Syllabus

SBI CBO Exam Pattern and Syllabus 2024

Are you preparing for the SBI CBO Exam and wondering about the exam pattern and syllabus? Look no further, as we are here to provide you with an overview of what to expect in this highly anticipated examination.

The SBI CBO recently released its SBI CBO notification 2024 on November 21, 2024, where they mentioned important details about the exam pattern and syllabus. This notification serves as a guideline for aspiring candidates, providing them with valuable information to navigate their preparation efficiently.

The SBI CBO Exam pattern and syllabus hold great significance for aspirants who 

are preparing for the State Bank of India Circle-Based Officer Exam. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is crucial for a well-planned and efficient preparation strategy.

So, It is advisable to be aware of the exam format and SBI Circle Based Officer exam pattern 2024 to avoid any errors later. Getting aware of the exam pattern and syllabus of SBI CBO will help you in time management. The SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2024 comprises of the following stages -

• Online Test: The first stage of the SBI CBO Exam is the online test. This test is conducted to evaluate the knowledge and skills of the candidates. 
• Screening: After the online test, a screening process takes place. The screening process involves evaluating the performance of candidates in the online test and shortlisting them based on certain criteria.
• Interview: The final stage of the SBI CBO Exam 2024 is the interview. Candidates who have cleared the screening process are invited to participate in the interview. The interview assesses the candidates' personal and professional qualities, including their communication skills, problem-solving ability, and suitability for the role of a Circle Based Officer. 

SBI CBO Online Test Exam Pattern 

The SBI CBO Online written test is an objective test consisting of four sections: English Language, Banking Knowledge, General Awareness/Economy, and Computer Aptitude. The test carries a total of 120 marks. While there are sectional timings for each section, the sectional marks will not be maintained for the Online Written Examination. It is important for candidates to focus on all sections and ensure a well-rounded preparation strategy to excel in the exam.

The duration of the Descriptive Test will be 30 minutes. Letter Writing & Essay will be asked (2 questions) for a total of 50 marks. Please note that the Descriptive Test will be administered immediately after the Objective Test. You will have to type your Descriptive Test answers on the computer. Therefore, it is advised to practice typing on the computer in case you don't have a decent speed.

SBI CBO Exam Syllabus 2024

The syllabus for the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Exam is a crucial component for aspirants to have a comprehensive understanding of the topics covered in the examination. A well-structured and informed study plan can be developed by referring to the detailed SBI CBO exam syllabus. This syllabus serves as a roadmap, providing aspirants with a clear outline of the subject-wise topics that need to be covered during their preparation.

 Go through the table of contents below to learn more about the subject-wise SBI CBO exam syllabus. Accordingly, prepare your study plan. Go through our BeePedia for any current issue updates. A detailed SBI CBO syllabus 2024 for the upcoming exam has been provided below. 

SBI CBO Screening

Candidates who pass the online examination will undergo scrutiny by the Bank's Screening Committee. This committee will assess if candidates meet the experience eligibility criteria by comparing their submitted job profiles (certified by current/previous employers) with that of a Scale-1 Generalist Officer at the State Bank of India. If the job profiles significantly differ, the application will be rejected. The Bank will establish parameters for this matching process, and the decision will be final. 

The Merit list, based on aggregate online test marks, will be compiled by Circle and Category. Approximately three times the Circle and Category vacancies number of qualified candidates will be interviewed, but passing the online exam doesn't guarantee an interview.

SBI CBO Interview

Upon meeting the specified experience criteria set by the Screening Committee, candidates will progress to a personal interview, which holds a weightage of 50 marks. This crucial phase assesses candidates beyond their exam performance, providing an opportunity to showcase their suitability for the Generalist Officer role at the State Bank of India. The interview serves as a decisive element in the overall evaluation process, influencing the candidate's standing in the selection procedure.

Please note:

• Candidates qualifying for an interview under the 'OBC' category would be required to submit an OBC certificate containing the 'Non-Creamy layer clause'.
• Candidates who have registered themselves as OBC but do not submit an OBC 'Non-Creamy layer' certificate and request for an interview under the General category will not be entertained.
• Candidates qualifying for interviews under the EWS category would be required to submit an EWS certificate issued based on gross annual income for the financial year 2022-23 as per DoPT guidelines.
• Candidates who have registered themselves as EWS but do not submit an EWS certificate issued based on gross annual income for the financial year 2022-23 as per DoPT guidelines and request for interview under the General category will not be entertained.

SBI CBO Final Selection

The State Bank of India's Circle Based Officer (CBO) final selection marks the culmination of a rigorous evaluation process. After successfully navigating the online examination, scrutiny by the Screening Committee, and a personal interview, candidates await the conclusive step that determines their appointment to the coveted role of CBO.

Final Selection will be made from the top-ranked candidates in the merit list prepared State-wise and Category-wise. To be on the final merit list, you will have to qualify both in the Online Written Test and Interview separately. The final merit list would be prepared based on the normalization of marks scored in the SBI CBO Online Written Test and Interview with 75:25 weightage respectively.

Marks secured by you in the Online Written test (out of 170 marks) are converted to out of 75 marks and Interview scores of candidates (out of 50 marks) are converted to out of 25 marks. The final merit list (State-wise and category-wise) is arrived at after aggregating (out of 100) converted marks of the Online Written test and Interview.

SBI CBO Marking Scheme

Good news for those taking the SBI CBO exam in 2024 there's no penalty for wrong answers. That means if you don't get a question right, you won't lose any marks. It's a great opportunity to be a bit more daring and try to answer as many questions as you can. Unlike some other exams, you won't be punished for taking a guess. This change in the rules makes the exam less stressful, so you can focus on showing what you know without worrying about making mistakes. 

Remember, it's a chance to shine and demonstrate your understanding without the fear of losing marks for getting something wrong. So, go ahead and make the most of this advantage during the SBI CBO exam!

Local Language

A local language test will be conducted for provisionally selected candidates (based on performance in online written tests, Screening, and interviews) before joining the Bank. The candidates applying for vacancies in a particular State should be proficient (reading, writing, and understanding) in the specified opted local language of that State (mentioned against each State).

Any candidate who fails to qualify for this test will not be offered an appointment. Also, Candidates who produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheet/ certificate evidence having studied the specified opted local language of the applied state as one of the subjects will not be required to undergo the language test.

SBI CBO 2024 Preparation Tips and Strategies

• Understand the Exam Pattern: Before starting your preparation, it is crucial to understand the SBI CBO exam pattern, including subjects, number of questions, and marking scheme. This helps you plan your preparation effectively.
• Create a Study Schedule: Once you understand the exam pattern, create a well-organized study schedule by carefully going through SBI CBO exam dates and accordingly allocating time for each subject. Regularity and consistency in your preparation are key to achieving success in the exam.
• Go Through Previous Year Papers: To understand the pattern, gain knowledge of question types, and identify which areas you need to improve you must go through and solve past year's papers.
• Focus on Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning: Quantitative aptitude and reasoning sections carry the maximum weightage in the exam, thus spend more time solving questions from these sections. This helps you improve your speed and accuracy.
• Enhance Banking Awareness: Stay updated with the latest news and developments in the banking sector, as they form an important part of the exam. Make sure to follow ixamBee Beepedia. 
• Improve English Language Skills: Strong vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills are essential for performing well in the English Language section of the exam. Thus, practice and enhance these skills.
• Take Mock Tests: To simulate the real exam environment, regularly take SBI CBO mock tests 2024. track your progress and identify areas where you need to improve.
• Revision is Crucial: Allocate time for revision before the exam to review important topics, formulas, and concepts, ensuring better retention and overall performance.

Subject-Specific Study Techniques & Resources for SBI CBO 2024 Exam

• Quantitative Aptitude: To excel in this section, practice solving a variety of numerical problems using shortcuts and tricks. Understand concepts like algebra, geometry, arithmetic, and data interpretation. Strengthen your problem-solving skills and time management. Utilize resources such as books like "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal, online tutorials, and video lessons. Additionally, solve previous years' question papers and take mock tests to gauge your progress and identify areas that need improvement.
• Reasoning Ability: Develop logical reasoning skills by practicing different types of questions, including puzzles, coding-decoding, series, and seating arrangement. Strengthen your analytical and critical thinking abilities by solving a wide range of reasoning problems. Use books like "A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal to enhance your understanding of various concepts. Online platforms and mobile applications that provide reasoning practice questions and quizzes can also be helpful. Regular practice and solving mock tests will boost your speed and accuracy in this section.
• General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to the banking and financial sector. Read newspapers, magazines, and online portals like the SBI website and the Economic Times to stay informed about current events. Maintain a notebook to jot down important news, banking terms, and financial policies. Utilize online resources like daily current affairs websites, monthly magazines, and banking awareness books like "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications to enhance your knowledge. Participate in online quizzes and tests to evaluate your understanding of general awareness topics.
• English Language: To improve your performance in the English Language section, focus on enhancing your grammar, vocabulary, and reading comprehension skills. Invest time in understanding and learning grammar rules, idioms, phrases, and commonly used words. Solve practice exercises for sentence correction, fill in the blanks, error detection, and cloze test questions. Utilize resources like books such as "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi, online tutorials, and vocabulary-building apps. Additionally, read newspapers, magazines, and English novels to improve your reading speed and comprehension.
• Banking Awareness: Develop a solid understanding of banking terminologies, policies, regulations, and financial news by referring to books like "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications. Utilize online resources such as the Reserve Bank of India's website, banking institutions' websites, and financial news portals. Stay updated with the recent advances and changes in the banking industry. Join online banking awareness forums and discussions to enhance your knowledge and exchange ideas with fellow aspirants.
• Professional Knowledge: Study topics related to banking operations, accounting, financial management, marketing, and other relevant subjects. Utilize study materials provided by reputable coaching institutes and refer to websites of esteemed banking institutes offering professional courses or certifications. Take advantage of online tutorials and video lessons that cover essential concepts related to professional knowledge. Engage in discussion forums, online quizzes, and practice tests to assess your understanding. Regularly revise important topics and create notes to consolidate your learning.

By implementing these subject-specific study techniques and utilizing the recommended resources, you can develop a comprehensive preparation strategy for the SBI CBO 2024 exam. Consistent and disciplined practice, along with continuous evaluation, will help you gain confidence and increase your chances of success on the exam.

General Tips for SBI CBO Exam 2024 Preparation

• Analyze and Understand the Job Role: Gain a deep understanding of the job role and SBI CBO Salary Criteria in the banking sector. This will help you align your preparation with the specific skills and knowledge required for the position, giving you an edge during the selection process.

• Network with Industry Professionals: Connect with professionals working in the banking sector, especially those in managerial positions. Seek their guidance, learn about their experiences, and gain insights into the industry. This will broaden your knowledge and provide practical insights into the job role.

• Develop Effective Time Management Techniques: As a CBO, time management is crucial. Practice time management techniques during your exam preparation to effectively allocate time to each section and maximize productivity. This will also help you in real-world scenarios as a banking professional.
• Enhance Communication Skills: Effective communication is essential for a CBO. Work on improving your communication skills through reading, writing, and practicing public speaking. Participate in group discussions, mock interviews, and debates to boost your confidence in expressing your ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Stay Updated with Banking Technology Advancements: The banking industry is rapidly evolving with technological advancements. Stay updated with the latest developments in banking technology, such as digital banking, mobile banking, and online payment systems. This knowledge will be valuable during interviews and in understanding the industry's future direction.
• Develop Leadership Skills: As a CBO, leadership skills are paramount. Engage in activities that help you develop leadership qualities, such as taking up leadership roles in college or community-based projects. Attend leadership workshops and seminars to enhance your understanding of effective leadership practices.
• Practice Decision-Making under Pressure: The CBO role involves making crucial decisions under pressure. Practice decision-making exercises and case studies that simulate high-pressure situations. This will improve your ability to think critically, analyze information, and make informed decisions swiftly.
• Seek Mentorship: Find a mentor who has experience in the banking industry, specifically in a leadership position. A mentor like ixamBee can provide guidance, share valuable insights, and help you navigate the challenges of the CBO role. Their experience and advice can be invaluable to your career growth.

Time Management Strategies For Covering The Syllabus Effectively

When it comes to covering the syllabus effectively and managing your time efficiently, here are some strategies you can use:

• Prioritize Topics: Start by identifying the most important and high-weightage topics in the syllabus. Focus on these topics first to ensure you have a strong foundation. This will also help you gain confidence early on in your preparation.
• Create a Study Schedule: Develop a detailed study schedule that allocates specific time slots for each subject or topic. Be realistic while setting study goals and ensure you have sufficient time for revision and practice. Stick to the schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency.
• Break It Down: Break your study material into smaller, manageable chunks. Instead of trying to cover the entire syllabus in one go, divide it into smaller sections and set deadlines for completing each section. This will make your study sessions more focused and less overwhelming.
• Use Active Learning Techniques: Instead of passively reading through the material, engage in active learning techniques. Take notes, create mind maps, summarize key concepts in your own words, and teach them to someone else. This will help you retain information better and make your study sessions more productive.
• Employ the Pomodoro Technique: The Pomodoro Technique involves studying for a set period of time (usually 25 minutes) followed by a short break (around 5 minutes). After completing four study sessions, take a longer break (around 15-30 minutes). This technique can help improve focus, reduce mental fatigue, and enhance productivity.
• Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet study environment and eliminate distractions that can hinder your concentration. Put away your phone or use apps that block social media notifications. Let your family and friends know about your study schedule and request their support in minimizing interruptions.
• Review Regularly: Regularly review previously covered topics to ensure the information stays fresh in your mind. Allocate specific time for revision in your study schedule. Periodic revision will help reinforce your understanding and prevent forgetting.
• Utilize Productive Breaks: During short breaks, engage in activities that help relax and recharge your mind. Take a walk, do some light stretching, or practice deep breathing exercises. Avoid activities that can drain your energy or increase stress levels during breaks.

SBI CBO 2024 Recommended Study Resources

As you prepare for the SBI CBO Exam 2024, here are some recommended study resources.

• NCERT Textbooks: The NCERT textbooks cover the fundamental concepts of various subjects. They are an excellent resource to start building a strong foundation in subjects like Mathematics, English, and General Awareness.
• SBI CBO Exam Guidebooks: There are numerous guidebooks and study materials available in the market that provide detailed information on the exam pattern, syllabus, and important topics. Some popular books are "SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Phase I Exam Guide" by Arihant Publications and "SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Practice Workbook" by Youth Competition Times.
• Previous Year Question Papers: Solving previous years' question papers is an effective way to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern, develop time management skills, and identify important topics. You can download the SBI CBO previous year exam question papers from the ixamBee. 
• Current Affairs Magazines: Keeping up with current affairs is essential for the General Awareness section of the exam. Read magazines such as Pratiyogita Darpan, Manorama Yearbook, and Competition Success Review, to stay updated with developments in various fields.

Remember, choosing the right study resources is a crucial step toward your success in the SBI CBO Exam 2024. Make sure to select resources that align with your learning style and cater to your individual needs. Best of luck with your exam preparation!

SBI CBO Important Books

The effective preparation for the SBI Circle Based Officer exam 2024 depends upon your choice of SBI CBO study materials as such bank exams are highly competitive. There are a number of important SBI CBO books for each subject covered in the SBI CBO exam. So, to choose the best SBI Circle Based Officer books you must familiarise yourself with the complete syllabus. Then opt for the book which has a maximum coverage of most of the topics. Refer to the SBI Circle Based Officer books list from the table below.

SBI CBO Free Mock Test

Practicing with SBI CBO free mock tests can greatly enhance your preparation by allowing you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. You can analyze your performance through detailed solutions and performance reports, enabling you to focus on areas that need improvement. Also, ixamBee provides insightful video solutions and expert guidance to help you understand the concepts thoroughly.

SBI CBO Online Course

With the SBI CBO recruitment 2024 being announced, aspirants are eager to work hard and grab this opportunity. But most of them are confused about what to study for the SBI CBO 2024 exam. So, ixamBee is here to help you with its SBI Circle Based Officer online course. This course has been formulated by our experts after detailed and thorough research of previous exam patterns and extensive study of the SBI CBO syllabus. This SBI CBO course will definitely help you in clearing the exam with flying colours.

So, if you are gearing up for the SBI CBO exam, ixamBee's SBI CBO exam material is a valuable resource that will aid you in your journey toward success.