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The SBI PO Mains examination continues to evolve each year, reflecting the dynamic approach of the banking sector towards recruitment. Over the past three years, the overall difficulty level has fluctuated, challenging aspirants in different ways across core sections. In 2023, the exam was largely moderate, offering a balanced mix of question types. The 2022 and 2021 exams, however, were slightly more demanding, leaning toward the moderate to difficult category. This trend underlines the importance of flexible preparation strategies and consistent practice.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend of Last 3 Years
With the SBI PO 2025 Mains Exam tentatively scheduled for 05 May 2025, examining the trends from the past few years becomes crucial for strategic preparation. A clear understanding of how the exam has evolved, whether in difficulty level, topic distribution, or question formats, can help candidates fine-tune their revision plans and focus on high-weightage areas. Identifying frequently asked topics and shifts in section-wise emphasis enables aspirants to approach the exam with greater confidence and clarity. By analyzing previous patterns, one can anticipate the level of complexity and manage time effectively during the actual test.
Here is the section-wise SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend:
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: English Language
The English Language section across the years has remained moderately difficult for the most part. In 2023, the section was fairly balanced with two Reading Comprehensions carrying 15 questions in total, topics ranging from economic themes to societal shifts like changing fashion trends. Para jumbles and sentence rearrangement had a prominent place, with 6-7 and 2-3 questions respectively. Cloze tests and error detection questions were also included, maintaining a similar format to previous years. The 2022 paper was similar in tone, with reading comprehension, cloze tests, and word interchange questions dominating. In contrast, 2021 saw a slightly more complex English section, with a mix of connectors, double fillers, and phrase replacement, making it moderate to difficult.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: English Language | |||
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Reading Comprehension | 15 | 13 | 12 |
Error Detection | 2 | 5 (New Pattern) | – |
Cloze Test | 4 | 5 | 4 |
Match the Column | 3 | 5 | – |
Para Jumble / Rearrangement | 6–7 | 2 (Para Fillers) | 3 |
Sentence Rearrangement | 2–3 | – | 3 |
Word/Phrase Based | – | 5 (Word Interchange) | 3 (Phrase Replacement) |
Fillers / Double Fillers | – | – | 6 |
Total | 35 | 35 | 35 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: Data Analysis and Interpretation
The Data Analysis and Interpretation section in 2023 leaned toward the moderate to difficult side. A substantial portion of the section focused on mixed DI sets, bar graphs, line graphs, and caselets, comprising 20 out of 30 questions. Arithmetic questions such as partnership and mensuration appeared again, marking their return after a gap in 2022. Number series problems were relatively straightforward, with four questions in this category. Unlike 2021 and 2022, 2023 did not include data sufficiency or quantity comparison. In 2022, the DAI section had 35 questions and was considered moderate to difficult, with a wide spread of caselet DIs, time and work-based DIs, and a notable presence of quantity comparison questions. 2021, on the other hand, was marked as difficult, with intense DI types and more time-consuming sets.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: Data Analysis and Interpretation | |||
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Mixed DI (Bar, Line, Caselet, etc.) | 20 | 24 | 26 |
Number Series | 4 | 3 | 3 |
Arithmetic (Mensuration, etc.) | 6 | – | 5 |
Quantity Comparison | – | 5 | – |
Data Sufficiency | – | 3 | 4 |
Wrong Number Series | – | – | 3 |
Total | 30 | 35 | 35 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
When it comes to the Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section, the 2023 exam was assessed as moderate in terms of difficulty. The section presented a heavy dose of puzzles and seating arrangements, accounting for over 20 questions. Key formats included week-based and designation-based puzzles, along with arrangements involving circular and parallel seating patterns. Machine Input Output and logical reasoning questions maintained their regular presence, with eight logical reasoning questions appearing in the paper. Compared to 2022, which was considered moderate to difficult, 2023 showed a slightly more approachable format. However, in 2021, this section was significantly tougher, with complex classification puzzles, a wide variety of reasoning formats, and minimal breathing space for candidates, making it the most challenging year in this section.
SBI PO Mains Exam Analysis Trend: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | |||
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2022 |
Puzzles & Seating Arrangements | 21 | 14 | 28 |
Machine Input Output | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Logical Reasoning | 8 | 8 | 4 |
Direction/Distance/Coding | – | 6 | 2 |
Syllogism/Inequality | – | 6 | – |
Blood Relation | – | 2 | 3 |
Miscellaneous | 6 | 4 | 3 |
Data Sufficiency | – | 3 | 3 |
Total | 40 | 45 | 45 |
SBI PO Mains Exam Difficulty Level Trend
The SBI PO Mains Exam in 2023 was slightly easier compared to previous years, with most sections rated as moderate. While 2021 and 2022 saw tougher levels, especially in DI and Reasoning, the overall difficulty has now balanced out, offering a fair yet challenging paper.
SBI PO Mains Exam Difficulty Level |
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Sections | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | Moderate | Moderate-Difficult | Difficult |
Data Analysis and Interpretation | Moderate to Difficult | Moderate-Difficult | Difficult |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness | Moderate | Moderate | Difficult |
English Language | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate-Difficult |
Overall | Moderate | Moderate-Difficult | Moderate-Difficult |
Descriptive | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
In summary, the SBI PO Mains exam from 2021 to 2023 has shown a gradual move towards a slightly more balanced paper in recent editions. While earlier years like 2021 featured tougher sections with diverse and unfamiliar question formats, the 2023 paper was more predictable and within the grasp of well-prepared candidates. Understanding this year-wise and section-wise evolution is vital for aspirants as they plan their preparation strategy for the upcoming SBI PO Mains.
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