#SBIGD2018Experience #PartTwo
This will be part two and a direct continuation from the previous post where I have discussed my 2018 SBI PO GD-PI experience in a lucid manner. Please refer to that first before reading this any further.
Disclaimer: The points provided below are solely based on my own experiences: some successful, some unsuccessful. The guidelines should and must not be taken as sacrosanct. Please do your own research as well.
This post will two things which were left in the last post:
- How to Prepare for GD.
- How to Prepare for the PI.
1. How to Prepare for GD? (20 Marks out of 50)
In SBI, the GD round is divided into two parts: GD and GE of 10 Marks each. It takes place one after the other. Generally, the GD takes place first and GE follows.
In GD, 4-5 topics are given on the spot, the group as a whole needs to chose 1 Topic. You’ll be given 5-10 Minutes and Notepads to jot down your points. Use it well.
You don’t need any special preparation for GD. Whatever knowledge you have gained over your whole lifetime will be at test. Just be aware of the current happenings in around you. The types of topic can range from Economy to IR to Sports to anything. There can be more general topics as well like Pollution.
After GD, there will be Group Exercise or Prioritization exercise. You’ll be given a situation and you’ll have to answer accordingly. For example :
You are HR Head of your bank and have been given the responsibility to shortlist the candidates based on their resume. Below are 5 Pointers that you need to keep in mind before shortlisting. Rank them in order of priority. The most important point should be at the top and least important should be at the bottom.
- Academics
- Co-curricular Activities
- Job experience
Etc.
Since this is a ‘Group’ Discussion, you need to maintain the group dynamics. Few tips from my side:
1. Show your leadership skills.
2. Have good communication skills. Communication is a two-way process. So be a good listener as well.
3. Maintain group dynamics.
4. It’s a discussion. Don’t turn it into a debate.
5. Don’t be too aggressive. Don’t be too shy/timid either.
6. Don’t cut short/interrupt others.
7. It doesn’t matter if you don’t get the chance to start the discussion. There are 10 others, but only 1 can start. Starting first can backfire as well if you are not good at setting the tone for the discussion. But if you are confident enough, you can start, it will definitely fetch you some extra marks.
8. Support your arguments with examples. Know why are you saying what are you saying.
9. Try to speak 3-4 times during the discussion. If you think you have something to add and you are not being repetitive, you can speak more. But make sure everyone gets the chance to speak. If you see someone too timid who is being tamed by others. You can give that candidate a chance. This will show your leadership skill.
Use google to search for probable topics. Form small groups and start practicing. 9-10 good Mock GDs before the exam would set you on the right path.
2. How to prepare for the PI? (30 Out 0f 50 Marks)
You might have heard people say that this a test of your personality. Knowledge doesn’t matter. They have already checked your knowledge over the previous two phases. And stuff like this. But I’ll tell you what I think. I think that Knowledge is a crucial part of your personality. Being knowledgable definitely adds to your personality. So work on your knowledge as well if you haven’t till now. Start reading one newspaper from today itself.
Your PI will normally revolve around 6 things :
- Banking and Economy Awareness (Basics)
- Current Burning Issues
- Your BIO-DATA.
- Your Graduation Subject.
- Typical HR Questions.
- Work Ex Related Questions (If Applicable)
I am providing links to some of the resources that I found useful during my last year’s preparation and also some which I found recently. Please refer to these.
Meritshine: https://www.facebook.com/groups/meritshine/permalink/2180803608607943/
Infinitesimal : https://www.facebook.com/groups/infinitesimal/permalink/2180904712174783/
Supriyo Panda : http://supriyopanda.com/my-road-to-sbi-po-part-1/
Use Google judiciously for the preparation. Search for previous year GD Topics and GE Prioritization exercises.
Good luck. Wish me luck too.
Thank You.
