[Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist, strategy, Cutoffs

1. The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013

2. Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers

3. Reasoning: SSC vs SBI

4. Reasoning approach: Higher Level

5. 3 Statement Syllogism

6. Reasoning Approach: Usual topics1. Eligibility Test

2. Math Operations+Inequality

3. Sitting arrangement

4. Non verbal

5. Data Sufficiency

6. Input Output

7. Reasoning: Peripheral Topics1. DBT: Direction Based Test

2. Coding Decoding

3. Dictionary (Alphabet) tests

8. How people dig their grave in Bank PO/Clerk exams?

9. So, How to avoid your grave?

10. Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam1. Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11)

2. Phase 1: Marks of last candidate

The structure of SBI PO Exam 2013

Phase 1(28.04.2013)

MCQ(2hrs)

GA+Marketing+Computer 50

Data Interpretation (DI) 50

Reasoning 50

English grammar, vocab and Comprehension 50

Descriptive(1 hr)

Essay, précis, letter writing 50

Total 250

Phase 2 GDPI

Group Discussion (GD) 20

Personal Interview (PI) 30

Total 50

FinalPhase 1 (250m) marks are are converted to out of 75marks secured in Phase 2 (50m) are converted to out of 25.Final Merit list of 75+25=100 marks.

Reasoning: Topicwise breakup SBI papers

2011 2010 2010(Asso.Banks)

ReasoningUsual

Coding-Decoding 6 3 5

Direction based tests 0 2 1

Dictionary (Alphabet) test 0 2 3

Maths operations, inequalities 3 6 6

Sitting arrangement 13 5 5

Eligibility Test 0 5 5

Usual Eligibility Test 0 5 5

Odd pair 3 0 0

Data Sufficiency 5 0 0

Input output 3 0 0

Misc. 0 2 0

Subtotal: Reasoning (Usual) 33 25 25

ReasoningHigh Level

Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion 2 7 10

Course of Action 0 6 0

Cause effect 1 2 0

Strong/weak argument 3 0 5

3 statement Syllogism 6 5 5

Subtotal: Reasoning (Higher level) 12 20 20

Non Verbal non-verbal (image based) 5 5 5

Total: Verbal Reasoning (usual+higher)+Non verbal 50 50 50

2008’s SBI PO paper doesn’t follow this pattern of “High level reasoning” (or tougher data interpretation Qs like those of2010’s papers). Hence 2008 is ignored from the analysis.

Reasoning: SSC vs SBI

SSC SBI PO

Non verbal reasoning involves usual image-series+ paper-folding, mirror reflectiontest, dice/cubes.

paper-folding, mirror test, dice/cubes=not asked.

2 statement syllogism x at most 2 questions.3 statement syllogism, minimum 5questions.

Lot of Qs. From Analogy, series, and odd pairs. Hardly.

Barely any question on higher level reasoning.(assumption, inference etc.) Lots of.

Anyways, let’s start.For the purpose of efficient preparation, I classify reasoning topics into two categories.

Core topicsMajority of the reasoning is asked from these topics. Often in a set of “5 Questions.”So Cost:Benefit ratio is quite good, if you master these topics.

Chillar (peripheral) Barely 2-3 questions from each topic.

Observe this chart:

Reasoning approach: Higher Level

Based on the previous papers of SBI, we can see that higher level reasoning is made up of following topics

1. Fact-assumption-inference-conclusion

2. Course of Action3. Cause effect4. Strong/weak argument

4. Strong/weak argument5. Three Statement Syllogism

While both R.S.Agarwal and BS Sijwali’s books have covered these topics,but problem with both of those books= they merely give you a few solved exams and then give a big list of practicequestions.But the basic concepts/ theory /underlying principles are not covered in depth.Then You often face the doubt “why option A is the answer and why not “B” option?” OR “why is this an inference andnot an assumption?”So, for SBI PO’s higher level reasoning questions (assumption, inference, strong/weak argument etc), refer to “Analytical

Reasoning by MK Pandey (BSC publication)“MK Pandey not only helps you for Higher level reasoning, but also for provides some speed-techniques for usual reasoningtopics (such as input output, arrangement, eligibility test, coded inequalities etc.)

Anyways the study approach for Higher level Reasoning (for SBI PO) should be like following:

Higher Reasoning TopicChapter Number

MK Pandey RS Agarwal

1. Statement-Assumption 3 3

3. Inference, conclusion 5 5, 6

2. Strong/ Weak argument 4, 9 2

4. Cause effect 10 8

5. Course of Action 6 4

For example, pickup the topic “Assumptions”.

1. First understand theory from MK Pandey’s Chapter #3, solve all sums given in MK Pandey.2. Then move to RS Agarwal’s Chapter #3 for extra practice. (or if you’ve BS Sijwali, go to Chapter #23).

To solve the last three categories of questions (Strengthen / Weaken arguments, cause-effect, course of action), you must knowwhat’re the facts, assumptions, inferences and conclusions in the given statements. Therefore, preparation sequence should be:assumption topic–>inference–>strengthen / weaken arguments and so on…

3 Statement Syllogism

All cats are dogs…..

To master 3 statement syllogism, first you’ve to master the 2-statement.Understand the UPUN method explain in these two articlesarticles:

1. Two Statement Syllogism Click ME2. Three Statement Syllogism Click ME

Then do all sums given in Chapter 11 of MK Pandey and finally Chapter 1 of RS Agarwal (under Logic portion).

Reasoning Approach: Usual topics

In Decreasing priority order.Chapter Number

MK Pandey RS Agarwal

1. Eligibility Tests 12 18

2. Math Operations 17,18,19 13

2. Math Operations 17,18,19 13

3. Sitting Arrangement 20 6 (Puzzle Test)

4. Data Sufficiency 7 17

5. Input Output 13 to 16 7

Eligibility Test

First you’re given a passage with conditions like,

“Applications are invited for xyz post. If candidate has graduation with 50% marks and 3 years work experience…. thenforward letter to Deputy manager, else …. forward letter to….”

Then five questions are given, each has a unique case like “If Rahul Gandhi has **% in graduation and ** years of work exand….then what to do?”This is known as “eligibility test”- very commonly asked in BankPO exams. Advantage=If you get the question, it’s a set of4-5 questions. (helps you clear sectional cutoff).Problem=can be time consuming, if not practiced @home.First understand the techniques and tips given in Chapter 12 of MK Pandey. Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 18of RS Agarwal.

Math Operations+Inequality

They’re usually of three types

Type Example

1. BODMAS+ means x,x means – and..

2. InequalityP@Q means “P is not smaller than Q”P%Q means “P is neither smaller not equal to Q”

3. RelationshipP#Q means P is brother of QP^Q means P is sister of Q

Again, math operation questions are pretty common in BankPO examsProblem= you may get wrong answer or waste lot of time.=need maximum practice at home.Approach: All theory and all sums of Chapter 17,18,19 of MK Pandey.Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 18 of RS Agarwal.

Sitting arrangement

Can be of following types

1. Circular table2. Rectangular table3. Blood relations (A is mother of B who is sister of C and…)4. Appointment (Arranging lectures from Mon. to Sat., name of professors vs subjects)5. Complex (Person, building floor, occupation etc.)

Advantage=Minimum 1 set (=5 questions) always asked in BankPO exam. (=helps clearing the sectional cutoffs).Problem= can be “sitters” (=very time consuming), If not practiced @home.Approach: Understand the techniques explained in Chapter 20 of MK Pandey.Then practice all the sums given in Chapter 6 (Puzzle Test) of RS Agarwal.

Non verbal

Usually five questions.Practice is “must”. Try to solve the question by eliminating the “unfit” cases first.Solve all the questions in RS Agarwal==> Non Verbal portion ==>Series, Analogy and Classification.You may ignore mirrors and paper folding, because usually they’re usually not asked in BankPO exams. (However they’re

You may ignore mirrors and paper folding, because usually they’re usually not asked in BankPO exams. (However they’reimportant for SSC-CGL exam).

Data Sufficiency (DS)

It is very easy to make mistakes in these question.Theoretical part must be absolutely clear in your mind.So first clear the theory from Chapter 7 of MK Pandey. Practice all exercises.Then practice all sums given in Chapter 17 of RS Agarwal.

Input Output

Chapter 13 to 16 of MK Pandey then practice Chapter 7 of RS Agarwal.

This ends the core topics. Now, Moving to the peripheral topics (i.e. “Chillar” topics).

Reasoning: Peripheral Topics

Peripheral Topics Chap.# in RS Agarwal

1. Coding Decoding 4

2. Direction Based Tests 8

3. Dictionary (alphabet) arrangement 10

DBT: Direction Based Test

E.g. A man walks 1 km towards East and then he turns to South and walks for 5 kms. Then he………Now how far is he from thestarting point?

This is a “no-excuse” topic. Practice all sums given in Chapter 8 of RS Agarwal.

Coding Decoding

Can be of two types

Words Numbers

Health is written as GSKZDG then North will be written as 453945 means “decide” then 8978 means…

Sometimes you’re given a “matrix table” and you’ve to decode the words accordingly. Do all the sums given in Chapter #4 of RSAgarwal.

Dictionary (Alphabet) tests

Chapter #10 of RS Agarwal.

Misc.

Once ^all of above is done, get an overview of the misc. topics such as sequence, series, odd pair, dice, cubes, clocks,calendars, Venn Diagrams etc. from RS Agarwal’s/BS Sijwali’s book.This concludes the preparation of reasoning section for SBI PO. In the upcoming articles, we’ll see the approach forGA+Marking+Computer+DI+English.

How people dig their own graves in Bank PO/Clerk exams?

1. They underestimate the level of competition.2. They buy the books, magazines, download PDF files from internet and so on. But they only “gather” material. They never

“process” the gathered material.3. They just spend time in day dreaming and facebook, TV, SMS, PC/mobile games, cricket, loitering around etc.4. They start serious preparation only AFTER receiving the exam call letter.5. During the exam, they think, “ya ya ya the marketing and English section is “pappu” so I’m going to solve all questions

here. And after that, I’ll go to maths and reasoning section.”

here. And after that, I’ll go to maths and reasoning section.”6. They get stuck in lengthy calculations of Data interpretation (because they’ve never practiced multiplication and division

@home). And often make silly mistakes in calculation =negative marking.7. They waste lots of minutes in sitting arrangement/eligibility test/non-verbal reasoning type questions.

Ultimately they cannot even cross the sectional cutoffs.( Getting in the final merit list is a far cry.)

So, How to avoid your grave?

Maximum revision + Maximum practice @home.Mind will always find excuses (my cousin’s wedding, workload @office, I’m not in the mood….) but while you’re makingthose excuses, someone somewhere is busy reading books and doing sums.The train of success doesnot show mercy on anyone, no matter how good the excuse is, this train will not wait for you.So always remember Anil Kapoor from Tezaab: “time hotaa nahi hai, time nikaalnaa padtaa hai”. (There is no time assuch, but you’ve to take out time (to study)).”Donot “HATE” reasoning. In fact, Syllogism, sitting arrangement, eligibility test etc. reasoning questions can be solved withmaximum accuracy in short time (once you’ve mastered them). So don’t consider them your enemies, make them yourweapons. They’ll be immensely helpful in scoring high marks.When you get the question paper, you don’t have to solve all questions in a continuous sequence i.e. Reasoning questionfrom 1 to 50. Then English 1 to 50 then DI from 1 to 50…Instead, first try to tick minimum 10-15 in each section first, and then come back and solve remaining questions.

Cutoffs of SBI PO 2011 Exam

Phase 1: sectional cutoffs (2010, 11)

2011 2010

Phase 1 Max marks SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN SC/ST/PWD OBC GEN

English Language 50 10 10 13 5 5 10

General Awareness 50 7 7 11 6 6 9

DI 50 10 10 13 4 4 8

Reasoning 50 10 10 13 8 8 12

Descriptive 50 18 18 20 18 18 20

Phase 1: Marks of last candidate

Now the marks scored by last candidate from Phase 1 to GDPI (Phase 2), in each category.

Phase 1(2011) 250

SC/ST/PH 88

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SC/ST/PH 88

OBC 99

GEN 110

Courtesy: Mr.csl80 of pagalguy forum, for providing the cut off data and other essential inputs regarding this exam.

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120 comments to [Studyplan] SBI PO Reasoning (High Level): Topicwise Approach, booklist,

strategy, Cutoffs

« Older Comments 1 2 3

VeerReply to this comment

Hi Mrunal,

I have cleared IBPS PO with 61.16 marks (sc) category. can you Plz help me which is the best bank to join in North. Plz give me yourthought about it.

Thanks

Jatinder guptaReply to this comment

Here is preference list(all india basis and career growth ) 1. PNB 2. Bank of baroda 3. Bank of India 4. Canara 5. Andra bank 6.IOB 7.Central bank 8. Union bank of india 9. OBC 10. Allahabad 11. Indian bank 12. Corporation bank 13. Punjab and sindh bank14. Syndicate 15. Dena bank 16. United commercial bank 17. Vijaya bank 18. Bank of maharastra

ravi vermaReply to this comment

wonderful site

vishalReply to this comment

Hi Mrunal,

For bank related current affairs,Do i have read economics times everyday.

jagadeshReply to this comment

« [Economy] EPFO: Compulsory UID, Investment in AAACorporate bonds, Air India

[Economy] Geographical Indication GI-tag: Features, Issues,benefits, Madurai Malli, Meerut scissors »

Reply to this comment

sir please provide us the preparation strategys for other sections.the time is veryless less than 2 months for the sbi exam.ur articles givea clear cut approach on how to prepare so eagerly checking ur site daily if u have posted any article for other sections in SBI PO2013.many of us r waiting like me sir plzzzzzzzzzzz.

vimalReply to this comment

Hii sir

thanks for such a wonderful analysis

can you please help me about how to prepare the DI portion………..??????

« Older Comments 1 2 3