Clarification on SBI PO Latest Exam Pattern

The most awaited Recruitment Exam of the year SBI PO has returned with a bang. This time, SBI has changed the Exam Pattern and much more. Here is complete and relevant information about the Exam.

As we have seen in last year, Banking Exams saw significant changes in the Exam Pattern. Continuing the trend, this year also some major changes have been introduced in the Exam Pattern by SBI.

First let’s understand where and what changes have been made this year.

I. Selection Procedure: The selection process of SBI PO from last year consists of 3 phases which are

Phase I: Prelims
Phase II: Mains
Phase III: Group Discussion and Interview

The major changes in the selection Process have been introduced at Phase II. But here we are discussing the entire Selection Process which as follows.

Phase I: Prelims –

The Prelims Examination consists of Online Objective Tests for 100 marks. This test would be of 1 hour duration consisting of 3 Sections as follows:

Phase II: Mains –

The Mains Examination consists of two parts i.e. Objective and Descriptive Test worth 200 and 25 marks respectively. Both these test will be conducted online.

For Descriptive test, a candidate is required to answer by typing on the computer. And Descriptive test would begin immediately after the Objective Test. The Exam Pattern of the Objective and Descriptive Test is as follows:

Objective Test: The online objective test is of 3 hours duration and consists of 4 Sections for total 200 marks. And for the first time, separate timings have been introduced for every section. So there will be a time boundation for every section.

Descriptive Test: The Descriptive Test, which will also be conducted online, is of 30 minutes duration with 50 marks, will be a Test of English Language (Letter Writing & Essay).

Moreover, Descriptive test of only those candidates will be evaluated who score qualifying marks in the Objective Tests and are placed adequately high as per total marks in objective test.

Phase III: Group Discussion and Interview –

The aggregate marks of candidates, who have qualified both in Objective Tests and Descriptive Test, will be arranged in descending order in each category. And an adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank will be called for Group Discussion and Interview.

The marks of Group Discussion and Interview are given below:

It is important to note that the marks obtained by a candidate in the Phase-I of Exam will not be considered for the selection and only the marks obtained in Phase-II of Exam, both Objective Test and Descriptive Test will be added to the marks obtained in Phase-III for preparation of the final merit list.

For Merit List, Marks secured by the candidates in the Written Test (out of 225 marks) are converted to out of 75 and marks secured in Group Discussion & Interview (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25.

The final merit list is arrived at after aggregating converted marks of Written Test and Group Discussion &Interview out of 100 for each category. The selection will be made from the top merit ranked candidates in each category.

Note:

The candidates are required to qualify in each of the Tests, separately in both Prelims and Mains Objective Test, by securing passing marks, to be decided by the Bank.
The candidates are required to qualify in the Descriptive Test.
There is a negative marking of 1/4^th of the marks assigned to that question, in both Prelims and Mains Objective Exam.
The candidates will have to qualify both in Phase-II and Phase-III

II. Salary Structure:

The starting Basic Pay of Junior Management Grade Scale-I Officer is Rs Rs.27,620/- (with 4 advance increments) in the scale of

Rs. 23700-980/7-30560-1145/2-32850-1310/7-42020

In addition, the official is also eligible for D.A, H.R.A/ Lease rental, C.C.A, Medical and other allowances & perquisites. Thus the total compensation per annum would vary between Rs. 7.55 lacs and Rs. 12.93 lacs depending on place of posting and other factors.

III. Eligibility and Number of Chances:

The eligibility criterion for SBI PO Exam is Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Those who are in the Final year/Semester of their Graduation may also apply provided they have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before eligibility date as given in related advertisement.

The number of Chances a candidate can appear for the given Exam is as given below: