The SBI Circle Based Officer exam is conducted in two stages:
- Online Written Exam
- Interview + Local Language Test
The online test is designed to assess a candidate’s banking awareness, language proficiency, general knowledge, and computer aptitude.
📊 Exam Pattern Overview
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 mins |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 mins |
| General Awareness / Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 mins |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 mins |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 120 mins |
No negative marking (as per 2023-24 pattern)
Language of Exam: Bilingual (English and Hindi)
📘 Section-Wise Detailed Syllabus
1. ✍️ English Language
This section checks vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension.
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement
- Fill in the Blanks (Single & Double)
- Sentence Improvement
- Phrase Replacement
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Active-Passive Voice / Direct-Indirect Speech
2. 🏦 Banking Knowledge
Tests professional knowledge related to banking and finance.
- Types of Bank Accounts & Customers
- RBI and Monetary Policies
- Credit, Debit, and ATM Cards
- Payment Systems: NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI
- Banking Terms (NPA, CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, etc.)
- Recent Banking Developments
- Financial Inclusion and Digital Banking
- Basel Norms
- Balance Sheet Analysis (basic level)
- Core Banking System
- Priority Sector Lending
- KYC/AML Guidelines
3. 🌐 General Awareness / Economy
This section focuses on current events and economic knowledge.
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Indian Economy (basic structure, GDP, inflation)
- Union Budget & Economic Survey Highlights
- Indian Financial System
- Government Schemes (PMJDY, Mudra, Ayushman Bharat, etc.)
- Important Banking & Financial Institutions (NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI, IRDAI)
- Static GK (Countries, Capitals, Important Days, Sports, etc.)
- International Reports (IMF, World Bank, UNDP indices)
- Appointments, Awards, Books & Authors
4. 💻 Computer Aptitude
This section evaluates your basic computer skills.
- Computer Fundamentals
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet & Email
- Operating Systems (Windows/Linux basics)
- Input and Output Devices
- Networking Basics (LAN, WAN, IP, DNS, etc.)
- Software and Hardware Concepts
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Cybersecurity & Internet Safety
- Database Basics
📋 Additional Assessments (Post Written Test)
📍 Local Language Proficiency Test
- Candidates must be proficient in the local language of the circle they are applying for.
- This may be tested through reading, writing, and speaking ability if not studied up to 10th standard.
👥 Interview
- Weightage for Interview: 50 marks
- Focus areas: Personality, communication skills, banking experience, and decision-making.
📚 Preparation Tips
- Focus on daily current affairs for the last 6–8 months.
- Read banking magazines or RBI reports to improve domain knowledge.
- Practice English comprehension and grammar daily.
- Use mock tests and previous papers for accuracy and time management.
- Revise computer basics regularly.