PNB Specialist Officer Syllabus: Punjab National Bank (PNB) conducts every year in April/May the Specialist Officer (SO) Exam to recruit eligible candidates for various posts such as Credit Officer, Risk Manager, IT Officer, Law Officer, HR Officer, and other specialist roles. Candidates preparing for the PNB SO Exam must understand the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and subject-wise topics to score well.
In this article candidates here can get Step by Step Exam Preparation Tips. We also cover section-wise syllabus covering all important topics in detail here.
PNB Specialist Officer (SO) Exam Pattern 2025
The PNB SO exam consists of two main stages:
- Online Written Exam
- Interview
PNB SO Written Exam Pattern
The online exam is divided into four sections:
Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 120 minutes |
English Language | 25 | 25 | |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | |
Professional Knowledge (Relevant to Post) | 50 | 75 | |
Total | 150 | 175 | 2 Hours |
- Negative Marking: Yes (0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer)
- Exam Mode: Online (CBT – Computer-Based Test)
- Language: English & Hindi (except English Language section)
PNB SO Syllabus 2025: Subject-Wise Topics
The section-wise PNB SO Syllabus 2025 must be known to all the aspiring candidates. Go through each topic and plan your strategy for the upcoming PNB SO Exam. The topics given here should be covered comprehensively.
1. Reasoning Ability
- Syllogism
- Blood Relation
- Coding-Decoding
- Puzzle & Seating Arrangement
- Statement & Assumption
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
- Direction & Distance
2. English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
3. Quantitative Aptitude
- Number Series
- Simplification & Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Table)
- Time & Work
- Speed, Distance & Time
- Ratio & Proportion
- Probability
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Profit & Loss
4. Professional Knowledge (Post-Specific)
Each specialist officer role has a different syllabus for this section:
For Credit Officer (Finance & Accounts)
- Basics of Accounting & Financial Statements
- Ratio Analysis
- Capital Budgeting
- Working Capital Management
- Banking & Financial Markets
- Risk Management
For Risk Manager
- Risk Management in Banking
- Basel Norms
- Credit Risk, Market Risk & Operational Risk
- Financial Modeling
- Derivatives & Hedging Strategies
For IT Officer
- Database Management System (DBMS)
- Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC)
- Networking & Cyber Security
- Programming Languages (C, Java, Python)
- Data Structures & Algorithms
For Law Officer
- Banking & Financial Laws
- Negotiable Instruments Act
- SARFAESI Act
- Company Law
- Consumer Protection Act
For HR Officer
- Human Resource Planning
- Performance Management
- Industrial Relations
- Organizational Behavior
- Labor Laws
PNB SO Interview Process
Candidates who qualify for the written exam are called for an interview round, which carries 25 marks. The final selection is based on the combined score of the written test and interview.
Tips to Crack the Interview
- Have a strong understanding of banking & financial terms
- Be confident in explaining your professional knowledge
- Prepare for common HR questions like “Why PNB?” and “What are your strengths & weaknesses?”
Best Books for PNB SO Exam Preparation
Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal |
English | Objective General English – S.P. Bakshi |
Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal |
Professional Knowledge | Banking & Financial Awareness – Ramesh Singh |
Preparation Strategy for PNB SO Exam
- Make a Study Plan: Allocate time for each section and follow a daily schedule.
- Practice Mock Tests: Attempt previous years’ question papers and online mock tests.
- Focus on Professional Knowledge: This section carries the maximum weightage (75 marks), so give it extra attention.
- Stay Updated: Read banking & finance news regularly.
- Time Management: Practice solving questions within a limited time frame.
Conclusion
The PNB Specialist Officer (SO) Exam requires thorough preparation in all sections, especially in Professional Knowledge. With a well-structured study plan, the right resources, and regular practice, candidates can crack the exam successfully.
📌 Keep visiting the official PNB website for latest updates: www.pnbindia.in
FAQs
1. How many stages are there in PNB SO recruitment?
The recruitment process consists of two stages: Online Written Exam and Interview.
2. Is there negative marking in the PNB SO Exam?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer.
3. What is the weightage of the Professional Knowledge section?
The Professional Knowledge section carries 75 marks, making it the most important part of the exam.
4. Can I attempt the PNB SO Exam in Hindi?
Yes, except for the English Language section, all other sections are available in both English and Hindi.