Complete SBI PO Syllabus and Guide for

Prelims 2018 - Download as PDF!

The SBI PO Notification is now out! Before you can begin your preparation in earnest, it is
important that you have all the information. You will need several things before you are
successful in cracking SBI PO 2018 examination. You will need to know Exam Pattern as well
as the SBI PO Syllabus for SBI PO Prelims 2018. So let us take a look at the Detailed SBI PO
Syllabus & Guide for SBI PO Prelims 2018, with topic weightage & marks distribution and
other important tips and quizzes. This SBI PO Syllabus will help you sail through the SBI PO
2018 exam!

Exam Pattern for SBI PO 2018 Prelims

Section No. of Qs Marks Duration

English Language 30 30 20 minutes

Quantitative Aptitude 35 35 20 minutes

Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes

TOTAL 100 100 1 Hour

SBI PO Detailed Exam Pattern 2018

Exam Specifics of SBI PO 2018

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 1. BILINGUAL TEST: Every section (except English Language) will be available in English as
well as Hindi. So if you are more comfortable with Hindi, several types of questions
might be easier to attempt in Hindi, than in English.
2. NEGATIVE MARKING: Each wrong answer takes a quarter of the marks assigned to that
question from your total. The negative marking is small enough that if you are
reasonably sure of an answer, you can take a chance and mark it. But be careful not to
overdo it with guesses. Your accuracy could be the difference between selection and
disqualification.
3. CUT-OFFS: There will be no sectional cut off. There will be sectional time limit in SBI PO
Prelims 2018.

Detailed SBI PO Syllabus for SBI PO Prelims 2018 with

Marks Distribution

Section-wise Index of SBI PO Syllabus & Guide for SBI PO Prelims 2018:

1. Quantitative Aptitude
2. Reasoning Ability
3. English Language

So without further ado, here is the SBI PO Syllabus for Prelims 2018 with Detailed Guide, Tips,
Quizzes. Use this SBI PO Syllabus every time you study.

SBI PO Syllabus for Prelims 2018 - Quantitative Aptitude

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PRIORITY SET 1 (Scoring, Easy to Solve, Less Time Consuming, High
Accuracy Possible)

1. Simplification: (5-10 Questions)

Problems based on BODMAS Rule, Fractions, Percentages, Approximation, Decimals,
Surds & Indices.
Try these Tips: Simplification using BODMAS Rule
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

2. Number System: (0-1 Questions)

Problems based on Divisibility & Remainder, Multiples & Factors, Integers, LCM & HCF.
Try these Tips: Divisibility Test Trick for Quick Calculations
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

3. Average: (1-2 Questions)

Questions on Average Weight/Height/Age/Marks, Average Money expenditure, Average
Temperature etc. You just need to use a single formula i.e. Average = (Sum of
Quantities)/(Number of Quantities)
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

4. Percentage: (1-2 Questions)

Calculation oriented basic percentage problems.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

5. Ratio and Proportion: (1-2 Questions)

Problems based on Simple Ratios, Compound Ratios, Componendo & Dividendo,

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 Proportions etc.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

6. Interest: (1-2 Questions)

Problems based on Simple Interest, Compound Interest as well as mixture of both SI &
CI.
Tips: Try this Shortcut for Compound Interest, Try Shortcut for SBI, How to Solve Simple
Interest Problems with Different Rates

7. Number Series: (5 Questions)

Problems based on completing the Series, Finding the Missing Term, Finding the Wrong
Term. The concepts behind this can be based on simple AP, GP, AGP or more complex
patterns.
Quizzes: Quiz 1

PRIORITY SET 2 (Scoring, Easy if Concepts Clear & Steps Followed, Could
be Tricky, Time Consuming)

8. Profit and Loss: (1-2 Questions)

Successive Selling, Partnerships, Discount & MP and Dishonest Dealings.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

9. Speed, Time and Distance: (1-2 Questions)

Relative Speed, Average Speed, Problems based on Trains, Boat & Stream.
Try this lesson: How to Solve Average Speed
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

10. Algebra: (0-6 Questions)

Maybe 5 Problems based on Quadratic Equations in which two quadratic equations are
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 given will be asked. You have to determine the relation between x and y. Apart from
that Linear Equations questions based on ages may be asked, Sometimes Inequalities
are also asked.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

11. Mensuration: (1-2 Questions)

Problems based on areas of Square, Rectangle, Circle, Semicircle and Parallelogram.
Cone and Cylinder also asked.
Tips: The most time-effective shortcut for Mensuration Problems
Try this Quiz: Quiz 1

12. Data Interpretation: (5-10 Questions)

Problems come under this chapter are Line Graphs, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Tables and
other miscellaneous infographics. Triangular Graph & Radar Graph problems appear
rarely. Missing data types questions are also asked in the exam.
Tips: How to Quickly Solve Pie Chart Problems in DI, How to Solve Maximum-Minimum
Problems in DI, How to Solve Missing Data Type Questions

PRIORITY SET 3 (Tricky or Tough, More Time Consuming, Lesser Chance

of Accuracy)

13. Time and Work: (1-2 Questions)

Problems based on Work Efficiency, Pipe & Cistern, Work and Wages.
Tips: Shortcut Method for Time & Work Problems
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

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 14. Permutation and Combination: (0-1 Questions)
Problems based on Basic Selection and Arrangement Problems.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

PRIORITY SET 4 (Very Tricky/Tough, More Time Consuming, Less Likely

to Appear in Paper)

15. Mixture Problems: (1-2 Question)

Problems based on making a mixture of two or more entities/mixtures.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

16. Probability: (0-1 Question)

Very basic problems on probability.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

17. Data Sufficiency: (0-5 Questions)

Data sufficiency problems on almost all topics mentioned above.
Try this Quiz: Quiz 1

SBI PO Syllabus for Prelims 2018 - Reasoning Ability

PRIORITY SET 1 (Easy to Solve, Scoring, Less Time Consuming, High

Accuracy Possible)

1. Inequalities: (5 Questions)
Mostly Direct Mathematical Inequalities. There may be 2-3 complex expressions like A >
B ≥ C = D; E < B ≤ F. There may be 2-4 conclusions which are to be deduced from these
statements. Coded inequalities problems may also be asked where relation between

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 alphabets are coded such as A # B where # is actually code for > sign.
Tips: Shortcut Method to Solve Mathematical Inequalities, How to Solve Coded
Inequalities
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3
2. Ordering and Ranking: (0-5 Questions)
Mostly Puzzle on ordering by age, floor, rank, boxes of different colours one above
another, order in row etc.
Tips: Tricks for Ordering & Ranking
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2
3. Directions & Distances: (2-5 Questions)
A bit difficult problems but can be solved by just plotting all the given information on
paper.
Tips: 3 Tricks to Analyze & Calculate Direction and Distance
Quizzes: Quiz 1
4. Coding & Decoding: (0-5 Questions)
Less Likely to Appear. Mostly questions on Coding and Decoding in Fictitious Language
are asked where a few statements are given which are coded in some meaningless
language and questions are based on this code. Possible questions could also include
Coding and Decoding by Letter Shifting, Coding by Analogy and Coding Letters of a
Word.
Tips: General Tips for Coding Decoding Part 1, General Tips for Coding Decoding Part 2,
Shortcut for Coding in Fictitious Language, How to Solve Letter Shifting Problems
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3

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PRIORITY SET 2 (Scoring, Easy if Concepts Clear & Steps Followed, Could
be Tricky, Not Very Time Consuming)

5. Blood Relations: (2-3 Questions)

Family Tree and Coded Blood Relation Problems.
Tips: General Understanding of Blood Relations, Understanding Complex Blood
Relations
Quizzes: Try this Quiz

6. Syllogisms: (0-5 Questions)

Problems with 2-3 statements and 2-3 conclusions. Questions are asked whether the
conclusions follow or not. Mostly Possibility based questions are asked. Negative
statements and conclusion are also possible (i.e. which of the conclusions DO NOT
follow from the given statements).
Tips: Concepts of Syllogisms

PRIORITY SET 3 (Tricky or Tough, More Time Consuming, Lesser Chance

of Accurate Solving)

7. Circular Seating Arrangement: (5-7 Questions)

Includes Uni-Directional and Bi-Directional problems (i.e. facing inside, outside or in
both directions). Sometimes, tough Square/Rectangular/Hexagonal Table problems also
asked. These questions may be paired with Blood Relations or some other Double Line-
Up information along with Circular Arrangement information which makes the problem
more difficult and time-consuming.
Tips: How to Approach Circular Arrangement – Part I, Part II
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

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 8. Linear Seating Arrangement: (5-11 Questions)
Problems involving single row (usually, facing north/south) or 2 rows facing each other
and floor-based questions. Can include Double Line-Up type problems with information
sorting.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

9. Double Line Up: (0-6 Questions)

May have negative information. Requires clean charting, proper technique and step-by-
step solving.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3

10. Scheduling: (0-6 Questions)

Very similar to Double Line-Up problems.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

11. Grouping and Selection: (0-5 Questions)

Less likely to appear. Problems on teams and committees asked.
Quizzes: Quiz 1

SBI PO Syllabus for Prelims 2018 - English Language

PRIORITY SET 1 (Scoring, Easy to Solve, Less Time Consuming, High

Accuracy Possible)

1. Fill in the Blanks: (0-5 Questions)

Double Blank type questions. Vocabulary based questions. Answers can be easily picked

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 by eliminating options and understanding context of the sentence.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4

PRIORITY SET 2 (Scoring, Moderately Time Consuming, High Accuracy

Possible)

2. Reading Comprehension: (7-10 Questions)

Likely the RC will consist of one passage of 7-10 questions. The topics you should look
out for are Banking & Economy, Business, Geo-politics, Governance, Education,
Technology, Transport and Social Issues. If 10 questions are asked then there can be 3-4
questions on vocabulary too.
Synonyms, Antonyms and meanings of Idioms/Phrases are asked in vocabulary based
questions. Theme and main idea based questions are also asked. The fact based and
inference based questions require a thorough reading of the passage and sometimes
could be a bit tricky.
Tips: General RC Tips, Speed Reading Techniques, Styles & Tones
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4, Quiz 5

3. Para Jumbles: (0-5 Questions)

A set of 6 sentences are to be rearranged to form a meaningful paragraph. All questions
will be based on this single test. Sometimes, the correct order is asked and the options
will show whether you are on the right track. The passage can be on any general topic.
Use of conjunctions/connectors will be helpful for attempting these questions.
Tips: 7 Tips for Solving Para Jumbles
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4

4. Cloze Test: (5-10 Questions)

A single passage with 5 or 10 blanks. Passage could be on any topic ranging from
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 Banking & Economy to Social Issues. Words are usually easy to moderate and
vocabulary based, but there is always one or two tough words. Understanding the
context of the passage will help you solve it easily. Knowledge of Phrasal verbs will help
you.
Tips: 8 Tips to Master Cloze Test
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4

PRIORITY SET 3 (Moderately Scoring, Moderately Time Consuming,

Moderate Accuracy Possible)

5. Error Spotting: (5-10 Questions)

Could most probably be grammar based (as vocabulary based error spotting was last
asked in 2008). Long Sentences with error in one part are asked. Important topics
covered are: Tenses, Subject-Verb Agreement, Article-Noun Agreement, Correct Part of
Speech, Correct use of Prepositions, Parallelism, Phrasal Verbs, Easily Confusable Words,
Contextual Usage, Sentence Construction, Degree of Comparison, Conjunctions, Finite
and Non-finite verbs. Avoid guessing too much in these questions.
Tip: 52 Tips for Error Spotting – Part I, Part II
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

PRIORITY SET 4 (Less Likely to Appear in Paper)

6. Word Association Pair: (0-5 Questions)

Four words will be given and you need to determine which two words have either synonymous
or antonyms relation between them. Your knowledge of vocabulary is tested.

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7. Phrase Idiom Meaning: (0-3 Questions)
The phrases will be given and you need to select the correct meaning of the given phrase.
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2

8. Spellings: (0-3 Questions)

You need to choose the word that is correctly spelt or wrongly spelt from the given options.
Lessons: Easily Confused Words in English, Lose vs. Loose

9. Sentence/ Paragraph Completion: (0-5 Questions)

A long sentence or a short paragraph will be given with one part of it missing. The missing parts
will be mentioned in the options. You need to choose the correct option to complete the sentence
or paragraph meaningfully.
Quizzes: Quiz 1

10. Phrase Replacement/ Sentence Correction: (0-5 Questions)

Grammar/Vocabulary based. Avoid guessing too much in these questions. The questions
sometimes test you on Standard Construction of Sentences, Order of Words, Phrasal Verbs,
Homonyms, etcc
Try these lessons: Easy Tips for Grammar – Part I, Part II, Common Errors in Degrees of
Comparison
Quizzes: Quiz 1, Quiz 2, Quiz 3, Quiz 4, Quiz 5

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 Previous Years' SBI Cut Off
SBI PO Job Profile & Work Culture
SBI PO Recruitment Notification 2018

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