Unveiling the Difficulty Level, Good Attempts, and Key Insights
The State Bank of India (SBI) Probationary Officer (PO) Prelims Exam 2025 has commenced, with the first shift taking place on March 8, 2025. As candidates gear up for the upcoming shifts on March 16 and 24, 2025, we provide a detailed analysis of the exam's difficulty level, good attempts, and the types of questions asked. This comprehensive overview aims to help aspirants understand the exam pattern and prepare effectively for the remaining shifts.
Exam Overview and Structure
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2025 consists of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The exam is conducted in four shifts per day, with each shift lasting one hour. The total number of questions is 100, with each question carrying one mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
Section-Wise Difficulty Level
Based on feedback from candidates who appeared for the first shift on March 8, 2025, the overall difficulty level of the exam was moderate. Here's a breakdown of the section-wise difficulty:
1. English Language: The English Language section was considered moderate by most candidates. The questions covered topics such as Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Fillers, Phrase Replacement, Para Jumbles, and Cloze Test. Reading Comprehension had the highest weightage, with 9-12 questions across shifts.
2. Quantitative Aptitude: This section was slightly challenging, with questions covering Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, and Number Series. Candidates reported that while some Data Interpretation sets were tricky, Arithmetic questions were of a moderate level.
3. Reasoning Ability: The Reasoning Ability section was also moderate in difficulty. The majority of the questions were from Seating Arrangement and Puzzles, followed by Syllogism, Inequality, and Pair Formation. Seating Arrangement and Puzzles had the highest weightage, with 22-25 questions in Shift 1.
Good Attempts and Expected Cut-Off
The number of good attempts varied across sections and shifts. For Shift 1, the number of good attempts was as follows:
- English Language: 23-26
- Quantitative Aptitude: 9-11
- Reasoning Ability: 20-24
In Shift 2, good attempts increased slightly, with 24-27 in English, 13-16 in Quantitative Aptitude, and 21-25 in Reasoning Ability. Similarly, Shift 3 saw 22-25 in English, 14-17 in Quantitative Aptitude, and 22-26 in Reasoning Ability.
The expected cut-off for the SBI PO Prelims Exam 2025 is anticipated to be in line with previous years, considering the moderate difficulty level of the exam. Candidates are advised to check the official SBI website for the latest updates on cut-off marks.
Preparation Tips for Upcoming Shifts
As the exam progresses, candidates appearing for the upcoming shifts on March 16 and 24, 2025, should focus on revising high-weightage topics and practicing time management. Here are some tips to help you prepare effectively:
1. Revise Key Topics: Focus on revising important topics such as Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Seating Arrangement. Practice solving questions from these topics to improve your accuracy and speed.
2. Mock Tests: Take mock tests to simulate the exam environment and identify areas where you need improvement. Analyze your performance and work on your weak areas.
3. Time Management: Practice managing your time effectively during the exam. Allocate specific time slots for each section and stick to them to ensure you attempt all questions.
4. Stay Calm and Confident: Maintain a positive attitude and stay confident. Avoid last-minute cramming and focus on revising what you have already studied.
In Conclusion; The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2025 has started with a moderate difficulty level, with candidates attempting a reasonable number of questions across all sections. As the exam continues, aspirants must focus on revising high-weightage topics and practicing time management to maximize their chances of success. Stay updated with the latest information and guidelines from the official SBI website, and best of luck to all candidates!