How to approach SBI SO Exam 2016-17

SBI Specialist Officer (SO) Exam 2016-17 will now be conducted on 20th January 2017. Admit Cards for SBI SO were released yesterday and you can download them from the link at the end of the article. We have already shared the SBI SO eligibility criteria, so take a look to know if you meet the criteria. Since numbered days are now left for SBI SO Exam 2016-17, we are now going to share some tips that might be helpful for this exam.

SBI SO Exam Pattern

It is essential that you have a clear idea of the pattern of exam.

Tests of Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language are just Qualifying in nature and marks obtained in these sections will not be included  in the final merit list. As clearly mentioned above, Professional Knowledge carries maximum weightage. However, you will have to clear these sections in order to be eligible for Interviews of SBI SO.

Sectional Strategy

Reasoning Ability

This section will comprise of 50 questions with a total of 50 marks. Following topics are essential for this section -

• Seating Arrangement & Puzzles - 3 sets i.e. 15 Questions were asked from this topic last year. This included 1 circular, 1 linear and 1 floor based puzzle. So practice this topic properly. You can go through the link below to understand this topic better -
  

  How to solve Seating Arrangement

• Syllogism - 5 questions were asked from this topic last year. While attempting questions from this topic, try to follow the Venn Diagram approach. You can go through the link below to understand this topic better -
  

  How to solve Syllogism

• Inequality - This is another important topic that was asked last year and you can expect 3-4 questions from this topic in the exam. To understand this topic better, you can go through the link below -
  

  How to solve Inequality

• Coding - Decoding - Another 5 questions of this section were asked from coding-decoding last year. So, prepare this topic properly. Make sure that you practice questions based on the new pattern of Coding - Decoding as well (as asked in IBPS PO Mains). You can go through the link below to understand this topic better as well as attempt quiz based on new pattern -
  

  How to solve Coding - Decoding

• Miscellaneous - This includes Blood Relations, Direction sense, alphabet coding etc. These topics are comparatively easy and can fetch you marks if practised well. So, make sure that you prepare these topics properly.

Quantitative Aptitude

35 Questions will be asked from this topic with a total of 35 marks. Try to practice following topics properly for this section -

• Data Interpretation - 3 sets (15 questions) were asked from this topic last year.  Have a thorough practice of this topic. You can go through the link below to understand this topic better -
  

  How to solve Data Interpretation

• Number Series - 5 questions were asked from this topic last year. This topic is important because it consumes less time and fetches you marks. So practice it properly. You can go through the link below to understand it better -
  

  How to solve Number Series

• Quadratic Equations - Questions from this topic were also asked last year. This topic again is comparatively easy and less time taking. To understand this topic better, go through the link below -
  

  How to solve Quadratic Equation

• Simplification/ Approximation - Try to practice questions from this topic as well. You can go through the link below to clear basics of this topic -
  

  How to solve Simplification/ Approximation

• Miscellaneous - This involves questions from  Permutation & Combination, Probability, Age, Mixture Allegation, Partnership, Pipes and Cisterns, Profit Loss, Average, Boats & Stream, Compound/Simple Interest, Time & Work, etc.  You may come across questions from this category as well, so prepare well.

English Language

35 Questions will be asked from this topic with a total of 35 marks. Focus on the following topics-

• Reading comprehension - You may expect 8-10 questions from this topic. You can go through the link below to understand this topic better -
  

  How to solve reading Comprehension

• Cloze test - 10 Questions were asked from this topic last year. While solving these questions, read the sentence first and then try to find the correct option by substituting the given options in the sentence. You should be able to eliminate incorrect options with the help of this approach.
• Spotting Errors - This topic is again important for the exam. It consumes less time and is highly scoring. You can go through the link below to understand it better.
  

  How to solve Spotting Errors

• Apart from these, you may come across questions from Para jumbles, Fillers etc.

These sections are just qualifying in nature. So, identify your strong and weak topics of different sections and attempt questions in the same order. Remember, You do not have to attempt all the questions in these sections.

Sectional Time Division

You will be given a composite time of 90 minutes for these 3 sections. You can divide your time among these sections as given -

Reasoning Ability - 40 minutes

Quantitative Aptitude - 30 minutes

English Language - 20 minutes

Read the previous year SBI SO cut off to know how much you need to score to pass the first stage of the SBI SO selection process.

Professional Knowledge

This is the most important section of SBI SO Exam. 50 questions will be asked from this section with a total of 100 marks.

Questions in this section will be asked majorly from the following topics -

• Database Management System
• Data Communication and Networking
• Operating System
• Software Engineering
• Compiler Design
• Data Structures
• Computer Organization and Microprocessor
• Object Oriented Programming

You can go through the link below to view important books that you can go through for the topics mentioned above -

Important Books for SBI SO Professional Knowledge Section

While preparing this section, keep following things in mind -

• Try to dedicate sufficient time to the topics on a regular basis.
• Make sure that you revise the topics regularly.
• Attempt quizzes and mock tests daily. This will help you connect with the exam interface and prepare you accordingly.
• Work out your weaker areas and make sure that you devote ample time to them.
• You can expect questions in the following order from professional knowledge section -
  DBMS – 15
  Data Communication & Networking – 10 to 15
  Computer Organization & Structure – 5 to 6
  Data Structure & Compiler Design – 3 to 4
  Operating systems – 4 to 5
  Software Engineering - 2 to 3
  Internet Awareness – 1 to 2

So, prepare accordingly.

You can view the link below to go through the Professional Knowledge questions asked in SBI SO Exam last year -

Professional Knowledge Questions asked in SBI SO Last Year

You can try our SBI SO test series which will hell help you perform well at SBI SO result and clear the exam.

All the best for your exams.

Team Gradeup.