Data Sufficiency
Data Sufficiency
IBPS PO typically includes a set of 5 data sufficiency questions, and SBI PO follows the same pattern. You determine whether given statements provide enough information to answer a question without actually solving it. Speed comes from recognizing sufficiency patterns early and stopping as soon as the answer becomes determinable. Banking aspirants who master the five-option framework gain a reliable edge in this section.
Key Idea
Focus on sufficiency, not the actual answer. Check each statement independently first, then together. Stop as soon as you know the answer is determinable.
Core Rules
Statement Independence
First check Statement I alone, then Statement II alone, before combining
Follow this order on every question — evaluate Statement I alone, then Statement II alone, before combining them.
Five-Option Framework
(a) I alone sufficient, (b) II alone sufficient, (c) Both together needed, (d) Either alone sufficient, (e) Both together not sufficient
Map your findings to these five standard answer choices used in IBPS PO and SBI PO papers.
Uniqueness Test
A statement is sufficient only if it leads to exactly one answer — multiple possible answers means insufficient
When a statement narrows possibilities but does not fix a unique answer.
Combine Only When Needed
Combine statements only after confirming neither alone is sufficient
Prevents wasting time on combination when one statement already works.
Relevant Exams
Data sufficiency is a staple in banking exams — IBPS PO typically has a set of 5 questions. Speed comes from recognizing sufficiency patterns without fully solving the underlying problem.