How to crack SBI PO Exam?

State Bank of India Probationary officer Exam also known as SBI PO Exam is one of the most sorts after entrance exam by the aspiring bank officers. Besides IBPS CWE PO exam which is taken by IBPS to appoint PO an MT in 20 public sector banks, SBI PO exam is the only other exam which is taken by SBI to appoint PO's in State Bank of India. Being one of the largest public sectors back it attracts virtually every banking aspirant to take this exam which is held in two stages every year. To become a PO in SBI the aspiring candidates have to compete with thousands of candidates to clear this exam. Thus the candidate must prepare for the examination in an orderly manner. The study for SBI PO examination should be done in an efficient, logical, organized and precise way in order to grab the opportunity of getting the job of SBI PO.  Candidates need to give equal importance to all the segments involved in the selection procedure because it is mandatory to qualify each and every phase.

Tips to Prepare for SBI PO Exam

• Check Current Level of Preparation: Once you know the pattern and syllabus of SBI PO Exam, you need to know where you stand in terms of preparation. This is a very crucial step because it will help you do the reality check. One can also go for one or two mock test before the examination and see if you are comfortable with the type of questions. This exercise will help you assess the following:
  • The difference between your current preparation and the preparation required to clear the examination.
  • Topics on which you have to focus more. 
  • Your current speed in solving the questions.
• Make a List of the Topics: Divide the Topics into the following categories
  • Topics that you are Comfortable with and can Solve Easily: You need not waste any time on this topic as these topics can be covered while solving the mock test.
  • Topics that you are Comfortable with but Take Time: This topic can also be improved and you can by practising a little bit.
  • Topics that you are Comfortable with but you Forget the Method: You are required to spend a lot of time on such topics as you need to revise, practice and solve such questions. 
  • Topics that you are not Comfortable with: Keep those topics aside and practice them at last because they are time-consuming.
• Know the Previous year’s Cut-off: In these exams, the cut-off is more important than the actual score. Cut-off helps in setting the goal. Once you go through few mock tests you can figure out the difference you need to cover.

Role and Importance of Coaching Classes in Preparing for SBI PO Exam

Although there is no alternative to self-study yet students can join coaching classes for the preparation of SBI PO examination.  Coaching should be taken from an experienced trainer and the one who is providing you with specialized course material. Coaching empowers, enhances knowledge and strengthens the individual. If you are studying in a coaching class then these are few tips that will surely help you:

• Prepare before Class: Before the class starts you can go through some topics in your textbook and can have a look at previous day’s notes. This will help you prepare yourself for the class and will also help you focus and cut down the distractions.
• Pay Attention in the Class: If you are taking coaching regarding the preparation you need to concentrate on what the teacher is teaching. While studying in the class makes sure you clear all your doubts and concepts.
• Avoid Distractions: Distractions are everywhere. They can be in the form of social media, friends, mobile phones etc. It is your responsibility to avoid such distractions and focus. Physical removal is the best way to deal with the distraction. Example: if your classmate is distracting you. Try sitting somewhere else. Turning off your cell phone will also help you in paying more attention while studying.
• Focus on the Present: Don't let your brain wander outside the classroom. No daydreaming! You need to be focused on your present that is studied. You'll have to learn to manually refocus your attention.
• Make Sure you Prepare Notes: Prepare clear and complete notes; it will help you in gaining more knowledge about the topic. Prepare handwritten notes rather than using the laptop. Buy this you can process and reframe the information. These notes will also become study notes that can be viewed before a test. Talk to your friends or teacher in case you missed a class to ensure your notes are complete.
• Use flowchart and diagrams: Visual aid will be really helpful while revising the topics. Highlight the main topics in the subject. It will help you recall everything during the exam.
• Participate in class: Participating in class can also help you focus. Asking questions is a good way to participate in class. Don't be afraid or feel uncomfortable while asking questions in the coaching class. Ask as many questions you can it will help you clear your doubts.
• Prefer sitting in front: If you get to choose where you sit during the class, grab a seat at the front. Studies show that students, who sit at the front, tend to get higher exam score. By sitting at the front you'll be able to see the board and hear the teacher more clearly and your concentration will improve too.
• Do your homework: Homework helps in revisiting the concepts that must be learned. Homework helps in time management and set priorities.
• Ask for help: If you have any problem regarding the concepts or topics, asks your teacher about that topic so that all queries are clear. You can also ask for specialized course material from your teacher.

Role and Importance of Self Study in clearing SBI PO Exam

Self-study when done correctly; is an effective tool for studying. Here are some tips for practising successful self-study:

• Planning: Firstly, you need to think about the activities required to perform for the preparation of the examination. Planning is important because it helps in saving time. Planning helps in making strategies and helps them in achieving it.
• Finding out the Best Technique:  Here are various methods and techniques to study. Some students found reading aloud helpful and some prepare handwritten notes rather than typing. Find out the best technique for you and stick to that.
• Get Organized: You need to prepare a timetable and planners; so as to ascertain that no topic is missed. The study space should be clean and there should be the proper environment for studying everything should be organized.
• Set Short-term Goals: Set short-term goals for each day that is realistic and fit with your daily routine. This can be done by assigning a certain number of chapters or topics that you need to complete in one day.
• Organize a Study Group with Friends: Get together with friends for a study session. They may have answers to the questions you have and vice versa. This is one of the most effective ways to challenge you.
• Designate a Study Area: The best study spot is one that is quiet, well-lit, good ventilation and in a low-traffic area. Make sure there is a clear workspace to study and write on. Everyone’s needs are different, so it is important you find a spot that works for you.
• Do Extra Research:  If you don't know much about any topic then do an extra effort by trying finding out more about that topic in books, newspapers, internet etc; so that you can have a detailed information about that particular topic. 
• Create Detailed Notes and Summaries: Make use of coloured pens while making notes this will help you differentiate between the headings and other content of the topic. Try to prepare notes in your own words. Make sure you prepare notes in a detailed manner and don't forget to add summary at the end. By adding the summary, you can have a brief description of the topic while revising the syllabus.
• Revise what you Study: Revision is undoubtedly an important aspect of self-study. No exam preparation is complete without revision. It is an effective method of scoring good marks. If a student starts revising at an early stage then he or she has less stress or fear of examination.
• Correct your Pattern of Study: While self-studying you need to utilize your time very effectively by allotting different time to different areas and subjects. One needs to divide time efficiently for each subject. Study multiple subjects for a smaller duration. You can also set reminders so that when it rings you know that you need to go to another subject and reset the reminder.

Important Tips for Clearing SBI PO Exam

• Exercise to Relieve Tension: Exercise is good for the body and for the brain as well. Exercise improves memory, brain function reduces the occurrence of depression. So to study smarter exercise at least 3 times a week for 30 to 45 minutes. By this way, you will be healthier and energetic and you will remember information better too.
• Study Smart, not Hard: You need to learn the same information in different ways so that your brain will understand it and retain it for a longer period of time. This Can be done by reading the class notes, textbooks, the editorial section of the newspaper, looking up for online resources.
• Avoid Cramming: If you need to avoid cramming you need to start preparing for the examination much before the date being announced. By this way, you will also have less stress of study.  Firstly, the student should understand the topic and then learn it in this way you can eliminate cramming.
• Study Multiple Subjects Each Day: As we all know the syllabus for SBI PO is very vast so you need to study multiple subjects every day in order to complete the syllabus before the examination. It is more effective to study multiple subjects than to deep-dive in one or two subjects. By doing so your brain will have more time to consolidate your learning.
• Stay Calm: By being calm you are free from stress and worries. One should not create a stressful environment during the exam by doing this good blood pressure increases and it will lead to a bad mental and physical condition.
• Don't Multitask: Multitasking makes you less productive, more distracted and dumber. Effective students focus on one thing at a time.
• Take Regular Breaks: One should study in small intervals. For every 30 minutes, you study to take a break of 10-15 minutes and relax. Short study sessions are more effective and help you make the most of your study time.
• Question Papers: Candidates can also try to solve previous year question papers which will help them in knowing the type of questions asked in the examination. Candidates can also go for speed tests in order to check their speed or duration in which they are completing the sample paper. Speed test helps in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of the candidates who are willing to give the examination and will surely help in getting good results.
• Study in a Systematic Manner: Candidate must prepare for the examination in an orderly manner. The study for SBI PO examination should be done in an efficient, logical, organized and precise way in order to grab the opportunity of getting the job of SBI PO. Candidates need to give equal importance to all the segments involved in the selection procedure because it is mandatory to qualify each and every phase. 
• Drink Plenty of Water: Being hydrated is very essential, as it allows the brain to work. Drink plenty of water throughout the revision and on the exam date so that you are free of stress and focus on the exam.
• Eat Omega 3 and Fatty Acids: According to a study it is found that by eating Omega 3 and fatty acids one can get rid of tension and stress. It is linked to the prevention of blood pressure, stress tension, and depression.

These were some of the tips that one should keep in mind while preparing for SBI PO examination. The student needs to be focused while preparing for SBI PO examination because it is not an easy task to crack this examination as there is a huge amount of competition for SBI PO post all over the country.

Everyone who appears for this examination tries their level best to achieve it. All you have to do is work hard with almost determination.

Conclusion
Every year a large number of candidates appear for the examination of SBI PO. It is one of the most desired competitive exams in India. SBI PO is a great career option for the candidates who are looking for Banking and Government Sector jobs. It is highly a respectful and reputable job with the handsome amount of salary.