SBI SO Marketing exam

The SBI SO Marketing exam is conducted by State Bank of India (SBI) for the recruitment of Specialist Officers in the Marketing domain. The position is usually for candidates with a background in Marketing or MBA (Marketing). The roles under this category primarily focus on handling the bank’s marketing, sales, and customer relationship activities, as well as promoting banking products and services.

Key Details about the SBI SO Marketing Exam:

1. Eligibility Criteria:

   • Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a Master’s degree in Business Administration (MBA) or Postgraduate degree in Marketing or PGDBM with Marketing as a major from a recognized university or institute.
   • Experience: For some senior positions, candidates may need relevant work experience in the marketing domain, typically around 2-3 years.
   • Age Limit: The age limit varies based on the position, but it generally ranges between 21 and 35 years for most roles in marketing. Age relaxation is provided for candidates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC/PwD).

2. SBI SO Marketing Roles: The positions available under SBI SO Marketing generally include roles such as:

   • Relationship Manager (Wealth Management)
   • Marketing Executive
   • Assistant Manager (Marketing)
   • Deputy Manager (Marketing)
   • Sales & Marketing Head (Senior Role)

3. Selection Process: The selection process for the SBI SO Marketing exam typically includes two stages:

   • Online Test: A written exam that assesses candidates’ aptitude and subject-specific knowledge.
   • Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the online exam will be called for an interview, which assesses their domain knowledge, personality, and suitability for the role.
   • Final Selection: The final selection is based on the combined performance in the online test and the interview.

4. SBI SO Marketing Exam Pattern: The exam pattern may vary slightly depending on the specific role. However, it generally consists of the following:

   • Online Test:
     

     1. Reasoning Ability: 35 questions (35 marks)

     2. Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions (35 marks)

     3. English Language: 30 questions (30 marks)

     4. Professional Knowledge (Marketing): 50 questions (50 marks)

     • Total: 150 questions (150 marks)
     • Duration: 2 hours
     • Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
   • Interview:
     
     • After the online exam, candidates who qualify will be called for an interview.
     • The interview assesses the candidate’s communication skills, experience in marketing, and problem-solving abilities in the banking sector.
     • Interview marks: The interview carries 25 marks.

5. Syllabus for SBI SO Marketing Exam:

   • General Awareness: Current affairs, banking, and financial awareness.
   • Reasoning Ability: Logical reasoning, puzzles, seating arrangement, etc.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, percentages, profit and loss, speed and distance, etc.
   • English Language: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, error spotting, vocabulary, etc.
   • Professional Knowledge (Marketing):
     
     • Marketing concepts, strategies, market segmentation, consumer behavior, product positioning, marketing research.
     • Digital marketing, brand management, advertising, social media marketing, and sales strategies.

6. Salary and Benefits: The salary for an SBI SO Marketing officer varies depending on the position and experience. For instance:

   • For Assistant Manager/Deputy Manager (Marketing), the starting salary could range from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000 per month (including allowances).
   • Senior roles, such as Relationship Managers, may earn a higher salary, typically ranging between ₹50,000 and ₹70,000 per month.

   Additional benefits include medical insurance, provident fund, housing loan facilities, and other perks offered by the bank.

7. Application Process:

   • How to Apply: Candidates must apply online through the official SBI website during the application window.
   • Application Fee: The fee is generally ₹750 for General/OBC/EWS candidates and ₹125 for SC/ST/PwD candidates.

8. Important Dates for SBI SO Marketing 2024 Exam (Tentative):

   • Notification Release: Likely January 2024
   • Application Start Date: Likely January 2024
   • Application End Date: Likely February 2024
   • Online Exam: Likely March 2024
   • Interview: Likely April 2024

9. Cut-off Marks:

   • Cut-off marks will be released after each stage of the exam. Candidates must score above the cut-off to proceed to the next stage.

Tips for Preparation:

1. Marketing Knowledge: Make sure to study core marketing concepts such as market research, consumer behavior, advertising, branding, digital marketing, and sales techniques.
2. General Awareness: Stay updated with current affairs, particularly regarding banking, economics, and financial markets.
3. Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to improve your speed, accuracy, and time management for the objective section of the exam.
4. Interview Preparation: Prepare well for the interview by brushing up on your marketing knowledge, problem-solving skills, and experience in the field.

Conclusion:

The SBI SO Marketing exam offers an excellent opportunity for individuals with a background in marketing to work with one of the leading public sector banks in India. The role offers a great career path with opportunities to work in various marketing and relationship management positions within the bank. With thorough preparation, candidates can secure a position in this coveted field.

For official notifications, exam dates, and application details, visit the official SBI website: www.sbi.co.in/careers.