SBI PO Prelims Mock Tests: exam pattern, marking scheme, time per question and free mocks
SBI PO Prelims is a 60-minute computer-based test with 100 questions for 100 marks in 3 sections (English Language 40, Quantitative Aptitude 30, Reasoning Ability 30). Marking: +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions. MockBazaar's SBI PO Prelims mocks follow this pattern, with the same timer, question palette and negative marking, and a step-by-step solution for every question.
English-heavy prelims: 40 English questions in 20 minutes. The first stage for SBI Probationary Officers. Unlike IBPS PO there is no sectional cut-off in prelims, only an overall one.
SBI PO Prelims exam pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time / note |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Official source: State Bank of India careers (sbi.co.in/web/careers). Always confirm dates and vacancies in the latest notification there.
Time per question in SBI PO Prelims
Each section has its own timer, so plan your speed section by section. Questions you cannot start within that time are usually better skipped and revisited.
| Section | Questions | Time | Seconds per question |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 20 min | 30 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 20 min | 40 |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 20 min | 40 |
Practise section by section
- English Language for SBI PO Prelims: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude for SBI PO Prelims: 30 questions, 30 marks
- Reasoning Ability for SBI PO Prelims: 30 questions, 30 marks
SBI PO Prelims syllabus by section and topic
Topics asked in SBI PO Prelims
- Partnership
- Boats and Streams
- Ratio and Proportion
- Compound Interest
- Simple Interest
- Approximation
- Discount and Marked Price
- Profit and Loss
- Averages
- Problems on Ages
- Percentage
- Speed, Time and Distance (Trains)
- Simplification
- Time and Work
- Seating Arrangement
- Alphabet Test
- Order and Ranking
- Number Series
- Calendar (Day of the Week)
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Spelling (Correctly Spelt Words)
- One Word Substitution
- Idioms and Phrases
- Fill in the Blanks (Grammar)
Posts
Probationary Officer, State Bank of India
Tips
- Each section locks after its 20 minutes. Decide early which sets to skip.
- With 40 English questions, reading speed decides the section.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are there in SBI PO Prelims?
SBI PO Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks.
What is the time limit for SBI PO Prelims?
SBI PO Prelims is 60 minutes long.
Is there negative marking in SBI PO Prelims?
Yes. SBI PO Prelims gives +1 for a correct answer and −0.25 for a wrong one, with no marks for unattempted questions.
What are the sections in SBI PO Prelims?
SBI PO Prelims has these sections: English Language (40 questions, 40 marks), Quantitative Aptitude (30 questions, 30 marks), Reasoning Ability (30 questions, 30 marks).
Is there a sectional cut-off in SBI PO Prelims?
No. SBI PO Prelims has an overall cut-off only.