Every year, numerous vacancies for the post of a probationary officer at the State Bank of India are announced. Lakhs of aspirants apply for this examination to land their dream job as an SBI PO as it is considered one of the most prestigious and secure banking jobs in the country. With fewer vacancies and so many applicants, the competition is very high. Apart from a handsome pay package, Career as SBI PO’s also receive various other benefits and the job of an SBI PO is considered well-reputed in society.
Eligibility Criteria
All aspirants should check the eligibility criteria to ensure that they’re eligible for the exam. The eligibility criteria are –
- Educational qualification –
- Candidates should have completed their bachelor’s degree from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification that is recognized by the Central Government of India.
- Students who are in the final semester/year of graduation are also eligible to apply, provided they submit proof of completion of their graduation such as their degree certificate, during their interview, if selected.
- Individuals who have acquired professional qualifications such as chartered accountants are also eligible to apply for the SBI PO exam.
- Age Limit – The age limit for applicants is between 21 to 30. There are relaxations for individuals of the following categories –
- SC/ST – 5 years
- OBC (Non-creamy Layer) – 3 years
- PwD (SC/ST) – 15 years
- PwD (OBC) – 13 years
- PwD (GEN/EWS) – 10 years
- Applicants should be proficient in the official language of their state including speaking, reading, and writing.
- Nationality – Candidates should either be –
- A citizen of India, or,
- Of Indian origin and migrated from Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Pakistan, Burma or East India countries of Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Kenya, Zaire, Ethiopia or Malawi, intending to settle in India permanently, or,
- A subject of Bhutan or Nepal, or,
- A Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962, intending to permanently settle in India.
Selection Process
The selection process of SBI PO happens in three phases –
Stage 1 – SBI PO Preliminary Exam
- In this exam, there are three sections, with a total of 100 questions and 100 maximum marks.
- The total time duration for the prelim exam is 1 hour, with 20 minutes for each section.
- The English Language section consists of 30 questions for 30 marks.
- The Numerical Ability, as well as the Reasoning Ability Section, consists of 35 questions for 35 marks, each.
- For every correct answer, one mark is awarded whereas for every incorrect answer, 0.25 marks are will be deducted.
- The questions in the exam are objective-type (multiple-choice) questions.
- There is no sectional cutoff in the prelim exam.
- To qualify for the SBI PO Main Exam, candidates need to clear the overall cutoff in the prelim exam.
Stage 2 – SBI PO Main Exam
- In the main exam, there are 5 sections, including one descriptive type section.
- There are 155 total questions in the objective tests for 200 marks, to be completed in 180 minutes.
- The Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section consists of 45 questions. The maximum marks for this section are 60 and the sectional time limit is 60 minutes.
- The Data Analysis and Interpretation Section consists of 35 questions. The maximum marks for this section are 60 and the sectional time limit is 45 minutes.
- The Banking/General/Economy Awareness section consists of 40 questions. The maximum marks for this section are 40 and the sectional time limit is 35 minutes.
- The English Language section consists of 35 questions. The maximum marks for this section are 40 and the sectional time limit is 40 minutes.
- The descriptive test includes the English Language – Letter Writing and Essay wherein 2 questions for 50 marks. The time limit for this section is 30 minutes.
- There is no sectional cutoff in the main exam. Candidates need to clear the overall cutoff to qualify for the group exercise and interview.
Stage 3 – Group Exercise and Interview
- Based on the performance in the Main exam, candidates are selected for the interview round.
- The group exercises are evaluated for 20 marks and the interview is evaluated for 30 marks.
- Candidates should score the minimum qualifying marks in both sections for final selection.
The final merit list of candidates is prepared based on marks in the Main exam and the interview.
Preparation
- Preparing for SBI PO exams requires serious dedication and determination since this is one of the toughest exams to crack.
- Create a study plan according to your schedule and work accordingly.
- Complete the syllabus.
- After completing all topics, start practicing concepts by giving full-length as well as sectional mock tests. You can check out this website to Crack the SBI PO Test Series.
- Read newspapers regularly to build your knowledge for the general awareness section.
Job Profile of SBI PO
After a candidate is selected as SBI PO, they undergo a training period of 24 months called probation. During this period, they may be assigned any branch of SBI all across the country.
Their responsibilities during the probation period include –
- Training in different department of education in the bank such as Accounting, Billing, Investment, Marketing, and Finance to get them acquainted and also gain practical experience.
- They are required to handle the front desk and address the queries and complaints of customers.
- They are also required to issue ATM cards, checkbooks, and demand drafts.
- They are responsible for correcting inconsistencies, if any, in an account.
- They are assigned certain managerial tasks such as supervision of bank clerks, verifying documents, being aware of the latest happenings in the bank, etc.
After their training period, SBI PO’s have to undergo a screening test. After this, they are hired as “Assistant Bank Manager” and posted to one of the branches of SBI in India.
SBI PO’s earn a handsome basic salary of Rs. 27,620. Apart from this, they also receive various allowances and perks such as travel allowance, dearness allowance, city compensatory allowance, leave policies, house rent allowance, and medical allowance. The career path of an SBI PO has tremendous opportunities for growth. Hence, it is considered a very reputed, prestigious, and in-demand government job.
