Reasoning Ability Preparation Strategy for SBI PO Prelims 2017

The Notification for SBI PO Exam, one of the most sought after exam of the country, came quite earlier than expected this year. Almost a month is now left for the Prelims phase of SBI PO Exam, which will start from 29th April 2017. Today, we will discuss about the approach that you should follow for the Reasoning Ability Section of this exam.

Reasoning Ability Section for SBI PO Exam 2017

Before discussing about this section in depth, make sure that you understand the Exam pattern of SBI PO Prelims 2017 clearly. Have a look here for this.

S. No.
Name of Subject
No. of Questions
Maximum Marks
Duration
1.
English Language
30
30
Total duration of 1 hour (60 minutes)
2.
Reasoning Ability
35
35
3.
Quantitative Aptitude
35
35

Total
100
100

Now, before delving further into this, attempt this Sectional mock test for the reasoning section and analyze how you performed.

Reasoning Sectional Mock test for SBI PO Exam 2017

This is essential, because unless you actually understand exactly where you stand in a particular section, you cannot work on improving it. Now, let us see how you should approach for the reasoning section in the SBI PO Prelims exam.

As mentioned in the table above, Reasoning Ability section would consist of 35 questions, with a total of 35 marks. SBI PO Prelims 2016 consisted of following questions from the reasoning section -
1. Inequality - 5 Questions
2. Order and Ranking - 3 Questions
3. Blood Relations - 2 Questions
4. Puzzles and Seating Arrangement - 25 questions (5 sets)


So, a major chunk of the reasoning ability section comprised of puzzles (4 sets) and seating arrangement (1 set) questions of moderate to difficult level. However, we would advise you not to restrict your preparation to these topics. Make sure that you have a thorough understanding of other topics as well. These are -



The approach that you follow while attempting any particular section can make a huge difference in your scores.
  • First and foremost, time division for different sections in not provided in the prelims phase. So, make sure that you devote sufficient time to each section. Ideally, you should devote 20 minutes to the reasoning ability section out of the composite 1 hour duration.
  • You need to select questions, that you attempt first in any section carefully and smartly. For instance, starting the section with the puzzle is never a wise idea. You may get stuck at any point and this may eventually take up a lot of time. So, ensure that the questions you attempt first are the ones that you clearly understand and have a good hold over them.
  • Ideally, you should attempt the following questions of Reasoning Ability section first- 
  • Inequality (Coded and Direct) 
  • Blood Relations 
  • Direction sense
  • Alphanumeric Series
  • Syllogism (if you have a proper practice)
  • Coding Decoding
  • These questions are easier when compared with puzzles or seating arrangement and you can easily score good marks in these topics.
  • Once you have finished these questions, you can move on to puzzles and seating arrangement questions, provided you still have time for this section.
  • A thorough practice of puzzles and arrangement based problems is a must for the SBI PO exam since you will have to attempt these questions if the above mentioned topics are not asked in the exam.
  • For this, first, make sure that you have a crystal clear understanding of the approach to solve Puzzles. While solving these questions, take all the possibility scenarios into consideration.



Do’s and Don’t for the Reasoning Ability section for SBI PO Prelims exam –
  • The cutoff for the Reasoning Ability section for SBI PO Prelims was 7.00 marks (for general), while the overall cutoff was 47.50. For students who are not good at the reasoning ability section, taking this as a reference, make sure that you attempt at least 10-15 questions correctly in this section, and cover for the overall cutoff from the other 2 sections.
  • Be very attentive while selecting the questions.
  • Do not spend too much time on a single question. Remember, you do not need to attempt every single question in the exam.
  • Maintain proper Speed and Accuracy while attempting this section because these factors will play a key role to clear this exam.
  • Attempt mock tests regularly. This will help you with the time management in the exam.
  • Practice questions on a regular basis.


If you wish to be updated regarding the upcoming exams, their patterns, syllabus and other details, you can try Gradeup App. It provides free study material, updates of upcoming exams and mock tests for various competitive exams.



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