Can You Prepare for Both the SBI PO and the RBI Grade B at the Same Time?

Yes, you can prepare for both the SBI PO (Probationary Officer) and the RBI Grade B (Reserve Bank of India Grade B) exams simultaneously. However, effective planning is crucial to manage your preparation effectively.

Similarities and Differences

Syllabus Overlap: Both exams cover similar subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. However, the RBI Grade B exam includes Economic and Financial Awareness, which is more specialized.

Exam Pattern:

SBI PO: Typically includes Prelims, Mains, and a Group Discussion/Interview stage. RBI Grade B: Involves Phase I (Objective) and Phase II (Descriptive) exams followed by an Interview.

Preparation Strategy

Time Management

Create a study schedule that allocates time for each subject based on its weight in both exams. Ensure you have dedicated slots for topics unique to each exam, especially for the RBI Grade B's economic concepts. For example, for the RBI Grade B, focus on topics such as macroeconomics, financial markets, and financial regulations.

Resource Allocation

Use study materials that cater to both exams. Online courses, books, and mock tests can be beneficial. For the RBI Grade B, textbooks like 'Quantum CAT' by SK Verma, 'Logical Reasoning' by Arun Sharma, and 'Economics' from NCERT are essential. Additionally, refer to the finance-specific books like 'Indian Financial System' by B.V. Patturay by.

Mock Tests

Regularly take mock tests for both exams to familiarize yourself with the format and timing. This will help you identify your strengths and weaknesses. For RBI Grade B, focus on high-level aptitude questions and solve past papers from previous exams.

Revision

Include regular revision sessions in your schedule to reinforce what you’ve studied. Given the breadth of topics for both exams, effective revision is crucial. For SBI PO, review topics like quantitative aptitude, reasoning, and economics. For RBI Grade B, focus on economics, finance, and financial awareness.

Stay Updated

Keep an eye on current affairs, especially for the RBI Grade B exam, as it places a significant emphasis on economic news and developments. Utilize resources like Affairs Cloud and regularly solve online quizzes for banking awareness and financial awareness.

Books and Study Materials for RBI Grade B

For the RBI Grade B exam, you need high-level aptitude questions and excellent reading and writing skills. Here are the recommended books and resources:

Quantitative Aptitude

Quantum CAT by SK Verma Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma

Phase II

Economics: NCERT 11th and 12th Economics, Indian Economy by Mishra Puri or Ramesh Singh Finance: Indian Financial System by B.V. Patturay Management: Principles of Management by LM Prasad, Organizational Behaviour by SP Robbins, and Human Resource Management by K. Aswathappa

Ensure you enhance your reading and writing skills. Solve high-level sums of QRE, practice essays, and answer writing. Regularly solve online quizzes of banking awareness and financial awareness. Prior to the exam, your syllabus must be completed thoroughly, and mocks should be given more often.

Current Affairs Preparation

For the RBI Grade B exam, high staying power with current affairs is essential. Focus on key areas like banking, finance, economy, business, and macroeconomics.

Static Topics

Quant Reasoning English Static GK Banking Awareness Insurance Awareness Management Economics General Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Ratios and Proportions, Variations, Averages, Mixtures and Alligation, Percentages, Ages, Partnerships, Profit, Loss, and Discount, Time, Speed, Distance, Boats and Streams, Pipes and Cisterns, Heights and Distances, Single and Mixed Arithmetic Sums, Number Series, Mensuration, Quadratic Equations, Inequalities, Permutations and Combinations, Probability, Approximation and Simplification, Data Interpretaion, and Sufficiency.

Reasoning

Blood Relations, Coding Decoding, Direction and Distance, Order and Ranking, Alphanumerical Series, Inqualities, Input Output, Dice and Cubes, Calendar and Clocks, Logical Reasoning, Linear Arrangements, Circular Arrangements, Matrix Arrangements, Other Complex Arrangements, Data Sufficiency, Puzzles, and Mixed Questions.

English

Reading Comprehension, Sentence Correction, Fillers, Match the Following, Cloze Test, Para Completion, Para Summery, Para Jumbles, Descriptive English, Facts Inference Judgement, and Adversative Adjoining.

Conclusion

While preparing for both exams at the same time is feasible, it requires careful planning and discipline. Focus on leveraging the overlap in preparation while also addressing the unique aspects of each exam. By staying consistent and on track with your preparation, you can achieve success in both SBI PO and RBI Grade B exams.