IBPS PO Exam is the exam organised by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to select candidates for the position of probationary officers in public sector banks in India. It is one of the most competitive exams with lakhs of candidates applying each year. The number of vacancies is very limited.
To clear the exam, it is important that the candidates have a proper strategy and time-table in place for preparation. The IBPS Exam consists of two exams and an interview round. There is a preliminary exam and then the main exam that the candidates have to appear for. The preliminary exam is an objective type exam. The main exam consists of both objective and subjective type questions. Only candidates who clear the preliminary exam can appear for the main exam. The exam syllabus covers topics from 6 sections- vocabulary, quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, current affairs, general knowledge and computer knowledge.
Section-wise tips to follow for exam preparation
- Vocabulary- To increase your vocabulary and fluency in English, it is important that you read regularly. Read the newspaper or magazines. Focus more on the editorial sections of the newspaper. Practice grammar exercises as much as possible to brush up concepts.
- Logical reasoning- It is a highly scoring section if you get the concepts right. Practice from referring to papers of previous years and reference books. Focus on topics like Coding-Decoding, Inequality, syllogism. Practice more puzzles and arrangements. Learn the concept thoroughly.
- General Knowledge- Read through the newspapers and practice GK quizzes regularly. Reading newspapers will also help you with English preparation.
- Current Affairs- Keep a tab on the political and economic current affairs. Economic current affairs like any changes in the financial sector or changes in policies are very important.
- Quantitative Ability- Focus on the mathematical equations and formulas. Write and practice all the formulas necessary. Practice as many questions as possible. It can be a highly scoring section if you have enough practice.
- Computer knowledge- It is an easy section to prepare for. Candidates should be familiar with basic softwares like excel, powerpoint etc and know how to use a computer. Basic know-how will be tested.
Tips to prepare for exam:
- Having a schedule- Having a time-table for preparation is essential. A time table will help you keep track of your syllabus and how you are utilising your time in covering it. It will help you cover all the topics in time. Divide your time across the different subjects and sections depending on your strengths and weaknesses. You should aim to cover a particular topic or chunk of the syllabus in a day or particular amount of time.
- Stay focused- It is important that as the exam is getting closer, you focus more on brushing up your tips and study. Stick to your schedule and eliminate as many distractions as possible. This focused study time will help you a lot in cracking the exam.
- Know the syllabus- Make sure that you are familiar with the updated syllabus and plan. Since there is no definitive syllabus it is important that you go through the subject wise areas mentioned and check from the previous years’ papers to see what all you need to study in order to prepare. It can require books from school or college. Make sure to be aware of any additions in terms of topics. Since the syllabus might seem vast, it is important that you categorise and study it completely. The study material can be found online.
- Practice mock tests- The test will help you analyse your performance and help you figure out which topic might need more attention. Practice is key when preparing for the exam. Since there is no definitive syllabus, the mock test will prepare you in terms of what kind of questions to expect and give you enough practice. The mock test will also help you manage your time for the exam.
- Practice papers from previous years- This will help you get familiar with the pattern of the exam and the kind of questions to expect. The questions at times can be repeated or similar to that of the previous year exams. Make sure to have enough practice. They are available online or offline. Make sure to time yourself while answering the exam so that you can manage your time well.
- Do not attempt a question if you are not sure of the answer as there is negative marking in the exam. This will bring your overall cut-off down. Only attempt questions that you are fully sure about. Hence, it is important that you are fully thorough with what you practice and learn.
- Make notes- Note-making is important while preparing for exams. Make a note of formulas, important dates, concepts etc., you tend to learn and retain better while writing. The notes will help you make the information concise and make it easier for you to revise as well. It is a good method to memorize short term answers or formulas and dates for current affairs and GK.
- Be aware of the cut-off marks, negative marking and the pattern of the exam thoroughly. Go online and check for this information and you can also do this by attempting enough practice papers. Being familiar with the pattern will help you prepare and analyse your syllabus better.
- Make sure to give yourself breaks. This time can be stressful for candidates. Make sure your timetable has enough time for breaks as well. Keep yourself fresh and calm. Get some regular exercise to keep yourself active. Make sure to get enough sleep and eat well. Tackle tough or new topics only when you feel fully refreshed. Figure out the time when you feel the most refreshed and retain the most of what you study.
By following these tips and being regular in studying, you are sure to clear the exam with a good cut-off. Make sure to prepare well for your interview after this and build on your confidence. This will help you attain a prestigious job and set your professional career.
