Title: My Journey to Clearing the SBI PO Prelims 2018: A Hard Work Success Story

My Exams and Results

In my first attempt to clear the SBI PO Prelims 2018, I dedicated a significant amount of time to thorough preparation. Here is a glimpse into my attempt:

Reasoning: Attempted 18 out of 50 questions Quantitative Aptitude: Attempted 11 out of 35 questions English: Attempted 33 out of 40 questions Current Affairs: Scored 19.6/35 Descriptive Section: Performed well and might get over 40 marks

Based on my performance, I expect my total score to be around 100-110 marks. After the prelims, I was selected for the interview, among the shortlisted candidates.

Reflection and Lessons Learned

My previous attempts include a tough RBI Assistant exam and the SBI PO Prelims, where I attempted 79 questions and scored 79.25. Although I was not able to clear the mains, I got selected as an IBPS Clerk in Indian Bank. This was my first attempt, and it was a valuable learning experience.

Background and Motivation

I graduated in 2015 with a degree in computer engineering and faced the challenge of finding a stable job. Although I was selected in an on-campus placement in a private company, the salary and the volatile nature of the IT sector pushed me towards focusing on the government sector. I returned home in December 2017 and joined a nearby coaching center. Since then, I have been preparing for the SBI PO exam, purchasing the Oliveboard test series, and working on a strict schedule.

In October 2018, during the fourth shift, I attempted 62 questions in total. My attempt included:

English: 26 out of 30 questions Reasoning: 22 out of 35 questions Quantitative Aptitude: 14 out of 35 questions (which is lower than planned due to poor performance in Data Interpretation)

Despite not being shortlisted for the mains in the first attempt, I felt happy and relieved that my hard work had paid off. A month later, on November 2nd, 2018, I received great news—my performance in the prelims led to my selection for the mains. I continued to study diligently for the upcoming mains exam, which was just two weeks away.

To my surprise, on December 17th, 2018, I cleared the mains and advanced to the next phase. This journey has taught me the value of hard work and smart efforts in achieving success.

Conclusion and Recommendations

My experience with the SBI PO Prelims 2018 and subsequent efforts in clearing the mains is a testament to the importance of strategic preparation and persistence. Here are a few key takeaways and tips for those preparing for such exams:

Consistent Practice: Regularly practice past papers and mock tests to improve accuracy and speed. Targeted Preparation: Focus on strong areas to maximize marks while identifying and improving weak areas. Time Management: Allocate time effectively during the exam, especially for challenging sections. Mental Fortitude: Maintain a positive mindset and stay motivated, especially when facing difficulties.

I hope these insights will be helpful for aspiring candidates preparing for the SBI PO and other similar exams. Thank you for reading, and I hope this story inspires others to pursue their goals with determination and hard work.