Is There Any Chance to Crack the SBI PO Without Solving Puzzles in Preli or Mains?
Cracking the SBI PO exam without solving puzzles is challenging but not impossible. Here are some key points to consider:
Understanding the Exam Structure
The SBI PO exam consists of two stages: the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam.
Preliminary Exam
This stage comprises three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. Puzzles are a significant part of the reasoning section.
Mains Exam
The Mains Exam includes an objective test with sections such as Data Analysis Interpretation, Reasoning, Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
The Importance of Puzzles in SBI PO
Puzzles are common in competitive exams and can help boost your score in the reasoning section. They test logical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are crucial for the banking sector.
Strategies to Succeed Without Puzzles
Focus on other topics to compensate for any potential weaknesses in reasoning:
Strengthen your understanding of other areas of reasoning such as coding-decoding, syllogisms, blood relations, and seating arrangements. These topics may not involve complex puzzles.
Excel in the Quantitative Aptitude section to compensate for any gaps in reasoning.
A strong performance in the English Language section can significantly boost your overall score.
Practice time management to ensure you can answer as many questions as possible even if you skip puzzles.
Practice and Preparation
To prepare effectively:
Take full-length mock tests to assess your strengths and weaknesses. This will help you identify areas where you can score well without relying on puzzles.
Use study resources that emphasize other reasoning topics and quantitative skills.
Personal Experience
Yes, of course. I myself did not solve any of the puzzles, but I did not avoid them altogether either. Why? Here’s the answer:
First of all, reasoning teaches us to be more productive in less time. On average, it takes me around 10 minutes to solve a puzzle for the SBI PO Mains. In an actual exam, this could easily take 12 minutes to answer 5–6 questions. The catch is, in 12 minutes, I could attempt 9 non-puzzle questions and answer them accurately. If someone can solve the puzzle quickly, the answer to 5–6 questions becomes more accurate.
In the end, it all boils down to your preparation strategy.
Always prepare for the worst, and assume that non-puzzle questions might not be present at all.
Conclusion
While avoiding puzzles may limit your score potential, a strategic approach focusing on other sections can still lead to success in the SBI PO exam. Develop at least a basic understanding of puzzles, as they often appear in various sections, but prioritize your time and resources on other crucial areas.