SBI PO 2017-18: Group Discussion and Interview tips

(SBI) has finally started a highly anticipated and intensifying litmus test; GD and interviews

After declaring the final results of SBI Probationary Officer Exam for the year 2017-18, the State Bank of India (SBI) has finally started a highly anticipated and intensifying litmus test; group discussions and interviews. The interview round tests to the fullest a candidate’s General Knowledge, Communication skills and Personal abilities to make decisions. Keep in mind that a lot of candidates generally score highest marks in prelim and Main exam, making it a highly competitive test. Candidates who appear for interviews will be considered for the final selection. However, the final selection will not only be based on the candidate’s performance in interview but on the performance in prelim, Main exam and the interview together.

Group Discussion (GD) comprises of 20 marks and Interview 30 marks. The interview panel will have five members. One of them would be observing you silently till end. If you are appearing for the Group Discussions and interviews, make sure you keep the necessary documents required at the time of interview. Once you enter the premise, your body language is under observation. It is always better to give your interview with full preparation.

Group Interviews (GD) Tips:

• Topics in GD are generally not that tough demanding your expertise. Topics such as ‘Is right to freedom being misused?’, ‘How is Swaach Bharat Abhiyan currently important for India?’ ‘Is government just renaming the old schemes?’ etc. Just your clear views on the same.
• If you feel you are not able to kick-start the discussion well, you can let others speak first and gather ideas on it meanwhile and then express your views.
• Generally each member is asked to talk about it for 2 minutes but the sequence may be random i.e. anyone can start the discussion followed by an open discussion for 5 minutes. 
• NOTE: One has to be very clear about their views in GD because the panel members observe it well and ask questions about the same during the personal interview round.

Personal Interview Tips:

• General Questions: These questions test your general awareness about anything like the meaning of your name or anything related to it. Be prepared for your hometown, school, and college, also about the places where you have studied and worked your hobbies.
• Be absolutely clear when they ask: why do you want to join banking sector? This question is highly important as it helps the panellist see the core reason behind your decision to take up banking; it may be job security, prestige in the community, deep knowledge about accounts and banking.
• One must be well-aware about their academics. Questions can be asked from your academic background in order to test your knowledge on the subject which you have studied during your Graduation.
• Keep in mind that the panellist has some idea about most of the fields. They can ask you some basic questions on the subject from your graduation. For instance, if you are from chemical background, a question may be: Is the government’s Make In India program really benefiting chemical industry?
• The most important part of interview is the question about basic banking. It tests the candidate’s interest in banking and other aspect related to the same. You may be asked: Services provided by commercial banks, Role of RBI, Bank Interest, Types of Bank Accounts, Public Banks, Private Banks etc.
• One question from you contribution to the GD topic will be asked.
• A question on General Knowledge on as Euro, currencies, WHO, the UN, the RBI and the like will be asked.

The above pattern is generally followed for all candidates. An interview on an average lasts for 15-20 minutes. The common mistake a candidate commits is beating around the bush when he or she does not know the answer. Just say ‘I don’t know or I have no idea about it’. The panellist is highly experienced and easily make it out that the candidate is just beating around the bush. It creates a worse impression.

Role of Probationary Officer:
The recruited candidates will be called as Probationary Officers (PO) who will be working on probation of 2 years. These two years will get them through rigorous training and on-job experiences. Before the end of the stipulated period, they will be going through a screening process. Those Officers who meet the standards set aside by the Bank will be considered for placement in the next higher grade (Officer Middle Management Grade Scale-II). A question may arise: What about those who pass the screening process but fail to meet the standards? Those who clear the test but become unable to meet the standards will be confirmed as Officer Junior Management Grade Scale I. And those who fail in the screening test will be terminated.

About SBI PO Exam
State Bank of India, India’s biggest bank after RBI conducts the PO Exam every year in order to find the bright minds to efficiently manage general banking tasks, administrative responsibilities, along with a marketing focus. Bigger roles and responsibilities also ensure bigger learning opportunities. The attractive promotion policy provides an opportunity to the commendable and exceptionally brilliant officers to climb up the ladder leading to the Top Management Grade in a practically quick time.