Preparing for the Bank Probationary Officer (PO) exam? Then you already know how competitive it gets. But one of the best ways to get ahead is to practise with sample questions that reflect the real exam format. So here’s a unique mix of important topics and question styles that can help you sharpen your strategy.
This sample paper isn’t a copy-paste job. It’s a carefully thought-out collection inspired by real trends in PO exams, especially those held by IBPS, SBI, and regional rural banks. If you’re serious about your preparation, solving such papers regularly can help improve your speed and accuracy big time.
Section-Wise Breakdown of Sample Questions
General Awareness
This section checks how updated you are with national and international events. Most questions come from banking, current affairs, government schemes and economy.
Sample questions:
- Who prepares the national income estimate in India?
- What is the full form of CRR in banking?
- Which is the nodal agency for the Direct Benefit Transfer scheme?
- When was the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implemented in India?
Indian Economy & Financial System
These are usually moderate-level questions but need clarity on concepts. You must stay in touch with budget-related announcements and economic policies.
Try solving these:
- What is the repo rate and who decides it?
- In which year was the Reserve Bank of India established?
- What is the purpose of a reverse repo rate?
Quantitative Aptitude
This section is all about speed and practice. Questions are usually from percentages, profit and loss, SI & CI, time and work, number series, and DI.
Practice questions:
- A sum becomes double in 5 years at simple interest. What is the rate of interest?
- What is the compound interest on ₹10,000 at 10% per annum for two years?
- A train covers 180 km in 3 hours. What is its speed?
Reasoning Ability
One of the trickiest yet scoring sections. You can’t afford to waste time here. Focus on topics like puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, and coding-decoding.
Few sample items:
- Statements and Conclusions based logic puzzles
- Syllogism-based questions like: “All banks are branches, all branches are buildings. What follows?”
- Coding-Decoding: If BANK is coded as 5132, then what will BOND be?
English Language
Don’t skip English thinking it’s easy. Errors are common in comprehension and grammar. Focus on reading newspapers daily.
Useful practice questions:
- Spot the error in this sentence: “Each of the boys have done their work.”
- Find the synonym of the word ‘Uplift’.
- What is the passive voice of: “She is writing a letter”?
Tips for Cracking the PO Exam
- Mock test is a must: Give one full-length mock every 2–3 days. Analyse your mistakes and keep improving.
- Make notes: Especially for banking terms, current affairs and formulas.
- Keep a timer: During practice sessions, stick to the actual time limit.
- Read editorials: This helps both in vocabulary and understanding passage-based questions.
Final Word
Bank PO exams are not just about knowledge but also about managing pressure. The more you practise with sample papers like this, the better you’ll perform on the final day. Start today, and stay consistent. Even 2 hours of focused study every day can make a big difference over time. Don’t wait for motivation—start with what you have, where you are.