SBI PO 2021 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

SBI PO 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 14 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Sentence Improvement / Phrase Replacement

   In the sentence below, a part is underlined. Choose the option that best improves the underlined portion. The bank manager assured that all depositors would receive their funds without no delay. Which replacement is most appropriate?

   • A. without any delay
   • B. with no any delay
   • C. without none delay
   • D. without no delays
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   'Without any delay' is grammatically correct. The original phrase 'without no delay' contains a double negative, which is incorrect in standard English.

2. Q2 · Cloze Test

   In the following passage, fill in blank (2) with the most appropriate word. The Reserve Bank's monetary policy _____(1)_____ plays a vital role in controlling inflation. By adjusting interest rates, the central bank can _____(2)_____ economic activity and maintain price stability. Which word best fits blank (2)?

   • A. eliminate
   • B. regulate
   • C. destroy
   • D. ignore
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   'Regulate' is appropriate as it means to control or maintain the rate of economic activity, which aligns with the central bank's role in maintaining stability.

3. Q3 · Word Swap

   In the sentence below, identify the pair of words that should be swapped to make the sentence meaningful. Customers who fail to maintain (A) the minimum balance (B) may incur (C) penalties, which are designed to encourage (D) regular account activity. Which pair needs to be swapped?

   • A. A and C
   • B. B and D
   • C. C and D
   • D. No swap required
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   The sentence is already logical and meaningful. Failure to maintain minimum balance leads to penalties, which encourage maintaining regular account activity.

4. Q4 · Match the Columns / Connectors

   Match the following phrases in Column A with their appropriate continuations in Column B: Column A: (i) Although the team worked diligently, (ii) Since the budget was approved, Column B: (P) the project commenced immediately. (Q) they could not meet the deadline. Which of the following is the correct match?

   • A. (i)–(P), (ii)–(Q)
   • B. (i)–(Q), (ii)–(P)
   • C. (i)–(Q), (ii)–(Q)
   • D. (i)–(P), (ii)–(P)
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   (i) uses 'although' which introduces a contrast, so pairs with (Q). (ii) uses 'since' indicating cause, so pairs with (P).

5. Q5 · Idioms and Phrases

   What does the idiom 'A blessing in disguise' mean?

   • A. A fortunate event that initially seemed unfortunate
   • B. An expected reward
   • C. A hidden danger
   • D. A surprise party
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   'A blessing in disguise' refers to something that appears bad at first but turns out to be beneficial.

6. Q6 · Mensuration

   A cylinder and a cone have equal radii and equal heights. If the volume of the cylinder is 180 cm³, what is the volume of the cone?

   • A. 30 cm³
   • B. 45 cm³
   • C. 60 cm³
   • D. 90 cm³
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Volume of cylinder = πr²h = 180. Volume of cone = (1/3)πr²h = (1/3) × 180 = 60 cm³.

7. Q7 · Order and Ranking

   In a row of 40 students, Sanjay is 16th from the left end and Vijay is 20th from the right end. How many students are there between Sanjay and Vijay?

   • A. 3
   • B. 4
   • C. 5
   • D. 6
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Sanjay is 16th from left, so 25th from right (40-16+1=25). Vijay is 20th from right. Students between them = 25-20-1 = 4.

8. Q8 · Coding-Decoding

   In a certain code language, TIGER is written as SHFDQ. How will ELEPHANT be written in that code?

   • A. DKDOGZMS
   • B. DMFQIBOU
   • C. DKDQGZMS
   • D. DKDOGZMU
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Each letter is replaced by the letter immediately before it in the alphabet. E→D, L→K, E→D, P→O, H→G, A→Z, N→M, T→S gives DKDOGZMS.

9. Q9 · Data Sufficiency

   How many children are there in the row? Statement I: Priya is 15th from the left end and 23rd from the right end. Statement II: Amit is 7th to the right of Priya and is 21st from the left end.

   • A. Statement I alone is sufficient
   • B. Statement II alone is sufficient
   • C. Either statement alone is sufficient
   • D. Both statements together are needed
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Statement I gives Priya's position from both ends: total = 15 + 23 - 1 = 37, sufficient. Statement II only gives positions from the left end (Amit 21st, Priya 14th) with no right-end reference, so total cannot be determined.

10. Q10 · Statement-Assumption / Conclusion

    Statement: "Attend our weekend workshop to enhance your communication skills." - An institute's advertisement. Which assumption is implicit?

    • A. People attending the workshop have poor communication skills.
    • B. The workshop will help participants improve their communication abilities.
    • C. Weekend workshops are more effective than weekday ones.
    • D. Communication skills cannot be learned without attending workshops.
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    The advertisement assumes that the workshop will provide value by enhancing participants' communication skills.