100+ Free Central Bank of India ZBO Practice Questions

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2026 Statistics

Key Facts: Central Bank of India ZBO Exam

120 Questions

Total questions in the official online recruitment exam

CBI ZBO Notification

80 Minutes

Total duration allowed, with strict sectional timing per segment

CBI ZBO Exam Pattern

0.25 Marks

Negative marking deduction for each incorrect response

CBI Evaluation Scheme

70:30 Ratio

Weightage ratio of online written test to interview for final merit list

CBI Selection Process

₹500 Crore

Minimum asset size of NBFC/Cooperative Bank for experience validity

CBI Eligibility Norms

The Central Bank of CBI ZBO exam has 120 MCQs, 80 minutes duration (sectional timings apply), a 0.25 negative marking penalty, and a 70:30 written-to-interview weight. The application fee is ₹850 + GST (₹175 + GST for SC/ST/PwBD/Women).

Sample Central Bank of India ZBO Practice Questions

Try these sample questions to test your Central Bank of India ZBO exam readiness. Each question includes a detailed explanation. Start the interactive quiz above for the full 100+ question experience with AI tutoring.

1Which type of account cannot be opened in the name of a minor as per RBI guidelines?

A.Savings Bank Account

B.Fixed Deposit Account

C.Recurring Deposit Account

D.Current Account

Explanation: A current account cannot be opened in the name of a minor because a minor cannot enter into a contract of partnership or open an overdraft-related business account under Indian contract laws. Savings, Fixed, and Recurring deposits are permitted to encourage savings, with the guardian acting on behalf of the minor.

2What is the update frequency of Customer Identification Data (re-KYC) for high-risk category customers as per RBI's KYC Master Directions?

A.At least once in every 2 years

B.At least once in every 5 years

C.At least once in every 8 years

D.At least once in every 10 years

Explanation: According to RBI's KYC Master Directions, periodic updation of KYC details must be carried out at least once in every 2 years for high-risk customers. For medium-risk customers, it is at least once in 8 years, and for low-risk customers, it is at least once in 10 years.

3Which section of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 governs the nomination facility for deposit accounts in India?

A.Section 45ZA

B.Section 45ZC

C.Section 45ZE

D.Section 19

Explanation: Section 45ZA of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 permits a depositor or depositors to nominate one person to whom the bank can return the deposit in the event of the death of the depositor(s). Sections 45ZC and 45ZE cover nomination for safe custody and safety lockers respectively.

4What is the maximum validity period of a Demand Draft (DD) from the date of its issue under RBI guidelines?

A.1 Month

B.3 Months

C.6 Months

D.12 Months

Explanation: Under RBI guidelines, Demand Drafts, banker's cheques, and cheques are valid for a maximum period of 3 months from the date of issue. After 3 months, the instrument becomes stale and needs to be revalidated by the drawer/issuer bank.

5What is the maximum amount that can be deposited in a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account in a single financial year under current rules?

A.₹1,00,000

B.₹1,50,000

C.₹2,00,000

D.₹2,50,000

Explanation: The maximum deposit limit in a PPF account is ₹1,50,000 in a single financial year. Deposits can be made in lump sum or in installments, and any deposit exceeding this limit does not earn interest and is not eligible for tax benefits under Section 80C.

6What is the minimum maturity period for which a Foreign Currency Non-Resident - FCNR(B) deposit can be accepted by banks in India?

A.6 Months

B.1 Year

C.3 Years

D.5 Years

Explanation: Under FEMA and RBI guidelines, FCNR(B) deposits can be accepted for a minimum maturity period of 1 year and a maximum period of 5 years. Banks are not allowed to accept FCNR(B) deposits for a period less than 1 year or exceeding 5 years.

7What is the maximum period for which commercial banks in India can accept domestic term deposits under ordinary circumstances?

A.3 Years

B.5 Years

C.7 Years

D.10 Years

Explanation: Domestic term deposits in Indian commercial banks can be accepted for a maximum tenure of 10 years. This applies to both fixed deposits and recurring deposits, although court-ordered deposits may exceed this limit under exceptional circumstances.

8What is the maximum investment limit allowed under the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) per individual?

A.₹15 Lakhs

B.₹20 Lakhs

C.₹25 Lakhs

D.₹30 Lakhs

Explanation: The maximum deposit limit under the Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS) was increased to ₹30 Lakhs per individual. If a joint account is opened, the entire amount deposited belongs to the primary depositor who must meet the age eligibility.

9What is the overall Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding RRBs and SFBs) in India?

A.30% of ANBC

B.40% of ANBC

C.75% of ANBC

D.18% of ANBC

Explanation: Domestic Scheduled Commercial Banks (excluding Regional Rural Banks and Small Finance Banks) and Foreign Banks with 20 branches and above have an overall Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target of 40% of Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher.

10What is the overall Priority Sector Lending (PSL) target for Small Finance Banks (SFBs) in India?

A.40% of ANBC

B.50% of ANBC

C.60% of ANBC

D.75% of ANBC

Explanation: Under RBI regulations, Small Finance Banks (SFBs) are mandated to direct 75% of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent Amount of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, to the Priority Sector. This matches the target set for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs).

About the Central Bank of India ZBO Exam

The Central Bank of India Zonal Based Officer (ZBO) recruitment is a scale-I officer entry point for experienced banking professionals. The online examination comprises 120 MCQs with a total duration of 80 minutes under sectional timings. Topics are split into four sections: English Language, Banking Knowledge, Computer Knowledge, and Present Economic Scenario & General Awareness. There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. This practice bank provides 100 carefully written questions spanning all sections, focusing heavily on professional banking, credit regulations, and core guidelines to ensure candidate success.

Questions

120 scored questions

Time Limit

80 minutes

Passing Score

Merit cutoff based on competitive vacancies

Exam Fee

₹850 + GST for general/OBC; ₹175 + GST for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates. (Central Bank of India (CBI))

Central Bank of India ZBO Exam Content Outline

50%

Banking Knowledge

Includes deposits & loans, KYC/AML norms, priority sector lending (75% for UCBs, 40% for SCBs), credit appraisal (Turnover/MPBF methods), asset classification (SMA-0/1/2, NPA standards), provisioning rules, recovery tools (SARFAESI, Lok Adalat, DRT, IBC), Negotiable Instruments Act, Banking Regulation Act 1949, and RBI monetary guidelines.

20%

Present Economic Scenario & General Awareness

Economic indices, GDP projections, RBI monetary policy (rates like Repo, Reverse Repo, MSF), Union Budget highlights, banking sector reforms, and major government schemes such as PMJDY, PMJJBY, PMSBY, APY, and PMEGP.

15%

Computer Knowledge & Digital Banking

Computer systems architecture, hardware/software, operating systems, networking concepts, cyber threats & security measures, and digital payment infrastructure (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, AePS, CBDC, and Blockchain technology).

15%

English Language

English grammar, syntax, error correction, paragraph reordering, cloze tests, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms, and reading comprehension exercises.

How to Pass the Central Bank of India ZBO Exam

What You Need to Know

Passing score: Merit cutoff based on competitive vacancies
Exam length: 120 questions
Time limit: 80 minutes
Exam fee: ₹850 + GST for general/OBC; ₹175 + GST for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates.

Keys to Passing

Complete 500+ practice questions
Score 80%+ consistently before scheduling
Focus on highest-weighted sections
Use our AI tutor for tough concepts

Central Bank of India ZBO Study Tips from Top Performers

1Dedicate major study time to Banking Knowledge, as it accounts for 50% of the marks. Understand the latest RBI Master Circulars on Priority Sector Lending (PSL), NPA provisioning, and KYC norms.

2Understand credit calculations, particularly working capital appraisal using Nayak Committee (Turnover Method) and Tandon Committee (MPBF Method), and know how to calculate DSCR and Current Ratio.

3Keep track of the latest RBI Monetary Policy rates (Repo, Reverse Repo, SDF, MSF, Bank Rate) and key economic indicators like CPI inflation and GDP growth projections.

4Practice English speed drills. Sectional timings mean you only have 15 minutes for 20 English questions and 15 minutes for 20 GA questions.

5Master digital banking technologies (e-RUPPI, CBDC, IMPS limits, Unified Payments Interface, cybersecurity terminology) as they form a bulk of the computer knowledge section.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of the CBI ZBO online examination?

The online objective test consists of 120 questions for 120 marks with a total time of 80 minutes. The sections are: English Language (20 Q / 15 min), Banking Knowledge (60 Q / 35 min), Computer Knowledge (20 Q / 15 min), and Present Economic Scenario & GA (20 Q / 15 min). Sectional timings are strictly enforced.

Is there negative marking in the ZBO exam?

Yes, there is negative marking. For every incorrect answer, 0.25 (1/4th) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty.

What is the application fee for the CBI ZBO exam?

The fee for SC/ST/PwBD/Women candidates is ₹175 + GST (totaling approx ₹207). For all other candidates, the fee is ₹850 + GST (totaling approx ₹1,003).

What are the eligibility requirements regarding banking experience?

Candidates must have at least 1 year of experience in Officer/Supervisory cadre or 3 years of experience in Clerical cadre in a Scheduled Commercial Bank, Scheduled Cooperative Bank, or an NBFC with an asset size of at least ₹500 crore.

How is the final merit list for ZBO calculated?

The final selection is based on a combined score of the online written examination and the personal interview. The weightage ratio is 70:30 for the written test and the interview respectively.

100+ Free Central Bank of India ZBO Practice Questions

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