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SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024 - Marking Scheme, Exam Duration & Mode of Exam

SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024 - Marking Scheme, Exam Duration & Mode of Exam

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Oct 22, 2024 09:36 AM IST | #SBI PO

State Bank of India provides the SBI PO 2024 exam pattern in the official notification released at sbi.co.in. According to SBI PO exam pattern, there will be three phases of recruitment process - Prelims, Mains and Psychometric tests. Aspirants preparing for SBI PO exam must go through the exam pattern in detail before starting their preparation. Apart from exam pattern, candidates must also be aware of the syllabus of 2024 SBI PO. The exam pattern will help aspirants know about the scheme and mode of exam, the structure of SBI PO question paper, and the weightage of topics.

SBI PO full form is State bank of India Probationary Officers. The SBI PO recruitment 2024 exam is one of the India's most competitive exams in India as it is based on graduation level. Read this article till the end to know all about the exam pattern of SBI PO 2024.

SBI PO exam pattern 2024: Highlights

The SBI PO exam will be conducted in 3 phases - Prelims, Mains and Psychometric tests. The prelims and mains stage will be conducted in online (CBT) mode. In order to start the preparation and to crack the exam, aspirants must understand the exam pattern of SBI recruitment 2024, stick to the syllabus and only refer to the selected few books. We have shared all the important information related to the SBI PO exam pattern 2024 here in detail.

Key Highlights of SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024

Exam name

State Bank of India - Probationary Officer (SBI PO)

Official Website

sbi.co.in

Exam Language

English and Hindi

(Except for the English test)

Stages of the SBI PO exam

Stage 1: Preliminary

Stage 2: Mains

Stage 3: Group Exercise & Interview

SBI PO exam Duration

1 hour

3 hours 30 minutes

-

Mode of SBI PO Exam

Online

Online (Objective + Descriptive)

Offline

SBI PO total marks

100

250 (200+50)

20+30

SBI PO negative marking

1/4th for wrong answers

-

SBI PO Exam Pattern 2024 Prelims (Phase I)

Going by the SBI PO 2024 exam pattern, the Phase 1 - preliminary exam consists of 3 sections. The SBI PO total marks allotted for prelims is 100 marks. The prelims test of SBI PO is held in online mode.

Exam pattern of SBI PO 2024 - Prelims

Sections

Number of questions

Duration

Total Marks

Reasoning Ability

35

20 minutes

100 marks

English Language

30

20 minutes

Quantitative Aptitude

35

20 minutes

Total

100

1 hour

SBI PO exam 2024 Prelims - Important points

  • There are 3 sections in SBI PO prelims exam.
  • All the sections in the SBI PO exam are - English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.
  • In the prelims exam there are a total of 100 objective type questions asked.
  • The time duration of the preliminary exam of SBI PO is 01 hour (20 minutes for each section).
  • As per the exam pattern of SBI PO prelims, the prelims exam is qualifying in nature and the marks will not be counted while preparing the merit list.

SBI PO exam pattern 2024 - Mains (Phase II)

After the prelims exam, comes the Phase 2 which is the mains exam which consists of an objective type test for 200 marks and a descriptive test of 50 marks. Both the tests as per the SBI PO 2024 exam pattern will be conducted in online mode. The objective test comprises 4 sections with separate time duration for each section. According to exam pattern of SBI PO 2024, the descriptive test is conducted for 30 minutes duration of 50 marks. Candidates will have to write a letter and an essay in English in the descriptive test of SBI PO.

SBI PO exam pattern 2024 - Mains

Online Objective Test

Name of the test

No. of question

Marks

Duration

Data analysis and interpretation

35

60

45 minutes

Reasoning & Computer aptitude

45

60

60 minutes

English Language

35

40

40 minutes

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

40

40

35 minutes

Total

155

200

3 hours

Online Descriptive Test

2

50

30 minutes

SBI PO exam 2024 Mains - Important points

  • The objective type paper in the mains exam is to be completed in 3 hours for 200 marks.
  • The descriptive type paper in the SBI PO exam should be completed in 30 minutes. The descriptive test of 30 minutes with two questions for 50 marks will be a Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay).
  • In the objective section, there will be 4 sections English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Economy/ General/Banking Awareness.
  • There will be penalty for wrong answer and 0.25 marks will be deducted in SBI PO mains exam.
  • No deduction will be made in marks if a question is left unattempt.

SBI PO 2024 Exam Pattern - Interview (Phase III)

Candidates qualifying for the mains exam will have to undergo a group exercise and interview. The group exercise and interview will be conducted for 20 and 30 marks respectively. Marks secured in the preliminary exam will not be added for the preparation of final merit list. The final selection in 2024 SBI PO will be done on the basis of marks obtained by candidates in mains examination and group exercises & interview.

SBI PO 2024 Exam Pattern - Final Selection

Candidates will have to qualify both in Phase-II and Phase-III of SBI PO separately. The marks obtained in SBI PO Main exam (Phase-II), both in the Objective Test and the Descriptive Test, will be added to the marks obtained in Phase-III for preparing the final merit list. Candidates note that the marks obtained in the SBI PO prelims exam (Phase-I) will not be added to preparing the final merit list for selection. The marks obtained by the candidates in mains exam (Phase-II) both Objective & Descriptive Tests) and Phase-III (Group Exercise & Interview) will be normalised to 100 marks.

TestMain exam
Group discussion & Interview
Total
Maximum marks25050300
Minimum marks7525100

SBI PO Marking Scheme 2024

Marking Scheme of SBI PO Preliminary Exam

As per the exam pattern, aspirants must score equal to or more than the SBI PO 2024 cut off to qualify for the next phase. The preliminary stage consists of questions about English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude. There are 100 questions with 100 marks. One-fourth of marks will be deducted as SBI PO negative marks for wrong answers.

Marking Scheme of SBI PO Mains Exam

The second phase of SBI PO is objective + descriptive level. The objective test consists of four sections of 200 marks according to SBI PO exam pattern 2024. Those who qualify the objective sections will qualify to appear for the descriptive test. The descriptive test evaluates a candidate’s ability in letter writing and essay writing. The total marks for the descriptive section is 50.

How to calculate SBI PO marks?

Calculation of Marks: Total weighted score = Scores obtained in ( Reasoning & computer aptitude+data interpretation+general/ economy/banking awareness + English language)

Group Exercise/Personal Interview Phase: After both the stages successfully aspirants will be called for group discussions and interview. This phase will be evaluated on the basis of group discussion and interview. Group discussion is of 20 marks and interview of 30 marks.

Candidates will be shortlisted finally and called for recruitment in various branches of State Bank of India all over India after qualifying all the stages of the SBI PO exam.

Free download: Basic information about category-wise top career exams

SBI PO 2024 Syllabus

Along with the exam pattern, aspirants must also know about the syllabus of 2024 SBI PO. The syllabus consists of the topics and sections for both phases of the exam. SBI PO syllabus 2024 contains the topics from where the questions will be asked in the prelims and mains.

SBI PO 2024 Syllabus Prelims

Sections

SBI PO Syllabus (Prelims)

Reasoning Ability

English Language

  • Reading Comprehension

  • Paragraph Completion

  • Cloze Test

  • Fill in the blanks

  • Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting

  • Para jumbles

Quantitative Aptitude

SBI PO 2024 Syllabus Mains

Sections

SBI PO Syllabus (Mains)

Data analysis and interpretation

Computer aptitude

  • The Internet

  • Microsoft Office

  • Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies

  • Computer Hardware

  • Computer Software

  • Keyboard Shortcuts

  • Operating System

  • Computer Abbreviation

Reasoning

General/Economy/Banking Awareness

  • Banking and Financial Awareness

  • Static Awareness

  • General Knowledge

  • Current Affairs

  • Financial Awareness

SBI PO Best Books 2024

There are a lot of books available in the market to prepare for the SBI PO 2024 exam. It is mandatory to stick to the best and selected few books. From the following table, we have shared a list of the best books for 2024 SBI PO preparation which can help candidates start their preparation for the exam effectively.

Best Books for SBI PO 2024

Topics

Books

Author

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantum CAT

Sarvesh Verma

Quantitative Aptitude

RS Aggarwal

Reasoning

Reasoning

MK Pandey

Verbal- Non Verbal Reasoning

R.S. Aggrawal

English

English

SP Bakshi

English Language

Wren & Martin

General Awareness

Guide to Banking General Awareness

R.Gupta

Banking Awareness

Arihant Publication

Computer

Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy

Kiran Publication

Computer Awareness

Arihant Publication

Data Analysis and Interpretation

Data interpretation for CAT

Arun Sharma

CAT Data Interpretation

Nishit Sinha

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is 60% necessary in graduation to become an SBI PO?

No. 60% in graduation is not necessary to become a PO in SBI.

2. Is a B.Tech student eligible for SBI PO exams?

Definitely. B.Tech graduates are eligible to be a PO.

3. What is the selection procedure of 2024 SBI PO?

The recruitment process, as per the exam pattern of SBI PO is three phased, prelims, mains and group exercise and interview.

4. Can a B.Sc graduate apply for SBI PO exams?

B.Sc. graduates are eligible to apply for SBI PO 2024 provided the graduation is done from a recognized university.

5. What are the stages in the SBI PO 2024 exam?

There are three stages in the SBI PO exam 2024 - preliminary, mains and personality test.

6. Is there negative marking in the SBI PO exam?

Yes there is negative marking in the SBI PO exam preliminary as well as mains stage for objective type questions.

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Questions related to SBI PO

Have a question related to SBI PO ?

A Master's degree is not mandatory to become an SBI PO or get promoted to a bank manager role. However, it can enhance your profile and potentially give you an edge in the competitive selection process.

An MBA can be a good choice as it equips you with valuable skills in finance, management, marketing, and communication - all of which are crucial for a banking career

Consider specializing in Finance, Banking, or Risk Management within your MBA program. These specializations will directly align with the SBI PO role and career progression in banking.

A Master's in Commerce with a specialization in Banking and Finance can provide a strong foundation in banking principles and practices. While not as directly focused on banking, a Master's in Economics can equip you with analytical skills and an understanding of economic trends, which are valuable assets in the financial sector.

Several banking-related certifications like Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Risk Management (PRM) can enhance your profile without the time commitment of a Master's program. Focused coaching programs or online resources can equip you with the specific knowledge and skills required to crack the SBI PO exam.

Ultimately, the decision of pursuing a Master's degree depends on your individual circumstances, goals, and resources. While an MBA or other relevant Master's can be beneficial, it's not essential for success in the SBI PO exam or career advancement in banking.

https://competition.careers360.com/download/ebooks/know-all-about-sbi-po

I hope it helps!

There is an interview in sbi po where your profile needs to be strong to fetch good marks .Doing finance, Banking, or Risk Management within your MBA program will enhance your profile and potentially give you an edge in the competitive selection process. Also,you can do m.com specialisation in finance and banking. aligarh muslim university provides this course at very affordable fee you should consider.

ALL THE BEST.

Dear aspirant !!

Hope you are doing well !

The SBI PO candidates must not be below 21 years of age and must not be above 30 years of age to be eligible for SBI PO 2024. The SBI PO qualification for the candidates is to have passed Graduation in any discipline from any recognized university or equivalent.

After becoming the po ,you will get a handsome salary and perks , facilities . You will live a standard life . The exam is not very easy ,you need to work very hard to get the post of po of SBI or any other bank .

For details,visit the link ;-

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://competition.careers360.com/exams/sbi-po/amp&ved=2ahUKEwiC3Ma5k_6DAxXPr1YBHbzDCF4QFnoECBkQAQ&usg=AOvVaw1EvryhQbeL6pqrpDgZXedq .

Hope it helps you

Hello aspirant,

Yes, if you have completed your diploma through remote learning, you are eligible to apply for the SBI PO Exam. Candidates who have obtained their graduation through distance education from an accredited university are eligible to apply for the SBI PO Exam through the State Bank of India (SBI).

But you need to fulfill the eligibility criteria of SBI PO. To know complete eligibility criteria, please visit the following link:

https://competition.careers360.com/user/user-preference/step2?destination=https://competition.careers360.com/articles/sbi-po-2024

Thank you

Hope it helps you.

Hello aspirant,

Candidates must be between the ages of 21 and 30 to be eligible for the SBI PO test; however, reserved candidates are exempt from this age requirement. Applicants must have graduated from an accredited university or passed an equivalent test.

So as you will be 21 years old in 2025, you are eligible for SBI PO exam.

Thank you

Hope this information helps you.

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