problem-solving techniques. | |
| Magical Book on Quicker Mathematics by M. Tyra | Contains short tricks and formulas for faster calculations and problem-solving in mathematics. | |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | Covers both verbal and non-verbal reasoning topics with explanations and practice questions. |
| Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey | Focuses on analytical and logical reasoning concepts, with ample practice questions and examples. | |
| Logical Reasoning and Data Interpretation for the CAT | Helpful for building logical reasoning skills, with a focus on data interpretation for the CAT exam. | |
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge | Comprehensive book covers a wide range of general knowledge topics, including current affairs. |
| Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications | Provides an overview of banking-related concepts and current affairs specific to the banking sector. | |
| Pratiyogita Darpan Monthly Magazine | Monthly magazine focuses on current affairs, helpful for staying updated with recent developments. | |
| Descriptive Writing | Descriptive General English by S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma | Offers guidance on descriptive writing, including essay and letter writing skills. |
| Essay Writing for Competitive English Test by S.C. Gupta | Provides tips, techniques, and practice exercises for essay writing in competitive exams. |
