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SBI PO is the coveted opportunity for banking aspirants, although, with the mains approaching, numerous candidates experience a mix of anticipation and anxiety and also serves as a gateway to one of the prestigious positions in the banking sector.

To boost applicant’s confidence, we will demystify the SBI PO essential elements to ace the SBI PO mains with flying colours.

Below are 10 known facts that will help candidates to understand the exam structure, preparation strategy, and key details. 

Ten must - know facts about SBI PO mains exam

To know about the ten important facts about the SBI PO mains exam read the below points carefully:

1. Exam Structure: Objective and Descriptive Tests

The SBI PO Mains exam consists of two parts:

Objective test = 200 Marks

Descriptive Test = 50 Marks 

2. Marking Scheme and Negative Marking:

The SBI PO Mains Exam follows a strict marking scheme:

• Each correct answer in the objective test is awarded full marks. 

• 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.

• If a question is left unanswered, then marks will not be deducted.

Key Strategy: Candidates should focus on accuracy and speed to maximize your net score while avoiding unnecessary deductions.

3. No Sectional Cut-Off:

The SBI PO Mains exam has no sectional cut-off, meaning candidates are evaluated based on their overall performance rather than section performance. Focus on total marks, not only sections. 

Key Strategy: Use SBI PO mock tests to refine your strength-based approach and focus on maximizing total marks.

4. The Role of Descriptive Tests in Selection:

• In this section, candidates test their writing skills in the English language.

• This includes one essay and one letter.

• Common Essay topics: financial inclusion, digital banking, economic policies.

• Common letter topics: formal (to bank manager and editor) and informal (to friend or family member).

Tips to crack:

• Practice writing within time constraints.

• Use a formal and structured approach.

• Avoid grammatical mistakes and spelling skills.

5. Difficulty Level of SBI PO Mains:

The SBI PO Mains exam is known for its moderate to difficult level, with a strong focus on analytical skills, conceptual clarity, and time management.

6. Role of Previous Year Papers:

Your ability to solve problems will increase by practicing SBI PO previous year question papers. When you practice past year papers, you encounter a variety of problems, some of which require creative problem solving or shortcuts and techniques.

By solving past year papers, students will learn how to approach questions carefully, and also improve decision-making on when to attempt or skip a question to avoid negative marking.

7. Importance of Mock Tests: 

Imagine doing so much hard work but freezing during attempting the final exam, to avoid this, you should attempt a mock test, as it gives you a final exam-like environment. 

SBI PO mock tests help you to identify the weak and strong areas so that you can work accordingly.

You will get familiar with types of questions asked and their patterns as many mock tests you take to crack SBI PO in the first attempt.

8. SBI Preparation Strategy - 5 Mantras

1. Make proper paper notes to understand the concepts  

How?

• Use different highlighters or colours to mark key points and important things.

Why? 

• Writing helps in better retention and understanding.

2. Revise notes regularly to retain concepts

How?

• Follow the 3-1-7 rule for revision, which consists of revising a topic after 3 days, then after 1 week, and then after 7 weeks for long-time retention.

Why?

• If you don’t revise the topic on a daily or weekly basis, you will forget.

3. Practice questions on a regular basis to boost speed and accuracy. 

How?

• Solve at least 30-40 questions daily from different sections to enhance problem-solving skills.

• Practice full-length mock tests, topic-wise quizzes, and sectional tests daily.

Why?

• As we know, practice makes perfect.

4. Analyze Mistakes and work on weak areas

How?

Maintain an error log, revisit topics, and practice similar questions to ensure improvement.

Why?

Learning from mistakes ensures that you don’t repeat them in the future.

5. Track your Process regularly

How?

Maintain a study tracker to record your daily practice with mock test scores and accuracy rate.

Why?

It measures better exam readiness and consistent improvement, the same as “what we measure, gets improved!”

9. Maintaining Consistency and Motivation:

• Stay consistent in SBI PO preparation by following a fixed study schedule, revisiting regularly, and practicing mock tests to track progress. 

• Keep yourself motivated by rewarding small achievements, visualizing success, and trying to stay in a competitive environment. 

• Moreover, consistency ensures steady improvement and retention, while motivation keeps you focused and prevents burnout. 

• Together, they maximize efficiency and boost up confidence for success.

10. Selection Process and Final Merit List:

Stages in SBI PO selection Process:

Prelims exam (100 marks) – Qualifying in nature.

Mains Exam: (250 marks) – Decisive factor for merit list.

Group Exercise and interview (50 marks) – Final round 

Final section = (Mains Score 80%) + (Interview Score 20%)

Prelims marks are not considered for the final round.

Final Thoughts

The SBI PO Mains Exam is a crucial stage in the selection process, determining a candidate’s ability to handle the demands of the banking sector. As the saying goes, success is not an accident - It is hard work, perseverance, learning, and sacrifice. Consistency, revision, and confidence will take you closer to your SBI PO success dream. Never give up! 

FAQ’s 

Q1. What happens if I pass the mains but fail the interview?

Ans. Unfortunately, you won’t be selected as SBI PO, but you can try next year to crack the exam.

Q2. Can I switch my SBI PO job to another bank later?

Ans. Yes, but you may have to go through the resignation process and serve the notice period.

Q3. How many attempts are allowed for SBI PO?

Ans. There are four attempts for general, 7 for OBC and unlimited opportunities for SC/ST candidates.

Q4. Is there any sectional cut off in mains SBI PO?

Ans. No, there is only an overall cut-off; sectional cut-off is not applicable.

Q5. How much time gap is there between SBI PO mains and the Interview?

Ans. The time gap between mains and interview is usually 20-30 days after the declaration of the mains result.

Also check

• The importance of mock test in bank exam preparation
• Expert tips to excel in the SBI PO exam
• How to avoid negative marking in competitive exams?