SBI PO Books 2024: Prelims and Mains Exam Preparation Books

The SBI PO examination is one of the sought-after exams in the country. Candidates must prepare for the exam with vigour and zeal. The most important aspect of the preparation phase is getting the best books for SBI PO Exams from the market. With so many books and study materials on the market, it is not easy to find where to start. Candidates should choose the best books for SBI PO preparation in order to ace the exam. Candidates needs to be thorough with the exam pattern and syllabus in order to choose the best books for SBI PO. While selecting the books, they should look for those books that have covered the entire syllabus. Candidates should also choose the books that are simple and easy to understand.

SBI PO Mains exam is conducted for the candidates who qualify the prelims exam. For SBI PO Mains exam, candidates can refer to the following books:

• Objective English for Competitive Examinations by Hari Mohan Prasad and Uma Rani Sinha
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R S Aggarwal
• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Aggarwal
• The Complete Success Package for SBI PO by Disha Experts

It is also important to practice with previous years' question papers and mock tests to familiarise themselves with the format of the exam. 

The English Language section is also the most important in SBI PO Examinations, along with the Quantitative Aptitude section. This section holds 30 and 40 marks in Prelims and Mains examinations, respectively. Additionally, 50 marks are allotted to the descriptive test. The syllabus includes the following topics such as Reading comprehension, Error correction, Cloze Test, Para jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Idioms and phrases, Synonyms, Antonyms. Given below are the best books for SBI PO English:

• Objective General English by SP Bakshi
• Descriptive General English by SP Bakshi and Richa Sharma
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

In Reasoning, questions are asked from Coding & Decoding, Inequalities, Syllogisms, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Direction Sense Problems, Data Sufficiency Problems, Series Problems, Input and Output, Statement-Assumption, Order and Ranking, etc. The best books for Reasoning section are given below: A Modern Approach to Verbal Reasoning by RS Agarwal. Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-Verbal by BS Sijwali, Indus Sijwali. The tips and tricks to crack SBI PO Reasoning section are given below:

• Prepare well new types of puzzles of moderate level
• To solve puzzles, candidates must organize the information in the desired structure like table, circle, line, etc.
• Use shortcut tricks to solve questions
• Candidates must solve questions from syllogism without pen or paper
• Candidates must learn the basic rules of the topic before attempting the coding-decoding questions

Questions in Quant section are usually asked from Number Series, Approximation, Square root and cube root, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Partnership, Percentage, Time and Distance, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, Data Interpretation, Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Permutation, and Combination, etc. The best books for Quant section are given below: Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma Magical Book on Quicker Mathematics by M Tyra Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar Verma. The tips and tricks to crack SBI PO Quantitative Aptitude section are given below:

• Candidates must learn the shortcut tricks for solving questions. This will help candidates to save time and they can attempt maximum questions within the given time
• Candidates can refer to the previous years’ questions to understand the type of questions asked in the exam and the difficulty level
• Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve the speed and accuracy

SBI PO syllabus is divided into prelims and Mains exams. The syllabus for the SBI PO (Probationary Officer) exam typically includes the following topics: Reasoning Ability Quantitative Aptitude English Language General Awareness (including current affairs) Computer Knowledge Candidates should be thorough with the syllabus of SBI PO. The question paper in the exam is framed based on the syllabus. Besides, going through the syllabus, candidates must also refer to the previous years' question papers and solve mock tests. SBI PO syllabus is given below:

Reasoning Ability: Logical Reasoning, Data Sufficiency, Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output and many more.

English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Fill in the blanks, Multiple Meaning /Error Spotting, etc.

Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Simple Interest & Compound Interest & Surds & Indices, Time & Distance, Work & Time, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Data Interpretation, Number Systems, etc.

General Awareness: Current Affairs, Financial Awareness, General Knowledge, Static Awareness, Banking Terminologies Knowledge, Banking Awareness, Principles of Insurance, etc.

Computer Aptitude: Internet, Memory, Keyboard Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviation, Microsoft Office, Computer Hardware, Computer Software, Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies, Networking, Number System, Operating System, Basic of Logic Gates.

In the Quantitative Aptitude section of SBI PO exam, candidates can focus on Simplification, Number Systems, Data Interpretation, Ratio and Proportion, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Sequence and Series etc. The Quant section assess the candidate's calculative ability. The best way to prepare this section is going through the previous years question papers and learning the shortcut tricks. The tips and tricks to crack SBI PO Quant section are given below:

• Candidates must find out the important topics for Quantitative Aptitude section by analysing the previous year question papers
• Candidates must learn the shortcut tricks for solving questions
• Candidates must practice the previous years’ question papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam
• Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy

In the Reasoning section of SBI PO candidates can cover Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, etc. To score good marks in this section, candidates should practice previous years' question papers and mock tests. Candidates can also practice sudoku and different types of puzzles. This will help me to solve the questions in Reasoning easily. Candidates can follow the tips given below to prepare the Reasoning section of SBI PO:

• Cramming does not work for the Reasoning section of SBI PO. Questions are purely logic-based. Practice SBI PO previous year’s question papers as possible to improve the logic-building ability
• Candidates must start with reading and understanding concepts of the Reasoning topics. Once candidates are able to understand the basics behind each topic, divert the focus on both speed and accuracy
• Solving questions within time limit is important. Candidates must identify the best way to solve questions keeping in mind both speed and accuracy

Candidates must follow the tips given below to clear the exam: Revise the important topics from each section Allot time judiciously to each question or section Attempt the maximum questions within the given time limit and with accuracy Read the complete question first Maximize your score by focusing on choosing the most accurate option as your answer Revise all the topics Attempt full-length and sectional mock test. The section-wise preparation tips for SBI PO exam are given below:

English Language

• Candidates must develop the habit of reading regularly. Candidates must read newspapers, novels, articles, journals
• Reading books help candidates in improving the vocabularly and comprehension
• Practice grammar regularly
• Candidates must brush up their grammar rules 

Reasoning Ability

This section can be tricky at times. However, with practice candidates can easily ace this section. Puzzles and Seating Arrangement are two important topics in the Reasoning section. Maximum questions in the exam are asked from these two topics. Candidates should practice questions from these two topics daily.

Quantitative Aptitude

Maximum questions in this section are asked from data interpretation. Questions of Data Interpretation are usually based on basic calculations like Ratios, Proportions, Averages, Profit/ Loss, Percentages, etc. So, understand the basics of these topics properly. The bar/ Line/ Pie/ Tabular chart may ask the questions. Questions in Artithmetic section are asked from topics such as Averages, Percentages, Problems on Ages, Profit & Loss, Partnership, Simple & Compound Interest, Mixture & Alligation, Time & Work, Boats & Streams, Pipes & Cisterns, Time Speed & Distance, Probability, Mensuration, etc. Candidates need to underatand the concepts and basic formulas.

General Awareness

To score good marks in the General Awareness section, candidates must read newspapers and watch news channels to know regarding the latest events taking place around the world.

The descriptive paper comprises questions based on Essays and Letters. This paper test the and English Language and writing skills of candidates. The descriptive paper carries two questions. The total marks allotted to this paper are 50. The descriptive paper is conducted online for 50 marks. Candidates are not allowed to use the keyboard while answering the questions. They need to type the answers using the mouse. The topics from where questions are asked in the Descriptive Test are given below:

• Views on acquisitions and mergers of banks
• Privatization of Banks and its effects on the common public
• Handling of bad banks
• Disinvestment of Public Sector Units
• Promoting the use of UPI among the common people: Their advantages and disadvantages
• Challenges before Nationalized Banks
• Merger of banks
• Indian Banking System: Positive and negative elements
• The economic condition of India
• Public and Private sector banks
• FDI in India

Ideal time duration to prepare for SBI PO is one year. However, many candidates have cracked the exam by preparing for only six or four months. Candidates should prepare for the exam with dedication and sincerity. The amount of time required for SBI PO preparation also depend on the candidate's knowledge and understanding about the different subjects given in the syllabus, study habits and schedule, level of dedication towards the exam. On an average, it is recommended to dedicate at least six months of consistent study and preparation for the SBI PO exam. The preparation includes reviewing and understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, practising sample papers, attempting mock tests, staying updated with the current events. Candidates must prepare the study routine that it is best suitable to them.

Candidates can check below some last minute preparation tips for SBI PO:

• It is crucial that candidates must be clear with the exam pattern and syllabus
• Candidates must solve the time-consuming topics first. In English, candidates must solve topics such as Cloze test, spotting errors, fillers, vocab questions from RC. In, Quantitative Aptitude solve questions such as Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Data Interpretation. In Reasoning Ability solve questions from Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood relations, direction sense, etc.
• Candidates must attempt a good number of questions with accuracy to clear the cut-off marks
• The Prelims exam is all about time management, speed, and accuracy
• Candidates must maintain their speed from the start of the test
• Candidates should not panic even if they get a new pattern of question
• Candidates must keep calm and solve the questions with accuracy

Also Read: SBI PO Last Minute Preparation Tips

There are many books available to help you prepare for the SBI PO exam, but the best book for you will depend on your individual learning style and needs. Some good books for SBI PO exam preparations are given below:

• Quantum CAT by Sarvesh Kumar Verma
• How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT by Arun Sharma 
• Magical Book on Quicker Maths by M Tyra
• Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by RS Aggarwal
• A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal and Non-Verbal by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
• Analytical Reasoning by MK Pandey (For the chapters required for analytical reasoning)
• A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
• Objective General English by SP Bakshi
• Descriptive General English by SP Bakshi and Richa Sharma
• High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
• Word Power Made Easy by Normal Lewis
• Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications
• Static General Knowledge by Arihant Publications
• Current Affairs can be prepared from the monthly magazines such as Banking Services Chronicle (BSC Publications), Newspapers etc.
• Objective Computer Awareness for General Competitive Exams by Arihant Publications
• Descriptive General English (Old Edition) by S.P. Bakshi and Richa Sharma
• Descriptive English (For All Competitive Examinations) by S.J. Thakur and S.K. Rout

SBI PO exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims, Mains, psychometric test, group exercises and interview. In 2022, SBI has revised the exam pattern. The psychometric test was introduced in the Phase 3 exam pattern. There is no weightage for this test and the performance of candidates in this stage will be shared with the interview panel. SBI PO prelims exam comprises three sections-Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and English Language. The total marks allotted to the prelims exam are 100. The test paper carries a total of 100 questions. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the mains exam. The mains exam comprises both objective and subjective-type tests. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 250. Candidates qualifying the mains exam are called for psychometric test. The psychometric test is qualifying in nature. Candidates qualifying the psychometric test are called for group exercises and interview. The group exercises and interview carries 50 marks.