SBI SO: Last Minute Strategy

State Bank of India will be conducting Written Examination for recruitment to the posts of Specialist Officers. The Written examination will be held on 19 April 2014. The exam will be held through on-line format at different centres across the country.

• The selection of the candidates will be on the basis of either (i) Examination and interviews or (ii) short-listing and interview.
• The On-line test comprises of sections English Language, Reasoning and/or Quantitative Aptitude in addition to Professional Knowledge.
• Except Professional Knowledge (PK) paper, other papers will be of qualifying in nature. Candidates have to score minimum qualifying marks in these papers. The minimum qualifying marks will be decided by the Bank. 
• The questions will be bilingual i.e. in Hindi & English. The candidates will have option to answer the questions in Hindi or English (except for test of English Language)

SBI SO Exam Tips and Strategy 
Keeping in mind the tough competition, candidates should ensure that they go to the exam hall with full preparation and should avoid the slightest mistake in the exam. Essentially, candidates should keep in mind the following, while attempting the exam :

Be sure of the pattern: SBI had already specified the pattern in their notification along with the maximum marks allotted for each section. So, know the exam pattern in advance. This helps in avoiding unexpected surprises when you take the test. Also you will be able to plan on which section to attend first and how much time to allot for it.

Practice well: For any competitive exam, practice is the key to success. SBI specialist officer exams are no exception. Get hold of as many model papers as possible and start answering them as if you are doing it for real. This will make you comfortable with different question models and help you with time management too.

Time Allotment: While answering previous papers or model papers, keep a close watch on the time and make sure to better it the next time. The duration of the on-line test two hours and fifteen minutes and with at least 170 questions to answer, you need to be swift in moving from one question to other. If not, there is no other choice than to omit certain questions which could bring down your marks and possibly cost you your job too.

Score to get selected: A common habit among aspirants is to concentrate more in securing the cut off marks but the total marks have to be high enough for getting short-listed for the final stage. While it is necessary to secure the qualifying marks, it is also equally important to attain top marks so that you won't be left behind in the merit list.

Never give up during exam: Competitions like this are the tests of your nerves. You should go with a positive frame of mind to the exam hall and maintain the same throughout the exam. Many times, when candidates get stuck or find a particular section difficult, they give up. Never ever give up. Paper is not going to be easy for anyone and winner will be one who will hold the nerves till the end.

Sleep well: This is an important recruitment exam. But that doesn't mean you must stay awake all night and prepare till the last minute. Both your mind and body could do with some rest before the all-important exam day. Complete your studies by 9 PM and go to bed at least by 10 pm. A good night's sleep will help you in staying calm and in recollecting answers during the exam.

All the best everyone!!! God speed!!!