State Bank Probationary Officer (SBI PO) Exam 2014 Experience & Review

State Bank of India Probationary Exam (PO) 2014 is a landmark in history of bank exams. This is not only the first computer based online exam conducted by State Bank of India but also the toughest exam. This exam surprised the candidates with many new challenges. I took this exam on June 22nd and I am happy to share my experience along with the cut off estimated by me after considering many factors.

The Exam Begins
I went inside the exam hall by 1:30 p.m, and the supervisor verified my identity and allotted me an old system with a CRT monitor. Then, I was asked to do all the pre exam formalities like writing name, register number and roll number etc. The supervisor also got my signature and thumb impression in the attendance sheet. Then, I was instructed not to use keyboard during exam for avoiding disastrous consequences. To be on the safe side, I unplugged/disconnected the keyboard wire. I was asked to type my registration number as password using virtual keyboard in the screen. I was also asked to wait till 2:20 pm to click log in after typing password.

At 2:20 pm, a pop up came in the screen instructing that you can log in now. Then, I logged in to see the instructions about how to answer the exam in online mode. After reading these instructions, I was asked to wait till 2:30 pm for beginning the online exam. At 2:30 pm, I started the exam with General Awareness section.

General Awareness – A Cakewalk
This section was not very difficult and can be finished within 20 minutes. The questions from marketing and computer awareness were challenging but not too difficult. There were a few questions related to banking industry and the remaining questions were from current affairs. Overall this section was as expected and does not spring a big surprise. I answered 40 questions in this section. After finishing this section, I moved to English.

English – Quite Easy
This is the section where the problems started. The passages were big and it’s difficult to scroll up and down. Even though, this scrolling issue caused a delay the questions were mostly easy except the passages. The questions based on vocabulary did not involve complex and confusing words. The grammar correction and paragraph jumbles were also quite easy. Overall, this section can be finished within 20 minutes if you skip the 12 questions based on passage. I skipped those 12 question based on passage and answered the remaining 38 questions before moving to Data Interpretation.

Data Interpretation – A Tough Nut
I was happy after attending nearly 78 questions in 40 minutes but this section spoiled the party. This section is the toughest one in this exam. Calculations were very lengthy and the answer choices were too close. All the questions were from Data Interpretation and there is none based on probability or quantitative aptitude. The bar graphs, charts, tables and other data given are not clearly visible at times and scrolling is a big problem again. Overall, it is very difficult and I took 55 minutes to answer just 15 questions. After this tragedy, I moved to reasoning section without giving up the hope.

Reasoning – A Little Better
This section was difficult but not as much as Data Interpretation. There were 20 easy questions and the rest is tough. The questions based on input/output, syllogism, coding and inequality were easy but the remaining questions were tough. Overall, this section is tough and I was able to answer only the 20 easy questions before the exam time ran out. Then, I was given the answer sheet for descriptive paper.

Descriptive Paper
This was comprised of a letter, precis writing, reading comprehension and two general essays. This part of the exam is not difficult and can be easily answered within the given time of 60 minutes. Once this is done, answer sheet is collected by the exam supervisor and the exam ends there.

Since this exam is very tough compared to the exam held in April 2013, the cut off to qualify for interview is expected to be low. To say exactly, this exam is a bit tougher than the one held in July 2011, but considering the increased level of competition, the cut off will be more or less similar to the July 2011 exam. I have provided the cut off for SBI PO July 2011 below.