Punjab National Bank has scheduled the PNB SO 2025 Exam for 5th May 2025 to recruit 350 candidates for various Specialist Officer posts. If you’ve applied, now is the perfect time to start your focused preparation. Knowing the complete syllabus and exam pattern is key to crafting an effective study plan and securing a top spot on the merit list.
Table of Contents
Overview
Before diving into the subject-wise syllabus, let’s take a quick look at the structure of the exam.
| Exam Conducting Body | Punjab National Bank |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | PNB SO Exam 2025 |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Type of Questions | Objective (MCQs) |
| Exam Date | 5th May 2025 |
| Selection Process | Online Test + Interview |
| Total Questions | 150 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 marks deducted for wrong answers |
| Interview Marks | 50 |
| Official Website | www.pnbindia.in |
Pattern
The online test is divided into two parts—Part A (Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude) and Part B (Professional Knowledge). Only those who qualify in Part A will have their Part B evaluated.
| Part | Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | Reasoning | 25 | 40 | 25 minutes |
| English Language | 25 | 40 | 25 minutes | |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 40 | 25 minutes | |
| Part B | Professional Knowledge | 50 | 100 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 150 | 200 | 120 minutes |
The exam is bilingual, except for the English section. Candidates must qualify each test individually. If a question is left blank, there is no penalty.
Interview
Those who pass the online test will be shortlisted for a personal interview worth 50 marks. The minimum qualifying marks are:
- 22.5 for SC/ST (45%)
- 25 for others (50%)
The final selection is based on your combined score from the Online Test and Interview.
Reasoning
This section evaluates your logical thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Analogy
- Classification
- Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense Test
- Puzzle Test
- Data Sufficiency
- Alpha-Numeric Series
- Sequential Output
- Venn Diagrams
- Analytical Reasoning
- Mirror/Water Images
- Paper Folding/Cutting
- Figure Matrix
- Dot Situation
- Cubes and Dice
- Completion Incomplete Pattern
- Embedded Figures
- Construction of Squares and Triangles
- Rules Detection
English
Tests your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Spot the Error
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Active/Passive Voice
- Vocabulary Usage
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Grammar and Tenses
- Spelling Correction
- Sentence Correction
Quantitative
Assesses your numerical ability and mathematical reasoning.
- Simplification
- Percentages
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Speed, Time and Distance
- Averages
- Mixtures and Allegations
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Pipes and Cisterns
- Boats and Streams
- Permutations and Combinations
- Probability
- Quadratic Equations
- Mensuration
- Volume and Surface Area
- Numbers and Ages
- LCM & HCF
- Partnership
- Odd Man Out
- Indices and Surds
Qualifying
Candidates must qualify each section in Part A. Only those who do so will have their Professional Knowledge paper evaluated. Final shortlisting for the interview is based on Part B performance.
Only eligible candidates, based on documents and qualifications, will be called for the final interview round.
Preparation
Here are some practical tips to crack the exam:
- Start by thoroughly understanding the syllabus and exam format.
- Use previous year papers to get an idea of question trends.
- Practice topic-wise questions and take timed quizzes.
- Use flashcards for formulas and definitions.
- Allocate more time to weaker sections.
- Revise regularly with short notes or concept maps.
- Take full-length mock tests under exam-like conditions.
- Stay updated with banking and finance industry trends.
Use this guide as your preparation roadmap. Stick to a realistic schedule, stay disciplined, and keep assessing your progress through regular mocks.
FAQs
What is the PNB SO 2025 exam date?
The PNB SO 2025 exam will be held on 5th May 2025.
How many vacancies are announced for PNB SO 2025?
A total of 350 vacancies have been announced.
Is there negative marking in PNB SO exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer.
What is the total duration of the PNB SO exam?
The total duration is 120 minutes.
What is the qualifying mark for the interview?
45% for SC/ST and 50% for others.
