How to prepare for SBI PO Exam in 15 days

The SBI PO Exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India. Thousands of candidates apply every year, but only a few make it to the final selection. If you have only 15 days left before the exam, it may seem like a tough task to prepare, but with a smart and focused approach, you can boost your chances of success. In this article, we’ll break down how you can make the most of these 15 days by focusing on the SBI PO Syllabus, taking SBI PO Mock Tests, and following a well-planned strategy.

Understanding the SBI PO Exam
Before diving into preparation, it’s important to understand the structure of the SBI PO Exam. The exam is divided into three main stages:

Preliminary Exam (Phase I)
Main Exam (Phase II)
Interview and Group Exercise (Phase III)
Since you have only 15 days, we will focus on preparing for the Preliminary Exam, as it is the first hurdle to clear.

SBI PO Preliminary Exam Pattern
English Language: 30 questions, 20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 20 minutes
Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 20 minutes
The total time for the Preliminary Exam is 60 minutes, with 100 questions, and the focus should be on accuracy and speed.

Day 1: Analyze the SBI PO Syllabus and Make a Plan

The first step is to go through the SBI PO Syllabus and identify key topics. Here’s a breakdown of the main topics:

English Language:

Reading Comprehension
Cloze Test
Para Jumbles
Error Spotting
Fill in the Blanks

Quantitative Aptitude:
Simplification/Approximation
Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs)
Number Series
Quadratic Equations
Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Percentages, etc.)

Reasoning Ability:
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
Syllogism
Blood Relations
Inequalities
Alphanumeric Series
Once you are familiar with the syllabus, create a 15-day plan, focusing on each section every day. The key is to balance all three sections by dividing your time appropriately. Since each section is equally important, you should spend equal time on all areas.

Days 2-5: Focus on Basics and Shortcuts

With limited time, your focus should be on mastering the basics and learning shortcuts for faster calculations and solving techniques. Let’s break it down:

English Language:
Start with Reading Comprehension (RC) because it is a common and scoring part of the English section. Read short passages daily and practice questions based on inference, vocabulary, and details.

Tip: To improve your reading speed, practice skimming through passages and identifying key points. Try to attempt 2-3 RCs every day.
For Cloze Test and Para Jumbles, practice solving at least 10 questions each per day.

Quantitative Aptitude:
This section can be time-consuming, so focus on topics like Simplification, Approximation, and Data Interpretation, which are more scoring. Use Vedic math tricks for quick calculations.

Tip: Practice Simplification and Approximation problems for 30 minutes daily. Then, shift to Data Interpretation, solving at least 3-4 sets daily.
Make sure to review basic arithmetic concepts, such as Percentages, Ratios, and Averages.

Reasoning Ability:
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement make up a large portion of this section. Practice solving different types of puzzles to get comfortable with them.

Tip: Begin with easy puzzles and gradually move to complex ones. Focus on solving at least 2-3 puzzles per day.
Also, spend 30 minutes daily on topics like Syllogism, Blood Relations, and Inequalities.

Days 6-10: Take SBI PO Mock Tests

Mock tests play a crucial role in your preparation. They simulate the real exam environment and help you manage time. Taking SBI PO Mock Test will allow you to gauge your performance and identify weak areas.

Tip: Start with one mock test on Day 6. After completing it, spend time analyzing your mistakes and reviewing the questions you got wrong.
On Days 7-10, take one mock test every alternate day. Each time, analyze your performance and focus on improving accuracy and speed.
Mock tests are also great for improving your stamina, as the exam requires full concentration for 60 minutes.

Days 11-13: Strengthen Weak Areas

Now that you have identified your weak areas through mock tests, it’s time to focus on improving them. If you find that you are struggling with a particular section or type of question, dedicate extra time to practice those areas.

English Language:
If you’re facing difficulties in Reading Comprehension, try reading newspapers or editorials to improve your comprehension skills. For grammar-related issues like Error Spotting and Fill in the Blanks, revise basic grammar rules.

Quantitative Aptitude:
If Data Interpretation is your weak spot, solve as many DI sets as possible. Focus on different types of DI, such as tables, graphs, and pie charts. Revise formulas for arithmetic topics like Profit & Loss, Time & Distance, and Percentages.

Reasoning Ability:
If Puzzles are slowing you down, focus on simpler puzzles first and gradually work on improving your speed for tougher ones. For topics like Syllogism and Blood Relations, go through shortcut techniques to solve these questions quickly.

Days 14-15: Revise and Take Final Mock Tests

As you approach the final days before the exam, revision becomes critical. Go through all the important formulas, grammar rules, and shortcuts you have learned over the last two weeks.

Tip: Avoid learning any new concepts at this point. Instead, focus on revising what you already know.
Take one final SBI PO Mock Test on Day 14 to assess your overall preparedness. This will give you a final chance to work on any remaining weak areas.
On Day 15, avoid any heavy studying. Instead, focus on light revision and keep your mind calm. Go over important notes, key formulas, and the SBI PO Syllabus one last time.

Time Management Tips for the SBI PO Exam

Managing time effectively during the exam is crucial for success. Here are some time management tips:

Don’t spend too much time on a single question: If you’re stuck, move on and come back later if time permits.
Focus on accuracy: While speed is important, accuracy is equally crucial. Guessing answers without proper thought could lead to negative marking.
Practice time-bound mock tests: Simulating the real exam environment during mock tests will help you manage time better in the actual exam.

Stay Confident and Positive

Preparing for the SBI PO Exam in just 15 days can feel overwhelming, but staying confident and having a positive mindset is essential. With proper planning, regular practice, and consistent effort, you can cover the important topics in the SBI PO Syllabus and perform well in the exam.

Tip: Stay away from distractions like social media or TV during these 15 days and fully focus on your preparation.
Take short breaks during study sessions to keep your mind fresh and avoid burnout.

Conclusion

Preparing for the SBI PO Exam in 15 days may seem challenging, but it is achievable if you follow a focused and disciplined approach. Make sure to cover the important topics in the SBI PO Syllabus, take SBI PO Mock Tests, and work on time management strategies. With determination and consistent effort, you can improve your chances of success and perform well in the exam. Keep revising, practicing, and stay confident throughout your preparation.

If you are preparing for competitive exams, it's also a good idea to stay updated with the upcoming bank exams. There are several important exams on the horizon, including SBI Clerk, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, and RBI Assistant, which offer great career opportunities in the banking sector. Keeping track of these exams will help you plan your preparation more effectively. Make sure to check their official notifications and start preparing in advance to improve your chances of success.