Comparing the SBI Clerk Mains 2020 and 2019 Exams: A Comprehensive Analysis

As a seasoned professional in SEO, I have analyzed the difficulty levels and strategies of the SBI Clerk Mains exams over the years. This article delves into the key differences between the 2020 and 2019 exams, providing insights and advice for future aspirants.

Overview of the SBI Clerk Mains Exams

This article aims to compare the SBI Clerk Mains exams held in 2020 and 2019, enabling aspiring candidates to better understand the measurement and preparation strategies needed for success.

Personal Experience: SBI Clerk Mains 2020 and 2019

Experience in 2020:
The SBI Clerk Mains exam in 2020 took place on October 31st during the first shift. My attempts in 2020 included:

English: 36 attempts, 30 correct General Awareness: 41 attempts, 35 correct and 3 with potential answers but left with caution due to risk Reasoning: 17 attempts, 10 correct, 4 in doubt, 3 using smart methods - mainly inference-based questions Mathematics: 15 attempts, 12 correct, 3 with doubts on statement assumptions

Experience in 2019:
The 2019 SBI Clerk Mains exam was held on August 10th during the second shift. My attempts in 2019 were as follows:

English: 36 attempts General Awareness: 25, mostly guesses Reasoning: 12 attempts, some smart guesses included Mathematics: 12 attempts, smart guesses included

I scored around 75 marks in the 2019 exam, less than the final cutoff by 7 marks.

Strategy and Preparation

2019 Strategy:
I did not follow any specific strategy for the 2019 exam. I found myself unprepared for the current affairs section, which significantly impacted my overall performance. After scoring around 75 marks, I was disappointed to see that my score was 7 marks below the final cutoff.

2020 Strategy:
For the 2020 exam, I focused on my weakest area: reasoning. My preliminary exam in February yielded 83 marks, despite attempting two puzzles twice. The pandemic lockdown further disrupted my preparation, though I managed to resume by September. My strategy for each section was as follows:

English: I maintained confidence since I had previously scored full marks in the IBPS exam. General Awareness: I relied on smart guesses and watched a few videos to prepare for current affairs. Reasoning: I practiced extensively and used smart methods to tackle inference-based questions. Mathematics: I believed that any layman could score 5-6 marks in 45 minutes, which I deemed sufficient.

Comparing the Exams

While the 2020 exam was easier compared to the 2019 exam, the level of preparation was vastly different.

Preparation Level:
I had 0 preparation in 2019, while in 2020, I had around 3-4 points of preparation, measured on a 10-point scale for a good student. This strategic approach contributed to my better performance in 2020.

Advice for Aspiring Candidates

For those preparing for the SBI Clerk Mains, the following tips may be helpful:

Prioritize strong areas but still prepare for all sections. Use smart methods and current knowledge to enhance performance. Take practice exams to gauge progress and identify weak areas. Stay consistent and adaptable, especially in times of unexpected disruptions like the pandemic.

May everyone clear the SBI Clerk Mains with flying colors, and for those who missed out in the prelims, may you find success in the IBPS PO/CLerk exams. God bless!