Want to crack the SBI PO exam but struggling to find where to start? We have created an SBI PO preparation strategy that will guide you through the entire preparation journey and set you up for success.
Our SBI PO preparation strategy includes:
- Subject-wise important topics for SBI PO Prelims and Mains
- Recommended books and other resources for SBI PO preparation
- SBI PO study plan and timetable to help you stay on track
- Tips and tricks by previous SBI PO toppers
Following this SBI PO strategy can help you streamline your preparation and boost your chances of cracking the SBI PO exam.
SBI PO Preparation Strategy
Before jumping right into the SBI PO preparation strategy, it is essential to get familiar with the latest SBI PO syllabus and pattern:
Important Topics for SBI PO Prelims
Here are the subject-wise important topics of the SBI PO Prelims:
Important Topics of Reasoning Ability for SBI PO Prelims
Following is the list of topics for SBI PO Prelims reasoning:
- Inequalities
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzle
- Coding and Decoding
- Alphanumeric Series
- Data Sufficiency
- Input Output
- Critical Reasoning
Below we have categorized these topics into most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics of Quantitative Aptitude for SBI PO Prelims
Following is the list of topics for SBI PO Prelims quant:
- Simplification
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Quadratic Equation
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Profit & Loss, Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time & Work
- Pipes & Cistern
- Time, Speed, & Distance
- Trains & Boats
- Mixture
- Average
- Ages
- Partnership
- Area & Volume
- Probability
Below we have categorized these topics into most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics of English for SBI PO Prelims
Following is the list of topics for SBI PO Prelims English:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Parajumbles/Rearrangement
- Double Fillers
- Word Shuffle
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Sentence Improvement
- Phrasal Verbs
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Active Passive Voice
- Narration
Below we have categorized these topics into most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics for SBI PO Mains
Here are the subject-wise important topics of the SBI PO Mains:
Important Topics of Data Analysis & Interpretation for SBI PO Prelims
Following is the list of the most important, moderately important, and least important topics that you must prepare for SBI PO Prelims Data Analysis & Interpretation:
Important Topics of Reasoning Ability for SBI PO Mains
Following is the list of topics for SBI PO Mains reasoning:
- Seating Arrangement
- Puzzle
- Data Sufficiency
- Input Output
- Syllogism
- Coding and Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Directions and Distances
- Critical Reasoning
- Alphanumeric Series
- Inequalities
Below we have categorized these topics into most important, moderately important, and least important
Important Topics of English for SBI PO Mains
Following is the list of topics for SBI PO Mains English:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles/Rearrangement
- Match the Column
- Paragraph Based Questions
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Phrasal Verbs
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Active Passive Voice
- Narration
Below we have categorized these topics into most important, moderately important, and least important.
Important Topics of General, Economy, and Banking Awareness for SBI PO Mains
Following is the list of the most important, moderately important, and least important topics that you must prepare for SBI PO Mains General, Economy, and Banking Awareness:
Important Topics of Descriptive English for SBI PO Mains
- The English paper presents 2 questions (essay and letter) and carries 50 marks in total.
- You have to prepare both to score well in the exam.
- Remember that the descriptive English paper holistically assesses your language proficiency, vocabulary, and topic understanding.
Following is the list of important topics that you must prepare for SBI PO descriptive English.
Important Note: Computer Aptitude is rarely asked in the SBI PO Mains exam. Hence, we haven’t mentioned it on this page.
Best Books for SBI PO Preparation
Let’s now learn about books you should refer to prepare for the SBI PO exam:
SBI PO Books for Prelims and Mains
The section-wise SBI PO booklist for Prelims and Mains is given below:
| SBI PO Prelims and Mains Quantitative Aptitude Books | ||
| Books | Author | Publisher |
| How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT | Arun Sharma | McGraw Hill Edge |
| Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Agarwal | Oswal Publishers |
| SBI PO Prelims and Mains Reasoning Ability Books | ||
| Books | Author | Publisher |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Agarwal | S Chand |
| Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey | Bsc Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd |
| SBI PO Prelims and Mains English Books | ||
| Books | Author | Publisher |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | Arihant Publications |
| Word Power Made Simple | Norman Lewis | Penguin India |
| SBI PO Mains General, Economy, and Banking Awareness Books | ||
| Books | Author | Publisher |
| Banking Awareness for SBI and IBPS Bank Clerk/PO/SBI Exams/RRB | – | Disha Publication |
| Banking Awareness | – | Arihant Publication |
Other SBI PO General, Economy, and Banking Awareness Preparation Material
SBI PO Preparation Timetable
Here’s the study plan for the SBI PO Prelims and Mains exam:
| SBI PO 2024-25 Preparation Strategy | ||||
| Days | Time (Daily) | Subject | Level | Focus Area |
| 1-30Â | 2 Hours | Quant (Q) | Prelims + Mains | Concept Building |
| 2 Hours | Reasoning (R) | Prelims + Mains | Concept Building | |
| 1 Hour | English (E) | Prelims + Mains | Grammar Concept Building | |
| 1 Hour | Descriptive English | Mains | Newspaper Editorial | |
| 30-45 Minutes | Current Affairs | Mains | ||
| 31-60 | 4 Hours | Mock Tests + Revision | Prelims | QRE + Current Affairs + Descriptive |
| 70-Till Phase 1 Exam | 4 Hours | QRE | Mains | High Level Practice |
| Phase 1 to Phase 2 Exam | 2 Hours | Mock Tests + Descriptive + Current Affairs | Mains | Writing Practice + Current Affairs Revision + Practice MCQs |
Important Notes:
- Prepare Prelims & Mains simultaneously from day 1.
- Focus on conceptual clarity and tricks in QRE.
- English and General, Economy, and Banking Awareness are the most scoring subjects.
This is just a sample SBI PO preparation strategy, you can always modify the timetable based on your unique requirements for the best results.
Tips for SBI PO Preparation
Here are some general tips to keep in mind while preparing for the SBI PO exam:
- Allocate more time to weak areas while balancing your strong subjects.
- Regularly practice mock tests to get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam.
- Always time-bound your mock test practice for time management and exam simulation.
- Review your performance, identify mistakes, and learn from them.
- Keep a separate notebook for important formulas, concepts, and notes.
- Prioritize understanding over rote memorization.
- Stay physically active and maintain a healthy lifestyle for optimal performance.
Conclusion
On this page, we have mentioned how to prepare effectively and smartly with our SBI PO preparation strategy, which includes:Â
- Identify the important topics of each subject.
- Refer to the right books and resources.
- Create and follow a practical study plan.
- Keep the additional tips in mind.
Now, you must tailor this SBI PO preparation strategy according to your strengths and weaknesses to boost your chances of success.
