Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for PO’s (Probationary officers) is an all India exam conducted for aspirants who are interested in the banking sector. The examination is conducted online in different centres which are allotted respectively.
There are three stages in the examination- The preliminary, Mains, and the interview. The preparation should be very clear and accurate and it is very important to clear all rounds with substantial marks. The study plan and the preparation should be absolutely thorough as there is a negative marking for the wrong answers. So there is no option for guesswork and one should be sure about their answers.
The first stage that is the preliminary exam has three sections
- Reasoning Section
- Quantitative aptitude section
- English language section.
The time for each section is 20 minutes and a total of 60 minutes.
The topics for Reasoning section comprises of
● Chapter 1 Logical Reasoning.
● Chapter 2 Alphanumeric series
● Chapter 3 Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test.
● Chapter 4 Data Sufficiency
● Chapter 5 Coded inequalities
● Chapter 6 Seating Arrangement
● Chapter 7 Puzzle
● Chapter 8 Tabulation
● Chapter 9 Syllogism
● Chapter 10 Blood Relations.
● Chapter 11 Input-Output
● Chapter 12 Coding-Decoding
The topics for the quantitative aptitude section
● Topic 1 Simplification
● Topic 2 Profit & Loss
● Topic 3 Mixtures & Alligations
● Topic 4 Simple Interest & Compound Interest
● Topic 5 Surds & Indices
● Topic 6 Work & Time
● Topic 7 Time & Distance
● Topic 8 Mensuration-Cylinder
● Topic 9 Cone, Sphere
● Topic 10 Data Interpretation
● Ratio & Proportion, percentage
● Number Systems
● Sequence & Series
● Permutation Combination and probability.
English Language has the following topics
● Topic 1 Reading and Comprehension
● Topic 2 Cloze Test and Para Jumbles
● Topic 3 Miscellaneous and Fill in the blanks
● Topic 4 Multiple Meaning/Error spotting
● Topic 5 Paragraph Completion
The mains has four sections: Reasoning and computer aptitude, English language, quantitative aptitude and general awareness.
● 60 minutes for Reasoning and computer aptitude
● 40 minutes for the English language
● 45 minutes for Data interpretation and analysis
● 35 minutes for General economy and banking awareness
● Total 3 Hours
The syllabus of quantitative aptitude has the following topics.
● Topic1 Simplification
● Topic 2 Average and percentage
● Topic 3 Ratio and percentage
● Topic 4 Data interpretation
● Topic 5 Mensuration and geometry
● Topic 6 Quadratic equation and interest
● Topic 7 Problems of ages and profit and loss
● Topic 8 Number series and speed
● Topic 9 Distance and time
● Topic 10 Time and work and Number system
● Topic 11 Data sufficiency and linear equation
● Topic 12 Permutation and combination
● Topic 13 Probability and mixtures and Allegations
The syllabus for Reasoning and Computer aptitude consists of the following
● Chapter 1 Verbal reasoning and Syllogism
● Chapter 2 Circular seating arrangement and Linear seating arrangement
● Chapter 3 Double Lineup and Scheduling
● Chapter 4 Input Blood relations and Directions and Distances
● Chapter 5 Ordering and Ranking and Data Sufficiency
● Chapter 6 Coding and Decoding and Code Inequalities.
● Chapter 7 Internet and Memory
● Chapter 8 Keyboard Shortcuts and ComputerAbbreviation
● Chapter 9 Microsoft Office and Computer Hardware.
● Chapter 10 Computer Software and Operating System
● Chapter 11 Networking, Computer Fundamentals and Terminologies.
The Syllabus for English language and General Awareness
● Reading Comprehension and Grammar
● Vocabulary and Verbal Ability
● Financial Awareness and Current Affairs
● General Knowledge.
The last stage is the Interview and the selection is based on considering the marks obtained in Mains and the interview process. 80% of the marks are taken from Mains and 20% from the interview. Click here for more info on the syllabus and the exam pattern.
Books recommended for the preparation
The book recommended for General and Banking Awareness is Manorama Year Book. For Quantitative Aptitude, you can refer to Quantitative Aptitude by R S Agarwal. For the English language, it is Wren and Martin’s English Grammar and Composition. For Reasoning, the book can be A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non Verbal by BS Sijwali.
The fee structure for the IBPS PO exam
The fees for the general category is Rs 600 and other candidates are Rs 100
Age limit and the Education qualification
The minimum age of the candidate should be 20 Years and the maximum should be 30 years. The minimum qualification is graduation to apply for the IBPS PO exam.
Study plan for the preparation for the English Language
Segregate the portions in the English language and practise reading, comprehension and paragraph writing. Solve the previous year question papers to get an idea of the type of questions appearing in the exam. Para jumbles fill in the blanks can be practised from the recommended books. This would become easier if you have a good command of the English language.
Quantitative Aptitude preparation Tips
The time is around 20 minutes. Be careful while answering as it’s a negative marking. This can be thoroughly prepared by taking several mock tests and keeping track of time. This will help you to practise answering accurately. Mathematics, Data interpretation needs lots of practice. The practice can help you to solve the paper quickly and correctly. While answering the question paper try to solve the ones which you know perfectly. This way you can attempt more questions and the chances of scoring more marks will be easier.
Reasoning Ability Preparation tips
The candidates can easily score marks in this section. Try to practise from the recommended books to solve tricky questions. Candidates should be able to manage their time well. Focus on Seating arrangements, puzzles, blood relations, ordering and Ranking. You can solve and practise keeping track of the time. This will help you to improve to complete the question paper within the prescribed time.
Data Analysis and Interpretation Preparation Tips
This is mainly based on calculation and understanding of the patterns. The focus should be on calculations and formulas. Practise on these topics thoroughly and revise the formulas regularly. This can be done well by solving the previous year question papers.
Computer Aptitude preparation Tips
This is a combination with Reasoning ability. This is mainly on computer knowledge and skills. The important topics to be focussed on are Networking, Microsoft Office, History of computers, Computer Fundamentals and terminologies. There are a total of 45 questions. Prepare well as this section is easy to score.
General Awareness Preparation Tips
This is an important part of the Banking system and also the marks can be scored easily from this section. Reading newspapers and journals will help to gain information and knowledge. You can keep yourself updated with the latest news and current affairs on the internet.
Preparing for Interview
This is the final stage of the examination. The interview is a very important part as you are presenting yourself personally. As you are aware, the first impression is always the best. Dress Formally and neatly. Be confident and enter with a smile.
Answer with confidence and if any question you are not aware of, don’t just randomly answer you can politely say that you do not know. Communicate fluently and don’t be overconfident.
Following the above tips will make you confident and prepared for the exam. The general tips for the preparation
- Prepare a proper study plan with all the topics and syllabus.
- Practise on test papers and previous year question papers regularly.
- You can always take guidance from seniors.
- You should take care to answer the questions on time.
- Be sure about the answers. As any guesswork will make you lose marks.
- Prepare every day and don’t be under pressure.
- Take regular breaks.
- Revise the syllabus as much as possible.
The three stages in the IBPS PO Exams have to be prepared well and with the proper grip of all the topics. Avoid the guesswork and answer only if you are sure, to avoid the negative marking. Be confident and presentable while attending the interview. Communicate properly using proper words and sentences. Don’t try to answer the questions you are not aware of. You can politely say that you do not know.
