Monday, October 10, 2011

Union Bank of India Probationary Officers Exam., 2008 Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper


Union Bank of India Probationary Officers Exam., 2008  Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper 

Union Bank of India Probationary Officers Exam., 2008  Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper 

Union Bank of India Probationary Officers Exam., 2008
English Language : Solved Paper
(Held on 7-9-2008)
Directions—(Q. 1–15) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the
questions.
Over the past few decades, many Asian nations transformed from poverty into global competitors.
From 2003 to 2007, Asian economies expanded at an average annual rate of 8•1%, triple that of
advanced economies. Over the same period, inflation in Asia averaged only about 3•5%. But Asia
could be facing turbulent economic times. In May, the average inflation rate throughout the region
reached nearly 7%, led by spikes in oil and food prices. In India, inflation jumped to an 11•6% annual
rate in June, according to the latest government figures, the highest in 13 years.
Policymakers and central bankers are forced to raise interest rates and limit credit to get inflation under
control. But these same measures suppress the investment and consumption that generates growth. The
combination of slowing growth and soaring inflation makes economic policy-making tricky. Inflation
stirs up the middle classes because it can quickly erase years of hardwon personal gains. Inflation is
cruel to the poor, because families have to spend a larger share of their meagre incomes on necessities.
In the Philippines, farmers, unable to afford fuel for tractors, use water buffaloes to plough their fields.
But to avoid unrest, leaders cannot blindly adopt rigid anti-inflation measures. Voters won’t hesitate to
remove from office any politician who doesn’t deliver the goods. So they cannot overreact to the
inflation threat and scale down economic growth in the process. Developing nations need to grow
quickly to create jobs and increase incomes for their large populations. With prices soaring, doing
nothing is not an option. Most central banks in Asia have started raising interest rates. The Reserve
Bank of India increased its benchmark rate twice last month to a six year high of 8•5%.
The challenge is especially difficult because currently, inflation is not of domestic origin. Prices are
being driven higher by a global surge in oil and food prices, which individual governments can do little
to control. Of course, inflation is not just a problem in Asia. World Bank President Robert Zoellick
called rising food and oil prices a man-made ‘catastrophe’ that could quickly reverse the gains made in
overcoming poverty over the past seven years. For now, though, there is more talk than action on the
international front, so Asian governments are on their own.
Even though inflation throughout the region is likely to continue to rise in coming months, no one is
expecting an economic calamity. According to the Asian Development Bank Asian countries have large
hard currency reserves and relatively healthy banks, and so are far better prepared to absorb external
shocks than they were during the region’s last recession ten years ago. Asian policymakers have learned
their lessons and are more alert.
1. Which of the following can be said about Asian economies during the period from 2003- 2007 ?
1. Though inflation was rising at the time politicians did not pay much attention.
2. Many of the poor countries were able to compete internationally.
3. The growth rate of Asian countries was facilitated by growth in advanced countries.
(A) All 1, 2, and 3
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) None of these
2. Which of the following is not an anti-inflation measure being used by Asian countries ?
1. Increase in benchmark interest rate by a central bank.
2. Checks on lending.
3. Subsidising fuel for farmers.
(A) Only 3
(B) Both 1 and 2
(C) Both 2 and 3
(D) Only 2
(E) None of these
3. What makes it difficult for Asian countries to control inflation ?
(A) Restrictions by organizations like the Asian Development Bank
(B) Governments are indecisive and adopt counterproductive measures
(C) The problem is global in nature, not restricted to their individual countries
(D) Countries have never faced a financial crisis
(E) Economic growth rate cannot occur in the absence of inflation
4. Why are experts not very concerned about the impact of inflation on Asian economies ?
1. Asian countries have not maintained substantial hard currency reserves.
2. The condition of Asian banks is currently both stable and strong.
3. The Asian Development Bank will bail them out of any trouble.
(A) Only 1
(B) Both 1 and 3
(C) Both 1 and 2
(D) Only 2
(E) None of these
5. What is the author’s advice to politicians regarding the handling of inflation ?
(A) They should focus on preventing agitations among their citizens not implementing antiinflation
measures
(B) They ought to implement anti-inflation measures even at the cost of losing office
(C) They must focus on maintaining high economic growth rate as inflation will taper off on its own
(D) Countries should handle the problem independently and not collectively
(E) None of these
6. What could the impact of stringent inflation measures be ?
(A) Increased consumption as families spend a larger part of their income on essential goods
(B) Politicians may be voted out of power
(C) Economic growth rate remains constant
(D) Oil prices within the country remain stable despite high global prices
(E) None of these
7. Why is high economic growth necessary for developing countries ?
(A) To catch up with the growth rate of the advanced countries
(B) To sustain their economies despite the ill effects of inflation
(C) To provide better educational opportunities to their citizens
(D) To create employment opportunities for citizens
(E) None of these
8. Why has inflation been referred to as a ‘catastrophe’ ?
(A) Prices of essential commodities are unaffordable for all
(B) Our past efforts to reduce poverty will be nullified
(C) Governments are unstable and do not take stringent decisions
(D) It has divided countries rather than ensuring co-operation among them
(E) None of these
9. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage ?
1. Growth rate in advanced countries was low so the effects of inflation were not felt.
2. Closing the economy to global markets will reduce inflation.
3. India has been the most severely affected by inflation.
(A) None
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 2 and 3
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
10. Which of the following factors was responsible for inflation in India ?
(A) Reserve Bank India raising the interest rates very frequently
(B) High population growth
(C) Sudden rise in prices of oil worldwide
(D) Reckless competition with China
(E) None of these
Directions—(Q. 11–13) Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold
as used in the passage.
11. stirs
(A) trembles
(B) moves
(C) mixes
(D) inspires
(E) agitates
12. scale
(A) descent
(B) climb
(C) hindrance
(D) cut
(E) measure
13. origin
(A) ancestry
(B) source
(C) inauguration
(D) down
(E) heritage
Directions—(Q. 14–15) Choose the word which is most opposite in meaning to the word printed in
bold as used in the passage.
14. turbulent
(A) quiet
(B) rest
(C) soothes
(D) stormy
(E) lawful
15. gains
(A) decreases
(B) fails
(C) deprives
(D) frauds
(E) losses
Directions—(Q. 16–20) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the
phrase given in bold in the following sentences to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and
correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required’, mark (E) as the answer.
16. The main objective of the workshop has made children aware of Western classical music.
(A) will make children aware
(B) is to make children aware
(C) is making aware children
(D) awareness of children
(E) No correction required
17. Afraid of missing her train and was late for the meeting, Sunita arrived an hour early at the station.
(A) but later for
(B) and been late to
(C) after being late
(D) and being late for
(E) No correction required
18. As a famous historian he has travelled around the world giving lectures on rare subjects.
(A) rarely to subjects
(B) of rare subject
(C) with rarest of subject
(D) in subjects rarely
(E) No correction required
19. The stadium wherever the opening ceremony will be held next month, is equipped with the latest
facilities.
(A) in the opening ceremony
(B) which the ceremony will open
(C) where the opening ceremony
(D) that the opening ceremony
(E) No correction required
20. There will be a trend of unseasonal rainfall in April, in recent years.
(A) There has been
(B) It has been
(C) There is being
(D) It may have been
(E) No correction required
Directions—(Q. 21–25) In each of the following sentences there are two blank spaces. Below each five
pairs of words have been denoted by letters (A), (B), (C), (D) and (E). Find out which pair of words can
be filled up in the blanks in the sentence in the same sequence to make the sentence meaningfully
complete.
21. A committee has been…………..to…………..the transformation of the city into an international
finance centre.
(A) constituted, convert
(B) appointed, oversee
(C) converged, evaluate
(D) inducted, change
(E) inaugurated, determine
22. Keeping in mind the…………..to develop the sector the government has………….. solicited
foreign investment.
(A) importance, never
(B) proposal, forcibly
(C) objective, wanted
(D) view, discretely
(E) need, actively
23. In his speech he vowed to…………..the four billion unbanked individuals across the world into
the…………..of financial inclusion.
(A) represent, sphere
(B) target, area
(C) bring, realm
(D) engage, achievement
(E) convince, era
24. Although he puts in…………..of overtime and takes few holidays, he…………..cannot support his
family.
(A) sufficient, however
(B) lot, besides
(C) much, thus
(D) plenty, still
(E) frequency, yet
25. They have been…………..on incentives to…………..these practices are implemented at grass root
level.
(A) relying, ensure
(B) improving, secure
(C) advocating, confirm
(D) debating, necessitate
(E) focusing, display
Directions—(Q. 26–30) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the
proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them—
1. It was a cycling race launched in 1903, by Henri Desgrange, a magazine editor in Paris.
2. The Tour de France is a test of human endurance.
3. His idea worked and the magazine boomed.
4. His aim was to boost the circulation of his magazine.
5. He wanted to achieve this by covering every stage of the three week long, 3,500 kilometre long
cycling race.
6. Till today the race remains more popular than he could ever have dreamed.
26. Which of the following should be the first sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
27. Which of the following should be the second sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
28. Which of the following should be the third sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 5
29. Which of the following should be the fifth sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 1
(B) 2
(C) 3
(D) 4
(E) 6
30. Which of the following should be the sixth (Last) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) 2
(B) 3
(C) 4
(D) 5
(E) 6
Directions—(Q. 31–40) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any grammatical error or
idiomatic error in it. The error, if any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letters of that part is the


answer. If there is no error, the answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any.)
31. On account of the week (A) / long strike the factory (B) / was forced to close and (C) / next month’s
shipment will delay. (D) No error. (E)
32. Since the US economy experiences (A) / a recession many Asian countries (B) / are likely to have
(C) / reduced growth rates this year. (D) No error. (E)
33. Oil is now so expensive that (A) / India will have to cut subsidies (B) / instead face running out
(C) / of funds to import oil. (D) No error. (E)
34. It is unlikely that you will (A) / find a more qualified and experience (B) / candidate than Mr.
Prasad (C) / for the post of President. (D) No error. (E)
35. On account of the rising (A) / costs many people are (B) / finding it difficult (C) / to feed their
families. (D) No error. (E)
36. By marketing agriculture (A) / products well, we (B) / can ensure that (C) / farmers make a good
profit. (D) No error. (E)
37. The promotion means (A) /that you may be (B) / post in Chennai (C) / from next month. (D) No
error. (E)
38. This project is (A) / too big to (B) / undertake successfully at (C) / such short of notice. (D) No
error. (E)
39. When our company was (A) / faced financial difficulties (B) / the training budget was (C) / the first
to be cut. (D) No error. (E)
40. Conservationists believe that (A)/better management of national parks (B)/is the only way to save
(C)/India’s tiger population from extinction. (D) No error. (E)
Directions—(Q. 41–50) In the following passage there are blanks, each of which has been numbered.
These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which
fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
In July 2008, one of the most inspiring leaders of our times, will …(41)… his ninetieth birthday.
Nelson Mandela retired from politics in 1999, but he has remained …(42)…, continuing his work
through the Nelson Mandela Foundation. The foundation has launched an Aids awareness campaign,
46664, named …(43)… Mandela’s prison number. He has also set up a scholarship programme whose
…(44)… was to promote leadership among young Africans.
During the 1990s, …(45)… I worked with Mr. Mandela on his autobiography “Long Walk to
Freedom”, I …(46)… his leadership first hand. During his election campaign we were on board a plane
discussing his book. Twenty minutes …(47)… to landing the engine failed. Many began to panic. The
only thing that …(48)… them was looking at Mandela, who was reading his paper as if he was a
passenger on a morning train to work. The plane landed safely and when we got into the car taking us
to the hotel he …(49)… to me, “I was terrified on the plane !” As a leader he realized he was a model
for others and this gave him the strength to …(50)… over his own fear.
41. (A) tribute
(B) remember
(C) honour
(D) celebrate
(E) rejoice
42. (A) resigned
(B) active
(C) influenced
(D) participant
(E) reserved
43. (A) by
(B) with
(C) after
(D) as
(E) thereafter
44. (A) wish
(B) pursuit
(C) result
(D) plot
(E) aim
45. (A) when
(B) that
(C) period
(D) later
(E) alongside
46. (A) felt
(B) acquainted
(C) experienced
(D) underwent
(E) learned
47. (A) before
(B) sooner
(C) close
(D) prior
(E) advance
48. (A) calmed
(B) soothing
(C) composed
(D) restraint
(E) discipline
49. (A) speaks
(B) confided
(C) confidentially
(D) entrusted
(E) assured
50. (A) success
(B) overcame
(C) dominate
(D) victory
(E) triumph
Answers :
1. (E) 2. (C) 3. (C) 4. (D) 5. (C)
6. (B) 7. (B) 8. (B) 9. (D) 10. (C)
11. (E) 12. (D) 13. (B) 14. (A) 15. (E)
16. (B) 17. (D) 18. (E) 19. (C) 20. (A)
21. (B) 22. (E) 23. (B) 24. (D) 25. (A)
26. (B) 27. (A) 28. (D) 29. (C) 30. (E)
31. (D) 32. (A) 33. (C) 34. (B) 35. (E)
36. (A) 37. (C) 38. (C) 39. (B) 40. (E)
41. (D) 42. (B) 43. (C) 44. (E) 45. (A)
46. (C) 47. (D) 48. (A) 49. (B) 50. (E)

Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper State bank of india SBI Bank Po Solved Paper


 Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper  State bank of india SBI Bank Po Solved Paper 


 Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper  State bank of india SBI Bank Po Solved Paper 


SBI Bank Po Solved Paper (Held On July 6 , 2008)
Directions—(Q. 41–50) Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it.
Certain words are printed in bold to help you to locate them while answering some of the questions.
The yearly festival was close at hand. The store room was packed with silk fabrics. gold ornaments,
clay bowls full of sweet curd and platefuls of sweetmeats. The orders had been placed with shops well
in advance. The mother was sending out gifts to everyone.
The eldest son, a government servant, lived with his wife and children in far off lands. The second son
had left home at an early age. As a merchant he travelled all over the world. The other sons had split up
over petty squabbles, and they now lived in homes of their own. The relatives were spread all across
the world. They rarely visited. The youngest son, left in the company of a servant, was soon bored and
stood at the door all day long, waiting and watching. His mother, thrilled and excited, loaded the
presents on trays and plates, covered them with colourful kerchiefs, and sent them off with maids and
servants. The neighbours looked on.
The day came to an end. All the presents had been sent off.
The child came back into the house and dejectedly said to his mother, “Maa, you gave a present to
everyone, but you didn’t give me anything !”
His mother laughed, “I have given all the gifts away to everyone, now see what’s left for you.” She
kissed him on the forehead.
The child said in a tearful voice, “Don’t I get a gift ?”
“You’ll get it when you go far away.”
“But when I am close to you, don’t I get something from your own hands ?”
His mother reached out her arms and drew him to her. “This is all I have in my own hands. It is the
most precious of all.”
41. Why did the woman's second son travel ?
(A) He was restless by nature
(B) He did not want to stay at home
(C) He was rich and could afford to travel
(D) His job was such that he had to travel
(E) None of these
42. Why did the woman’s eldest son not attend the festival ?
(A) He was not on good terms with his youngest brother who lived at home
(B) He had quarrelled with his mother
(C) His wife did not allow him to return home
(D) His job prevented him from taking leave
(E) None of these
43. How did the woman prepare for the festival ?
1. She bought expensive gifts for her children and neighbours.
2. She ordered her servants to prepare sweets and food well in advance.
3. She made sure that her youngest child was looked after so that he wouldn’t be bored.
(A) None
(B) Only 1
(C) Only 2
(D) Both 1 and 2
(E) All 1, 2 and 3
44. What did the youngest child do while his mother was busy ?
1. He waited for a chance to steal some sweetmeats.
2. He pestered his mother to give him a present.
3. He stood at the door with servants.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 and 3
(D) Only 3
(E) None of these
45. Which of the following can be said about the woman ?
(A) She was a widow who had brought up her children single handedly
(B) She was not a good mother since her children had left home at an early age
(C) She enjoyed sending her family gifts at festival time
(D) She gave expensive presents to show that she was wealthy
(E) She rarely visited her grand-children because they all lived abroad
46. What did the boy receive from his mother ?
(A) She taught him the value of patience
(B) She encouraged him to grow up and live independently like his brothers
(C) She showed him the importance of giving expensive gifts
(D) She gave him a hug to express her love
(E) None of these
47. Which of the following is TRUE in the context of the passage ?
(A) The woman usually ignored her youngest son
(B) The woman’s eldest son lived abroad
(C) The members of the woman’s family did not care about her
(D) The woman made all the preparations herself since she did not want to burden the servants
(E) The woman sent gifts to her children to ensure that they visited her
Directions—(Q. 48–49) Choose the word which is most nearly the SAME in meaning as the word
printed in bold as used in the passage.
48. Left
(A) Gone
(B) Quit
(C) Remaining
(D) Disappeared
(E) Forgot
49. Packed
(A) Filled
(B) Squeezed
(C) Crowd
(D) Collected
(E) Untidy
50. Choose the word which is most OPPOSITE in meaning of the word dejectedly as used in the
passage.
(A) Calmly
(B) Happily
(C) Willingly
(D) Fortunately
(E) Softly
Directions—(Q. 51–55) Read each sentence to find out whether there is any error in it. The error, if
any, will be in one part of the sentence. The letter of that part is the answer. If there is no error, the
answer is (E). (Ignore errors of punctuation, if any)
51. Many multinational companies (A) / have not been as (B) /successful in India (C) /than we
expected. (D) No error (E)
52. He has ruined (A) /his eyesight (B) /by not using (C) /his spectacles regularly. (D) No error (E)
53. Mostly of the (A) /newly recruited officers (B) /have no experience (C) /in the banking sector. (D)
No error (E)
54. The resignation of (A) /one of our directors (B) /have caused the price (C) / of shares to fall. (D) No


error (E)
55. There are many (A) /ways of which (B) /inflation can (C) /be measured. (D) No error (E)
Directions—(Q. 56–60) Which of the phrases (A), (B), (C) and (D) given below should replace the
phrase given in bold in the following sentence to make the sentence grammatically meaningful and
correct. If the sentence is correct as it is and ‘No correction is required.’ mark (E) as the answer.
56. Each of the loan must be approved by the Branch Manager—
(A) Every loan
(B) Each one of the loan
(C) Any of the loan
(D) All of the loan
(E) No correction required
57. The issue was taken before the Municipal Corporation meeting last week—
(A) Taking place at
(B) Taken after
(C) Being taken in
(D) Taken up at
(E) No correction required
58. He has asked for the names of those employees involved in the project.
(A) had asked
(B) having asked about
(C) was asked that
(D) is asking
(E) no correction required
59. Considerate the traffic, it is better to leave for the airport an hour early—
(A) While considering
(B) Consideration of
(C) Considering
(D) Being considerate to
(E) No correction required
General English
60. He is a good leader, knowing that to motivate his employees to achieve—
(A) That known when
(B) Who knows how
(C) Which knows how
(D) Knowing what
(E) No correction required
Directions—(Q. 61–65) Rearrange the following six sentences (1), (2), (3), (4), (5) and (6) in the
proper sequence to form a meaningful paragraph; then answer the questions given below them.
(1) The able bodied men of the tribe gathered to discuss how to climb the mountain.
(2) As part of their plundering they kidnapped a baby of one of the families.
(3) One day the mountain tribe invaded those living in the valley.
(4) “We couldn’t climb the mountain. How could you?”, they asked, “It wasn’t your baby !” she
replied.
(5) There were two tribes in the Andes–one lived in the valley and the other high up in the mountains.
(6) Two days later they noticed the child’s mother coming down the mountain that they hadn’t yet
figured out how to climb.
61. Which of the following should be the SECOND sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
62. Which of the following should be the FIFTH sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (6)
(B) (5)
(C) (4)
(D) (3)
(E) (2)
63. Which of the following should be the FIRST sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
64. Which of the following should be the SIXTH (LAST) sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
65. Which of the following should be the THIRD sentence after rearrangement ?
(A) (1)
(B) (2)
(C) (3)
(D) (4)
(E) (5)
Directions—(Q. 66–70) In each question below a sentence with four words printed in bold type is
given. These are lettered (A), (B), (C) and (D). One of these four words printed in bold may be either
wrongly spelt or inappropriate in the context of the sentence. Find out the word, which is wrongly spelt
or inappropriate, if any. The letter of that word is your answer. If all the words printed in bold are
correctly spelt and also appropriate in the context of the sentence mark (E) i.e., all correct as your
answer.
66. The income (A) of many people in rural (B) India is not adequate (C) to satisfy (D) their basic
needs. All correct (E)
67. He is always (A) prompt (B) in caring (C) out instructions. (D) All correct (E)
68. The revized (A) rates (B) of interest will be effective (C) immediately. (D) All correct (E)
69. Such transactions (A) are quiet (B) expensive (C) and time consuming (D) for customers. All
correct (E)
70. The guidelines (A) of the new scheme (B) are expected (C) to be finally (D) soon. All correct (E)
Directions—(Q. 71–80) In the following passage there are blanks each of which has been numbered.
These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words/ phrases are suggested one of
which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.
I used to look …(71)… to the holidays. I was usually …(72)… to my uncle’s house where I …(73)…
his children. I did not get paid a salary for …(74)… What I received in return however, was far more
…(75)… My uncle was an avid reader. During the time I spent with his family I had an …(76)… to
read the vast amount of books and magazines that he possessed. This improved my English to some …
(77)… Reading became my new …(78–79)… spending my pocket money on a ticket to the cinema I
began to …(80)… books. This has benefited me greatly.
71. (A) forward
(B) towards
(C) backward
(D) up
(E) around
72. (A) went
(B) sent
(C) visited
(D) travelled
(E) gone
73. (A) cared
(B) occupy
(C) guarded
(D) taught
(E) played
74. (A) them
(B) whom
(C) this
(D) now
(E) which
75. (A) expensive
(B) deserving
(C) helping
(D) demanding
(E) valuable
76. (A) opportunity
(B) ability
(C) use
(D) encouragement
(E) achievement
77. (A) distance
(B) extent
(C) time
(D) limits
(E) degrees
78. (A) activity
(B) hope
(C) hobby
(D) duty
(E) worship
79. (A) despite
(B) though
(C) by
(D) instead of
(E) while
80. (A) sell
(B) read
(C) exchange
(D) invest
(E) buy
Answers:
41. (D) 42. (E) 43. (A) 44. (D)
45. (C) 46. (D) 47. (B)
48. (C) 49. (A) 50. (C)
51. (D) Replace ‘than’ with ‘as’.
52. (E)
53. (A) Change ‘Mostly’ to ‘Most’.
54. (C) Change ‘have’ to ‘has’.
55. (B) Replace ‘of’ with ‘in’.
56. (A) 57. (D) 58. (E) 59. (C) 60. (B)
61. (C) 62. (A) 63. (E) 64. (D) 65. (B)
66. (E) 67. (C) 68. (A) 69. (E) 70. (D)
71. (A) 72. (B) 73. (D) 74. (C) 75. (E)
76. (A) 77. (B) 78. (C) 79. (D) 80. (E)

State Bank of India PO General Awareness & Computer Knowledge Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper

State Bank of India PO General Awareness & Computer Knowledge  Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper 

State Bank of India PO General Awareness & Computer Knowledge  Probationary Officers Exam previous year question paper Solved Paper 

State Bank of India PO
General Awareness & Computer Knowledge
(Held on 27-07-2008)
1. Which of the following statement(s) reflects India's stand on new World Trade Organization's
proposal on the issue of the subsidy to agro products ?
(1) India would protect the interest of its poor farmers who can not bear the burden of the cost of the
products if they have to sell them on cheaper rate.
(2) Indian industry needs more flexibility as compared to the industry in developed countries.
(3) WTO has set up a new committee under the chairmanship of Putin of Russia to look into the issue
of subsidy and find out a solution to the problem acceptable to all the parties.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 & 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
2. Which of the following statement(s) is / are true about the 11th five year plan of India ?
(1) The highest priority is given to exports ,education and development of steel sector.
(2) The plan aims at achieving the growth at 10 % level by the end of the plan.
(3) The Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is revived in such a way so that it can be achieve a growth nof 4
% for agriculture sector.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 & 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
3. As per the figures released recently the Stock markets in emerging economies made handsome
returns last year (2007-08). Which of the following stock markets amongst the BRIC nations registered
highest increased (97 %) compared to its performance in 2006-07 ?
(A) China
(B) Brazil
(C) Russia
(D) India
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
4. Bayana which was in news recently is a place in—
(A) Uttar Pradseh
(B) Madhya Pradseh
(C) Bihar
(D) Haryana
(E) Rajasthan
Ans : (E)
5. Which of the following statement (s) is / are correct about the Indo-Russia Bilateral Defence Ties ?
(1) Both the countries have decided to produce a fifth generation fighter aircraft and a multi role cargo
plane.
(2) India has agreed to launch Russian missiles from its base at Chandipur incase some other nation
attacks on Russia
(3) India and Russia were able to sort out differences over the utilization of Rupee debt fund which is
of Rs. 8000 crore at present.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 & 3 only
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
6. India has recently decided to put a wire fence on the 76 km. long border in Dhudri district in Assam.
The fence will separate India from—
(A) Nepal
(B) China
(C) Bangladesh
(D) Myanmar
(E) Pakistan
Ans : (C)
7. As we all know the Govt. of India is very keen about providing banking service to the people in rural
and remote areas . However , banks feel that the cost of providing services in these areas for financial
inclusion is quite high if services are offered through the "traditional branch channel ". What is / are the
other alternative cost effective channel(s) to fulfill this aim of the Govt. of India ?
(1) Putting biometric ATMs.
(2) Introduce mobile banking.
(3) Issue credit or debit cards
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 & 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
8. The Govt. of India recently issued a notification altering constituencies in 24 States and Union
territories. This is done as per the provision of which of the following Acts?
(A) Delimitation Act
(B) Census Act
(C) Parliament Act
(D) State Reorganization Act
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
9. As we read very frequently in the newspaper fraudulent activities in financial world is still
continuing despite various efforts made by various countries to prevent them. As an estimate by IMF,
what is the probable amount derived from such illegal activities which is laundered through the world's
formal financial systems every year? About -
(A) US$ 500 billion
(B) US$ 800 billion
(C) US$ 1000 billion
(D) US$ 1250 billion
(E) US$ 1500 billion
Ans : (A)
10. Indian Prime Minister during his visit the Arunachal Pradseh a few months back asserted that the
State is India's Land of Rising Sun. Which of the following countries did not like his statement and had
raised some objection over his visit to Arunachal Pradseh which is very much a part of India?
(A) Myanmar
(B) China
(C) Bangladseh
(D) Bhutan
(E) Nepal
Ans : (B)
11. Which of the following is the amount of insurance cover provided to the workers of the
unorganized sector under Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana?
(A) Rs. 10,000/-
(B) Rs. 20,000/-
(C) Rs. 30,000/-
(D) Rs. 40,000/-
(E) Rs. 50,000/-
Ans : (C)
12. Which of the following is NOT one of the highlights Economic Survey presented in the Lok Sabha
for the year 2007-08?
(A) Economy has "moved to higher growth phase"
(B) A trend of acceleration in domestic investment and saving rate is recorded.
(C) Buoyant growth in Govt. revenue.
(D) Indian Economy at market rate of exchange crossed 1 trillion US$ in current fiscal.
(E) Net Foreign direct Investment increased by 350% .
Ans : (E)
13. Which of the following is / are correct about sub prime crisis which was in news recently?
(1) It has reduced the flow of capital coming of Indian Stock Markets.
(2) The sub prime crisis is the major financial crisis whose origin is in the Russia and Brazil.It has
adversely affected the economy of Europe and USA.
(3) The crisis started when some people started trading with false Share certificates of major blue chip
US companies in the stock markets.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 & 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
14. The Prime Minister Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has a target to connect all habitations of which
of the following levels with all weather roads by 2008-09?
(A) 1000+
(B) 2000+
(C) 3000+
(D) 4000+
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
15. As we all know the value of the Indian rupee has appreciated in the recent past . The value of the
Rupee is direct dependent on which of the following?
(A) Availability of commodities in the market.
(B) VAT introduced by the Govt. on various commodities.
(C) Size of total Forex Reserve of India currently.
(D) Capital flow in the market during a given period of time.
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
16. Which of the following banks has taken over the Centurion Bank of Punjab?
(A) ICICI Bank
(B) IDBI Bank
(C) HDFC Bank
(D) AXIS Bank
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
17. As per provision made in Bharat Nirman Programme the pace of creation of irrigation facilities is
required to be raised from present level of 1.42 million hectare per year in such a way so that it can
achieve the target level fixed for the same?
(A) 1.50 million hectares / year
(B) 1.75 million hectares / year
(C) 2.00 million hectares / year
(D) 2.25 million hectares / year
(E) 2.50 million hectares / year
Ans : (D)
18. Inflation has become major area of concern in India these days. What measures do the Govt. of
India / RBI normally take to control the same?
(1) Fixation of Maximum Price of the Commodities
(2) System of Dual prices.
(3) Increased in supply of food grains.
(4) Control on credit and liquidity in market.
(A) Only 1


(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 2, 3 & 4
(E) All 1, 2, 3 & 4
Ans : (D)
19. How much Education Cess is being levied on all the taxes to support elementary education for the
children of age group of 6-14 years under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA)?
(A) 0.50%
(B) 0.75%
(C) 1.00%
(D) 1.50%
(E) 2.00%
Ans : (E)
20. Which of the following is / are correct about various concessions given in the Union Budget for
2008-09?
(1) Five years tax holidays for setting up hospitals in Tier II & Tier III regions for providing health care
in rural areas.
(2) Commodities tax transaction to be introduced.
(3) Banking cash transaction tax withdrawn.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Only 2 & 3
(E) All 1, 2 & 3
Ans : (E)
21. Which of the following statements reflects the aim(s) Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal
Mission (JNNURM)?
(1) Give focused attention to integrated development of infrastructure in selected cities.
(2) Provide basic services to the urban poors
(3) Scale up civic amenities and provision of utilities in urban areas.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1, 2 & 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
22. The Press Freedom Day is observed on which of the following days?
(A) 1st May
(B) 1st June
(C) 3rd May
(D) 3rd June
(E) 10th June
Ans : (C)
23. As per the decision taken by the Govt. of India now the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
is extended to all the districts of India. This means : it will now be applicable to about—
(A) 200 districts
(B) 300 districts
(C) 400 districts
(D) 500 districts
(E) 600 districts
Ans : (E)
24. As per the reports published by the Ministry of Finance recently the overseas borrowings by the
Corporates and currency fluctuation has gone up by which of the following percentage points? About—
(A) 1%
(B) 2%
(C) 3%
(D) 4%
(E) 5%
Ans : (C)
25. The Govt. of India and Reserve Bank of India is planning to set up an autonomous "ATM
corporation of India" in which various banks can get together for common ATM operations. If this
happens how will we all be benefited by the same?
(1) It will be a cost effective measure as each bank can share its operational cost with others.
(2) Clients can withdrawn money from any ATM from any location. They are not required to go to their
banks' ATM only.
(3) It will indirectly help the IT business also as India has a large pool of IT skilled manpower waiting
for suitable placement.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Both 1 & 2
(D) All 1, 2 & 3
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
26. As per the news published in various newspapers the Govt. of India has decided to create a
Strategic Reserve of—
(A) Oil & Petroleum
(B) Rasoi Gas
(C) Food grains
(D) Cement & Steel
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
27. The Govt. of India had constituted a high level committee on financial sector reforms with
Raghuram G.Rajan as its Chairman. Which of the following is / are the recommendations of the
committee?
(1) Liberalize the interest rate that banks/institution can charge to ensure credit for poors.
(2) Create an office of the Ombudsman exclusively for financial sector.
(3) Do not allow foreign investors in domestic stock markets.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) Both 1 & 2
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
28. Yves Leterme has taken over as the prime minister of—
(A) Newzealand
(B) Belgium
(C) Croatia
(D) Portugal
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
29. The State Bank of India recently opened its 10000th branch in Puduvayal (Tamil Nadu). Only a
bank in China has more branches than State Bank of India in the world. What is the name of that
Chinese bank?
(A) Shanghai Commercial Bank
(B) Bank of China
(C) China Banking Corporation
(D) Industrial and Commercial Bank of China
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
30. Many a times we read about 'Globalization' and its impact on business practice in India. Which of
the following is NOT one of the important parameters of 'Globalization'?
(1) Reduction of trade barriers to permit free flow of goods and services amongst various nations.
(2) Developing an environment in which free flow of capital can take place.
(3) Promoting local industry to cater to the needs of the consumers in Tier II and Tier III cities. The
production from metros should be reserved only for exports.
(A) Only 1
(B) Only 2
(C) Only 3
(D) All 1,2 & 3
(E) Both 2 & 3
Ans : (D)
31. Many times we read a term CBS used in banking operation. What is the full form of the letter 'C' in
the term 'CBS'?
(A) Core
(B) Credit
(C) Continuous
(D) Complete
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
32. As per news published in newspapers the Oil & Natural Gas Commission (ONGC) has purchased
some oil assets in Latin American Countries along with one other major company of India . What is the
name of that company?
(A) Hindustan Petroleum Corporation
(B) Indian Oil Corporation
(C) Reliance Industries Ltd.
(D) National Mineral Development Corporation of India
(E) None of these
Ans : (E)
33. India's First centre to monitor climate change was opened recently at—
(A) New Delhi
(B) Chennai
(C) Jaipur
(D) Bangalore
(E) Kolkata
Ans : (B)
34. Which of the following Acts was framed specially to deal more effectively with the problem of
Non-Performing Assets in banking system?
(A) SARFAESI ACT.
(B) Banking Regulation Act.
(C) Foreign Exchange Management Act.
(D) Industrial Dispute Act.
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
35. The————shows all the websites and pages that you have visited over a period of time.
(A) status bar
(B) task bar
(C) history list
(D) tool bar
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
36. A proxy server is used for the which of the following?
(A) To provide security against unauthorized users
(B) To process client requests for web pages
(C) To process client requests for database access
(D) To provide TCP/IP
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
37. A repair for a known software bug,usually available at no charge on the internet, is called a(n)—
(A) version
(B) Patch
(C) Tutorial
(D) FAQ
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
38. In the URL http://www.prenhall.com, the portion lebelled http is the—
(A) host
(B) domain name
(C) protocol
(D) top-level domain
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
39. Which of the following organizations has recently given a US$ 600 million loan to Power Grid
Corporation of India,a Govt. run organization?
(A) Asian Development Bank
(B) World Bank
(C) International Monetary Fund
(D) Bank of America
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
40. The ability to easily add additional users meAns : that a network is—
(A) Scalable
(B) dedicated
(C) Decentralized
(D) Secure
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
41. In a database, a field is a—
(A) lable
(B) table of information
(C) group of related records
(D) category of information
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
42. The number of pixels displayed on a screen is known as the screen—
(A) resolution
(B) colour depth
(C) refresh rate
(D) viewing size
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
43. Wor processing , spreadsheet , and phoyo-editing are example of—
(A) application software
(B) system software
(C) operating system software
(D) platform software
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
44. If you wish to extend the length of the network without having the signal degrade, you would use a

(A) repeater
(B) router
(C) gateway
(D) switch
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)
45. A————is approximately a million bytes.
(A) gigabyte
(B) kilobyte
(C) megabyte
(D) terabyte
(E) None of these
Ans : (C)
46. The time it takes a device to locate data and instructions and make them available to CPU is known
as—
(A) clock speed
(B) a processing cycle
(C) CPU speed
(D) access time
(E) None of these
Ans : (D)
47. ——————controls the way in which the computer system functions and provides a means : by
which users are interact with the computer.
(A) The platform
(B) The operating system
(C) Application software
(D) The motherboard
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
48. ——————meAns : that the data contained in a database is accurate and reliable.
(A) Data redundancy
(B) Data integrity
(C) Data reliability
(D) Data consistency
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
49. A(n) —————— is aprivate corporate network,used exclusively by company employees.
(A) Internet
(B) local area network
(C) peer-to-peer
(D) intranet
(E) None of these
Ans : (B)
50. A characteristic of a file server is which of the following?
(A) Manages file operations and is shared on a network
(B) Manages file operations and is limited to one PC
(C) Acts as fat client and is shared on a network
(D) Acts as fat client and is limited to one PC
(E) None of these
Ans : (A)