For aspirants preparing for government exams, understanding the exam syllabus and pattern is the first step toward success. Whether you are targeting SBI PO, SSC CGL, UPSC, or other competitive exams, knowing what to expect helps streamline preparation. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of exam patterns, syllabus details, and expert preparation strategies to help you ace your desired exam.
SBI PO Exam Syllabus & Pattern
SBI PO Exam Pattern
SBI PO recruitment consists of three phases:
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims)
- Main Exam (Mains)
- Group Exercise & Interview
SBI PO Prelims Exam Pattern
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
SBI PO Mains Exam Pattern
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 min |
Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 min |
General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 min |
Total | 155 | 200 | 3 Hours |
SBI PO Syllabus
- English Language: Grammar, Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry.
- Reasoning Ability: Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Puzzles, Syllogisms.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking & Financial Awareness.
- Computer Aptitude: Basic Computer Knowledge, Internet & Networking.
SSC CGL Exam Syllabus & Pattern
SSC CGL Exam Pattern
SSC CGL is conducted in four tiers:
- Tier 1 – Preliminary Exam (Objective)
- Tier 2 – Main Exam (Objective)
- Tier 3 – Descriptive Exam
- Tier 4 – Skill Test/Computer Proficiency Test
SSC CGL Tier 1 Exam Pattern
Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
General Awareness | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
English Comprehension | 25 | 50 | 60 min |
Total | 100 | 200 | 1 Hour |
SSC CGL Syllabus
- General Intelligence & Reasoning: Analogies, Coding-Decoding, Venn Diagrams.
- General Awareness: Indian History, Geography, Economics, Polity.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Profit & Loss, Time & Work.
- English Comprehension: Grammar, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction.
UPSC Exam Syllabus & Pattern
UPSC CSE Exam Pattern
UPSC conducts the Civil Services Examination (CSE) in three stages:
- Prelims – Screening Test
- Mains – Written Examination
- Interview – Personality Test
UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern
Paper | Subject | Marks | Duration |
Paper 1 | General Studies | 200 | 2 Hours |
Paper 2 | CSAT (Qualifying) | 200 | 2 Hours |
UPSC Mains Exam Pattern
Paper | Subject | Marks |
Paper A | Indian Language | 300 |
Paper B | English | 300 |
Paper I | Essay | 250 |
Paper II | GS 1 (History, Geography) | 250 |
Paper III | GS 2 (Polity, Governance) | 250 |
Paper IV | GS 3 (Economy, Science) | 250 |
Paper V | GS 4 (Ethics) | 250 |
Paper VI & VII | Optional Subject | 500 |
UPSC Syllabus
- General Studies: History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Science & Tech.
- Essay Writing: Critical thinking, Social Issues.
- Optional Subjects: Law, Economics, Literature, etc.
- CSAT: Quantitative Aptitude, Logical Reasoning, Comprehension.
Common Strategies to Crack Competitive Exams
Preparation Tips for Success
- Understand the Syllabus: Carefully analyze the official syllabus.
- Create a Study Plan: Allocate time wisely for each subject.
- Use Standard Books: Refer to NCERTs, banking guides, and previous year papers.
- Practice Mock Tests: Attempt weekly mock tests and analyze mistakes.
- Time Management: Develop quick solving techniques for quantitative sections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start with the basics of Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning, and practice daily mock tests.
Both are challenging but SSC CGL requires a broader syllabus covering general awareness extensively.
Yes, many aspirants have cleared UPSC through self-study with the right resources.
Consistency, revision, and mock test analysis are key to success.
Focus on common subjects like English, Quant, and Reasoning while customizing preparation for specific exams.
It depends on preparation. Be confident and well-versed with banking and current affairs.
Books like RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude, Lucent’s GK, and Wren & Martin’s English are recommended.
UPSC has a success rate of less than 1%, making it one of the toughest exam
Read newspapers, practice comprehension, and revise grammar rules.
Yes, they help understand exam patterns and frequently asked questions.
With years of experience in career guidance, online income strategies, and skill development, Aman shares practical insights on CareerKendra.com, a platform designed to empower professionals, students, and freelancers with valuable knowledge.