Last Minute Exam Preparation Tips for SBI PO Prelims 2017

We are going to share the last minute tips for SBI PO Prelims Exam 2017. These SBI PO Prelims 2017 last minute tips will help you all give final touches to your preparation.

Numbered days are now left for SBI PO Prelims exam 2017 which will start from 29th April. SBI PO Prelims will be conducted in 4 different slots on 29th, 30th April and 6th, 7th May. Do go through these last minute SBI PO Prelims tips to make sure that you do not miss out anything important for the exam.

Last Minute Tips for SBI PO Prelims Exam 2017

We have already shared various strategies for SBI PO Prelims exam 2017. These last minute tips are essential to achieve a good score in the exam.

Keep a clear understanding of the following -

Structure of Exam -

It is crucial that you are very clear with the pattern of exam.

You should be well aware with exactly what you’re going to face in the exam hall.

We have already discussed the exam pattern and syllabus of SBI PO Prelims Exam 2017. Go through it to have a clear picture of pattern of exam.

SBI PO Prelims Exam Cutoff -

Remember, cutoff in SBI PO Prelims exam is applicable at 2 levels - 

1. Sectional Cutoff
2. Overall Cutoff

So, make sure that you attempt questions accordingly, keeping both these factors in mind.

Minimum Number of Attempts -

A major question that daunts many students is, ‘How much would be the safe attempt for SBI PO exam?’. For this, it is essential that you are very clear with previous year cutoff of SBI PO Prelims Exam. Have a look at the table below -

Name of Section	Total Marks	Sectional Cutoff (SC/ST/OBC/VH/OH)	Sectional Cutoff (General)
English Language	30	6.00	8.75
Reasoning Ability	35	4.25	7.00
Quantitative Aptitude	35	4.25	7.25

Here is the overall cutoff - 

Category	General	OBC	SC	ST	OH	VH	HI
Overall Cutoff Marks (out of 100)	47.50	44.50	38.75	29.25	36.00	37.00	15.75

• Understanding previous year cutoff is essential because given the level of competition, cutoff is only expected to rise.
• So, your minimum safe attempts should be at least 5-10 questions more that last year’s cutoff, provided you attempt these questions accurately.
• If you are not good at any particular topic, attempt enough to get through the sectional cutoff of that particular section. However, in this case, ensure that you make up for the overall cut off from your stronger areas.

Question Selection -

Sections are not asked in a set pattern in this exam and you are free to start with any section you wish. So, ensure that you select the questions smartly.

Always start with the section that you have a good hold over.
Go for the less time consuming topics first. These are -

1. English Language - Cloze test, spotting errors, fillers, vocab questions from RC. 
2. Quantitative Aptitude - Number Series, Simplification/ Approximation, Data Interpretation.
3. Reasoning Ability - Syllogism, Inequality, Coding - Decoding, Blood relations, direction sense etc.

Attempting good number of questions since the beginning will also boost your morale.

Time Management -

This is one of the most important parameter to clear SBI PO prelims.

• Sectional time division is not available in the prelims exam, so you need to be very careful with the time you spend on each section.
• This is because you need to clear the sectional as well as overall cutoff and unless you spend sufficient time on each section, you will not be able to achieve that.

Sectional Time Allotment -

As mentioned above, it is essential that you have a proper plan of the time that you devote for each section.

Ideally, you should follow the sectional time management mentioned below -

NAME OF SECTION	TIME TO BE SPENT
English Language	15 minutes
Reasoning Ability	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	25 minutes

You can however, vary this time as per your comfort since the strengths and weakness in different section vary from student to student.

Speed -

This is another important parameter that you need to take care of in the prelims exam.

• Prelims exam is basically a test of time management, speed and accuracy.
• Make sure that you maintain proper speed since the start of the exam to ensure that you attempt sufficient questions in the exam.
• Accuracy and Negative Marking

What is the point of attempting 70+ questions if you cannot attempt them accurately?

• Accuracy will play a key role in determining your score for the prelims exam.
• Make sure that you attempt questions accurately since every wrong answer can cost you a penalty of 0.25 marks. .

Stay Calm

• Do not panic even if you come across any new pattern based question in the exam.
• Stay calm and go over the question for a minute. If nothing clicks in this time frame, leave that question and move on to the next.

Must do for SBI PO Prelims exam 2017 -

• Make sure that you carry a xerox of your ID proof with you along with the original.
• Do not forget to paste your photograph on the admit card (same photograph as that of application form).
• Make sure that you reach the exam centre at least 30 minutes before the reporting time to avoid any last minute hassle.

Keep calm and attempt questions with a clear head.

All the best for your exams.
Team aimsucccess..!!