SBI PO Vs Cat Which Is tough - Banking Exams PDF Download

Introduction

The SBI PO exam is conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit Probationary Officers for its various branches across the country. On the other hand, CAT is an entrance exam conducted by the Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs) for admission to their management programs.

Exam Pattern

SBI PO Exam Pattern

The SBI PO exam consists of three phases: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. The Preliminary Exam is an online objective test consisting of three sections: English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Main Exam is also an online objective test with four sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language. After qualifying in the Main Exam, candidates are called for the Interview round.

CAT Exam Pattern

The CAT exam is also conducted online and consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension (VARC), Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning (DILR), and Quantitative Ability (QA). The duration of the exam is three hours, and it includes both multiple-choice questions and non-multiple-choice questions.

Difficulty Level

SBI PO Difficulty Level

The SBI PO exam is known for its moderate to high difficulty level. The questions in the exam are designed to test the candidate's knowledge, reasoning ability, and problem-solving skills. The competition for the SBI PO exam is also quite high, with a large number of candidates appearing for the exam every year.

CAT Difficulty Level

The CAT exam is considered to be one of the toughest management entrance exams in India. The difficulty level of the CAT exam is generally high, and the questions are designed to assess the candidate's analytical and logical reasoning skills. The competition for the CAT exam is also intense, as it is the gateway to prestigious management institutes like the IIMs.

Syllabus

SBI PO Syllabus

The SBI PO syllabus covers various topics such as English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. The syllabus is vast and requires a thorough understanding of each subject.

CAT Syllabus

The CAT syllabus consists of three sections: Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension, Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning, and Quantitative Ability. The syllabus for CAT is based on high school mathematics, logical reasoning, and English language skills.

Selection Process

SBI PO Selection Process

The SBI PO selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview. Candidates need to qualify in each stage to proceed to the next. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in the Main Exam and Interview.

CAT Selection Process

The CAT selection process involves two stages: Written Exam and Personal Interview. Candidates who qualify in the written exam are called for the interview round. The final selection is based on the candidate's performance in both stages.

Preparation Strategy

SBI PO Preparation Strategy

To prepare for the SBI PO exam, candidates should start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus. They should then create a study plan and allocate time for each subject. Regular practice and solving previous year question papers can help improve speed and accuracy. Mock tests can also be taken to assess the level of preparation.

CAT Preparation Strategy

Preparing for the CAT exam requires a systematic approach. Candidates should focus on improving their reading and comprehension skills, logical reasoning, and quantitative aptitude. They should solve previous year question papers and take mock tests to get familiar with the exam pattern and time management.

Study Material

SBI PO Study Material

For the SBI PO exam, candidates can refer to various study materials available in the market. Some recommended books include "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal, "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal, and "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi. Additionally, EduRev provides quality content and study materials for SBI PO exam preparation.

CAT Study Material

For CAT preparation, candidates can refer to books like "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma, "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay, and "How to Prepare for Data Interpretation for CAT" by Arun Sharma. EduRev also offers comprehensive study materials for CAT preparation.

Coaching Institutes

SBI PO Coaching Institutes

There are several coaching institutes that provide guidance and coaching for the SBI PO exam. Some popular coaching institutes include TIME, Career Launcher, and Mahendra's. These institutes offer classroom coaching, mock tests, study materials, and expert guidance.

CAT Coaching Institutes

For CAT preparation, candidates can enroll in coaching institutes like TIME, IMS, and Career Launcher. These institutes provide comprehensive coaching, mock tests, study materials, and personalized guidance to help candidates crack the CAT exam.

Success Rate

SBI PO Success Rate

The success rate for the SBI PO exam varies each year. It depends on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the number of candidates appearing for the exam. However, with the right preparation and dedication, candidates can improve their chances of success.

CAT Success Rate

The success rate for the CAT exam is relatively low due to the intense competition and the limited number of seats available in top management institutes. However, candidates who score well in the CAT exam have the opportunity to get admission to prestigious management programs offered by the IIMs and other reputed institutes.

Career Opportunities

SBI PO Career Opportunities

Clearing the SBI PO exam opens up a wide range of career opportunities in the banking sector. Successful candidates can join the State Bank of India as Probationary Officers and have the opportunity to grow and progress in their banking career.

CAT Career Opportunities

Candidates who excel in the CAT exam have the opportunity to pursue management programs from top B-Schools in India. These programs open up various career opportunities in the corporate sector, including roles in finance, marketing, operations, and consulting.

FAQs

Q1: Which exam is tougher, SBI PO or CAT?
Ans: The difficulty level of both exams is subjective and depends on the individual's strengths and weaknesses. However, the CAT exam is generally considered tougher due to its high difficulty level and intense competition.

Q2: Can SBI PO aspirants also appear for the CAT exam?
Ans: Yes, SBI PO aspirants can also appear for the CAT exam if they meet the eligibility criteria for the CAT exam. It provides an additional opportunity to pursue a management program from top B-Schools.

Q3: Is coaching necessary for SBI PO and CAT exams?
Ans: Coaching is not mandatory but can be beneficial in terms of guidance, structured study material, and mock tests. However, self-study and consistent practice can also lead to success in these exams.

Q4: Which study materials are recommended for SBI PO and CAT preparation?
Ans: For SBI PO preparation, candidates can refer to books like "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal and "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi. For CAT preparation, books like "How to Prepare for Quantitative Aptitude for CAT" by Arun Sharma and "How to Prepare for Verbal Ability and Reading Comprehension for CAT" by Arun Sharma and Meenakshi Upadhyay are recommended.

Q5: Are there any online platforms that provide study materials for SBI PO and CAT exams?
Ans: Yes, EduRev is an online platform that provides quality study materials, practice questions, and mock tests for both SBI PO and CAT exams. It is a reliable source for comprehensive exam preparation.