[Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist, strategy, Cutoffs

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013 Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers Reasoning: SSC vs SBI Reasoning approach: Higher Level 3 Statement Syllogism Reasoning Approach: Usual topics 1. Eligibility Test 2. Math Operations+Inequality 3. Sitting arrangement 4. Non verbal 5. Data Sufficiency 6. Input Output Reasoning: Peripheral Topics 1. DBT: Direction Based Test 2. Coding Decoding 3. Dictionary (Alphabet) tests How people dig their grave in Bank PO/Clerk exams? So, How to avoid your grave? Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam 1. Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11) 2. Phase 1: Marks of last candidate

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The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013

GA+Marketing+Computer MCQ (2hrs) Data Interpretation (DI) Reasoning 50 50 50

Phase 1 (28.04.2013)

English grammar, vocab and Comprehension 50 Descriptive Essay, prcis, letter writing (1 hr) Total Group Discussion (GD) 50 250 20 30 50

Phase 2

GDPI

Personal Interview (PI) Total

Final

Phase 1 (250m) marks are are converted to out of 75 marks secured in Phase 2 (50m) are converted to out of 25. Final Merit list of 75+25=100 marks.

Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers

2011 2010 2010(Asso.Banks) Coding-Decoding Direction based tests Dictionary (Alphabet) test Maths operations, inequalities Reasoning Usual Sitting arrangement Eligibility Test 6 0 0 3 13 0 3 2 2 6 5 5 5 1 3 6 5 5

Usual

Eligibility Test Odd pair Data Sufficiency Input output Misc. Subtotal: Reasoning (Usual) Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion

0 3 5 3 0 33 2 0 1 3 6 12 5

5 0 0 0 2 25 7 6 2 0 5 20 5 50

5 0 0 0 0 25 10 0 0 5 5 20 5 50

Reasoning High Level

Course of Action Cause effect Strong/weak argument 3 statement Syllogism Subtotal: Reasoning (Higher level)

Non Verbal non-verbal (image based)

Total: Verbal Reasoning (usual+higher)+Non verbal 50

2008s SBI PO paper doesnt follow this pattern of High level reasoning (or tougher data interpretation Qs like those of 2010s papers). Hence 2008 is ignored from the analysis.

Reasoning: SSC vs SBI

SSC Non verbal reasoning involves usual image-series+ paper-folding, mirror reflection test, dice/cubes. 2 statement syllogism x at most 2 questions. Lot of Qs. From Analogy, series, and odd pairs. Barely any question on higher level reasoning.(assumption, inference etc.) SBI PO paper-folding, mirror test, dice/cubes= not asked. 3 statement syllogism, minimum 5 questions. Hardly. Lots of.

Anyways, lets start.For the purpose of efficient preparation, I classify reasoning topics into two categories. Core topics Majority of the reasoning is asked from these topics. Often in a set of 5 Questions. So Cost:Benefit ratio is quite good, if you master these topics.

Chillar (peripheral) Barely 2-3 questions from each topic. Observe this chart:

Reasoning approach: Higher Level

Based on the previous papers of SBI, we can see that higher level reasoning is made up of following topics 1. Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion 2. Course of Action 3. Cause effect 4. Strong/weak argument

4. Strong/weak argument 5. Three Statement Syllogism While both R.S.Agarwal and BS Sijwalis books have covered these topics, but problem with both of those books= they merely give you a few solved exams and then give a big list of practice questions. But the basic concepts/ theory /underlying principles are not covered in depth. Then You often face the doubt why option A is the answer and why not B option? OR why is this an inference and not an assumption? So, for SBI POs higher level reasoning questions (assumption, inference, strong/weak argument etc), refer to Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey (BSC publication) MK Pandey not only helps you for Higher level reasoning, but also for provides some speed-techniques for usual reasoning topics (such as input output, arrangement, eligibility test, coded inequalities etc.) Anyways the study approach for Higher level Reasoning (for SBI PO) should be like following: Higher Reasoning Topic 1. Statement-Assumption 3. Inference, conclusion Chapter Number MK Pandey RS Agarwal 3 5 3 5, 6 2 8 4

2. Strong/ Weak argument 4, 9 4. Cause effect 5. Course of Action 10 6

For example, pickup the topic Assumptions. 1. First understand theory from MK Pandeys Chapter #3, solve all sums given in MK Pandey. 2. Then move to RS Agarwals Chapter #3 for extra practice. (or if youve BS Sijwali, go to Chapter #23). To solve the last three categories of questions (Strengthen / Weaken arguments, cause-effect, course of action), you must know whatre the facts, assumptions, inferences and conclusions in the given statements. Therefore, preparation sequence should be: assumption topic>inference>strengthen / weaken arguments and so on

3 Statement Syllogism
All cats are dogs.. To master 3 statement syllogism, first youve to master the 2-statement.Understand the UPUN method explain in these two articles articles: 1. Two Statement Syllogism Click ME 2. Three Statement Syllogism Click ME Then do all sums given in Chapter 11 of MK Pandey and finally Chapter 1 of RS Agarwal (under Logic portion).

Reasoning Approach: Usual topics

In Decreasing priority order. 1. Eligibility Tests 2. Math Operations Chapter Number MK Pandey RS Agarwal 12 17,18,19 18 13

2. Math Operations 3. Sitting Arrangement 4. Data Sufficiency 5. Input Output

17,18,19 20 7 13 to 16

13 6 (Puzzle Test) 17 7

Eligibility Test
First youre given a passage with conditions like, Applications are invited for xyz post. If candidate has graduation with 50% marks and 3 years work experience. then forward letter to Deputy manager, else . forward letter to. Then five questions are given, each has a unique case like If Rahul Gandhi has **% in graduation and ** years of work ex and.then what to do? This is known as eligibility test- very commonly asked in BankPO exams. Advantage=If you get the question, its a set of 4-5 questions. (helps you clear sectional cutoff). Problem=can be time consuming, if not practiced @home. First understand the techniques and tips given in Chapter 12 of MK Pandey. Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 18 of RS Agarwal.

Math Operations+Inequality
Theyre usually of three types Type 1. BODMAS 2. Inequality 3. Relationship Example + means x, x means and.. P@Q means P is not smaller than Q P%Q means P is neither smaller not equal to Q P#Q means P is brother of Q P^Q means P is sister of Q

Again, math operation questions are pretty common in BankPO exams Problem= you may get wrong answer or waste lot of time.=need maximum practice at home. Approach: All theory and all sums of Chapter 17,18,19 of MK Pandey. Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 18 of RS Agarwal.

Sitting arrangement
Can be of following types 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Circular table Rectangular table Blood relations (A is mother of B who is sister of C and) Appointment (Arranging lectures from Mon. to Sat., name of professors vs subjects) Complex (Person, building floor, occupation etc.) Advantage=Minimum 1 set (=5 questions) always asked in BankPO exam. (=helps clearing the sectional cutoffs). Problem= can be sitters (=very time consuming), If not practiced @home. Approach: Understand the techniques explained in Chapter 20 of MK Pandey. Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 6 (Puzzle Test) of RS Agarwal.

Non verbal
Usually five questions. Practice is must. Try to solve the question by eliminating the unfit cases first. Solve all the questions in RS Agarwal==> Non Verbal portion ==>Series, Analogy and Classification. You may ignore mirrors and paper folding, because usually theyre usually not asked in BankPO exams. (However theyre

You may ignore mirrors and paper folding, because usually theyre usually not asked in BankPO exams. (However theyre important for SSC-CGL exam).

Data Sufficiency (DS)

It is very easy to make mistakes in these question. Theoretical part must be absolutely clear in your mind. So first clear the theory from Chapter 7 of MK Pandey. Practice all exercises. Then practice all sums given in Chapter 17 of RS Agarwal.

Input Output
Chapter 13 to 16 of MK Pandey then practice Chapter 7 of RS Agarwal. This ends the core topics. Now, Moving to the peripheral topics (i.e. Chillar topics).

Reasoning: Peripheral Topics

Peripheral Topics 1. Coding Decoding 2. Direction Based Tests Chap.# in RS Agarwal 4 8

3. Dictionary (alphabet) arrangement 10

DBT: Direction Based Test

E.g. A man walks 1 km towards East and then he turns to South and walks for 5 kms. Then heNow how far is he from the starting point? This is a no-excuse topic. Practice all sums given in Chapter 8 of RS Agarwal.

Coding Decoding
Can be of two types Words Numbers

Health is written as GSKZDG then North will be written as 453945 means decide then 8978 means Sometimes youre given a matrix table and youve to decode the words accordingly. Do all the sums given in Chapter #4 of RS Agarwal.

Dictionary (Alphabet) tests

Chapter #10 of RS Agarwal. Misc. Once ^all of above is done, get an overview of the misc. topics such as sequence, series, odd pair, dice, cubes, clocks, calendars, Venn Diagrams etc. from RS Agarwals/BS Sijwalis book. This concludes the preparation of reasoning section for SBI PO. In the upcoming articles, well see the approach for GA+Marking+Computer+DI+English.

How people dig their own graves in Bank PO/Clerk exams?

1. They underestimate the level of competition. 2. They buy the books, magazines, download PDF files from internet and so on. But they only gather material. They never process the gathered material. 3. They just spend time in day dreaming and facebook, TV, SMS, PC/mobile games, cricket, loitering around etc. 4. They start serious preparation only AFTER receiving the exam call letter. 5. During the exam, they think, ya ya ya the marketing and English section is pappu so Im going to solve all questions here. And after that, Ill go to maths and reasoning section.

here. And after that, Ill go to maths and reasoning section. 6. They get stuck in lengthy calculations of Data interpretation (because theyve never practiced multiplication and division @home). And often make silly mistakes in calculation =negative marking. 7. They waste lots of minutes in sitting arrangement/eligibility test/non-verbal reasoning type questions. Ultimately they cannot even cross the sectional cutoffs.( Getting in the final merit list is a far cry.)

So, How to avoid your grave?

Maximum revision + Maximum practice @home. Mind will always find excuses (my cousins wedding, workload @office, Im not in the mood.) but while youre making those excuses, someone somewhere is busy reading books and doing sums. The train of success doesnot show mercy on anyone, no matter how good the excuse is, this train will not wait for you. So always remember Anil Kapoor from Tezaab: time hotaa nahi hai, time nikaalnaa padtaa hai . (There is no time as such, but youve to take out time (to study)). Donot HATE reasoning. In fact, Syllogism, sitting arrangement, eligibility test etc. reasoning questions can be solved with maximum accuracy in short time (once youve mastered them). So dont consider them your enemies, make them your weapons. Theyll be immensely helpful in scoring high marks. When you get the question paper, you dont have to solve all questions in a continuous sequence i.e. Reasoning question from 1 to 50. Then English 1 to 50 then DI from 1 to 50 Instead, first try to tick minimum 10-15 in each section first, and then come back and solve remaining questions.

Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam

Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11) 2011 Phase 1 English Language DI Reasoning Descriptive Max marks SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN 50 50 50 50 10 7 10 10 18 10 7 10 10 18 13 11 13 13 20 2010 SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN 5 6 4 8 18 5 6 4 8 18 10 9 8 12 20

General Awareness 50

Phase 1: Marks of last candidate Now the marks scored by last candidate from Phase 1 to GDPI (Phase 2), in each category. Phase 1(2011) 250 SC/ST/PH 88

SC/ST/PH OBC GEN

88 99 110

Courtesy: Mr.csl80 of pagalguy forum, for providing the cut off data and other essential inputs regarding this exam. Previous Posts 1. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL English Vocabulary, Grammar and Comprehension: preparation strategy, tips, booklist, analysis 2. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL Logical Reasoning, General Intelligence: preparation strategy, approach, roadmap, booklist 3. [Studyplan] SSC-CGL: Maths, Quantitative Aptitude, Algebra, Trigonometry: Approach, Booklist, Strategy, Free
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120 comments to [Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist, strategy, Cutoffs

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Veer
Reply to this comment Hi Mrunal, I have cleared IBPS PO with 61.16 marks (sc) category. can you Plz help me which is the best bank to join in North. Plz give me your thought about it. Thanks

Jatinder gupta
Reply to this comment Here is preference list(all india basis and career growth ) 1. PNB 2. Bank of baroda 3. Bank of India 4. Canara 5. Andra bank 6. IOB 7.Central bank 8. Union bank of india 9. OBC 10. Allahabad 11. Indian bank 12. Corporation bank 13. Punjab and sindh bank 14. Syndicate 15. Dena bank 16. United commercial bank 17. Vijaya bank 18. Bank of maharastra

ravi verma
Reply to this comment wonderful site

vishal
Reply to this comment Hi Mrunal, For bank related current affairs,Do i have read economics times everyday.

jagadesh
Reply to this comment

Reply to this comment sir please provide us the preparation strategys for other sections.the time is veryless less than 2 months for the sbi exam.ur articles give a clear cut approach on how to prepare so eagerly checking ur site daily if u have posted any article for other sections in SBI PO 2013.many of us r waiting like me sir plzzzzzzzzzzz.

vimal
Reply to this comment Hii sir thanks for such a wonderful analysis can you please help me about how to prepare the DI portion..??????

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