Those attempting to write exams are always in a bind, including those waiting to attempt the IBPS PO Exam. The exam difficulty ranges from easy to moderate. So terrified and panicky candidates can relax and take a breath because there is nothing to be worried about with this particular exam. Understand that the exam is repeated annually, so there is always a chance to try again. All the candidates need to focus on is cracking the exam by taking the adequate methods and following the proper tips to do so.
But, before discussing the tips to prepare for the IBPS PO Exams, candidates need to have an idea of what this actually is. The exam is named Recruitment of Probationary Officer Trainees in Participating Organizations. The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, IBPS for short, undertakes the responsibility of conducting the IBPS PO Exams every year. A common standard is ensured through the training and recruitment services that IBPO provides to the Public Sector Banks, called PSBs for short. The exams for IBPS PO are one of the popular exams among the many conducted by the IBPS. Probationary Officers for Public Sector Insurance Companies and Public Sector Banks are selected using this entrance test.
Since the number of candidates for this exam is on a totally different level, the candidates must ensure that they have a proper method and many tips to study and prepare for the exams. The following points are an attempt to help candidates out with their exam preparation and improve their self-confidence:
- Understand the exam structure:
The exam is conducted at three levels: a preliminary of 60 minutes, the main exam of 3 hours and 30 minutes, and finally an interview. The preliminary has a maximum of 100 questions culminating in a total of 100 marks. The main exam on the other hand has a total of 157 questions, of which 155 comprise objective types and the remaining two are descriptive type questions. The candidates who pass and get shortlisted then appear for an interview where the score is again out of 100.
- Planning is key:
Once candidates thoroughly understand and get familiar with the exam’s pattern and structure, they need to plan their exam preparation journey. The candidates need to go through the syllabus related to the exam and devise a study plan which includes all the topics covered in the syllabus. There is actually no definite syllabus that IBPS prescribes for any of its exams. Thus, the study plan should consist of frequent revisions and analysis of previous years’ question paper patterns which are great at helping deduce the syllabus of the exam.
- Mock-tests are key elements:
IBPS PO mock test is one of the best ways candidates can prepare for the exam. This should be given a central area focus as the benefits of mock tests are many. First of all, mock tests are great practice materials as they help candidates time themselves and increase both their speed and their accuracy. Other than this, candidates get an idea of the question paper pattern which can be useful with the main exams. Finally, mock tests help candidates identify their weak and strong areas, thereby allowing them to focus and stress on improving the areas where they are weak.
- Newspapers are a source of general knowledge:
Everyone knows the significance and necessity of reading newspapers, but most candidates overlook this particular step in their preparation process. The Business news section is actually a good section to prepare for the IBPS PO exams.
- Study materials determine the effective method of preparation:
This tip is something that candidates with even no knowledge of the exam and its various patterns are sure to follow. The best and most preferable study materials are the sources for good and effective exam preparation. Study materials should be chosen with the objectives of covering all the basics, all the topics and increasing the speed and accuracy of the candidates.
- Another element of focus is Previous years’ question papers:
As discussed in the second point, previous years’ question papers help candidates understand the exam pattern and the frequently repeated questions. This can help candidates distinguish the topics of importance from those that are least important. For candidates attempting the question paper for the first time, practice and analysis of previous years’ papers are good starting materials.
- Separate the different stages of the exam:
All the three stages mentioned above, that is, the prelims, mains and interviews, are to be considered as three separate entities. They are to be focused on and emphasized one step at a time. All these three exams follow a similar exam pattern, so candidates should focus on clearing the one in front of them before focusing on the next stage.
- Subject focus:
One subject should not be more preferred over the other. Candidates have a responsibility and duty of giving each subject much-needed importance because there are a total of 5 subjects, each having their own significance in the exam. Adequate time should be devoted to the preparation of each of the following subjects:
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Computer Knowledge
- English Language
- Banking
- Previous years’ cut-offs are necessary guiding points:
Each year the exams have different cut-off marks, and candidates can have a clear idea of how much to score with the trends in these cut-offs. So, it is important that they follow and keep an eye on the previous years’ cut-offs.
- Calm and collected mind:
Whatever the candidates do, they should maintain calmness and their minds should be organized and collected. A disrupted mind can cause anxiety, nervousness, and depression and this is what candidates want the least in their IBPS PO exam preparations.
Through these tips and different methods of preparation, candidates can ensure themselves with the knowledge that they are well equipped and equally well prepared for acing their IBPS PO Exam. With a little bit of self-confidence and the application of all these tips, candidates are going to hit the jackpot!