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The State Bank of India is the most respectable government ban in India. SBI Specialist Officers are the tier 1 officers in the banks. They handle the management-level decisions and responsibilities. These people are mostly in their mid-age with a good level of experience in their field of expertise.
The positions open are mainly vice presidents, general managers, and other top-level positions. The candidates can be from marketing, management, economics, statistics, architecture, engineering, and more other backgrounds.
They mainly handle the additional responsibility of the bank other than handling finances. The exams are online for the first two papers i.e. the first stage and the final stage – the interview is offline.
The job contract varies, it may be a permanent post or it may be a contractual post, it solely depends on the vacant position that the bank has.
This is a higher-level job so the number of applicants is comparatively lower, but the competition is higher due to expert appearance database minds coming together. Now let us take a look at what this exam is about –
SBI SO Exam Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- The candidate must be an Indian citizen.
- Candidates can be a subject of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan refugee residing in India before 1 January 1962.
- Persons of Indian Origin migrated from Pakistan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or one of the listed East African countries.
Age Limit
- Post 1 – 35 to 42 years
- Post 2 to 6 – 25 to 35 years
- Post 7 – 50 to 62 years
- Post 8 – 42 to 62 years
- Post 9 – 42 to 62 years
- Post 10 – 22 to 30 years
- Post 11 – 35 to 50 years
Age Limit Relaxation
- SC/ST/ from Jammu and Kashmir – 5 years
- OBC/NCL – 3 years
- For PWD (SC/ST) – 15 years
- PWD (OBC) – 13 years
- PWD (General) – 10 years
- The Rest According to Indian Government guidelines
Educational Qualification
- Vice President – MBA in Finance/ Marketing. B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC
- Vice President Customer Analytic – Master’s degree in Statistics, Mathematics / MBA (Marketing/ Finance/ Operations)
- Product Development Managers – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Vice President of Technology Architecture – B.E. / B. Tech /M. Sc. / M. Tech. in CS/IT/EC or MCA
- Senior Manager (e-Commerce) – B.E./BTech graduate. MBA holders
- Manager (e-Commerce) – B.E./BTech graduate – MBA holders
- Assistant Vice President (Servicing) MMGS III – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Assistant Vice President (Customer Experience) MMGS III – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Assistant Vice President (B2C Marketplace Acquisition) MMGS III – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Assistant Vice President (B2B Fulfilment) MMGS III – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Assistant Vice President (B2C Fulfilment) MMG III – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Sr. Vice President of Marcomm, Media & Research – Graduate or. Candidates with MBA in Marketing
- Asst. Vice President Marcom – Graduate or Candidates with MBA in Marketing
- Asst. Vice President of Corporate Communications/ PR – Graduate or Candidates with MBA in Marketing
- Sr. Manager (Digital Marketing) – Graduate + MBA in Marketing
- Sr. Manager (Marketing) – Graduate or MBA holders
- Business Analyst – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC MBA holders
- Customer Service Analyst – B.E./B.Tech in CS/IT/EC. MBA holders
- Sr. Manager (Marketing) – B.E. /B.Tech. Candidates with MBA (Marketing)
- Relationship Manager (Marketing) – B.E. /B.Tech. Candidates with MBA (Marketing)
- Assistant Relationship Manager (Marketing) – B.E. /B.Tech. Candidates with MBA
- Sr. Manager (Servicing) – B.E./ B.Tech. Candidates with MBA
- Manager (Servicing) – B.E./ B.Tech. Candidates with MBA
- Project Manager – B.E./ B.Tech. Candidates with MBA
- Digital System Architect – B.E./ B.Tech in Computer Science/ IT/ Electronics. Or MCA/M.Sc. (IT)/ M.Sc. (Computer Science).
- System/Business Analyst – MBA in System/ Finance/ Operations. Should be a computer/ IT engineering
- Analyst (Analytics) – Degree in Statistics or equivalent qualification. Candidates who had graduated from the Indian Statistical Institute.
- Vice President of CRM Implementation – MBA (Marketing) or MCA
SBI SO Exam Pattern
- The exam pattern almost remains the same every year for common exams. It has three stages – examinations, shortlisting, and lastly the interview.
- The exam has two stages – online examination and the interview.
- There are two papers in the online examination for 100 marks each.
- There is a negative marking for each correct answer for 0.25 marks.
- The shortlisted candidates from the first stage appearance for the interviews.
The standard pattern of the examination is –
| Paper | Subject | Questions | Marks | time |
| Paper I | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 questions | 50 | 90 minutes |
| Test of Reasoning | 35 questions | 35 | ||
| English Language | 35 questions | 35 | ||
| Paper-II | Professional Language | 50 questions | 100 | 45 minutes |
SBI SO Syllabus
English Language
- Cloze test
- Comprehension
- Word Formation
- Antonyms
- Synonyms
- Fill in the blanks
- Idioms, and Phrases
- Error correction
- Theme detection
- Sentence correction
- Passage completion
- Subject-verb agreement
- Vocabulary
- Sentence completion
- Unseen passages
- Alphabet test
- Tenses
- Sentence rearrangement
- Verb
- Articles
Reasoning
- Alphabet Test
- Classification
- Eligibility Test
- Coding decoding
- Statement-Arguments
- Logical Sequence of Words
- Alpha-Numeric Sequence Puzzle
- Clocks and Calendars
- Situation Reaction Test
- Direction
- Logical Venn diagram
- Inserting missing character
- Series completion
- Arithmetical reasoning
- Mathematical Operations
- Ranking and time sequence
Quantitative Aptitude
- Antonyms
- Bar Graphs
- Decimal & Fractions
- HCF & LCM
- Heights & Distances Partnership
- Line Graphs
- Logarithms
- Mensuration
- Mixtures & Allegations
- Number System
- Percentages
- Permutation & Combination
- Pie Charts
- Probability
- Problems on Ages
- Problems on Trains
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportions
- Roots
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Simplification
- Time and Distance & Work
- Volume & Surface Area
Professional Knowledge
- Database Management System (DBMS)
- Data Communication & Networking
- Computer organization & Microprocessor
- Data structure
- Integrated circuits
- Programming language C, C++, and OOPS
- Cyber Security and Threats
- Operating system & amp; system programming
- Compiler design
- Software engineering
- Mobile Technologies
- Digital electronics
- Basic Terms
- Direct and Indirect Taxes
- Cost Accounting Concepts
- Management Accounting Concepts
- Basic Accounting concepts and principles
- Accounting Standards
- Auditing standards
SBI SO Job Profile
The roles and responsibilities of the SO officer depend on the position. There are multiple vacancies in the bank which they release every year. The SBI Specialist Officer Posts are –
- Head – Product, Investment & Research
- Central Research Team – Fixed Income Research Analyst
- Relationship Manager
- Relationship Manager – e-Wealth
- Relationship Manager – NRI
- Relationship Manager – Team Lead
- Customer Relationship Executive
- Zonal Head Sales – Retail
- Central Operation Team Support
- Risk & Compliance Officer
- Bank Medical Officer
- Manager Analyst
- Advisor for Fraud Management
- General Manager – IT Strategy, Architecture & Planning
- Dy. General Manager – Asset Liability Management
- Dy. General Manager – Enterprise & Technology Architecture
- Asstt. General Manager – Enterprise & Technology Architecture
- Chief Manager – Infrastructure Architect
- Chief Manager – Application Architect
- Chief Manager – Business Architect
- Manager – Security Architect
- Manager – Technology Architect
- Manager – Application Architect
- Senior Consultant Analyst
- Data Translator
- Data Architect
- Data Trainer
- Chief Technology Officer
The salary range for these posts are –
- Deputy Manager (Law) – Rs. 15.10 Lac
- Deputy General Manager (Law, Contractual) – Rs. 47.00 Lac
- Deputy General Manager (Law, Regular) – Rs. 40.20 Lac
- Special Management Executive – Rs. 18.00 Lac
SBI SO Vacancy
The banks open up vacancies every year for newcomers and issue a notification for the same. This is the list of vacancy as of 2020 –
| Post | No. of Vacancies | Contract/ Regular | Selection Process |
| SME Credit Analysis | 20 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Faculty, SBIL, Kolkata | 3 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Vice President (Stressed Assets Marketing) | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Chief Manager (Special Situation Team) | 3 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Deputy Manager (Stressed Assets Marketing) | 3 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Product Manager | 5 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Manager (Data Analyst) | 2 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Manager (Digital Marketing) | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Banking Supervisory Specialist | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Manager (Anytime Channel) | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Wealth Management Business Unit – Head (Product, Investment & Research) | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Wealth Management Business Unit – Central Research Team (Portfolio Analysis & Data Analytics) | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Wealth Management Business Unit – Central Research Team (Support) | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Wealth Management Business Unit – Investment Officer | 9 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Wealth Management Business Unit – Project Development Manager (Technology) | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Relationship Manager | 48 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Relationship Manager (Team Lead) | 3 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Chief Officer Security | 1 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Executive (FI & MM) | 241 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Sr. Executive (Social Banking & CSR) | 85 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Sr. Executive (Digital Relations) | 2 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Sr. Executive (Analytics) | 2 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Sr. Executive (Digital Marketing) | 2 | Contract | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Deputy Manager (IS Audit) | 8 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Deputy Manager (Security) | 28 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Manager (Retail Products) | 5 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Data Trainer | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Data Translator | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Senior Consultant Analyst | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Assistant General Manager | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Data Protection Officer | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Deputy Manager (Data Scientist) | 11 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Manager (Data Scientist) | 11 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Deputy Manager (System Officer) | 5 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – Sector (Scale III) | 5 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – Sector (Scale II) | 5 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Portfolio Management Specialist (Scale II) | 3 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – Credit (Scale III) | 2 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – Credit (Scale II) | 2 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – Enterprise (Scale II) | 1 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
| Risk Specialist – IND AS (Scale III) | 4 | Regular | Shortlisting & Interview |
SBI SO Exam Application and Admit Card
- Go to www.sbi.co.in
- Open the application form
- Complete the application form fill up
- Upload the documents, photograph, and signature
- Pay the application fees
- Print out a copy of the application form
The application fees for the SBI SO examination are –
- Rs. 100 only for SC/ST and other reserved categories.
- Rs. 600 only for the general category.
The admit card of the exam is available 10 days before the exam. Candidates can download it online and must carry it for examination. Carry an official Identity proof as well to enter the center.
SBI SO Result and Cut Off
The results come out on thor their official website a few months after the examination. They also release an answer key on their website for the candidates to count their score for a rough idea. Candidates who clear the first round appear for the interviews.
And then the bank launches a merit list with the names of the selected aspirants. This list comes online as well.
SBI SO Preparation
Like all other SBI exams, SBI SO needs a proper strategy to crack the paper. This is to make sure that the candidates score well in the exams and manage to crack the exam. Some of the tips that the candidates can follow are –
- Because it is a senior position, the paper is comparatively tough and needs a proper strategy. Make sure you have one in place before the examination.
- Emphasize time management as the papers are very lengthy and completing them is the priority.
- Make time to revise regularly by solving mock papers and quizzes.
- Be familiar with the entire syllabus and exam pattern to avoid any mishaps.
- Cover all the syllabus topics properly and avoid anything for the last minute.
- Professional knowledge is a bonus for many as you come from that background. Don’t take that lightly and make good use of the opportunity.
Books for SBI SO Exam
- SBI Specialist Officer Exam – Arihant
- The C Programming language – Brian W Kernighan
- Classic Data Structures – Debasis Samanta
- Introduction to Algorithms – Udi Manber
- Operating System Concepts – Silberschatz, Galvin, Gagne
- An Introduction to Formal Languages and Automata – Peter Linz
- Quantitative aptitude – R S Agarwal
- General Awareness & Current Affairs – Manohar Pandey
- English Language – Lucent’s General English
- Electronic devices and circuits – Bogart
- Electronic devices and circuits – Millman and Halkias
Conclusion
The bank examination has two basic levels of exam. The online examination is the first stage and has two papers with different sections. All the SBI SO candidates must know what they are stepping into and how to stand out in the competition.
This article will guide you step by step about what an SBI SO exam is, its syllabus, time, questions, vacancy, salary, job profile, application, and more. All the senior banking exam aspirants should go through it once before applying for the exams.
We have also added some quick tips so that your examination process has a smooth flow. And to save your time and improve your preparation, you can also refer to a list of books that we added.