Understanding the Bank Exam Pattern and Syllabus

The bank exam pattern and syllabus can vary depending on the specific bank and the position being applied for. However, many banking exams, especially for positions like Probationary Officer (PO) and Clerk, share common elements. Below is a general overview of the exam pattern and syllabus.

Exam Pattern

Preliminary Exam

For PO and Clerk positions:

Objective Type Questions Sections: Typically includes three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability Duration: Usually around 60 minutes Marking Scheme: Each section has a specific number of questions, and marks are awarded for correct answers while negative marking is often applied for incorrect answers

Mains Exam

Objectives and Descriptive Type Questions:

Sections: Generally includes: English Language, Data Analysis and Interpretation, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, General/Economic/Banking Awareness, and an Optional Descriptive Test for PO positions Duration: Total time can range from 2.5 to 3 hours Marking Scheme: Similar to the preliminary exam with negative marking

Interview for PO positions

Conducted after clearing the mains exam Focuses on assessing the candidate's personality, communication skills, and knowledge of banking

Syllabus

English Language

Reading Comprehension Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms Grammar: Parts of speech, Tenses, etc. Sentence Correction Para Jumbles

Quantitative Aptitude

Number System Simplification Percentage, Ratio and Proportion Averages Time and Work Speed, Distance, and Time Data Interpretation: Graphs, Tables

Reasoning Ability

Verbal Reasoning: Analogy, Series, Blood Relations Non-Verbal Reasoning: Pattern Recognition, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding Input-Output

General/Economic/Banking Awareness

Current Affairs: National and International Banking Terminology Financial Awareness Government Schemes Economic Concepts

Computer Aptitude (if applicable)

Basics of Computers MS Office: Word, Excel, PowerPoint Internet and Networking Cyber Security

Preparation Tips

Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern through previous years' papers Regularly read newspapers and financial magazines for current affairs Practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy Check the specific notification of the bank you are applying to, as the pattern and syllabus can vary slightly from one bank to another