English Language
Common Error Patterns (COMMA) — Remember Comma splices, Object-verb mismatch, Modifier placement errors, Many/Much confusion, Article errors (a/an/the) — these five trap 70% of error-spotting questions in banking exams.
Para Jumble: Opening-Closing Scan — First identify the opening sentence (introduces topic, no pronouns/that/this) and closing sentence (conclusion words: thus/hence/finally). Eliminates 2-3 options instantly; then link transition words.
Connector Quick Map (BACH) — But/However (contrast), And/Moreover (addition), Consequently/Therefore (result), Hence/Thus (conclusion). Match column connectors must show logical relationship between clauses.
Idiom Frequency Trick — SBI loves 15 idioms repeatedly: "beat around the bush," "call it a day," "hit the nail on the head," "piece of cake," "break the ice," "once in a blue moon." Memorize these exact phrases and meanings first.
Cloze Test: POS Scanning — Read first sentence fully, then for blanks check Part of Speech needed (noun/verb/adjective). Eliminate 2 options immediately if POS doesn't match; tone (positive/negative) eliminates 1 more.
Quantitative Aptitude
Divisibility by 11 (Alternate Sum) — Subtract sum of alternate digits: 8*2*6*3* → (8+6)−(2+3)=9, not divisible by 11. For 9*3*5, (9+5)−3=11, divisible. Saves 15 seconds per question in series/simplification.
Boat Formula (DUBS) — Downstream = B+S (boat + stream), Upstream = B−S. If D and U given: Boat speed = (D+U)/2, Stream = (D−U)/2. Write this on rough sheet first minute.
Time-Work: Efficiency Ratio — If A:B time ratio is 3:4, efficiency ratio is inverse 4:3. Total work = LCM of days. A finishes in 3 days, B in 4 days → LCM=12 units; A does 4 units/day, B does 3 units/day.
Alligation Cross Method — For two mixtures, draw X. Place mean in center, cheaper on top-left, costlier on bottom-right. Differences give ratio: (costlier−mean):(mean−cheaper). Instant mixing ratios without equations.
Compound Interest: 2-Year Shortcut — For 2 years: CI−SI = (SI×R)/100. If SI for 2 years is ₹400 at 10%, extra CI = 400×10/100 = ₹40. For 3 years: use (P×R²)/100² for third-year difference.
Percentage-Fraction Conversions — Memorize: 12.5%=1/8, 16.67%=1/6, 33.33%=1/3, 37.5%=3/8, 62.5%=5/8, 66.67%=2/3, 87.5%=7/8. Converts percentage problems to fraction math in 3 seconds.
Speed-Distance: Relative Speed — Same direction: subtract speeds. Opposite direction: add speeds. Trains crossing: add lengths, divide by relative speed. This solves 90% of train/race problems.
Partnership: Time Adjustment — If A invests for 6 months, B for 8 months, multiply capital by time: A's 10,000×6 vs B's 15,000×8 → ratio 60:120 = 1:2. Profit divides in this ratio.
Average: Replacement Formula — When one value replaces another, change in average = (new−old)/total_numbers. If average of 5 increases by 3, total increase = 5×3 = 15. The new value exceeds old by 15.
DI: Percentage Change Shortcut — For bar graphs, calculate (New−Old)/Old × 100. If values are 120→150, change = 30/120 = 25% increase. Memorize: 1/4=25%, 1/5=20%, 1/3=33.33% for quick approximations.
Reasoning Ability
Blood Relations: Generation Code — Assign +1 for each generation up (father, uncle), −1 for down (son, nephew), 0 for same (brother, cousin). Sum the chain: "father's sister's son" = +1+0−1 = 0 = cousin.
Coding: Position Value (EJOTY) — E=5, J=10, O=15, T=20, Y=25 are anchor letters (multiples of 5). For Z=26, Y=25... quick reverse counting. +3 coding: A→D, E→H, O→R pattern.
Direction: NESW Clockwise + Right-Hand Rule — Draw mini compass: N-E-S-W clockwise. Right turn = next letter (N→E), Left = previous (N→W). 180° = opposite. After each turn, mark new facing direction.
Inequality Chaining (Clear Conclusions) — A≥B≥C: A≥C is definitely true. A>B≥C: A>C is true. A≥B<C: A vs C is false (no relation). Either-or appears only when < and > point opposite through middle term.
Syllogism: Venn Diagrams for "Some" — "Some A are B" = overlapping circles. "No A is B" = separate circles. "All A are B" = A inside B. Draw quick Venn for two premises; conclusion must match all possible diagrams.
Seating Arrangement: Fix One Person — In circular tables, always fix one person's position first (removes rotational confusion). Then place "immediate neighbors" and "opposite" clues next. Linear: start from extreme ends with definite positions.
Floor Puzzle: Numbered Floor Trick — Ground floor = 1 (not 0). If 7 floors, topmost = 7. "Two floors between A and B" means exactly 2 floors separate them (if A=2, B=5). Draw vertical 1-7 column immediately.
Input-Output: Step Pattern Recognition — First step usually sorts/arranges words alphabetically or numbers ascending. Each step moves 1-2 elements to final position. Count total elements; if 8 words, expect 4-5 steps. Check left-to-right vs right-to-left arrangement pattern.