SBI PO Preliminary Examination Mock Test
Master the State Bank of India Probationary Officer Phase-1 Recruitment Exam
About the SBI PO Prelims exam
Overview of the SBI PO Preliminary Examination
The State Bank of India Probationary Officer (SBI PO) Preliminary Examination is one of the most prestigious and competitive recruitment tests in India’s banking sector. Organized annually by the State Bank of India, this online computer-based examination serves as the initial screening round to shortlist candidates for the Phase-II Main Examination. Successful candidates eventually join India’s largest public sector lender in managerial and officer-level roles, offering exceptional career progression, competitive compensation, and job stability.
Because the preliminary phase serves purely as an eliminatory hurdle, candidates must maximize their accuracy and speed within strict sectional time constraints to secure a place among the top percentile.
Examination Structure and Syllabus
The SBI PO Preliminary Examination comprises 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 100 marks. The test is divided into three distinct sections, each allocated an unalterable sectional timer of 20 minutes:
- English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks): Assesses grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. Topics include Reading Comprehension passages, Cloze Tests, Error Spotting, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, and Para Jumbles.
- Quantitative Aptitude (35 Questions, 35 Marks): Evaluates mathematical proficiency and computational speed. Core topics include Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Line Charts, Tables, Pie Charts, Radar, and Caselets), Quadratic Equations, Number Series (Missing and Wrong Number), Simplification/Approximation, and Arithmetic Word Problems covering Percentages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Work, and Ratio and Proportion.
- Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks): Tests analytical and logical deductions. Key topics encompass Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Square, and Uncertain Number), Floor/Box/Scheduling Puzzles, Syllogisms, Mathematical Inequalities, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, and Order & Ranking.
Test Rules and Sectional Timing
- Strict Sectional Limits: The 60-minute duration is split into three separate 20-minute windows. Candidates cannot switch between sections until the specific sectional time has lapsed.
- No Sectional Cutoffs: Unlike several other banking exams, SBI PO does not enforce individual minimum passing scores for each section. Selection for the Main Examination is determined strictly on the aggregate preliminary score.
- One Attempt per Question Category: Responses can be marked, cleared, or tagged for review within the active section's time window.
- Prohibited Items: No electronic devices, calculators, smartwatches, or printed rough sheets may be carried into the exam hall. Rough sheets and pens are provided at the testing venue.
Scoring and Negative Marking
- Correct Answers: Each accurate response yields +1.00 mark.
- Negative Marking: For every incorrect response, a penalty of 0.25 (one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question) is deducted.
- Unanswered Questions: No positive marks or negative deductions apply to questions left blank.
- Merit Calculation: Aggregate marks out of 100 determine eligibility for Phase-II. Approximately 10 times the category-wise vacancy count is shortlisted for the Main Exam.
Proven Preparation Tips
- Emphasize Puzzles and Data Interpretation: More than 50% of the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections consist of DI sets and complex seating puzzles. Daily practice on multi-variable puzzles builds crucial pattern recognition.
- Master Speed Calculation Techniques: Memorize squares up to 50, cubes up to 30, percentage-to-fraction conversions, and common tables to solve arithmetic questions swiftly without lengthy calculations.
- Cultivate Reading Speed: Skim through reputable editorials daily to boost comprehension speed and expand vocabulary for the English section.
- Simulate Real Exam Pressure: Practice timed mock tests under strict 20-minute sectional limits. Track your strike rate, question selection strategy, and accuracy to minimize negative deductions.
Test rules
- Total exam duration is 60 minutes divided into three rigid 20-minute sectional windows.
- Candidates cannot switch between sections or borrow time from one section to another.
- A negative marking deduction of 0.25 marks applies to each wrong answer.
- Unanswered questions receive zero marks and do not attract any penalty.
- Calculators, mobile devices, and electronic wristwatches are strictly prohibited.
- Candidates must submit biometric verification and present a valid photo ID along with the call letter.
Score grading
Scored out of 100 total marks. Each correct answer earns 1 mark, with a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. There are no sectional cutoffs; qualifying depends entirely on the overall category-wise aggregate score determined by SBI.
Syllabus & chapters covered
FAQs
No, SBI does not mandate sectional cutoffs for SBI PO Prelims. Shortlisting for the Main Examination is based strictly on the aggregate cutoff score.
There is a negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks (one-fourth of the mark allocated) for every incorrect answer.
Typically, candidates equal to roughly 10 times the number of vacancies in each category are shortlisted for the Phase-II Main Examination based on preliminary aggregate marks.
No, marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are purely qualifying and are not included in the final merit list, which is based on Phase-II and Phase-III scores.
No, each of the three sections has a fixed 20-minute timer. You can only attempt questions from the active section during that designated 20-minute period.