Not sure how to start preparing for the SBI PO Exam? Here is a head-start

Opportunities don’t happen by accident, you have to make them happen. The SBI India provides a great opportunity for people who are interested in the banking sector. The SBI PO is a dream for many enthusiastic candidates. The post of Probationary Officer is one of the prestigious posts in the banking sector. This exam is conducted annually by the SBI for recruiting people who deserve this post. This article will help you get an idea of how to prepare for these competitive exams.

SBI PO exam:

The SBI PO exam is one of the most challenging exams conducted by the State Bank of India. Every year there is an increase in the number of applicants which results in huge competition for PO jobs in India. Candidates need to have a proper preparation strategy to ace the exam since the question paper gets tougher and tougher each year.

The SBI PO tests the candidates in three different exams. They are :

• SBI PO Prelims
• SBI PO Mains
• Group exercise and Interview

The applicants need to pass each exam to reach the next level. So every level needs proper care.

Preparation strategy:

Candidates need to prepare a plan that is more effective and efficient for them to succeed. The demand for banking jobs is comparatively higher than the other jobs. As banking is a secured sector more people are aiming for the job. So candidates need to step up their game and not waste a single minute when it comes to taking up the exams.

• Be clear with the details:

The first step in preparing for the SBI PO exam is by getting thorough with the syllabus and exam pattern. Since the syllabus of these exams is vast, applicants need to buckle up and begin their exam preparations. They should have a clear knowledge of the exam pattern and the syllabus to start their preparation.

• Prepare the plan:

After sorting out the details, the next best thing to do is to prepare a proper plan. A plan will allow the applicants to stay focused and disciplined throughout the process. Make a list of important topics and create a timetable of the topics based on your strengths and weaknesses. Proceed according to the timetable and create a routine. The secret of your success will only be found in your daily routine. Never miss a study schedule and you are on the right path.

• Give importance to every section and topic:

As the pattern of the question paper has sections and has overall cutoff marks, candidates need to concentrate on every chapter and get well versed in all the topics and contents. Do not carelessly omit any of the sections or topics which will land you in trouble. Equal attention should be given to all three sections and topics to ace the exams.

• Make use of the previous year question paper:

Candidates should go through the previous year’s question papers and effectively use those to prepare for the exam. This sheds light on how difficult questions are asked in the exam. This will help the candidates figure out the important concepts and questions that are repeatedly asked in the exam.

• Read regularly:

The continuous reading of different stories, articles, and concepts related to the exam will improve their knowledge of the English language. It increases your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Reading newspapers will also enhance the candidate’s ability to answer all the questions in the English section confidently.

• Watch news regularly:

News is the major source of knowledge. As some of the questions will test the general knowledge of the aspirants, they need to be well versed about things that are happening around the world. Students will be tested on world affairs in the general awareness section of the SBI PO Mains. To keep yourself updated on the world’s happenings, read the newspaper and watch the news channels regularly.

• Prepare notes:

Note-making is the key to developing your memory retention. Your hand and brain coordinates while you handwrite your notes on a piece of paper that helps you remember and understand the concepts you are recording. Another advantage of making notes of important questions, formulae, and concepts is that it will help you in revision. Even if you don’t have enough time to go through all the concepts before the exam,  you can always make use of the notes you prepared. For last-minute preparations, candidates can always glance through their notes and confidently face the exam.

• Practice:

Allocate time for more practice. This will help the candidates to get well versed in all the chapters. When you practice on a regular basis you will understand the concepts and perform in the exam effectively. Practice all the important questions and solve questions from the sample question papers or previous question papers to prepare yourself to answer the different levels of questions asked in the paper.

• Take up mock tests:

Mock tests prepare the candidates to get an idea of different types of questions asked, allocation of marks, and time management. Taking up the mock tests frequently will help the students to frame their answers and rectify the mistakes. Since it provides a real-life scenario of writing an exam, the candidates will prepare for their exam without stress. Students can take as many SBI PO mock test as they want to get well versed in all the concepts.

• Time management:

Managing your time is very important because each section of the exam has a time duration. Candidates need to finish their exams within the allotted time. Never waste your time on the questions you don’t know. Work on other problems and come back to it later when you have extra time.

• Provide accurate answers:

Your answers need to be accurate. For every wrong answer, there is a negative marking. So ensure your answers are clear and focused on the question asked. Never make any random guesses and lose your marks.

• Clear all your basics:

While preparing for the exam, make sure you clarify all your doubts. You can never understand or answer a particular question when you have doubts regarding the concepts. You should be thorough with all your basics which will eventually gain you good marks.

• Revise before the exam:

With the help of the notes, candidates can allot time for revision. Make sure the notes are accurate without mistakes since candidates cannot go through the entire syllabus at the last minute. A glance at these notes will help the aspirants answer the questions in the exam without any confusion.

SBI PO prelims:

Preparation for the English language:                 

• For the English language, it is important to be well-versed with the basic rules of grammar.
• Read frequently to improve your skills in spotting the error, comprehension, antonyms, synonyms, and para jumbles.

Preparation for Quantitative aptitude:

• Memorize the formulae and improve problem-solving skills.
• Get well versed in concepts like Simplification, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation, Number Series, Time and Work, Speed and Distance, Average and Ratio and Proportion.

            Preparation in Reasoning aptitude:

• Take up the mock test and improve your skills in answering the questions logically.
• Be thorough in concepts like Ranking and Order, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Seating Arrangement, and Puzzles, etc.

SBI PO Mains:

After going through this article, candidates will get an idea of how to prepare for the SBI PO exams and excel in them by securing a perfect result. With all the preparation tips in mind, do not forget to sleep well, eat healthy food, and take proper rest. Remember to work hard and be focused on achieving your goals. When you work hard today, you need not worry about tomorrow. Best of luck!