Analogy questions in SBI PO test one skill exclusively — identifying the precise relationship between a word pair and finding its mirror in the answer options. Students who approach these questions with only vocabulary knowledge consistently pick the second-best answer. Students who identify the relationship type first get them right every time.
SBI PO analogy questions appear primarily in the English Language section, with 2–4 questions per paper. They look deceptively simple, but the answer choices are designed to trap students who recognise words without understanding the relationship structure.
- SBI PO analogy questions appear 2–4 times per paper in the English Language section
- Always name the relationship first before looking at answer options — this is the single most effective technique
- There are 7 relationship types that cover 95% of all SBI PO analogy questions
- The Sentence Bridge method turns vague word associations into precise, testable relationships
- One week of pattern-type drilling (20 questions/day) achieves 90%+ accuracy on this topic
Source: SBI PO 2024 official exam pattern — sbi.co.in
🌉 The Sentence Bridge Method: Your Core Solving Technique
Most students look at a word pair and think "these seem related" — then pick an answer that feels similar. This intuition-based approach fails on harder questions where multiple options seem plausible.
The Sentence Bridge method forces precision. Before looking at options, construct one specific sentence that describes the exact relationship between the given pair. Then apply that same sentence to each answer option. Only one will fit perfectly.
DOCTOR : HOSPITAL — your bridge sentence: "A doctor works in a hospital." Now test options. "A teacher works in a school" fits exactly. "A lawyer works in a court" also fits — so refine your sentence: "A doctor provides services to patients in a hospital." The more specific your bridge, the fewer false matches.
Pooja from Jaipur cleared SBI PO 2024 after adopting this method: "I used to eliminate two options and then guess between the remaining two. The bridge sentence eliminated that guesswork entirely — I started getting all analogy questions right within 10 days."
🔗 The 7 Relationship Types in SBI PO Analogy
Type 1: Tool and User
Object is used by a professional. Example: Scalpel : Surgeon :: Gavel : Judge
Type 2: Part and Whole
One word is a component of the other. Example: Chapter : Book :: Scene : Play
Type 3: Degree or Intensity
Same quality, different magnitude. Example: Warm : Hot :: Dislike : Hate
Type 4: Cause and Effect
First word causes the second. Example: Drought : Famine :: Negligence : Accident
Type 5: Worker and Product
A professional creates or produces the output. Example: Author : Novel :: Sculptor : Statue
Type 6: Antonym and Synonym Pairs
Relationship defined by opposition or similarity. Example: Courage : Cowardice :: Generosity : Selfishness
Type 7: Functional Purpose
One word defines the purpose or function of the other. Example: Dam : Flood :: Vaccine : Disease
📋 SBI PO Analogy Pattern Types: Quick Reference
| Relationship Type | Frequency | Bridge Sentence Template | Common Trap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tool and User | High | "X is used by Y" | Similar tools for different users |
| Part and Whole | High | "X is a part of Y" | Confusing category with part |
| Degree/Intensity | Medium | "X is a milder form of Y" | Synonyms that aren't degree-related |
| Cause and Effect | Medium | "X leads to Y" | Correlation confused with causation |
| Worker and Product | Medium | "X creates Y" | Worker associated with, not creating |
| Antonym/Synonym | Medium | "X is the opposite/same as Y" | Near-synonyms vs exact synonyms |
| Functional Purpose | Low-Medium | "X prevents/enables Y" | Function vs association |
Source: SBI PO 2022–2024 paper analysis, bankersadda.com
📅 Your Action Plan: 1-Week Mastery Schedule
- Days 1–3: Practise each relationship type separately (15 questions per type). Write the bridge sentence for every question — even the ones you answer correctly. This builds the habit before time pressure arrives.
- Days 4–6: Mixed analogy sets (20 questions/day). Identify the relationship type within 5 seconds before constructing the bridge sentence. Target: under 25 seconds per question.
- Day 7: Full timed mock section. Analogy questions should now feel like the fastest questions in the English section — attempt them first.
📊 In our analysis of 500+ PrepGrind students, those who drilled bridge sentences by relationship type improved analogy accuracy from 61% to 92% within one week (PrepGrind internal data, 2024).
🔍 People Also Search For
What types of analogy questions are asked in bank exams?
Analogy questions may include alphabet analogy, number analogy, word relationship, and mixed logical analogy patterns. Candidates need to identify the relationship between given pairs and apply the same logic to find the correct answer. Understanding patterns like position, sequence, or arithmetic relation helps in solving quickly. Regular practice improves accuracy and speed.
How to solve analogy questions easily in reasoning?
Candidates should first observe the relationship in the given pair such as alphabetical shift, numerical difference, or logical connection. Writing alphabet positions or checking number patterns helps in identifying the rule. Avoid guessing and verify the pattern before selecting the answer. Practising different types of analogy questions improves confidence.
How to prepare analogy topic for bank exams effectively?
Preparation should include daily practice of basic to moderate level analogy questions and revision of common patterns. Candidates should focus on time management and accuracy while solving questions. Sectional mock tests help in identifying weak areas. Consistent revision strengthens reasoning performance.
What are important tricks for solving number analogy questions?
Important tricks include checking arithmetic operations like addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division between numbers. Candidates should also look for square, cube, or sequence-based patterns. Solving questions step by step reduces mistakes. Regular practice helps in improving calculation speed.
Why is analogy a scoring topic in SBI PO reasoning section?
Analogy questions are usually short and concept-based, allowing candidates to solve them quickly with proper practice. This helps in increasing overall attempts in the reasoning section. Strong basics and regular revision improve accuracy. Mastering this topic boosts confidence during the exam.
🎯 Conclusion: Your Next Step
SBI PO analogy questions reward students who identify relationships precisely, not broadly. Master the seven relationship types, apply the Sentence Bridge method consistently, and practise type-by-type before mixing. One focused week is all the preparation this topic requires.
Ready to build complete SBI PO English Language mastery? Explore PrepGrind's SBI PO English module — featuring 300+ analogy question drills across all relationship types, with detailed bridge-sentence solutions and timed mock sets built by Bank PO toppers.