Probationary Officer Posts are the entry level job for a graduate to start a career in management side of banking companies. People who get in this position can move up in ladder to high positions such as Manager, General Managers, etc. These high position jobs will be acquired by one depending on their performance and experience.

The banking sector has been growing to a large extend and the requirement for the skilled graduates are also increasing. Bank P.O ensures a bright career after graduation. Because of this reason many graduates show interest in this field. Being an Officer in nationalized banks not only gives an individual a respectful job, but it also promises better pay packages and job satisfaction.

Preparing for bank P.O examinations needs more preparation when compared to other competitive exams like Bank clerks, Railway exams and staff selection commission. On an average more than 2000 vacancies are filled in over 25 nationalized banks and in private banks every year. So graduates can easily get into these jobs if they have prepared for the exams in a well scheduled manner.

Eligibility for Bank P.O Exams

The minimum eligibility for Bank P.O exams is graduation in any subject. Usually the percentage required is 60% in graduation, 12th and 10th, while some banks require only 50% for these.

Bank P.O Examination Pattern

The question pattern for almost all banks for P.O exams is same. It will include two sections, an objective test and descriptive test. The objective test is further divided into four or five sections. Candidates have to qualify each section separately. The descriptive test is also compulsory for qualification.

The duration for objective type test is two hours. It generally comprises of 200 to 250 questions from the given topics.

• Reasoning ability
• Quantitative aptitude
• Test of English
• General awareness & computer awareness

The descriptive test usually includes the questions which are of essay type. Candidates have to answer the questions given on any topic. Duration for this test is 60 minutes. The marks obtained in this test are not added to the final selection but it is necessary for them to qualify the examination.

Preparing for Bank P.O Exams

In these examinations candidates have to answer 200 to 250 questions in only two hours. So it is necessary for them to develop fast mathematical calculations, tricks to find the answer, short methods, etc. They should plan a well structured schedule for preparations. The questions on reasoning are usually confusing, so they must allot more time for practicing these questions.

Quantitative aptitude comprises questions on simple mathematics like algebra, profit, loss, arithmetic problems, etc. Practice is the only way to crack these reasoning and quantitative aptitude questions. There may be questions based on figures, analysis, statements, etc. to test the problem solving skills of the candidates, so they should practice as many questions of these types also.

The test of English usually includes questions from grammar, synonyms, antonyms, comprehension reading questions, etc. Basic knowledge in English is necessary for answering this section.  General awareness and computer awareness, as its name indicates the questions will be based on general knowledge, current affairs, development, famous people, books & authors, etc. and computer related questions. Students should develop the habit of reading newspapers, business magazines, etc.

A major factor in these exams is the time management. Students must practice on previous papers as much as they can and this will help them to develop speed and accuracy in answering. They should never answer a question with a wild guess as there is negative marking for each wrong answer.

Reference Books for Bank P.O Exams

Many books on reasoning and non verbal ability are available in the market now. R. S. Aggarwal’s Reasoning ability is one such book for preparing the reasoning section. The Mathematics books of 10th and 12th standard are enough to prepare for quantitative aptitude section. Books on Basic English are useful for preparing English part.