Every subject in the SBI SO exam carries a certain weightage; hence, before starting the SBI SO 2023 exam preparation, candidates are advised to prioritize subjects per their weightage. Candidates should acknowledge the SBI SO 2023 exam pattern, as it will assist them in focusing on the important sections. Also, it helps candidates to understand the nature of the exam. After going through the SBI SO 2023 Syllabus, candidates can start their preparation with sections carrying the highest weightage with the help of the details discussed in this article. Candidates are also advised to develop an SBI SO 2023 preparation strategy so that they cover all the important topics properly and increase their chances of qualifying the exam.
The general SBI SO exam pattern is classified into two papers i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2; some students also refer to Paper 1 as the Preliminary Exam and Paper 2 as Mains Exam. The first paper is a general aptitude test, while paper 2 is a professional knowledge section. Both papers are mandatory to qualify for completing the SBI SO 2023 selection process. Interested candidates can check the SBI SO exam pattern details such as marking scheme, weightage of subjects, and Exam duration below.
SBI SO Paper 1: Exam Pattern
SBI SO Paper 1 is an entrance-level exam consisting of sections such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. There will be a total of 120 questions for 120 marks where exam duration will be 90 minutes. Candidates can check the weightage of each section in the table below.
| Sections | Specific Details |
| General Aptitude | Reasoning (Number of questions): 50 (Total Marks): 50 Quantitative Aptitude (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 English Grammar (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Language | English and Hindi |
SBI SO Paper 2: Exam Pattern
SBI SO paper 2 is conducted to assess candidates’ professional knowledge and analyse their understanding of the position for which they are applying. This section carries questions from various professional streams like Information and Technology, Accounts, Economics, Law, and Statistics. We have discussed the SBI SO Paper 2 exam pattern for various positions below.
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: IT Officers
For the candidates applying for various IT (Information Technology) positions, the exam will be conducted in two phases, Paper 1 and Paper 2, with a duration of 90 minutes.
The exam pattern for SBI SO IT officers Paper 1 will carry questions from three sections which are as follows.
English Language
This section will offer 35 marks for 35 questions, including various questions from SBI SO 2023 English Language Syllabus.
Reasoning
This section carries 50 questions for 50 marks, where the questions will be asked from SBI SO 2023 Reasoning Syllabus.
Quantitative Aptitude
In Quantitative Aptitude, the candidates will have to attempt a total of 35 questions for 35 marks, including a wide range of questions from the SBI SO 2023 Quantitative Aptitude syllabus.
SBI SO 2023 Paper 2 Pattern: IT Officers
Candidates who wish to join IT (Information and Technology) department will have to attempt questions from the two sections provided in the table below.
| Professional Knowledge | General IT Knowledge (Number of Questions): 25 (Marks): 50 Role-based IT Knowledge (Number of Questions): 50 (Marks): 100 |
| Exam Duration | 45 minutes |
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: (Systems, CA, and Engineering Officers)
The SBI conducts recruitment exams for positions like CA (Charted Accountant), System Engineers, and Engineering officers, where the exam is divided into two sessions, Paper 1 and Paper 2. The exam pattern of these papers is tabled below.
Paper 1 Pattern for Systems, CA, and Engineering Officers Posts
The details about the SBI SO Paper 1 exam pattern for posts such as CA, System Engineers, and Engineering officers is tabled below.
| Sections | Specific details |
| General Aptitude | Reasoning (Number of questions): 50 (Total Marks): 50 Quantitative Aptitude (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 English Grammar (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Language | English and Hindi |
Paper 2 Pattern for Systems, CA, and Engineering Officers Posts
Candidates can check the Paper 2 exam pattern details in the table below.
| Professional Knowledge | Number of Questions: 50 Marks: 100 |
| Exam Duration | 45 minutes |
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: Law Officers
Candidates applying for posts falling under the Law officers category can check the exam pattern for both Paper 1 and Paper 2.
Paper 1 pattern for Law officers Posts
Paper 1 comprises questions from the Reasoning and English language section. Candidates can check the details in the table below.
| Sections | Specific Details |
| General Aptitude | Reasoning (Number of questions): 70 (Total Marks): 50 English Grammar (Number of questions): 50 (Total Marks): 35 |
| Exam Duration | 90 minutes |
| Language | English and Hindi |
Paper 2 pattern for Law officers Posts
In Paper 2, candidates will have to attempt questions related to Law. For more information, check the table below.
| Professional Knowledge | Number of Questions: 50 Marks: 100 |
| Exam Duration | 45 minutes |
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: Language Officers
Candidates applying for the language officers positions will be evaluated based on their proficiency in English and Hindi language with the ability to solve Reasoning problems. The SBI SO exam pattern for Language officers will consist of two papers i.e. Paper 1 and Paper 2. For knowing details about the exam pattern, check the table below.
| Exams | Details |
| Paper 1 (Duration: 90minutes) | Languages (Hindi and English) Number of questions: 70 Marks: 70 Reasoning Ability Number of questions: 50 Marks: 50 |
| Paper 2 (Duration: 45minutes) | Professional Knowledge Number of questions: 50 Marks: 100 |
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: Economists
The paper pattern for the post of Economist is divided into three phases which are Paper 1, Paper 2, and Descriptive paper. In the descriptive exam, candidates will have to write essays and articles related to Economics topics. Candidates can check the details of the Economist’s exam pattern in the table below.
| Exams | Details |
| Paper 1 (Duration: 90minutes) | Reasoning (Number of questions): 50 (Total Marks): 50 Quantitative Aptitude (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 English Grammar (Number of questions): 35 (Total Marks): 35 |
| Paper 2 (Duration: 45minutes) | Professional Knowledge Number of questions: 50 Marks: 100 |
| Descriptive Exam (Duration: 45minutes) | Essay writing Marks: 50 |
SBI SO 2023 Exam Pattern: Marking Pattern
Candidates will be awarded 1 mark for every correct answer in SBI SO Paper 1, where for every wrong attempt, 0.24 marks will be deducted. Candidates are advised to choose options wisely in the MCQ paper as it will lead to low scores in the SBI SO 2023 Exam Result. For qualifying the exam, candidates will have to score minimum qualifying marks. The duration and number of questions provided for the SBI SO 2023 exam vary from position to position.
SBI SO Exam Pattern FAQs
The SBI SO exam pattern is classified into two sessions, Paper 1, also called the Preliminary exam and Paper 2 also called Mains Exam, where Paper 1 is a general aptitude test, and Paper 2 is a professional knowledge test.
There’s a negative marking scheme in the SBI SO exam where 0.24 marks are deducted for every wrong attempt.
Paper 1 consists of questions from subjects such as Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
The SBI SO paper 2 consists of questions from different professional streams such as IT (Information Technology), CA, Statistics, Economics, and much more.
Yes, for the Economists post, the exam pattern is divided into three sessions, Paper 1, Paper 2, and Descriptive Exam.
How frequently is the SBI SO exam held each year?
The SBI SO exam is held in accordance with bank recruiting for various departments. SBI announces vacancies for each position separately.
Does the SBI SO test take graduation marks into account?
The minimum percentage of degree grades required for application to the SBI SO exam is true. Candidates must have a 60% graduation rate.
How many times am I allowed to take the SBI SO exam?
The SBI SO notification does not provide any such criteria. Candidates who are under the specified age limit may apply for the exam.
Does the SBI SO contain a bond?
No, it is not required for SBI SO employees to execute a bond at the time of hire.
How do I get ready for the SBI SO in 2023?
Review the SBI SO syllabus before beginning your exam preparation. Take more of the online SBI SO mock tests to improve your understanding of the exam format and time management.