INTERVIEW MADE EASY - Part A

SBILD
WARANGAL

INTERVIEW MADE EASY - 2019

HOW TO
PART ‘A’ PREPARE FOR
INTERVIEW

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 INTERVIEW MADE EASY - Part A

Dear Aspirants,

Wishing you all a very happy & prosperous New Year 2019

I am pleased to present this interview material prepared by team SBILD Warangal to help the aspirants
in facing the interview in the current year promotional exercise.

This book is purely an in-house edition and useful to all the aspirants in all the cadres who aim at better
career. This handbook helps in self preparation by making a SWOT analysis and for better performance
in the interview.

I compliment TEAM SBILD WARANGAL for their efforts in preparing the booklet in a lucid style.

I wish the aspirants all the best.

K V Bangarraju
DGM & CDO, Hyderabad Circle

INDEX

S.NO. CONTENTS PAGE NO

PART ‘A’
1 Interview Tips and techniques 3-4
2 Some Beliefs about Interview 5–9
3 Common Interview Questions General 10 - 13
4 Common Interview Questions Banking 14 - 30

Disclaimer
Every effort has been made by us to avoid errors or omissions in this publication. If any error or
discrepancy observed may be brought to our notice through e-mail to
director.sbildwarangal@sbi.co.in.

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Part ‘A’

INTERVIEW TIPS & TECHNIQUES

Topic Description

The interview is an occasion of interpersonal communication between the

prospective employer and a prospective candidate. It is a platform where the
Purpose behind organization checks the suitability of the candidate vis-a-vis the job profile.
conducting the
Interviews Moreover, the interviewee has the opportunity to examine if his/her personal
objectives will be met in the job and the company. In an interview, the
candidate try to sell themselves to the interviewer
Whether the candidate has developed and communicated a clear, simple,
customer/ user focused vision?

Whether the candidate has futuristic outlook, and the potential to be an asset
to the organisation?

Whether the candidate can inspire and energize others and make them commit
to a vision?

Whether the candidate is willing to make commitments and assume

responsibility for the mistakes and shortcomings?

Does the candidate practice ethical conduct?

Is there any credibility between his/her actions/ behavior with his/her words?
What Is It That The
Interviewers Check In Does the candidate take accountability and make commitment to achieve
A Candidate? business objectives?

Does the candidate have the ability to demonstrate courage/ confidence to

stand up for beliefs and ideas to co-workers and seniors?

Does the candidate communicate in open, candid, clear, complete and

consistent manner?

Does the candidate trust others; encourage risk-taking and boundary less
behavior?

Is the candidate capable of taking leadership and running a branch in the

future?

How well does the candidate behave under pressure?

Your technical competence to handle the job

Your knowledge about the subject you have studied in graduation or post
In a nutshell, the
graduation
interviewer checks
Your personality characteristics

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Your emotional intelligence

Your general awareness and view point about the happenings around you

Your limitation in skills

Your personality trait

Your IQ (intelligence quotient), PQ (physical quotient), EQ (emotional

quotient), SQ (spiritual quotient)

Your ability to analyze and articulate

Your ability to visualize the future

Your linguistic prowess

Interview is an opportunity for you to present your personality consisting of

your attitude, views and awareness level before the Interview Board, so that
How To Face Bank
the potential in `you' is appropriately judged by the members of the Interview
Interviews
Board, who are learned/experienced people in their own fields of
specialisation.

You should spend good time to make the choice of the contents relevant to
What you should your interview. These contents differ for interviews depending upon the level
prepare? for which the interview is being held. Broadly these can be disintegrated into
macro and micro aspects.

The interview board, in order to judge your POTENTIAL evaluates your

Performance in the recent past, Operating style, Team building capabilities,
Effectiveness, Neutral judgment level, Transparency in dealings, Initiatives,
Attitude and Leadership qualities.
What is evaluated
Though the interview is not a new process for many of you, being already in
during the interview?
job, but you have no way of knowing exactly what is going to be asked and
how that would be tackled.

The following general tips can help a candidate appearing for an interview, to
face the questions confidently.

It is important that you must not venture to go for an interview with a

Should you prepare
predetermined script of exactly what you are going to say.
pre-scripted
questions?
What is actually required is the tactics that enable you to navigate successfully
through the interview.

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Some Beliefs about Interviews

Research has shown that interviewers make up their minds very early on in the interview and that personal
chemistry between interviewer and interviewee is more powerful in influencing the Board decision than
anything the applicant has achieved.

Most people approach an interview with trepidation thinking of all the reasons why they should not get
through. It is called “wooden legs”. The common wooden legs are

✓ I am too old/young
✓ I do not have any influence (“Recommendation”)
✓ I do not have better command of English/delivery

Strange as it may seem, research suggests that interviewing is a skill one can work on it; you can train
yourself to present the best possible picture of yourself and your accomplishments.

Most of the interviewers are not trained in the art of interviews. This puts you in an ideal situation to assist
your interviewer gain the information you wish to give about yourself.

No one would run a marathon without training and being sure of the route.

Points to Remember :

✓ Be brief and precise while answering the questions.

✓ Maintain your cheerfulness and enthusiasm throughout the period of your interview.
✓ Be humorous. It helps only till it has an element of grace and dignity attached to it.
✓ Be polite while answering the Questions.
✓ Avoid slangs (unknown Jargons).
✓ Do not lie. If you are not sure of an answer, there is no harm in accepting the same, as honest
people are always liked. It is always important to tell the truth in an interview but with forethought,
rehearsal and good preparation. You can present what you have to offer in the most positive &
attractive way.
✓ Sometime interview is test of your patience; even if the Interview panel is trying to test your
patience with some rather boring and insipid (Tasteless) Conversation, do not lose patience. After
all, the panel/board is not obliged to entertain you. Focus on answering questions to your best
ability. This will surely bring out the best in you.
✓ If you don’t understand the question. Request the panel. There are many misconceptions about
this but it is quite in place to clarify a question from the panel. Mind, you are requesting for clarity
and not questioning them.
✓ Be natural. There are many who try to put a self-imposed shadow upon them and sacrifice their
originality in this process.
✓ Be an active listener. Good listening always helps one to better assimilate and put forth one’s
ideas more assertively and effectively.

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✓ An interview is not a mere question & answer session where the candidate can get through by
simply stating the right answers. In fact, in the interview, for certain questions there are no right or
wrong answers, it is the way that the candidates answers.
✓ Be willing to defend your viewpoint in a friendly way (Don’t be aggressive).

PREPRATION :

✓ Do not answer questions – Respond to them, so as the interviewee, you can control the information
you release about yourself. Dr. Kissinger once greeted the press corps with the words “which of
you have questions for my answers”
✓ Banish “wooden legs”
✓ Use a career statement – brief and powerful, highlighting all your “trump cards” – 30 word
statement.
✓ Practise talking about yourself loud – in the bath, while driving etc. We use different parts of our
brain for thinking and talking. Have you ever had the experience of knowing what to say & yet
somehow not being able to get it out of your mouth?
✓ At any interview, you are bound to feel some anxiety and this will not improve your fluency.
Research suggests that those who are fluent are rated as: -
o More Intelligent
o Having better interpersonal skills
o Making better managers
✓ As far as posture is concerned, the prescription is to keep fairly upright but leaning forward slightly
with low peripheral movement and as much relaxation as you can manage. One can find the most
comfortable way of achieving this before you go for an interview just place a chair in front of the
mirror and see what position you feel most comfortable in while still meeting the requirements
given under the heading- body language.
✓ Freezing (Turning blank) in the interview when asked unexpected questions like “I see you like
reading. What was the last book you read”?
✓ Some time mind goes blank at such moments. A little thought in advance about the likely
questions should reduce the chances of this kind of mental paralysis grip ping you.
✓ If you are going to give a particular activity as are at your leisure pursuits it should be something
that you do fairly regularly and which you feel you can talk about if asked. You should go for depth
of interest rather than a large range of shallow interest.
✓ Number of candidates speak so quietly and softly that the interviewer(s) has difficulty catching all
they say. So you really must speak in a clear, audible and as confident a voice as possible. Let
enthusiasm show in your voice. You cannot assert effectively if you are speaking in weary
monotone.
✓ “Play is just as hard as work but we don’t get paid for it”. The reason for this is obvious – we enjoy
doing it. Those who are high achievers at work are high achievers in their leisure.

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YOU MUST KNOW :

➢ The banks past/present history

➢ The Issues for which your bank is in news…
➢ Your present and past assignments
➢ Your environment

What the panel/Board searching in you?

Does the applicant – has a capacity for leading others?

Is he likely to be steady, and dependable?

Has he sufficient self – confidence?

Parameters of Interview

❖ Power of _expression
❖ Organizational awareness
❖ Social awareness and task involvement
❖ Mental alertness and clarity of thought
❖ General poise and demeanor
❖ Skim through the latest publications – to pick up buzzwords and key phrases that are fashionable.

LOOKING SMART

People perceived to be attractive and well groomed generally receive higher ratings then applicants thought
to be unattractive or inappropriately dressed. Get a good haircut, Good shoes & keep them clean and
polished. If you buy a new outfit practise wearing it before the interview. Coordinate your dress colour with
the belt and shoe colours. If possible, wear a good tie that matches your dress.

Look at the Interviewer :

It is important for you to look at the interviewer in the eye because this will make you appear more
confident. Research identified a positive relationship between qualification for a positive & eye contact.
Some people have difficulty looking at other “eyeball to – eyeball” and if so, they practise looking at the
interviewer’s ear.

Body Language :

A rough rule in body language is that the less people move their hands and arms, the more powerful they
are. This is because they are used to being listened to and they do not have to resort to gesticulation to get
these messages across. The technical term for this is LOW Peripheral Movement – so when being
interviewed maintains LPM and you will look even more impressive.

Sit as far back in the chair as possible before the committee members. If you sit on the edge of the chair
because you are anxious, as you relax you will lean backwardly in the chair. Or if you are asked a difficult
or challenging question your body sometimes recoils as if you had been physically hit.

If you are sitting correctly you can avoid expressing anxiety in this way and answer the questions easily &
positively. A ‘low cross’ or the ‘athletic position’ is appropriate

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Positive Body Language :

1) Open Palms 1) Indicates honesty

2) Palms on table 2) Assertiveness
3) Tilted hand/Body 3) Inquisitiveness
4) A Uniform smile 4) Genuine appreciation
5) Shoulder Movements 5) Generally positive
6) Hand on cheek 6) Assessing situation
7) Hand on Forehead 7) Deep Thought
8) Straight Body 8) General Agility
9) Steady eye contact 9) Confidence

Positive Non-verbal clues :

➢ A higher smile rate

➢ nodding the head when the interviewer is speaking
➢ leaning forward while listening and when replying
➢ A high level of eye contact
➢ However, it is important not to overdo things and it would be sensible to practise.
➢ Body language is thought to contribute over 60% to the credibility of what people say, so in the
interview it is very important to get this aspect correct

Negative Body Language :

1) Continuously changing position 1) Nervousness

2) Crushing the Teeth 2) Hhostility
3) Drooping Body 3) Lethargic
4) Palms over mouth 4) Lying
5) Bending Backwards 5) Avoidance
6) A bent smile 6) Ridicule
7) Hands Folded 7) Not receptive
8) Pointing fingers towards someone 8) Aggressiveness

PLEASE AVOID….

❖ Criticising & making adverse comments against the Bank and your erstwhile failures
❖ Panic if there is a period of silence.
❖ Evasive in your answers
❖ Boosting or selling yourself directly unless invited to.
❖ looking at watch
❖ Sit down until invited
❖ Show anxiety or boredom
❖ Show samples of your achievement until asked for
❖ Argue with the panel/interviewer in a reacted way
❖ Name-dropping
❖ Signals between the panel members, as these will break your concentration and flow of what you
are trying to say.

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❖ Undue haste in giving prompt reply.

❖ Using tentative language
❖ I feel I would.
❖ I think I can ……
❖ Perhaps I would...

Basic mistakes made at interviews :

o Inability to project special competence at the interview

o Inability to be objective about personal strengths/weaknesses
o Aggressiveness or arrogance.
o Inability to articulate ideas concisely
o Bluffing the interview board/panel

When on the Hot seat …… Project Yourself :

❖ As a sincere and alert officer of the bank who is aware of the major aspects and developments
related to his work and his environment
❖ As a person who accepts responsibility and does not avoid tackling problems and takes decisions
after applying his mind.
❖ As a person who has a broad idea and good understanding of issues and problems relating to
whole bank level though may not know certain details.
❖ As a person who accepts responsibilities and does not avoid tackling
❖ As a person who has the potential to develop and grow.
❖ As a person to shoulder higher responsibilities.

Use Phrases such as

✓ …….which means that_________

✓ …….which resulted in__________
✓ …….so that _______
✓ ……. the benefit was _________
✓ ……we gained because ______
✓ ……the advantage was _______

Practise Bragging

In the interview the selectors will not know well of you unless you tell them and Make a list of: -
✓ 5 achievements
✓ 5 skills
✓ 5 things you are good at
✓ 5 things you are proud of at work.
✓ Instead of constant use of ‘I’, strategies than can be employed by using such phrases
✓ People would say that I…….
✓ My boss once remarked that I……
✓ My experience shows that I………
✓ The record would show that I…….

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COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - GENERAL

(Take Print out and write your Answers for easy go)

Topic Description Write Your Answer

You need to have a short statement prepared in your

mind.

Be careful that it does not sound rehearsed. Limit it to

work-related items unless instructed otherwise.
Tell me about
yourself
Talk about things you have done and jobs you have held
that relate to the position you are interviewing for.

Start with the item farthest back and work up to the

present.

You should always answer YES and briefly explain why.

Do you consider
yourself A good explanation is that you have set goals, and you
successful have met some and are on track to achieve the others.

This question is one reason to do some research on the

organization before the interview.

What do you know Find out where they have been and where they are
about this going.
organization
What are the current issues and who are the major
players?

Try to include improvement activities that relate to the

job.
What have you
done to improve A wide variety of activities can be mentioned as positive
your knowledge in self-improvement.
the last year
Have some good ones handy to mention.

You should be anxious for this question.

Explain how you It gives you a chance to highlight your best points as
would be an asset they relate to the position being discussed.
to this
organization. Give a little advance thought to this relationship.

Numerous answers are good, just stay positive. A few

good examples:
What is your
Your ability to prioritize, Your problem-solving skills, Your
greatest strength
ability to work under pressure, Your ability to focus on
projects, Your professional expertise, Your leadership
skills, Your positive attitude.
What has Don't get trivial or negative.

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disappointed you
in your Safe areas are few but can include: Not enough of a
assignment challenge.

You were laid off in a reduction Company did not win a

contract, which would have given you more
responsibility.

You may say that you thrive under certain types of

pressure.
Your ability to
work under
Give an example that relates to the type of position
pressure.
applied for.

You should be clear on this with your family prior to the

interview if you think there is a chance it may come up.
Would you be
Do not say YES just to get the job if the real answer is
willing to relocate
NO.
/ transferred to
anywhere in India
This can create a lot of problems later on in your career.
if required
Be honest at this point and save yourself future grief.

Try to avoid labels. Some of the more common labels,

like progressive, salesman or consensus, can have
several meanings or descriptions depending on which
Describe your management expert you listen to.
management
style. The situational style is safe, because it says you will
manage according to the situation, instead of one size
fits all.

Emphasize benefits to the organization.

Describe your
work ethic. Things like, determination to get the job done and work
hard but enjoy your work are good
Why did you get
transferred from
Stay positive regardless of the circumstances. Never
your last
refer to a major problem with management and never
assignment? Why
speak ill of supervisors, co- workers or the organization.
did you get
If you do, you will be the one looking bad. Keep smiling
transferred
and talk about leaving for a positive reason such as an
frequently or why
opportunity, a chance to do something special or other
are you in the
forward- looking reasons.
same assignment
for a long period

What experience Speak about specifics that relate to the position you are
do you have in the applying for. If you do not have specific experience, get
next assignment as close as you can.
on promotion?
Be prepared with a quote or two from co-workers. Either
What do your a specific statement or a paraphrase will work. You can
colleagues say name a person from a branch, always said I was the
about you? hardest workers he / she had ever known

Where do you This may take some thought and certainly, should be

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want to be posted based on the research you have done on the

on your department. Sincerity is extremely important here and
promotion? Which will easily be sensed. Relate it to your long-term career
department would goals
you like to be
posted? Why
What do you think
A loaded question. A nasty little game that you will
about the variable
probably lose if you answer first. So, do not answer it.
pay introduced by
Instead, say something like, That's a tough question. In
the bank? What
most cases, the interviewer, taken off guard, will tell you.
kind of salary do
If not, say that it can depend on the details of the job
you need?

How long would

you expect to
Specifics here are not good. Something like this should
work the same job
work: I'd like it to be a long time. Or As long as we both
family if
feel I'm doing a good job
promoted?

Have you ever had

to call for an This is serious. Do not make light of it or in any way
explanation to seem like you like to harm people. At the same time, you
your subordinate? will do it when it is the right thing to do. When it comes
How did you feel to the organization versus the individual who has created
about that? a harmful situation, you will protect the organization

If you were given

a VRS would you Answer yes if you would. But since you need to work,
like to take it or this is the type of work you prefer. Do not say yes if you
will you suggest do not mean it.
to one of your
friend?
Have you ever
been transferred If you have not, say no. If you have, be honest, brief and
from position avoid saying negative things about the people who are
without giving involved.
any reason?

Did you give any

suggestion in the
Have a good one ready. Be sure and use a suggestion
staff suggestion
that was accepted and was then considered successful.
scheme and what
One related to the type of work applied for is a real plus.
is it. Tell me about
a suggestion you
have made.
This is a trap question. Think real hard but fail to come
What irritates you
up with anything that irritates you. A short statement
about co-
that you seem to get along with folks is great.
workers?
Stay away from a specific job. You cannot win. If you say
the job you are contending for is it, you strain credibility.
Tell me about the If you say another job is it, you plant the suspicion that
job which you you will be dissatisfied with this position if hired. The
may have joined if best is to stay genetic and say something like: A job
not in our bank. where I love the work, like the people, can contribute
and can't wait to get to work.

What are you Stay away from a specific assignment. You cannot win. If

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looking for in the you say the assignment you are contending is it, you
next assignment strain credibility. If you say another assignment, you
on promotion? plant the suspicion that you will be dissatisfied with this
position if promoted. The best is to stay genetic and say
something like: Any assignment where I love the work,
like the people, can contribute and can't wait to get to
work.

What is more
important to you:
Money is always important, but the work is the most
the money or the
important. There is no better answer.
work or the
position in the
bank
What would your There are numerous good possibilities: Loyalty, Energy,
previous Positive attitude, Leadership, Team player, Expertise,
supervisor say Initiative, Patience, Hard work, Creativity, Problem solver
your strongest
point is?
Biggest trap of all, this is a test to see if you will speak ill
Tell me about a of your boss. If you fall for it and tell about a problem
problem you had with a former boss, you may well below the interview
with your right there. Stay positive and develop a poor memory
controller? about any trouble with a supervisor.

Many of the
officers are
complaining that You may say that you thrive under certain types of
they are under pressure. Give an example that relates to the type of
tremendous position applied for.
pressure; please
Tell us how you
are able to work
under pressure.
Do your skills
match this
promotion and /
Probably this one. Do not give fuel to the suspicion that
or the assignment
you may want another job more than this one
you will be given
after the
promotion?
What motivates
you to do your This is a personal trait that only you can say, but good
best in your examples are: Challenge, Achievement, and Recognition
assignment in the
bank?
Are you willing to
work overtime?
Nights?
This is up to you. Be totally honest.
Weekends? How
are you balancing
your work and
personal life
Why have you not
completed your You need to give a honest answer
CAIIB

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COMMON INTERVIEW QUESTIONS - BANKING

Carrier Related questions Write Your Answer

1. List out 5 major accomplishments / highlights of your career. 1.

2.
3.
4.
5.

2. List out your major accomplishments during the last 5 years?

Especially if posted as BM then achievement during your tenure.
(Let it have some relation to Self-Appraisal Report or let it not
contradict your report submitted earlier)

3. What are the difficult assignments handled by you in your Career?

Why do you think they were difficult? How did you handle it?

4. What skills have you developed over a period in the Bank?

5. Why do you think you deserve promotion?

6. Are you ready to work anywhere in India? Ready to be

transferred anywhere? Ready to be posted in any assignments?

7. What do you think you will be in the Bank?

a) 5 years from now b) 10 years from now
c) Maximum grade you will reach in the Bank.

8. In case you become part of the Top Management today, list out
your priorities and concerns? Few reasons for your priorities.

9. What is your wish list for the Bank?

10. What kind of assignments would you like to deal within the Bank?
According to you, which is the best assignment in the Bank?
Reasons for your choice.

11. What traits do you think are required to become successful in

one's career? What is OLQ’s (Officer like qualities).

12. Do you feel Bank has given you due recognition till now? If yes,
how? If not, why?

13. If you have a lucrative career option outside the Bank, what
factors will you take into consideration for continuing or
switching?

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14. How was your Branch Manager Assignments experience? What do

you think are the ideal qualities of a Branch Manager? How
independent were you in your discharging of duties? What were
the pressures? In your opinion Branch manager’s assignment is
easier than earlier or tougher? Give reason to your answer.

15. What do you think is your level of self-motivation? Do you think

there is an enabling environment in the Bank for you to realize
your potential?

16. What is leadership? How many types of leaders are there? Which
Leadership Style You like & follow? And why?

17. Can you recollect any humorous, important, prestigious episodes

or touching moments in your career / life?

18. SWOT Analysis- Self, Assignment, Circle, Region, Bank.

19. Your Greatest Achievements – Job related achievements in your

personal life

20. Your Concerns- Official, personal & others.

Personality Related questions Write Your Answer

1. What are the goals in your life?

2. Let us know something about yourself that we don’t know?

3. What is the significance of your name or surname?

4. Let us know something about your birthplace/place of living.

5. Let us know something about your schooling and college.

6. What were your subjects in College? (Once this is asked, 2 or 3

subject related questions may be expected)

7. In case you have specialization in fields not directly related to

banking, say –electronics, physics, etc., then you can expect
questions like how relevant was your specialization background
helpful in your current banking career.

8. You’re Profile.

9. If you were to make a SWOT ANALYSIS of yourself, what do you

think your assessment would be?

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10. What are the most (3) important events in your life?

11. Who has / have influenced the most in your life? Why?

12. Have you changed over the years? If so, how & Why?

13. Do you consider yourself as a leader or a follower? What are the

qualities required in a leader

14. Who are your role models? Why are they role models?

15. What are your hobbies? (One or two questions relating to

hobby(ies) may be expected)

16. How do you spend your leisure time?

a. Which magazines and newspapers do your read regularly?

What do you like about these magazines and newspapers?
What columns or sections do you like in these magazines and
newspapers? Who are the editors of the magazines? Any
special feature attached to that newspaper?

b. What were the headlines of today’s newspapers?

c. Do you read books? Which are your favorite books? Who are
your favorite authors? (If you indicate that you like literature,
you can expect related questions on recent happenings like
Who is the winner for Nobel Prize for literature, booker prize
etc. for this year?)

d. If you happen to say you enjoy watching cricket, you can

expect questions like: Why is Indian Cricket Team not playing
well these days? Are we experimenting too much? What are
the suggested measures to improve cricket? Why is cricket
popular in India? About IPL & T-20.

e. If you happen to say you enjoy watching TV, you can expect
questions like: Which TV serial you like most? Why you like
that TV serial? About TV related awards. What is TRP? How
to calculate TRP etc.

17. Lady candidates can expect questions like –

How do you balance your career and family needs?
Are you ready to be transferred to remote places, different
assignments?
List out the names of ladies who have made it to the top in the
recent past?

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General questions relating to Economy & Financial System Note the Answer

1. 12th Five Year Plan (2012-2017) The 12th Five Year Plan of the Government of
India was India's last Five Year Plan. With the
deteriorating global situation, the Deputy
Chairman of the Planning Commission Mr
Montek Singh Ahluwalia has said that achieving
an average growth rate of 9 per cent in the next
five years is not possible. The final growth target
has been set at 9% by the endorsement of plan
at the National Development Council meeting
held in New Delhi.

2. NITI AAYOG (National Institution for Transforming India) The National Institution for Transforming India,
also called NITI Aayog, was formed via a
resolution of the Union Cabinet on January 1,
2015. NITI Aayog is the premier policy ‘Think
Tank’ of the Government of India, providing
both directional and policy inputs. While
designing strategic and long term policies and
programmes for the Government of India, NITI
Aayog also provides relevant technical advice to
the Centre and States.

The Government of India, in keeping with its

reform agenda, constituted the NITI Aayog to
replace the Planning Commission instituted in
1950. This was done in order to better serve the
needs and aspirations of the people of India. An
important evolutionary change from the past,
NITI Aayog acts as the quintessential platform of
the Government of India to bring States to act
together in national interest, and thereby fosters
Cooperative Federalism.

India was one of the first in Asia to recognize

3. Special Economic Zones, SPZs the effectiveness of the Export Processing Zone
(EPZ) model in promoting exports, with Asia's
first EPZ set up in Kandla in 1965. With a view to
overcome the shortcomings experienced on
account of the multiplicity of controls and
clearances; absence of world-class
infrastructure, and an unstable fiscal regime and
with a view to attract larger foreign investments
in India, the Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
Policy was announced in April 2000.
This policy intended to make SEZs an engine for
economic growth supported by quality
infrastructure complemented by an attractive
fiscal package, both at the Centre and the State
level, with the minimum possible regulations.
SEZs in India functioned from 1.11.2000 to
09.02.2006 under the provisions of the Foreign
Trade Policy and fiscal incentives were made
effective through the provisions of relevant
statutes.

The Reserve Bank of India has brought a

4. BPLR/Base Rate/MCLR and its relation to Intt. Rate, Inflation & new methodology of setting lending rate by
Economy. commercial banks under the name Marginal
Cost of Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR).

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It has modified the existing base rate

system from April 2016 onwards.

As per the new guidelines by the RBI,

banks have to prepare Marginal Cost of
Funds based Lending Rate (MCLR) which
will be the internal benchmark lending
rates. Based upon this MCLR, interest rate
for different types of customers should be
fixed in accordance with their riskiness. The
base rate will be now determined on the
basis of the MCLR calculation.

The MCLR should be revised monthly by

considering some new factors including the
repo rate and other borrowing rates.
Specifically the repo rate and other
borrowing rates that were not explicitly
considered under the base rate system,
which will now in line with the monetary
policy stance taken by RBI to arrest
inflationary trends in the economy.

Globalization in India has allowed

5. Globalisation in Indian context. companies to increase their base of
operations, expand their workforce with
minimal investments, and provide new
services to a broad range of consumers.

The process of globalization has been an integral

part of the recent economic progress made by
India. Globalization has played a major role in
export-led growth, leading to the enlargement of
the job market in India.

In India, the focus of the financial inclusion at

6. Financial Inclusion , financial literacy present is confined to ensuring a bare minimum
access to a savings bank account without frills,
to all. Internationally, the financial inclusion has
been viewed in a much wider perspective.
Having a current account / savings account on
its own, is not regarded as an accurate indicator
of financial inclusion. 'Financial Inclusion' efforts
should offer at a minimum, access to a range of
financial services including savings, long and
short term credit, insurance, pensions,
mortgages, money transfers, etc. and all this at
a reasonable cost.

7. Basel Norms and preparedness Indian public sector banks are positively
inclined toward Basel III, and the awareness
level of Indian banks’ managers is adequate
concerning Basel III. The banks have
required resources for the proper
implementation of Basel III, which is a
prerequisite for its implementation. Banks
know about the expected benefits that can be
attained from implementing Basel III
appropriately and banks are also aware of
the high cost attached with Basel III. The
capital adequacy ratio of public sector banks
is above 11 percent, showing the banks’
readiness for Basel III.

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General Banking related questions with special Write Your Answers

emphasis on Indian Banking

1. RBI’s Monetary Policy, Interest Rate changes , Interest Rate Discussed below…
Concessions

2. Basel II & III and their implications, present state of

preparedness for advance approaches.

3. Risk Management, Different type of Risks and its impact on

working of banks.

4. Banking by Alliances, Collaboration (2 or 3 Banks coming together

- Sort of partial merger), merger of SBI associates

5. Financial Inclusion, Financial Education

6. Banking Codes and Standards Board of India (BCSBI)

7. Banking Ombudsman Scheme (2006)

8. Right to Information Act

9. Payment and Settlement System Act 2007

10. Recent budget proposals relating to Banking Industry

11. Restructuring/Rehabilitation of bank advances- its impact on

performance of Banks & economy. What is right to recompense?

12. Banking reforms, Technology in Banks, Risk Management in

Banks etc.

13. Public Sector Banks Vs Private Sector Bank & Foreign Banks

14. Performance of banks (yearly results have been announced)

15. Treasury Performance, Yield, concepts like Mark to Market , HTM,

HFT and AFS

16. CIBIL, CCIL, Pension Reforms, Companies related new issues

(LLP) etc.

17. Corporate Governance & SBI initiatives in Corporate Governance

18. RBI Policy Guidelines - Branch Authorisation, Business Facilitator

and Correspondent Model, Mobile Banking, Door-step banking,
Pre-paid Instruments etc.

19. KYC & AML

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Current & previous assignments Write Your Answers

The interaction during interviews, mainly the focus ranges from job
knowledge to attitudinal aspects, from potential to performance and from
banking history to emerging banking scenario.

Bankers are expected to be conversant with all the changes taking place in
the financial services sector. Interview is an opportunity for you to present
your personality consisting of your attitude, views and awareness level
before interview board, so that the potential in “You” is appropriately
judged by the members on the Interview Board, who are learned and
experienced people in their own fields of specialization.

A. If you are from a Branch: Write Your Answers

From Clerical to TO, OJM/ I to II/ II to III /III to

IV
Common Expected Questions:
What is Deposits Position of Your Branch/ Your Region/ Total Bank (SBI) Branch :
as on last year 31st March
Region :

Bank :

What is Advances Position of Your Branch/ Your Region/ Total Bank (SBI) Branch :
as on last year 31st March
Region :

Bank :

What is Gross NPA level of the Branch / Region/ Whole Bank as on Last Branch :
year 31st March
Region :

Bank :

What is Net NPA level of the Branch / Region/ Whole Bank as on Last year Branch :
31st March
Region :

Bank :

What is your branch RFIA rating / score in last Audit.. Branch :

Regarding the Desk (Counter) handling viz., SWO/ FO/ Accountant/ BM

etc.

- Where is your Branch located?

- Make a SWOT analysis of the Branch.

- Whether there is a positive growth or positive variance? Whether there is

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a negative variance or negative growth? What is the difference between

Variance & growth?

- What are the specialty of your Branch?

- What is the scope of business in your area of operations?

- What is your market share in your area of operation? Is it improving or

declining?

- Who are your competitors?

- Who are your top 5 depositors, borrowers & defaulters?

- What is the level of miscellaneous business in the Branch?

- Why fee based income assuming importance in recent years?

- Which are the 5 big proposals handled by your Branch?

- Do you have NPAs in the Branch? Name the big ones. Why did they turn
bad? What efforts have been taken to upgrade them?

- Why are PPF accounts beneficial to the Bank?

- Why do we encourage opening accounts with nomination facilities?

- How do we involve staff in business development?

- What is meant by Money Laundering?

- What are KYC Guidelines? Is KYC a hindrance to business development?

What is AMLOCK?

- What are the instructions regarding obtention of photographs for opening

of accounts?

- What are Form 15G and Form 15H? What are the latest instructions
regarding PAN.

- What is the significance of Form 61 and Form 61A?

- What is Four Eyes Concept? (Read BOD Circular on KYC Guidelines)

- How is SWO system, BPR System working in your Branch? Whether it has
been implemented in its true spirit?

- How is the Grahak Mitra / Grahak Dost/ Tech Mitra initiative working in
your Branch?

- What is meant by PPP in relation to P-Form? (Post Provision

Performance)

- What are the efficiency ratios at the Branch level? Increase in which ratio
is considered as good & decrease in which ratio as good. Which is the most
important ratio?

- What is GRR of your Branch?

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- What are the norms regarding settlement of accounts of deceased

constituents? Settlement of accounts in case of missing persons?

- What are the norms regarding issue, duplicate and cancellation of IOI?

- What do you mean by Clean Note Policy?

- What would you do if counterfeit notes are presented across the counter?

- What are the recent directives relating to reporting of Currency Chest

transactions?

- What is the name of the software provided by RBI to Currency Chest

branches? (ICCOMS).

- What are the recent directives relating to remittances made to Currency

Chest?

- What are Note Refund Rules?

- Recently, in one of the cities, foreign currency & revolvers were found in
some of the lockers, which were not operated for a long time. What is the
correct procedure to be adopted to avoid situations like this?

- What is Spring Eve cleaning? Every year, on 1stJanuary, we are

supposed to take inventory of old records
and destroy those, which are not required
to be retained, as per the retention of
records policy. This is called Spring Eve
cleaning.

- What is your Strategy for overall development of the Branch?

- Your focus area in the branch?

- Your strategy to get “AA” / “AAA” in branch inspection?

- Recent instructions regarding one eyed persons/visually impaired

persons?

- What according to you would enable you to perform better?

- Budget should be the responsibility of CPC’s (SMECCC, RCPCs, and

RACPCs)/branch or it should be the responsibility of the both.

- Whether creation of CPCs helped branches? What are the coordination

issues?

- Branch people have nothing to do now after creation of CPCs, your

opinion?

- Do you think, we have more products than required?

- Do you think we have more Apps in digital Banking than required?

- Biggest challenge / hurdle branches/ staff facing now a days? Your

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strategy to deal with the issue?

- Instruction for obtaining PDCs in home loan accounts?

- Your strategy to get the maximum from new recruits?

- In branches individuals are not working as a team. Your opinion and

reasons for it?

- How do you motivate your team members?

- How to build committed teams?

- How do you communicate to your staff?

-Your strategy to improve and maintain harmonious inter-personal &

intrapersonal relationship?

- Customers are not always right. What to do in such a situation?

If you are from an Administrative Office/ Regional office: Write Your Answers

- Considering the large-scale changes taking place in the Bank, what do

you think should be the role of Administrative Offices? Do you feel present
structure of Circle and Regions is good in comparison to the earlier
structure? Give suitable reasons.

- Regional offices to be shifted to their area of operations- effective or

creating problems? Elaborate your answer.

- Opening of new branches – beneficial or burden? Reasons for your

answer.

- Your comments on the working of different cells (SMECCC, RCPC, RACPC,

CPC etc). Coordination issues- your experience and strategies?

- Do you think growing NPA is a concern in your region? If so, reasons and
remedial measures, your strategy? If not, how you handled /tackled the
issue?

- Your strategy to reduce operating expenses and earning more misc.

income?

- Strategies for overall development of the region.

- Biggest challenge your region is facing? Your strategy?

- Are we fulfilling the role we are undertaking?

- Do you think that Administrative Offices are over-staffed?

- What changes have taken place in our administrative set-up during the
last few years?

- Administrative offices are profit centers or cost centers?

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- Do you think we are spending more time than required at our

workplaces? What are the ways in which we can reduce our time at our
workplace?

- As a Controller, when you visit a Branch, what are the things you will give
priorities to take care of the Branch? Is there any specific instruction
regarding Branch Inspection?

- What is your strategy to take care of branches and how you derive
maximum output from the branch people?

If you are from BPR cell: Write Your Answers

- Are we fulfilling this role?

- Do you feel satisfied with your work output/job conditions?

- Do you feel that BPR cells are working as per Bank’s need and as per the
needs of the operations? If yes, please explain in brief. If no, suggest
measures for improvement.

- Do you feel existence of knowledge gap at BPR cells, Branches?

- What measures will you undertake if you have the authority to increase
overall efficiency and working condition of the cell?

- What would you suggest for better performance of the operating units?

- Do you think on account of creation of various cells, customer ownership

is missing?

- Do you feel there should be budget for CPCs also? If so, how? If not,
why? Give reasons to substantiate your views.

- Your opinion and experience about the functioning of

BCs/BFs/MRTs/MPST/HLST etc., reasons for your response?

- Do you think growing NPA is due to improper functioning of BPR cells?

- Coordination issues; intra-cell and inter-operations? Your practical

strategies?

- Do you think BPR cells are now well stabilized? Reasons for your opinion.

- Are you satisfied with the pace of development that is going on?

If you are from HR/ATIs/SBILDs: Write Your Answers

- Am I fulfilling the present role which I am undertaking?

- Impact/Effect of Certification Programmes in employees. How it will help?

- Difference between a Facilitator and a Trainer.

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- Various Concepts/terms used in Citizen SBI programme viz. Citizen-Non

Citizen, Being & Function, Tree of Fulfillment, Total Compensation
(Transaction + Contribution + Fulfillment Compensation) etc.

- Is SBI a learning organisation? If yes, how? If no, furnish reasons and

your practical strategy for making SBI a learning organisation.

- ATIs/SBILDs are profit centers or cost centers? Give reasons for your
answer.

- ATIs/SBILDs should be converted into profit centres. If not, why? If yes,

how?

- Specialization of SBILDs/Trainers is the need of the hour, justify.

- Lateral recruitment of trainers, need of the hour, justify.

- SBILDs are playing their role? Strategy for future.

- Difference between Knowledge & Learning?

- Details about STU and its impact? New initiatives taken by STU?

- Your strategy to assess & fulfill the needs of the operations/employees.

- Credibility of the trainers and training system.

- Integration of training system with operations- your practical strategy?

- SWOT analysis of HR/Training System.

- Difference between Parivartan & Citizen SBI? Arohan ? Your opinion and
impact of the three programmes?

- What is meant by enlightened self interest?

- How to develop a caring organisation?

- Attrition rate is higher in case of new entrants. Your strategy to retain the
talent and the challenges attached to it.

- Extent of frauds & corruption in the Banking system. How to deal with
the situation, especially in the light of mass level recruitment, new branch
openings and technological advancements.

- Role of HR/ATIs/SBILDs in the present scenario. Your strategies in this

regard?

- HRMS – boon or bane? Strategy?

- Your strategy to groom new entrants as future leaders?

- Mass recruitment- requirement or burden? How to get most from the

young generation?

- Emotional & Career counseling of the employees, especially of the young

generation?

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- Integration of new entrants with the culture, ethics & environment of

SBI? Your practical strategy?

- Work-life balance: your practical strategy.

- Do you think training system is overburdened? If yes, why? How to

improve the situation? If no, justify with special works done by you.

- Do you think the mass communication programmes conducted by the

bank are yielding any results

Specially for Senior Management Write Your Answers

- Operating expenses: position and your strategy to reduce them. What

are latest instructions in this regard?

- Technology and Financial inclusion are the need of the hour. Your opinion
and reasons for the same.

- Worst is yet to come. With instances like Dubai, Greece crises, it seems
financial crisis era is not yet over.(Prolonged debt crisis in Europe could
impact India)

- With mass level retirement in Banking sector and in SBI, what would be
your strategy for the future?

- Going GREEN is the new mantra. Please discuss Bank’s strategy and your
opinion in this regard.

- Corporate Social Responsibility: Statutory requirement, Social

commitment or Voluntary effort? Bank’s strategy and your opinion.

- Small centres are performing better than the metros. Your opinion in
SBI’s context.

- BPR cells are the reason for growing instances of NPAs. Your opinion and
reasons behind the opinion.

- Monetary Policy highlights: 2018-19

- Roadmap for Access to Banking Facility in Every Village by 2019/2020:

Committee’s report & your opinion.

- Economic Survey: 2018-19

- Chairman’s Policy Guidelines: 2018-19

- Deposit insurance : it should be linked with ‘Risk Profile’ of the Banks

- Budget 2018-19 :highlights

- What is “Direct Taxes Code”, “GST”? Difference between VAT & GST?
What is meant by eee & eet (Exempt-exempt-exempt & Exempt-exempt-
Tax?

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- Financial inclusion: Need of the hour or burden on banking system?

- Infrastructure Finance Companies & their role, issues involved in Banks’

financing to IFCs?

- Base Rate System for Bank loans: Effects on banks’ profitability. Opinion
and reasons for opinion.

- Modification in “Lead Bank Scheme”: Effects on the Banking System.

- Cash Processing Centre’s?-

- Trading of “Currency Future” in India: benefits and effects.

Chairman’s statement &

interviews. Important
articles that have appeared
in Bank’s official
publications/ Newspapers
Policy Guidelines
Need to follow the recent chairman’s
statement on YONO/ Annual reports and
others.
Download the different policy guidelines
from State bank times/ info.sbi.

Refer Annual reports and latest quarterly

SBI Data reports for latest figures

Refer from RBI site for the latest Indian

Indian Economy Data Economic data

Segmentation of customers on the basis

of Net Worth as HNI and Ultra HNI of
Customer Service
your branch/ region/AO/ BPR centre etc.
Please follow the daily newspapers and
SBI in NEWS maintain a record of last 90 days
minimum for the news about SBI.
Circle specific Policy guidelines if any
Circle specific achievement of figures and
Circle Specific
ranking of the circle among others
Other data of the respective circle
Generally, for promotions at Scale I, II and III levels, specific-operational level, one
liner kind of questions can be expected. But at higher levels of promotions, Conceptual,
opinion or viewpoint soliciting questions can be expected. Interview is nothing but
selecting most suitable candidate among suitable aspirants.

It is not about knowledge testing only; it is about selection of “Banks Brand

Ambassadors”. Minimum Qualification is- “Well Dressed, Well Behaved & Well
Mannered”. Honesty is the best policy. Be truthful. Interviews are generally meant to
be freewheeling. It can be as informal as a train-travel conversation.

General Tips
Share your dreams or vision. Connect your dreams with Banks future. Let your answers
have a spin, which come closer to your dream. Your dreams may not be
Practicable in the short run.

But, there is nothing wrong in spelling them out because after all Interview is a process
where Bank selects Future Leaders.

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You must possess the quality of a Dynamic Future Leader.

Read some articles, which are futuristic and have a vision for Banking Industry,
Besides speaking of challenges. Make as many lists, points and acronyms for easy
recapitulation.

Please be aware of similarities or differences in closely related concepts like:

Factoring & Forfeiting

Stakeholder & Shareholder

Equity Shares & Preference Shares

Public Limited Company, Private Limited Company, Limited liability Company etc.

Floating Charge & Fixed Charge

Loans & Advances

Guarantee & Indemnity

Leasing – Hiring, Deferred Payment Guarantee & Term Loan

Monetary Policy & Fiscal Policy

Guarantee & Letter of Credit

Siphoning of funds & Diversion of funds

Funds Flow Statement & Cash Flow Statement

Capital Account Convertibility & Current Account Convertibility

Revenue Attachment Order & Garnishee Order

Lien , Pledge & Hypothecation

Certificate of Deposit & Commercial Paper

Factoring & Financing Receivables

Book Debt Financing & Receivables Financing

NWC & Margin.

Syndication of Loan, Consortium Lending & Multiple Banking

Outsourcing, off shoring & in sourcing

Cross Selling & Up selling. What is Down-selling?

Economic Value Quantity & Economic Order Quantity

Money for Value

Prima-facie Acceptability, Technical Feasibility, Economic Viability, Financial

Feasibility, Commercial Viability.

Break Even & Sensitivity Analysis.

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Customer Service, Customer Satisfaction, Customer Delight & Customer Ecstasy.

Customer Lifetime Value, Customer Wallet Size, Customer Wallet Share.

Sub-prime Crisis & Global Meltdown / Recession.

BPLR / PLR & Base Rate.

Economic Value Added (EVA) & Market Value Added (MVA).

CAR or CRAR

Duty & Positive Contribution

Introduction of rating individually for CRM, ORM and FEMA each with 1000 score.(Each
A to D Ex: AAA)
What is the recent change Outlier model is considered for awarding again 1000 marks to decide the periodicity of
in RFIA audit for current the Next Audit due. RADAR is now Onsite and Offsite Audit
year 2018-19 For CRM – 145 to 305 and for ORM – 260 marks - Onsite marks and rest with Offsite
audit marks.
No Zero Tolerance Area Concept
What is full form R&DB
Retail and Digital Banking
group
Who is the MD of R&DB
Shri. Praveen Kumar Gupta
group
What is the new name of
Customer Value Enhancement Business Unit
Cross Selling Department?
What is the latest change
Maximum withdrawal limit per day is restricted to Rs.20000/- to Classic and Maestro
made in ATM transactions
cards.
of SBI Customers.
Be the bank of choice for transforming India
SBI Vision statement
SBI Mission Statement Committed to providing Simple, Responsive and Innovative Solutions.
SBI Value Statements Service, Transparency, Ethics, politeness and Sustainability
Minimum Capital Requirement, Supervisory Review,
What are the 3 pillars of
Market Discipline
Basel-II
Customer acceptance, Customer Identification Procedure, Monitoring of Transactions,
What are the four
Risk Management
components of KYC norms
What made the bank to
Because of setting provisions for huge mounting NPAs
show Loss during 2017-18
Why you should be promoted I have performed my duties with full sincerity and wish to go head to work in various
Where do you want to be in areas.
next 5 years As a Branch Manager
What are your strengths Smile, Hardworking
What irritates you System not working and interrupting work

What gives you System functioning well, easy way to get a solution in technical issues
convenience in working instead of referring to service desk. One stop solution for knowledge
with much focus. gaps and single window redressal for practical issues such as

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requirement of infrastructure facilities, requirement of equipments such

as counting machines and so on.
What do you know about Yono is an omni channel, a digital platform which is useful for end to
YONO end digitalization, a digital bank, Financial Super Store and Online
Market place that is useful in attracting young generation customers.
How can you reduce the By diverting the customers to alternative channels and digital platform.
pressure of handling
customers in branches
What is Bhim Aadhaar BHIM-Aadhaar-SBI is a digital payment acceptance solution from State
Bank of India which enables the SBI merchant to accept payments for
goods/services using his android smartphone and fingerprint reader
from customers having Aadhaar seeded bank accounts.
The transaction will be interoperable in nature allowing any bank
customer to transact on BHIM-Aadhaar-SBI.
What is ORM Operational Risk Management
How do you fix the Gold Net weight of ornaments multiplied by head office guided price or
Loan limit Market value less margin- which is lower among the both will be
financed as a limit.
What gives you System functioning well, easy way to get a solution in technical issues
convenience in working instead of referring to service desk. One stop solution for knowledge
with much focus? gaps and single window redressal for practical issues such as
requirement of infrastructure facilities, requirement of equipments such
as counting machines and so on.
How can you reduce the By diverting the customers to alternative channels and digital platform.
pressure of handling
customers in branches
What is CRM Credit Risk Management
What is categorization of Standard Asset
SMA 1?
What is the difference
between SMA & RG
categorization of
advances
What is pre-sanction It is a primary process to be initiated along with market survey or on
credit process primary interaction with applicant for a loan or immediately after
receiving credit proposal.
What are the things to be Banks Loan policy, Government Instructions, Verification of CIBIL, RBI
considered before Defaulters list, iprobe , Circular guidelines, project cost, margin amount,
sanction of a loan? required loan and calculation eligibility amount.
What is the latest change The guidelines of categorization of Micro, Small and Medium
in MSME advances enterprises has been changed vide MSME amendment 2018
What is a Priority Sector As per Government of India all the banks have to finance to Priority
lending? Sector for helping in economic development of country due to creation
of employment opportunities in MSME entrepreneurs.

******* End of PART A ******

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