SBI Clerk: Exams Pattern & Changes

1- Two-tier exam instead of a single-tier exam
SBI Clerical 2014 was a single-tier exam. However, this time SBI has also decided to conduct a 2-tier exam consisting of Prelims and Mains. It’s not quite a surprise as IBPS has already conducted 2-tier exams for selection of Clerks in various PSB in 2015. Even SBI conducted the exams in two tiers for selection of PO in 2015.

2- Sectional Time Limits Introduced
For the first time in any banking exam conducted by SBI, IBPS or RBI, the Mains paper will have sectional time limits. This means:
• The students need to do all questions of a particular section within the given time only.
• The students cannot switch between sections.
• The students cannot revisit a section once the time limit is over.

3- Differential Marking Scheme Introduced
Till date, bank exams had a uniform marking scheme of 1 mark for every correct answer and -0.25 marks for every wrong answer across all sections. However, in SBI Clerical Mains, the marking scheme will not be uniform for all sections. SBI has decided to give higher weightage to reasoning than to other areas.

4- Interview Process
The notification has been clear on stating that the process of interview after the exam is subject to approval from the Government of India. We also know that IBPS didn’t conduct interviews for the Clerical Cadre and the complete selection was made from the performance in Mains exam. Under such circumstances, it becomes very important for the candidate to given maximum efforts to scoring good marks in the Mains exam.

This is what we recommend for preparation:

1. Create a proper study plan for the next 45 days, giving emphasis to each and every topic that will be covered in the Prelims as well as Mains. Keep ample time for attempting mocks but start with mocks 25-30 days prior to the exam.

2. Don’t make separate strategies for Prelims and Mains. It’s one of the most common mistakes that students do. Please remember that the gap between Prelims results and Mains exams will be less than 10-15 days. Under such circumstances, it is important for you to make your study plan continuous. You need to finish your revision now so that you can focus on mocks then.

3. Read Newspapers, GK updates on a daily basis. GK is a vast area and you cannot master it overnight. You need to spend some time on it on a daily basis. One of the best ways to prepare is to take online quizzes and challenges.

All the Best!!!

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