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This year, the State Bank of India (SBI) has released 600 vacancies for Probationary Officers (PO). SBI is one of the largest banks in India, with a huge customer base. The SBI PO selection process comprises 3 stages – Prelims, Mains and Interview. The candidates need a lot of practice in all the subjects to clear the SBI PO exam because its not just about overall cut off but also a sectional cut off is mandatory to score.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO Exam 2025
The SBI PO Exam 2025 is scheduled in the upcoming days, and aspirants want to focus more on the important topics to secure good marks and be successful in the examination. For the ease of candidates, we have provided the section-wise important topics and preparation tips to prepare effectively.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO English Language
The English language section in the SBI PO exam comprises 40 questions that need to be attempted within 20 minutes. The maximum mark for this section is 40.
- Reading Comprehension (RC): Economy, Banking, and Current Affairs themes
- Cloze Test: Fill in the blanks with appropriate words
- Error Detection: Grammar-based questions
- Sentence Improvement: Correction of given sentences
- Para Jumbles: Arranging sentences logically
- Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, and Phrases
- Word Swapping: Replacing words correctly in a sentence
- Fill in the Blanks: Single/double blanks with appropriate words
Preparation Tips for English Language
The candidates can follow these tips to score better in English.
- Candidates must read newspapers to improve their vocabulary and comprehension skills.
- Revise grammar rules and follow tricks taught by the mentors.
- Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude
The quantitative aptitude section plays a vital role in reaching the overall cutoff. There are 30 questions in all, and the maximum marks are also 30. The time given is 20 minutes.
- Data Interpretation (DI): Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Caselets, Line Graphs
- Simplification & Approximation: Basic calculations and number series
- Number Series: Missing and Wrong Number Series
- Arithmetic Topics:
- Ratio & Proportion
- Percentage & Profit-Loss
- Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- Time, Speed, & Distance
- Probability & Permutations
- Mensuration (Geometry, Areas, Volumes)
- Quadratic Equations: Finding roots of quadratic equations
Preparation Tips for Quantitative Aptitude
NCERTs are really helpful while the candidate is preparing for the Quant section. Here are other pointers that one can take note of.
- Candidates must strengthen their basic concepts from NCERT Mathematics (Class 9 & 10).
- It is important to practice DI questions daily to improve speed and accuracy.
- Candidates are advised to learn shortcut tricks to speed up their calculations.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning Ability section is considered easier than quant. A total of 30 questions are asked from this section, and the maximum marks allotted are 30. The time given to the reasoning section is 20 minutes.
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: Linear, Circular, Box-based, Floor-based
- Syllogism: Logical conclusions based on given statements
- Inequality: Direct & coded inequality problems
- Coding-Decoding: Letter and number coding variations
- Blood Relations: Family tree-based questions
- Direction Sense Test: Based on movement and positioning
- Input-Output: Machine arrangement patterns
- Logical Reasoning: Statement & Assumption, Statement & Conclusion
Preparation Tips for Reasoning Ability
- Aspirants must develop their logical reasoning skills by practicing puzzles daily.
- Solve high-level seating arrangements and puzzle-based questions.
- This section needs lots of practice with various types of questions as it has a vast variety of topics.
- The speed and confidence will be only achieved by attempting previous year questions to ensure the preparation.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- Current Affairs (Last 6-8 months): National & International Events
- Banking & Financial Awareness: RBI Policies, Monetary Policies, Important Banking Terms
- Static GK: Capitals, Currency, Awards, Important Dates, Government Schemes
- Economic Awareness: Budget, Economic Survey, Important Reports
Preparation Tips for General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- To enhance their preparation, candidates are advised to read the Hindu, Indian Express, and Financial Express regularly.
- To crack this part of the exam, candidates must start reading monthly GA capsules for revision.
- Candidates must follow RBI & SEBI official websites for banking updates.
Important Topics to Focus on for the SBI PO Computer Aptitude
- Basic Computer Knowledge: Hardware & Software
- Internet & Networking: Basics of Internet, LAN, WAN, IP Address
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint): Shortcuts and Functions
- Computer Security: Cyber Threats, Viruses, and Firewalls
- Keyboard Shortcuts & Memory Basics