Strategy) HOW IS THE SBI PO TEST DIFFERENT FROM IBPS
PO TEST , AND WHY ?
HOW IS THE SBI PO TEST DIFFERENT FROM IBPS PO TEST , AND WHY ?
Let us take a look at the Selection Process of the coming SBI PO Test and see how it is different
from that of the recent IBPS PO Test.
IBPS Selection Process
SBI Selection Process
A. Online Test (2 Hours)
Test
No. of Qns /
Max Marks
Test
Reasoning
50
Reasoning (High Level)
English Language
40
English Language (Grammar, Vocabulary,
Comprehension etc.)
Quantitative Aptitude
50
Data Analysis & Interpretation
General Awareness
(with special reference to
Banking Industry)
40
General Awareness, Marketing & Computers
Computer Knowledge
20
Total
200
Total
B. Offline Descriptive Test (1 Hour)
English Language (comprehension, short prcis
letter writing & essay).
None
C. Group Discussion
None
Group Discussion
D. Interview
Personal Interview
100
Personal Interview
Grand Total
300
Grand Total
The Main Differences are :
For the two hour Online Test, IBPS had five sections with varying maximums; but SBI has
only four sections, all with equal maximums of 50 marks each.
For SBI, Test of Reasoning will be at a higher level than what is normally asked by IBPS.
IBPS Test of Quantitative Aptitude is mainly Arithmetic. For SBI, the corresponding Test is
Data Analysis & Interpretation with emphasis on Analysis and Interpretation of data (Tables, charts,
Graphs, Reports etc.), using applications of the Arithmetical principles of Averages, Ratios,
Proportions, Percentages etc.
For IBPS, General Awareness and Computer Knowledge are separate sections and the Test
of General Awareness is mainly on Banking. SBI has a single combined section of General
Awareness, Computers and (additionally), Marketing. SBI does not require any special knowledge
of Banking.
IBPS did not have any offline Descriptive Test, SBI has an offline pen & paper Descriptive
Test paper of one-hour duration on English Language comprising of (a) comprehension, (b) short
prcis, ((c) letter writing and (d) essay writing.
After the Tests, SBI puts the short-listed candidates, through a Group Discussion exercise
before personally interviewing them.
Having seen how the SBI Test differs from that of IBPS, let us now try to understand SBIs
Rationale for being Different. Understanding these rationales will help us in preparing our
Strategies for the Tests.
The Probationary Officers being recruited by SBI are not to be mere officers in the Bank,
performing routine functions. It is from among this group, that the Leaders and Senior Executives
of the Bank have to emerge. SBI therefore wants these entry-level officers to be the best in all
respects; hence the rigorous Selection Process.
An Executive is very often required to take decisions within a limited time, objectively,
rationally and fully analysing and understanding the issue at hand, and being fully aware of all the
pros and cons of his decisions. This is all the more important in the Customer-oriented Banking
Industry. The requirement calls for an intellectual capacity of the highest order, with sharp analytical
powers and Reasoning. Hence SBIs High Level Reasoning Test which also tests other qualities an
Executive requires Observation, Understanding, Patience, Time Management, Prioritisation,
Stress Management etc.
More than Arithmetic, it is the large volume of Data that a Bank Executive has to deal with.
Ability to Read, Interpret, Analyse, Consolidate, Surmise etc. the large volume of data in the form
of Reports, Tables, Charts, and Graphs is an important attribute. Hence the stress on Data Analysis
and Data Interpretation, in preference to a Quantitative Aptitude Test. Of course, a minimum
number of Arithmetic questions can be expected.
All banks have several schemes / products under Deposits, loans, services, IT enabled
services, cross-selling, etc. The banks compete among themselves to sell their products in the
market & to attract the best customers. These products require to be marketed to the right target
groups projecting the USPs of the products. Knowledge of the sound principles of Marketing will be
a great advantage here. Hence, this knowledge is sought to be tested.
A person just entering the Banking Industry does not have any worthwhile knowledge of
Banking, except to the extent expected of a lay person keenly interested in the day to day Banking
and Financial matters. So, Banking is part of General Awareness, including Current Affairs. The
Test of General Awareness thus comprises of Current Affairs including Banking, Marketing and
Computers.
Effective Communication is an essential quality of any Leader or Executive. Mere knowledge
of Grammar will not suffice. Hence, in addition to the objective Test on Grammar, a Descriptive
paper on English Language is also included - Comprehension tests your ability to grasp and
understand the given passage; Short Precise tests your ability to prepare short summaries for your
superiors; Letter Writing tests your ability to precisely and effectively communicate a matter to the
addressee and, Essay writing reveals how systematic your thought process is, and tests your
ability to present your thoughts in a coherent manner.
While the Descriptive paper tests the writing ability, oral capability, another essential
requirement for a Leader / Senior Executive, is tested in the Group Discussion exercise. The Group
Discussion tests Leadership capabilities, Listening skills, Ability of working in a Team, Interpersonal
& Communication skills, Expressing views & opinions, Organising thoughts, Command of
language & Fluency, Tact & skill in dealing with others, Body language, Analytical and Rational
Thought Process, Behaviour under stress, Receptivity to others views, Flexibility & adaptability in
GD Dynamics, Thought leadership, etc.
Having understood th