📚 SBI PO – Foundation & Exam Strategy
Topic: Best Resources
Goal – Equip you with a complete resource list, study plan and exam‑oriented insights so you can master the SBI PO exam with confidence.
Audience – Beginners (Foundation) & those preparing for the competitive SBI PO exam (IIT‑JEE style rigor).
Format – Markdown notes, clear headings, bullet lists, tables, formulas, and a hard practice question.
1️⃣ Exam Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Body | State Bank of India – Probationary Officer (SBI PO) |
| Exam Type | Online (Computer‑Based) |
| Paper‑wise Structure | 4 Papers (each 60 min, 60 questions) |
| Paper‑1 | Quantitative Aptitude (QA) – 60 min – 60 Q |
| Paper‑2 | Reasoning & Logical Ability – 60 min – 60 Q |
| Paper‑3 | English Language & Communication – 60 min – 60 Q |
| Paper‑4 | General Knowledge – 60 min – 60 Q |
| Total Marks | 240 |
| Scoring | +1 for correct, –0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted |
| Cut‑off | ~170–190 marks (varies year‑to‑year) |
| Passing Marks | 50% of marks or 120 marks (whichever is higher) |
| Syllabus | 30+ subjects (Maths, Reasoning, English, GK, and Banking knowledge) |
2️⃣ Core Study Resources
| Category | Resource | Why it’s useful | Format |
|---|---|---|---|
| 📚 Standard Books | • Arihant Guide for SBI PO (QA & Reasoning) • RD Sharma – “Comprehensive Arithmetic” (Basic & Advanced QA) • Madhav Jain – “Standard Book of Reasoning” (Logical Tests) • English Essentials – “English for Competitive Exams” by Shankar & “Word Power” by Laxmi Narayan |
Thorough coverage, solved examples, practice sets. | Hardcopy |
| 🧠 Banking & Economics | • “Banking & Finance” by Ramesh • “General Knowledge for SBI PO” by Narayan Dutta |
Current banking trends, RBI updates, financial terms. | Hardcopy |
| 📚 Comprehensive Guides | • “SBI PO 2025 – Complete Guide” (Arihant) • “SBI PO – The Complete Guide” (P. R. R. Book) |
Single volume, all in‑one, mock tests. | Hardcopy |
| 💻 Online Platforms | • Testbook – Practice & Mock Tests • Oliveboard – Video Lectures + Mock • Unacademy – SBI PO Series • Byju’s – Exam‑Specific Course |
Live mock tests, instant feedback, analytics. | Online |
| 📱 Mobile Apps | • Testbook – Mobile App • SBI PO Prep – Practice App • Fresher – Banking & GK |
On‑the‑go practice, quick quizzes. | Android/iOS |
| 📄 Past Papers & Mock Tests | • Official SBI PO Archived Papers (last 5 years) • Arihant Mock Test Series (3‑4 series) • Testbook & Oliveboard – 200‑plus Mock Tests |
Real‑time exam simulation, time‑management. | PDF/Online |
| 📚 Coaching Institutes | • NDA Academy – SBI PO specialty coaching | Structured timetable, doubt sessions, test series. | In‑person/Online |
| 📚 YouTube Channels | • JEE 360 – Quant & Reasoning • Madhav Jain – Reasoning • Testbook – Quick Tips |
Free tutorials, short problem solving. | Video |
| 🗂️ Supplementary | • Flashcards – Anki decks for GK terms, RBI mandates • PDF “SBI PO Cheat Sheet” – Quick reference for formulas, abbreviations |
Revision tools. | Digital |
| 📘 Online Forums | • SBI PO Forum (SBI PO) on Quora • SBI PO Subreddit r/SBIPO • Testbook Community |
Doubt clearing, exam tips. | Online |
Tip – Always cross‑check your answer key. SBI’s key for QA & Reasoning is often published after the exam; use it to audit your prep.
3️⃣ Study Plan (12‑Week Sprint)
| Week | Focus | Daily Hours | Key Activities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | Syllabus Mapping | 4 h | • Create a 30‑subject study map. • Identify weak domains using a diagnostic test. |
| 3–4 | Core QA & Reasoning |