A Guide to SBI PO 2022 Mains Exam

The results for the preliminary round of the SBI PO exam are just around the corner. As such, those who are confident about clearing the prelims must start preparing for the Mains exam. While there is no specific date set for the test, the consensus is that it will be held in mid to late January or early February, with the results becoming available later that month.

Regardless of when it is held, candidates should familiarize themselves with the paper patterns and the general structure of the SBI PO Mains Exam 2023.

This article takes a look at that, precisely. Read on to learn more.

SBI PO Mains Exam: Test Overview & Stages

The SBI PO Exam is divided into four stages, that being:

Preliminary Examination
Mains Examination
Psychometric Test (Group Discussion/Personal Interview)

Each phase carries its weight in terms of the final result. For instance, the preliminary round is merely for qualifying purposes and filters out candidates for subsequent tests. Meanwhile, the SBI PO Mains Exam carries 250 marks. As such, it is crucial to follow a structured preparation strategy and score as high as possible in the Mains because it holds the majority of weightage.

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SBI PO Mains Exam Syllabus: Sections & Topics Covered

While there are certain similarities between the SBI PO preliminary and mains test, the syllabus for the latter is considerably more extensive and includes additional sections.

As such, the SBI PO Mains Exam syllabus comprises the following:

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Data Analysis & Interpretation
General, Economy & Banking Awareness
English Language

Here is a more detailed table that elaborates on the topics covered under each section:

Section	Topics Covered
Reasoning	Verbal Reasoning Syllogism Circular & Linear Seating Arrangement Double Lineup Scheduling Input Output Blood Relations Directions & Distances Ordering & Ranking Data Sufficiency Coding & Decoding Code Inequalities Course of Action Critical Reasoning Analytical & Decision Making
Computer Aptitude	Internet Memory Keyboard Shortcuts Computer Abbreviation Microsoft Office Computer Hardware Computer Software Computer Fundamentals & Terminologies Networking Number System Operating System Basic of Logic Gates
Data Analysis & Interpretation	Tabular Graph Line Graph Bar Graph Charts & Tables Missing Case DI Radar Graph Caselet Probability Data Sufficiency Let it Case DI Permutation & Combination Pie Charts
General, Economy & Banking Awareness	Current Affairs Financial Awareness General Knowledge Static Awareness Knowledge of Banking Terminologies Banking Awareness Principles of Insurance
English Language	Reading Comprehension Grammar Verbal Ability Vocabulary Sentence Improvement Word Association Para Jumbles Error Spotting Cloze Test Fill in the blanks

Due to the significant additions, the SBI PO mains exam lasts for 3 hours as opposed to the 1 hour allotted to the preliminary test.

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SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern: Paper Structure & Marking Scheme

The SBI PO Mains Exam includes two papers, that being the following:

An objective test that includes the previously mentioned sections, namely Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General, Economy & Banking Awareness, and English Language
A descriptive test that is centered around letter and essay writing

To elaborate, here is a detailed breakdown of how both papers are structured:

Objective Test:

Name of the Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Sectional Time
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude	40	50	50 minutes
Data Analysis & Interpretation	30	50	45 minutes
General, Economy & Banking Awareness	50	60	45 minutes
English Language	35	40	40 minutes
Total	155	200	3 hours

Descriptive Test:

Name of the Section	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks	Sectional Time
Letter Writing	1	50	30 minutes
Essay Writing	1	50	30 minutes
Total	2	50	30 minutes

Aside from the distribution of marks in the standard SBI PO Mains Exam pattern, there are specific marking guidelines for all sections. This includes the following:

A deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrectly answered question
No negative marking for unanswered questions
No negative marking in the descriptive test

In addition, there are no sectional cut-offs, i.e., the total marks for all the sections will be considered to determine whether a candidate qualifies. Moreover, the final result is averaged out of 100. In short, the mains exam accounts for 75%, while the remaining 25% is based on the psychometric test.

SBI PO Mains Exam Preparation: General Tips & Tricks

ACE Online has prepared an expected cut-off list for the SBI PO preliminary test based on an analysis of qualifying marks from previous years. Regardless, it is vital to practice rigorously for the upcoming SBI PO Mains 2023.

As such, a few general tips and tricks to prepare for the SBI PO Mains Exam are:

Solve mock papers and past years’ question papers, especially for the English Language section
Brush up the commonly used idioms, phrases, and comprehension passages
Extensively practice problems related to puzzle solving and seating arrangements
Prioritize miscellaneous questions from sectional topics such as coding-decoding, data sufficiency, input-output, assumptions and conclusions, effect & cause

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Like all other competitive tests, the SBI PO Mains Exam can be incredibly challenging. However, by adhering to a dedicated preparation routine, candidates can significantly improve their chances of clearing the exam.

In addition, it is always an excellent idea to seek help from external resources, such as the ones available on ACE Online.