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Preparing for the SBI PO Mains Exam can feel challenging because of its detailed syllabus and the competition. But with the right mindset and strategy, you can face the exam with confidence. This article will guide you step by step, combining a structured approach with insights from recent SBI PO Mains exams and observations from the SBI Clerk Mains.
What Must Be Your Approach for the SBI PO Mains Exam?
The SBI PO Mains exam is tough but manageable. By learning from recent exam patterns and comparing them with the SBI Clerk Mains experience, you can develop a clear plan. In the 2023 SBI PO Mains, a general category candidate needed around 70 marks out of 250 to clear the cutoff. This gives you a benchmark to aim for. Work on each section steadily. Take regular mock tests and analyze your mistakes. Keep practicing descriptive writing and stay updated with current affairs. Treat every day as a step closer to your goal.
Approach for Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
In SBI Clerk Mains, this section was moderate to difficult. It included puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and input-output questions. In SBI PO Mains, the same section is usually tougher. In the 2023 SBI PO Mains, top candidates attempted around 16 to 18 questions with accuracy. Expect complex puzzles, and multi-layered logic problems.
Your preparation should involve solving different types of puzzles daily. Work on identifying patterns quickly and strengthen your logic-based thinking. Revise basic computer concepts like software types, operating systems, and common internet terms. You don’t need to go too deep, but having clarity will help you tackle computer-based questions confidently.
Approach for Data Analysis and Interpretation
In SBI Clerk Mains, candidates faced DI sets based on bar graphs, pie charts, and caselets. In SBI PO Mains, this section is more intense. The DI sets often have large data tables, mixed charts, and questions that test both accuracy and speed. In 2023, the section was moderately difficult, and 8 to 10 good attempts were considered safe.
Make it a habit to solve at least one DI set daily. Focus on improving your speed with calculations involving percentages, ratios, averages, and comparisons. Practice mixed-type sets where data is presented in more than one format. This will prepare you to deal with unexpected patterns in the exam.
Approach for General/Economy/Banking Awareness
This section in SBI Clerk Mains included questions from current affairs, banking terms, RBI circulars, and government schemes. In SBI PO Mains, this section has a broader scope. In 2023, a good score in this section meant getting about 20 questions right out of 50.
To do well, stay updated with daily current affairs, especially financial and banking news. Make short notes from reliable sources, revise the last six months regularly, and practice quizzes to test your memory. Focus on topics like RBI updates, government schemes, GDP, inflation, and major global financial events.
Approach for English Language
In the Clerk Mains exam, the English section had reading comprehension, para jumbles, error spotting, and cloze tests. The SBI PO Mains has similar topics but with slightly higher difficulty. In 2023, successful candidates attempted around 16 to 18 questions with good accuracy.
Improve your reading habits. Read editorials from newspapers and practice comprehension passages regularly. Grammar and vocabulary are just as important practice them through daily quizzes. Don’t try to rush through this section. Instead, aim to understand sentence structure and the logic behind grammar rules.