PNB SO Exam Pattern & Syllabus 2024

The PNB SO recruitment notification is finally out. The Punjab National Bank (PNB) Specialist Officer (SO) Exam is a highly competitive exam conducted by PNB to recruit candidates for various specialist officer positions. To crack this exam, it is crucial for candidates to have a clear understanding of the PNB SO exam pattern and syllabus and clear their PNB SO eligibility criteria

The exam pattern and syllabus provide candidates with a roadmap to prepare for the PNB SO exam . They outline the structure and content that candidates can expect in the exam. Understanding the exam pattern helps candidates familiarize themselves with the different sections, marks distribution, and time allocation for each section. This knowledge enables candidates to plan their preparation strategy effectively.

 Candidates can prioritize topics based on their weightage in the exam and allocate their study time accordingly. Having a clear syllabus also prevents candidates from wasting time on irrelevant topics.

By studying the exam pattern and syllabus, candidates can streamline their preparation, focus on relevant topics, and increase their chances of success in the PNB SO exam.

The Punjab National Bank SO selection process 2024 consists of two stages-

  • Online Objective Written Examination
  • Personal Interview

In order to get appointed as Punjab National Bank Specialist Officer, you need to qualify for both stages. The subjects include the English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and Professional Knowledge. The maximum marks allotted to the paper is 220 marks. You should also be aware of the PNB SO exam language. The above sections except the English Language will be available bilingually, i.e. in English and Hindi. Moreover, there will be a set PNB SO marking scheme for each section.

Apart from this, you must be well versed with topics and the detailed syllabus of the Punjab National Bank SO exam 2024. Since the Punjab National Bank SO exam consists of different posts, therefore, the syllabus for each post varies. Make sure to write down the correct PNB SO syllabus before starting your preparation. Besides the PNB SO syllabus 2024, you should also get hold of useful PNB SO books which will help in your PNB SO preparation.

PNB SO Online Exam Pattern 2024

Punjab National Bank SO 2024 exam consists of a single objective type online examination. The PNB SO online exam consists of four sections namely-English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and Professional Knowledge (Related to the post). You will be allotted 120 minutes to solve the entire paper. In 2022, the PNB SO exam pattern has been changed in terms of the weightage of each section. In the latest PNB SO exam pattern, each section of part 1 comprises 40 questions and 40 marks. The professional knowledge on the other hand comprises 100 marks and 50 questions. The maximum marks allotted to the paper is 220 marks. Further details about PNB SO online exam 2024 have been given in the table below.

PartsSectionNumber of QuestionsMaximum MarksDuration
Part 1 Reasoning 25 25 2 hours
English Language 25 25
Quantitative Aptitude 50 50
 Part 2 Professional Knowledge  100 100

The PNB SO exam pattern is bifurcated into two parts i.e. Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 is common for all the posts. Part 1 contains subjects like Reasoning, English Language and Quantitative Aptitude. Detailed PNB SO Syllabus which is common for all posts has been given in the table below.

PNB SO Syllabus Part 1 Subjects 2024

The PNB SO exam pattern is bifurcated into two parts i.e. Part 1 and Part 2. Part 1 is common for all the posts. Part 1 contains subjects like Reasoning, English Language and Quantitative Aptitude. Detailed PNB SO Syllabus which is common for all posts has been given in the table below.

SectionTopics
Quantitative Aptitude Time and Work, Mensuration, Average, Mixture and Allegations, Permutation and Combination, Probability, Data Interpretation, Ratio & Proportion, Simplification, Percentages, Set Theory, Approximation, Surds & Indices, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound interest, Partnership, Ages, Quadratic Equations, Number Series
English Language Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Passage Making, Error Spotting, Jumble Words, Sentence Framing, Fill in the Blanks
Reasoning Puzzles, Seating Arrangement - Circular, Square and Linear, Data Sufficiency, Directions and Distance, Coding Decoding, Blood Relations, Inequality, Syllogism, Machine Input Output, Verbal Reasoning, Ordering and Ranking, Arrangement and Pattern, Scheduling, Distance and Direction, Ranking

PNB SO Part 2 Syllabus 2024

Part 2 which is 100 marks will consist of Professional Knowledge regarding your subject. You need to be aware of the Professional Knowledge syllabus fully. The complete PNB SO Professional Knowledge syllabus has been provided in the table below.

StreamTopics
Credit Basic Accounting concepts, Capital Structure

PNB SO Interview

After you qualify for the Punjab National Bank SO online written exam, you will be called for a Personal Interview. The Personal Interview carries a weightage of 25 marks. You need to score minimum qualifying marks which are 50% for General and 45% (11.25 marks) for SC/ST and reserved category candidates to qualify for the interview. You have to carry all the original documents along with the photostat as asked by the bank to produce at the time of the PNB SO Interview.

PNB SO Marking Scheme

There will be a penalty of one fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question to arrive at a corrected score. If a question is left blank i.e. not answered by you, there will be no penalty for that question. So you are advised to mark the answer carefully and not do any random guesswork.

Punjab National Bank (PNB) SO Marking Scheme

PNB SO Marking SchemeConsidered Marks
For wrong answers -1/4 marks
For not attempted 0 (no marks)

PNB SO Exam Language

You have the facility to choose your medium of the exam between English and Hindi language. Except for the test of the English Language, all the other tests can be given in either Hindi or English language. You also have an option to view any particular question in a different language at any point in time.

PNB SO Preparation Tips & Strategies

To succeed in the PNB SO exam, which is a competitive examination, it is important to have a carefully devised strategy. Additionally, you must put in both diligent and intelligent efforts to effectively cover the PNB SO syllabus within the given timeframe. Provided below are a few valuable tips and strategies that will greatly assist you in your preparation for the PNB SO exam.

  • Know the PNB SO Exam Pattern: First things first, you must familiarize yourself with the PNB SO exam pattern, including the subjects, marks distribution, and duration of the exam. This will help you create a study plan and allocate time accordingly.
  • Get the PNB SO Syllabus: Obtain the detailed syllabus for the PNB SO exam. The PNB SO syllabus will provide you with a clear understanding of the topics you need to cover. Divide the syllabus into smaller sections for easier preparation.
  • Plan your Studies: Develop a study plan that suits your schedule and allows you to allocate time for each subject. Set achievable targets and stick to the plan to ensure consistent progress.
  • Collect Study Materials: Collect reliable study materials such as books, online resources, PNB SO previous year question papers, and mock tests specifically designed for the PNB SO exam. These materials will provide you with the necessary information and practice opportunities.
  • Focus on Core Subjects: Pay special attention to the core subjects of the PNB SO exam, which typically include Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and Professional Knowledge related to the specific field you are applying for.
  • Revision: Regularly revise the topics you have covered to reinforce your knowledge. Create short notes or flashcards for quick revision before the exam.
  • Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle will improve your concentration and overall performance.

Subject-specific Study Techniques & Resources

In the following section, we will examine particular tips and techniques that can assist you in preparing for each subject separately. By focusing on each subject individually, you will have the ability to excel in all sections across all papers of the PNB SO exam 2024.

English Language

  • Expand Vocabulary: Focus on expanding your vocabulary by reading a variety of materials such as fiction, nonfiction, and periodicals. Exposure to different genres will expose you to a wide range of words and their usage. Make it a habit to note down new words in a vocabulary journal, along with their definitions and sample sentences.
  • Reading Comprehension: Enhance your comprehension skills by practicing reading comprehension exercises. Read passages from diverse topics and genres, and work on understanding the main idea, identifying supporting details, and drawing inferences. Analyze the questions carefully before attempting to answer them.
  • Grammar Review: Review grammar rules and concepts to strengthen your understanding of English grammar. Focus on areas such as tenses, parts of speech, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure. Identify common grammatical errors and learn how to correct them.
  • Sentence Correction: Practice sentence correction exercises to refine your grammar skills further. Identify errors in sentences, such as incorrect verb forms, misplaced modifiers, or subject-predicate disagreement. Learn the rules for rectifying these errors and apply them in your practice.

Reasoning

When it comes to Reasoning Ability, consistent practice is essential for success. Given below are some points which will help you in covering the Reasoning syllabus with ease.

  • Clear Understanding of Concepts: Start by gaining a clear understanding of the fundamental concepts and types of reasoning questions. Familiarize yourself with different topics such as syllogism, logical reasoning, coding-decoding, blood relations, and more.
  • Solve Problems from Various Topics: Once you grasp the concepts, practice solving problems from various topics and difficulty levels. This will help you become comfortable with different types of reasoning questions. Begin with easier questions and gradually move towards more complex ones to build your confidence.
  • Enhance Analytical Skills: To improve your analytical skills, focus on practicing puzzles, seating arrangements, and other logical reasoning questions. These types of questions require you to think critically, make connections, and find patterns. Regular practice will enhance your ability to analyze information and draw logical conclusions.
  • Learn Shortcuts and Tricks: Time management is crucial in the Reasoning section. Learn shortcuts and tricks that can help you save time while solving reasoning questions. For example, learn techniques to quickly solve coding-decoding or series questions. These shortcuts can significantly improve your speed and efficiency.
  • Practice Mock Tests: Take advantage of mock tests and previous year question papers to simulate the exam environment. This will help you become familiar with the format and time constraints. Regularly practice solving these tests to assess your performance, identify weak areas, and work on improving them.
  • Remember to approach each reasoning question methodically, carefully reading and understanding the information provided. Analyze the options logically and eliminate incorrect choices systematically.

Quantitative Aptitude

  • Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam pattern for the Quantitative Aptitude section. This will help you identify the important topics and allocate your time and effort accordingly. Focus on topics that carry more weightage and appear frequently in the exam.
  • Grasp Basic Concepts and Formulas: Before attempting complex problems, ensure that you have a strong foundation in the basic concepts and formulas of each topic. Understand the underlying principles and rules. Practice solving simple problems to reinforce your understanding.
  • Practice Mental Calculations: Improve your calculation speed and accuracy by practicing mental calculations. Work on simplification techniques, multiplication tables, and quick addition/subtraction methods. This will save you valuable time during the exam.
  • Learn Shortcuts and Tricks: Familiarize yourself with shortcuts and tricks for solving quantitative aptitude problems. These techniques can help you solve problems more efficiently and quickly. Learn methods for solving problems related to percentages, ratios, averages, and other common topics.
  • Analyze Mistakes and Identify Weak Areas: Regularly analyze your mistakes and identify the areas where you are facing difficulties or making errors. Focus on improving these weak areas by revisiting the concepts, practicing more problems, and seeking clarification if needed.
  • Practice, Practice, Practice: Regular and consistent practice is key to mastering Quantitative Aptitude. Solve a variety of problems from different topics and difficulty levels. Solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and improve your problem-solving skills.
  • Time Management: Develop effective time management skills during your practice sessions. Try to solve problems within the prescribed time limits. This will help you manage your time effectively during the actual exam.
  • Stay Updated with Latest Techniques: Stay updated with the latest techniques, strategies, and trends in quantitative aptitude. Follow reliable study materials, join online forums, and participate in discussion groups to gain insights and learn from others' experiences.

General Tips for PNB SO Exam 2024 Preparation

  • Create a Study Plan: Develop a well-structured study plan based on the exam syllabus and your available time. Allocate sufficient time to each subject and topic. Ensure your study plan is realistic and manageable, allowing for regular revision and practice.
  • Refer to Good Resources: Collect relevant study materials such as textbooks, reference books, online resources like Beepedia, and previous year question papers. Ensure the resources are up to date and cover all the necessary topics.
  • Mock Tests: The PNB SO Mock tests are an excellent way to simulate the actual exam environment. They help in time management, provide practice in answering questions under pressure, and highlight areas where improvement is needed. Analyze your performance in mock tests to identify strengths and weaknesses.
  • Previous Year Papers: Solve PNB SO previous year question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and the types of questions asked. It will give you an understanding of the difficulty level and help you identify important topics.
  • Focus on Time Management: Develop effective time management skills during your preparation. Practice solving questions within the prescribed time limits. This will help you allocate your time wisely during the actual exam.
  • Stay Positive & Motivated: Maintaining a positive mindset and staying motivated throughout your preparation is crucial. Surround yourself with supportive peers or join online study groups for encouragement and motivation.

PNB SO Books

Good books form a strong foundation for your bank preparation. Before starting your PNB SO exam preparation, you must have good study material so that you know which books to prefer. This way you will not waste your time reading books that are not relevant to the PNB SO exam. Some important PNB SO books are mentioned below for your assistance which can be useful for the PNB SO exam.

PaperBooksAuthor/Publisher
Reasoning Kiran’s Tricky Approach To Competitive Reasoning Verbal & Non Verbal (Fully Solved) 7000+objective Question Logical Reasoning & Analytical Ability—English (Paperback, Kiran) Kiran
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning R.S. Aggarwal
How to Crack Test of Reasoning: In all Competitive Exams Arihant Publications
Analytical Reasoning M K Pandey
English Language Corrective English AK Singh
Objective General English Arihant Publications
Word Power Made Easy Norman Lewis
Quantitative Aptitude Quantitative Aptitude for All Competitive Examinations Abhijit Guha
Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude with 4 eBooks for Competitive Exams Disha Experts
Teach Yourself Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma
Quantitative Aptitude for competitive examination R.S.Agarwal
How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude Arun Sharma

PNB SO Free Mock

PNB has released the recruitment notification for Risk Officer, Credit Officer and Treasury Officer. To excel in exams, practicing PNB SO mock tests will help you the best in clearing the exam. Practicing PNB SO mock tests series will not only improve your speed and score in the exam but also give you confidence in facing the real exam. If you wish to improve your accuracy level and familiarity with different sets of questions with higher difficulty levels, you should attempt the PNB SO free mock test. Attempt PNB Credit Officer mock tests as well as PNB Risk Officer totally free of cost in ixamBee. You just have to register yourself on the website and you can attempt these mock tests right away.

PNB SO Online Course

In case you want our assistance on the PNB SO preparation, you can enroll in our PNB Credit Officer Online Course curated by experts keeping the latest PNB SO exam pattern and PNB SO syllabus in mind.