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 ProcessA. 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  TotalB. Offline Descriptive Test (1 Hour)

None   English Language (comprehension, short précis, letter writing & essay).

C. Group DiscussionNone   Group Discussion

D. InterviewPersonal Interview 100   Personal Interview

Grand Total 300   Grand TotalThe 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

précis, ((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 SBI’s

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 SBI’s 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