The SBI PO (State Bank of India Probationary Officer) examination is one of the most sought-after bank exams in India. It requires thorough preparation across a variety of subjects, including Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, and General Awareness. To excel in this competitive exam, having the right study materials is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive list of the best books for SBI PO prelims and mains, helping you streamline your preparation.
Understanding the SBI PO Exam Pattern
The SBI PO examination is conducted in three main stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview. Understanding the pattern and requirements of each stage is key to selecting the best books for preparation.
- Prelims Exam: The first screening test with questions on Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English.
- Mains Exam: A more in-depth test that includes Data Interpretation, General Awareness, and English.
- Interview: Candidates who clear the mains exam move on to the interview phase, where personality and awareness are assessed.
Key Skills and Subjects for SBI PO Preparation
For each stage, certain subjects are prioritized:
- Quantitative Aptitude: Tests mathematical skills and problem-solving.
- Reasoning Ability: Evaluates logical and analytical thinking.
- English Language: Checks reading comprehension and grammatical accuracy.
- General Awareness: Assesses knowledge of current affairs, banking, and economy.
| SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern 2024 | ||||
| S.No. | Name of Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour | |
| SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern 2024 | ||||
| S.No. | Name of Subjects | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 50 | 50 minutes |
| 2 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 3 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours | |
| Descriptive Test | 02 | 50 | 30 minutes | |
| SBI PO Prelims Syllabus 2024 | ||
| Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus | Reasoning Syllabus | English Syllabus |
| Simplification/ Approximation | Alphanumeric Series | Reading Comprehension |
| Profit & Loss | Directions | Fill in the blanks |
| Mixtures & Alligations | Logical Reasoning | Cloze Test |
| Permutation, Combination & Probability | Data Sufficiency | Para jumbles |
| Work & Time | Ranking & Order | Vocabulary |
| Sequence & Series | Alphabet Test | Paragraph Completion |
| Simple Interest & Compound Interest | Seating Arrangement | Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting |
| Surds & Indices | Coded Inequalities | Sentence Completion |
| Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere | Puzzle | Tenses Rules |
| Time & Distance | Syllogism | |
| Data Interpretation | Blood Relations | |
| Ratio & Proportion | Coding-Decoding | |
| Number Systems | Input-Output | |
| Percentage | Tabulation | |
| SBI PO Mains Syllabus 2024 | ||||
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Reasoning | General/Economy/Banking Awareness | English Language | Computer |
| Tabular Graph | Verbal Reasoning | Current Affairs | Reading Comprehension | Internet |
| Line Graph | Syllogism | Financial Awareness | Grammar | Memory |
| Bar Graph | Circular Seating Arrangement | General Knowledge | Verbal Ability | Keyboard Shortcuts |
| Charts & Tables | Linear Seating Arrangement | Static Awareness | Vocabulary | Computer Abbreviation |
| Missing Case DI | Double Lineup | Banking Terminologies Knowledge | Sentence Improvement | Microsoft Office |
| Radar Graph Caselet | Scheduling | Banking Awareness | Word Association | Computer Hardware |
| Probability | Input Output | Principles of Insurance | Para Jumbles | Computer Software |
| Data Sufficiency | Blood Relations | Error Spotting | Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies | |
| Let it Case DI | Directions and Distances | Cloze Test | Networking | |
| Permutation and Combination | Ordering and Ranking | Fill in the blanks | Number System | |
| Pie Charts | Data Sufficiency | Operating System | ||
| Coding and Decoding | Basic of Logic Gates | |||
| Code Inequalities | ||||
| Course of Action | ||||
| Critical Reasoning | ||||
| Analytical and Decision Making | ||||
Why Choosing the Right Books Matters
Quality study materials provide a strong foundation for understanding complex concepts, helping you navigate the demanding syllabus with confidence. Choosing books specifically designed for SBI PO preparation ensures that you cover all important topics while building the clarity needed to tackle both prelims and mains.
Best Books for SBI PO Prelims
Here are some of the top-recommended books for each section of the SBI PO Prelims exam:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal – Known for its extensive practice questions and clear explanations.
- “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Verma – Ideal for quick problem-solving techniques.
- Reasoning Ability
- “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal – Covers various types of reasoning questions that appear in SBI PO.
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey – A great resource for building logical thinking skills.
- English Language
- “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi – Offers a comprehensive grammar guide and vocabulary exercises.
- “High School English Grammar & Composition” by Wren and Martin – An excellent reference for improving grammar and sentence structure.
Best Books for SBI PO Mains
The Mains exam covers more advanced material, especially in data analysis, interpretation, and current affairs. Here’s a list of recommended books for these sections:
- Data Analysis and Interpretation
- “Data Interpretation & Data Sufficiency” by Arihant Publications – Contains a range of exercises and advanced data interpretation techniques.
- “Logical and Analytical Reasoning” by K. Gupta – Ideal for in-depth preparation on complex topics.
- English Language (Mains Level)
- “Descriptive General English” by S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma – Prepares you for essay and letter writing tasks in the Mains.
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis – An excellent resource to boost vocabulary for higher-level English requirements.
- General/Economy/Banking Awareness
- “Banking Awareness” by Arihant Experts – Focuses on the banking industry and is ideal for SBI exams.
- “Manorama Yearbook” – A yearly publication that covers current events and general knowledge topics extensively.
Specialized Books for the Descriptive Section (Mains)
The descriptive section of the Mains exam includes essay and letter writing, demanding strong articulation and structured expression. The following books are helpful for this section:
- “Descriptive Writing Book for SBI PO” by Kiran Prakashan – Designed for mastering essay and letter formats.
- “151 Essays” by Arihant Publications – Contains a wide range of essay topics for thorough practice.
Recommended Books for Interview Preparation
- Personality Development and Communication
- “How to Crack Interviews” by Arijit Das – Offers tips on building confidence and effective communication.
- “Bank Interviews” by Gautam Majumdar – Specifically tailored for banking sector interviews, covering a variety of interview questions.
- Current Affairs and General Awareness
- Reading daily newspapers like The Hindu and Economic Times is recommended.
- “Pratiyogita Darpan” – A monthly magazine covering current affairs relevant to SBI PO.
Free PDF Resources for SBI PO Preparation
If you’re looking for free or budget-friendly options to prepare for SBI PO, don’t worry i have made PDFs for all the books that you need to prepare for this exam and other competitive exams too.
- Quantitative Aptitude (Only Rs 19)
- Reasoning Ability + English Language (Free)
- Data interpretation + Computer (Free)
Mock Tests and Practice Papers for SBI PO
Practicing with mock tests is essential for time management and familiarizing yourself with the exam format:
- “20 Practice Sets for SBI PO” by Arihant Publications – Offers practice sets specifically designed for SBI PO.
- “SBI PO Prelims and Mains Previous Year Papers” by Disha Publications – A compilation of past years’ papers for effective revision.
Conclusion: Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Books for SBI PO
Preparing for the SBI PO exam demands dedication, effective study resources, and a well-structured study plan. The books listed above offer a complete study experience, from basic concepts to advanced topics and practice exercises. Combine these books with mock tests, online practice materials, and time management strategies, and you’ll be on your way to acing the SBI PO exam.
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