Bank P.O.

Exams
1.Tier I - Preliminary Examination : Time 2 Hours
•Candidates have to appear in objective type examination conducted by
the bank.
•Examination will consist of:
i.Reasoning Ability Test
ii.Quantitative Aptitude
iii.General Awareness/Computer Knowledge
iv.English Language
2.Tier II - Main Test : Time 3 Hours
•This will be an Objective and Descriptive type examination
•The objective type examination of 2 hours duration will consist of :
i.Test of Reasoning
ii.Data Analysis and Interpretation
iii.Marketing Knowledge
iv.Test of English Language
•The Descriptive type examination will be a test of English knowledge
that has to be done in 1 hour.
3.Tier III - Group Discussion & Interview :
•Selected candidates from Tier I and II are called for Personal Interview
and Group Discussion conducted by the respective Bank.

Syllabus : Syllabus for Bank Probationary Officer (PO) Exams

1. Test of Reasoning/Mental Ability/Aptitude:

This section usually tries to test the reasoning abilities
and mental aptitude of the candidate. Questions are
asked mainly from the following categories.
VERBAL
• Number Series
• Alphabet Series
• Test of Direction Sense
• Coding-Decoding
• Number Ranking
• Arithmetical Reasoning
• Problem on Age Calculation
• Blood Relations
• Analogy
• Decision Making etc.
NON-VERBAL
• Non Verbal Series
• Mirror Images
• Cubes and Dice
• Grouping Identical Figures
• Embedded Figures etc
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
This section tests the quantitative and mathematical
skills of the candidate. Questions are asked mainly from
the following categories.
• Number System
• HCF, LCM
• Simplification
• Decimal Fractions
• Ratio and Proportions
• Unitary Method
 • Percentage
• Time and Distance
• Time and Work
• Profit and Loss
• Average
• Simple and Compound Interest
• Mensuration (2D and 3D)
• Algebra
• Data Interpretation
3. English:
This section is designed to test the language abilities and
understanding of English grammar. Questions are asked
mainly from the following categories.
• Verb
• Adverb
• Subject Verb Agreement
• Error Correction
• Tenses
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Fill in the Blanks with Modals, Articles etc
• Comprehension
• Answering questions based on Unseen Passages
• Vocabulary
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
4. General Awareness:
This section is checks whether the candidate keep
himself/herself up to date with the world around them.
Questions are asked mainly from the following
categories.
• Current Affairs (National and International)
• Major Financial/Economic News
• Budget and Five Year Plans
• Who’s Who
• Sports
• Books and Authors
• Awards and Honours
• Science - Inventions and Discoveries
• Abbreviations
• Important Days
• International and National Organisations
NOTE:- Syllabus may vary from Bank to Bank and from
Time to Time. However this broadly covers all the topics
one should prepare for Bank PO Examination. This
syllabus is valid for bank Probationary Officer
Recruitment Exam conducted by State Bank of India
(SBI), Bank of Baroda (BOB), Allahabad Bank, ICICI,
Corporation Bank, Bank of Maharashtra and other
national banks
UPSC Exams
(Paper 1) (200 marks) - Duration : Two hrs.
• Current events of national and international
importance
• History of India and Indian national movement
 • Indian and World Geography- physical, social,
economic geography of India and the world
• Indian Polity and governance – constitution,
political system, panchayati raj, public policy,
Rights issues, etc.
• Economic and social development –
sustainable development, poverty, inclusion,
demographics, social sector initiatives etc.
• General issues on environmental ecology, bio-
diversity and climate change-that donot
require subject specialization
• General science.
(Paper II) (200 marks) – Duration : Two hrs
• Comprehension
• Interpersonal skills including communication
skills
• Logical reasoning and analytical ability
• Decision making and problem solving
• General mental ability
• Basic numeracy (numbers and their relations,
orders of magnitude etc. (Class X level), Data
interpretation (charts, graphs, tables, data
sufficiency etc. –Class X level)
• English language comprehension skills (Class
X level)
 CAT Syllabus
QUANTITATIVE:
• Geometry, (Lines, angles, Triangles, Spheres,
Rectangles, Cube, Cone etc) visit tutorial»
• Ratios and Proportion, Ratios, Percentages, In-
equations visit tutorial»
• Quadratic and linear equations visit tutorial»
• Algebra visit tutorial»
• Profit & Loss visit tutorial»
• Averages, Percentages, Partnership visit tutorial»
• Time-Speed-Distance, Work and time visit tutorial»
• Number system: HCF, LCM, Geometric Progression,
Arithmetic progression, Arithmetic mean, Geometric
mean , Harmonic mean, Median, Mode, Number Base
System, BODMAS visit tutorial»
• Mensuration, Alligation & Mixtures, Work, Pipes and
Cisterns visit tutorial»
• Simple Interest & Compound Interest
• Set Theory, Venn Diagram visit tutorial»
• Instalment Payments, Partnership, Clocks
• Probability, Permutations & Combinations visit tutorial»
Topics like Trigonometry, Vectors, Binomial Expansion,
Co-ordinate geometry, Logarithm, Calendar, Maxima &
Minima Progression, Surds & Indices and Complex
numbers are less likely to be there in CAT , MAT etc but
are likely to be there in JMET.
 DI AND REASONING :
• Data Interpretation based on text, Data Interpretation
based on graphs and tables. visit tutorial»
• Graphs can be Column graphs, Bar Graphs, Line charts,
Pie Chart, Graphs representing Area, Venn Diagram, etc.
• Critical reasoning, Visual reasoning, Assumption-Premise-
Conclusion, Assertion and reasons, Statements and
assumptions, identifying valid inferences , identifying
Strong arguments and Weak arguments, Statements and
conclusions, Cause and Effect, Identifying Probably true,
Probably false, definitely true, definitely false kind of
statement, Linear arrangements, Matrix arrangements.
• Puzzles, Syllogisms, Functions, Family tree - identifying
relationship among group of people, Symbol Based
problems, Coding and decoding , Sequencing , identifying
next number in series, etc.
ENGLISH :
• Comprehension of passage ( Poems can also come). visit
tutorial»
• Verbal Reasoning, Syllogisms , Contextual usage,
Analogies, Antonyms, Fill In the Blanks, Jumbled
paragraphs with 4 or 5 sentences, Jumbled paragraphs (6
sentences with first and last fixed), visit tutorial»
• Sentence Correction, Foreign language words used in
English, Sentence completion, Sentence correction, odd
man out, idioms, one word substitution, Different usage
of same word etc.
GK/GA/BA :
• Current Affairs, Business, Punch line of companies, Top
officials of big companies, Major corporate events
• Famous award and prizes
• World Records
• Books and authors
• Science, History, Geography, International organisations
• Important quotations
• Social issues, Sports, Finance, Automobiles,
Entertainment, Politics etc.

Syllabus : Speical Class Railway Examination

PAPER-1
(i) English
The questions will be designed to test the candidates'
understanding and command of the language.

(ii) General Knowledge

The questions will be designed to test a candidate's general
awareness of the environment around him and its application to
society. The standard of answers to questions should be as
expected of students of standard 12 or equivalent.
Man and his environment
Evolution of life, plants and animals, heredity and environment-
Genetics, cells, chromosomes, genes.
Knowledge of the human body-nutrition, balanced diet,
substitute foods, public health and sanitation including control
of epidemics and common diseases. Environmental pollution and
its control. Food adulteration, proper storage and preservation
of food grains and finished products, population explosion,
population control. Production of food and raw materials.
Breeding of animals and plants, artificial insemination, manures
and fertilizers, crop protection measures, high yielding varieties
and green revolution, main cereal and cash crops of India .
Solar system and the earth, Seasons, Climate , Weather, Soil-its
formation, erosion. Forests and their uses. Natural calamities
cyclones, floods, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions. Mountains
and rivers and their role in irrigation in India . Distribution of
natural resources and industries in India . Exploration of under-
ground minerals including Oil Conservation of natural resources
with particular reference to the flora and fauna of India .

History, Politics and Society in India

Vedic, Mahavir, Budhdha, Mauryan, Sunga, Andhra, Kushan.
Gupta ages (Mauryan Pillars, Stupa Caves , Sanchi, Mathura and
Gandharva Schools , Temple architecture, Ajanta and Ellora).
The rise of new social forces with the coming of Islam and
establishment of broader contacts. Transition from feudalism to
capitalism. Opening of European contacts. Establishment of
British rule in India . Rise of nationalism and national struggle
for freedom culminating in Independence .
Constitution of India and its characteristic features -
Democracy, Secularism, Socialism, equality of opportunity and
Parliamentary form of Government. Major political ideologies-
democracy, socialism, communism and Gandhian idea of non-
violence. Indian political parties, pressure groups, public opinion
and the press, electoral system.
India 's foreign policy and non-alignment-Arms race, balance of
power. World organisation-political, social, economic and
cultural. Important events (including sports and cultural
activities) in India and abroad during the past two years.
Broad features of Indian social system: The caste system,
hierarchy - recent changes and trends. Minority social institution
- marriage, family, religion and acculturation.
Division of labour, co-operation, conflict and competition, Social
control - reward and punishment, art, law, customs,
propaganda, public opinion, agencies of social control - family,
religion, state educational institutions; factors of social change-
economic, technological, demographic, cultural; the concept of
revolution.
Social disorganisation in India - Casteism, communalism,
corruption in public life, youth unrest, beggary, drugs,
delinquency and crime, poverty and unemployment.
Social planning and welfare in India , community development
and labour welfare; welfare of Scheduled Castes and backward
classes.
Money - Taxation, price, demographic trends, national income,
economic growth. Private and Public Sectors; economic and non-
economic factors in planning, balanced versus imbalanced
growth, agricultural versus industrial development; inflation and
price stabilization, problem of resource mobilisation. India 's
Five Year Plans.

(iii) Psychological Test

The questions will be designed to assess the basic intelligence
and mechanical aptitude of the candidate.

Syllabus

Paper-I > Mathematics

1. Algebra: Concept of a set, operations on sets, Venn

diagrams. De Morgan laws. Cartesian product, relation,
equivalence relation. Representation of real numbers on
a line. Complex numbers - basic properties, modulus,
argument, cube roots of unity. Binary system of
numbers. Conversion of a number in decimal system to
binary system and vice-versa. Arithmetic, Geometric and
Harmonic progressions. Quadratic equations with real
coefficients. Solution of linear inequations of two
variables by graphs. Permutation and Combination.
Binomial theorem and its application. Logarithms and
theirapplications.

2. Matrices and Determinants: Types of matrices,

operations on matrices Determinant of a matrix, basic
properties of determinant. Adjoint and inverse of a
square matrix, Applications - Solution of a system of
linear equations in two or three unknowns by Cramer's
rule and by Matrix Method.

3. Trigonometry: Angles and their measures in degrees

and in radians. Trigonometrical ratios.Trigonometric
identities Sum and difference formulae. Multiple and Sub-
multiple angles. Inverse trigonometric
functions. Applications - Height and distance, properties
of triangles.

4. Analytical Geometry of two and three

dimensions: Rectangular Cartesian Coordinate system.
Distance formula. Equation of a line in various forms.
Angle between two lines. Distance of a point from a line.
Equation of a circle in standard and in general form.
Standard forms of parabola, ellipse and hyperbola.
Eccentricity and axis of a conic.

Point in a three dimensional space, distance between two

points. Direction Cosines and direction ratios. Equation of
a plane and a line in various forms. Angle between two
lines and angle between two planes. Equation of a
sphere.

5.Differential Calculus: Concept of a real valued

function - domain, range and graph of a function.
Composite functions, one to one, onto and inverse
functions. Notion of limit, Standard limits - examples.
Continuity of functions - examples, algebraic operations
on continuous functions. Derivative of a function at a
point, geometrical and physical interpreatation of a
derivative - applications. Derivatives of sum, product and
quotient of functions, derivative of a function with respect
of another function, derivative of a composite function.
Second order derivatives. Increasing and decreasing
functions. Application of derivatives in problems of
maxima and minima.

6.Integral Calculus and Differential

equations: Integration as inverse of differentiation,
integration by substitution and by parts, standard
integrals involving algebraic expressions, trigonometric,
exponential and hyperbolic functions. Evaluation of
definite integrals - determination of areas of plane
regions bounded by curves - applications. Definition of
order and degree of a differential equation, formation of
a differential equation by examples. General and
particular solution of a differential equation, solution of
first order and first degree differential equations of
various types - examples. Application in problems of
growth and decay.

7. Vector Algebra: Vectors in two and three dimensions,

magnitude and direction of a vector. Unit and null
vectors, addition of vectors, scalar multiplication of
vector, scalar product or dot product of two-vectors.
Vector product and cross product of two
vectors. Applications-work done by a force and moment
of a force, and in geometrical problems.

8. Statistics and Probability:

Statistics: Classification of data, Frequency distribution,

cumulative frequency distribution - examples Graphical
representation - Histogram, Pie Chart, Frequency Polygon
- examples. Measures of Central tendency - mean,
median and mode. Variance and standard deviation -
determination and comparison. Correlation and
regression.

Probability : Random experiment, outcomes and

associated sample space, events, mutually exclusive and
exhaustive events, impossible and certain events. Union
and Intersection of events. Complementary, elementary
and composite events. Definition of probability - classical
and statistical - examples. Elementary theorems on
probability - simple problems. Conditional probability,
Bayes' theorem - simple problems. Random variable as
function on a sample space. Binomial distribution,
examples of random experiments giving rise to Binominal
distribution.

Paper-II > General Ability Test

Part ‘A’ - ENGLISH (Maximum Marks 200). The question

paper in English will be designed to test the candidate’s
understanding of English and workman like use of words.
The syllabus covers various aspects like Grammar and
usage, vocabulary, comprehension and cohesion in
extended text to test the candidate’s proficiency in
English.

Part ‘B’ - GENERAL KNOWLEDGE

The question paper on General Knowledge will broadly

cover the subjects: Physics, Chemistry, General Science,
Social Studies, Geography and Current Events.

The syllabus given below is designed to indicate the

scope of these subjects included in this paper. The topics
mentioned are not to be regarded as exhaustive and
questions on topics of similar nature not specifically
mentioned in the syllabus may also be asked. Candidate’s
answers are expected to show their knowledge and
intelligent understanding of the subject.
Section ‘A’ (Physics)

Physical Properties and States of Matter, Mass, Weight,

Volume, Density and Specific Gravity, Principle of
Archimedes, Pressure Barometer.

Motion of objects, Velocity and Acceleration, Newton’s

Laws of Motion, Force and Momentum, Parallelogram of
Forces, Stability and Equilibrium of bodies, Gravitation,
elementary ideas of work, Power and Energy.

Effects of Heat, Measurement of temperature and heat,

change of State and Latent Heat, Modes of transference
of Heat.

Sound waves and their properties, Simple musical

instruments.

Rectilinear propagation of Light, Reflection and refraction.

Spherical mirrors and Lenses. Human Eye.

Natural and Artificial Magnets, Properties of a Magnet,

Earth as a Magnet.

Static and Current Electricity, conductors and Non-

conductors, Ohm’s Law, Simple Electrical Circuits,
Heating, Lighting and Magnetic effects of Current,
Measurement of Electrical Power, Primary and Secondary
Cells, Use of X-Rays.
General Principles in the working of the following :

Simple Pendulum, Simple Pulleys, Siphon, Levers,

Balloon, Pumps, Hydrometer, Pressure Cooker, Thermos
Flask, Gramophone, Telegraphs, Telephone, Periscope,
Telescope, Microscope, Mariner’s Compass; Lightening
Conductors, Safety Fuses.

Section ‘B’ (Chemistry)Physical and Chemical changes.

Elements, Mixtures and Compounds, Symbols, Formulae
and simple Chemical Equations, Law of Chemical
Combination (excluding problems). Properties of Air and
Water.

Preparation and Properties of Hydrogen, Oxygen,

Nitrogen and Carbondioxide, Oxidation and Reduction.

Acids, bases and salts.

Carbon - different forms.

Fertilizers - Natural and Artificial

Material used in the preparation of substances like soap,

Glass, Ink, Paper, Cement, Paints, Safety Matches, and
Gun-Powder.

Elementary ideas about the Structure of Atom, Atomic,

Equivalent and Molecular Weights, Valency.

Section ‘C’ (General Science)

Difference between the living and non- living.

Basis of Life - Cells, Protoplasms and Tissues.

Growth and Reproduction in Plants and Animals.

Elementary knowledge of human Body and its important

organs.

Common Epidemics, their causes and prevention.

Food - Source of Energy for man. Constituents of food,

Balanced Diet.

The Solar System - Meteors and Comets, Eclipses.

Achievements of Eminent Scientists.

Section ‘D’ (History, Freedom Movement etc.)

A broad survey of Indian History, with emphasis on

Culture and Civilisation.

Freedom Movement in India.

Elementary study of Indian Constitution and
Administration.

Elementary knowledge of Five Year Plans of India.

Panchayati Raj, Co-operatives and Community

Development.

Bhoodan, Sarvodaya, National Integration and Welfare

State, Basic Teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

Forces shaping the modern world; Renaissance,

Exploration and Discovery; War of American
Independence. French Revolution, Industrial Revolution
and Russian Revolution. Impact of Science and
Technology on Society. Concept of one World, United
Nations, Panchsheel, Democracy. Socialism and
Communism. Role of India in the present world.

Section ‘E’ (Geography)

The Earth, its shape and size. Lattitudes and Longitudes,

Concept of time. International Date Line. Movements of
Earth and their effects.

Origin of Earth. Rocks and their classification; Weathering

- Mechanical and Chemical, Earthquakes and volcanoes.

Ocean Currents and Tides

Atmosphere and its composition; Temperature and
Atmospheric Pressure, Planetary Winds, cyclones and
Anti-cyclones; Humidity; Condensation and Precipitation;
Types of Climate. Major Natural regions of the World.

Regional Geography of India - Climate, Natural

vegetation. Mineral and Power resources; location and
distribution of agricultural and industrial activities.

Important Sea ports and main sea, land and air routes of
India. Main items of Imports and Exports of India.

Section ‘F’ (Current Events)

Knowledge of Important events that have happened in

India in the recent years.

Current important world events.

Prominent personalities - both Indian and International

including those connected with cultural activities and
sports.
UPSC - CDS Examination (I) 2011 - Syllabus
Standard and Syllabus of the Examination
Standard :
The standard of the papers in Elementary Mathematics will be of
Matriculation level.
The standard of papers in other subjects will approximately be such as
may be expected of a graduate of an Indian University.
Syllabus :
English (Code No. 01)
The question paper will be designed to test the candidates’
understanding of English and workmanlike use of words.
General Knowledge (Code No. 02)
General Knowledge including knowledge of current events and of such
matters of everyday observation and experience in their scientific
aspects as may be expected of an educated person who has not made a
special study of any scientific subject.
The paper will also include questions on History of India and Geography
of a nature which candidate should be able to answer without special
study.
Elementary Mathematics (Code No. 03)
Arithmetic :
Number System-Natural numbers, Integers, Rational and Real
numbers. Fundamental operations addition, subtraction, multiplication,
division, Square roots, Decimal fractions.
Unitary method-time and distance, time and work, percentages,
applications to simple and compound interest, profit and loss, ratio and
proportion, variation.
Elementary Number Theory- Division algorithm. Prime and composite
numbers. Tests of divisibility by 2,3,4,5,9 and 11. Multiples and factors.
Factorisation Theorem. H.C.F. and L.C.M. Euclidean algorithm,
Logarithms to base 10, laws of logarithms, use of logarithmic tables.
Algebra :
Basic Operations, simple factors, Remainder Theorem, H.C.F., L.C.M.
Theory of polynomials, solutions of quadratic equations, relation
between its roots and coefficients (Only real roots to be considered).
Simultaneous linear equations in two unknowns-analytical and graphical
solutions. Simultaneous linear equations in two variables and their
solutions.
Practical problems leading to two simultaneous linear equations or
inequations in two variables or quadratic equations in one variable &
their solutions.
Set language and set notation, Rational expressions and conditional
identities, Laws of indices.
Trigonometry :
Sine x, cosine x, Tangent x when 00 ≤
x ≤ 900 Values of sin x, cos x and tan x, for x = 00, 300, 450, 600 and
900
Simple trigonometric identities.
Use of trigonometric tables.
Simple cases of heights and distances.
Geometry :
Lines and angles, Plane and plane figures, Theorems on
i. Properties of angles at a point

ii. Parallel lines,

iii.Sides and angles of a triangle,

 iv.Congruency of triangles,

v. Similar triangles,

vi.Concurrence of medians and altitudes,

vii.Properties of angles, sides and diagonals of a parallelogram,

rectangle and square

viii.Circles and its properties including tangents and normals,

ix.Loci.
Mensuration :
Areas of squares, rectangles, parallelograms, triangle and circle. Areas
of figures which can be split up into these figures (Field Book), Surface
area and volume of cuboids, lateral surface and volume of right circular
cones and cylinders, surface area and volume of spheres.
Statistics :
Collection and tabulation of statistical data, Graphical representation
frequency polygons, histograms, bar charts, pie charts etc. Measures of
central tendency.
Intelligence and personality test :
In addition to the interview the candidates will be put to Intelligence
Tests both verbal and non-verbal, designed to assess their basic
intelligence.
They will also be put to Group Tests such as group discussions, group
planning, outdoor group tasks, and asked to give brief lectures on
specified subjects.
All these tests are intended to judge the mental calibre of a candidate.
In broad terms, this is really an assessment of not only his intellectual
qualities but also his social traits and interests in current affairs.
UPSC - CDS Examination (I) 2011 - Syllabus