- Overview
- Exam Pattern
- Analysis
- Preparation and Tips
The IBPS PO Exam is conducted every year by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to select eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officers in different public sector banks in India. IBPS PO exam has been conducted every year since 2011 and in 2024 this would be the 14th edition.
To be eligible for the IBPS PO exam, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The candidate should also have a valid score in the Computer-Based Language Proficiency Test (CBLE) conducted by IBPS or any other recognized institute.
| Exam Level | National |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Official Website | https://www.ibps.in/ |
| Exam Purpose | To select candidates for the post of Probationary Officers |
| Exam Fees | INR 850 for the General and OBC categories INR 175 for SC/ST/PWD candidates |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: One hour (60 minutes) Mains: 3 hours 30 minutes |
| No. of Papers and Total Marks | Prelims: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language (100 marks) Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation (225 marks) Interview: 100 |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 Mains: 157 (155 objective types and 2 descriptive types) |
| Marking Scheme | 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| No. of Participating Banks | 11 |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Exam | Question Paper | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims Exam | Objective | 100 |
| Mains Exam | Objective/ Descriptive | 225 |
| Interview | Personal Interview Round | 100 |
IBPS PO PRELIMS EXAM PATTERN
| Section | Total no. of Questions | Total marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
IBPS PO MAINS EXAM
| Sr. No. | Name of Tests (NOT BY SEQUENCE) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time allotted for each test (Separately timed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | English & Hindi | 60 minutes |
| 2 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | English & Hindi | 35 minutes |
| 3 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English | 40 minutes |
| 4 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| - | TOTAL | 155 | 200 | - | 3 hours |
| 5 | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | English | 30 minutes |
| Grand Total | 225 | 3 Hours 30 minutes | |||
Some common challenges faced by candidates during the IBPS PO exam include:
1. Time management: Managing time effectively is crucial in both Prelims and Mains exams.
2. Accuracy: Maintaining accuracy is essential to score well in all sections.
3. Difficulty in adapting to new topics: The exam covers a wide range of topics, making it challenging for some candidates to adapt quickly.
4. Pressure and stress: The IBPS PO exam is a high-pressure exam, requiring candidates to manage their stress levels effectively.
Overall, the IBPS PO exam is a challenging exam that requires candidates to have a strong foundation in English language, quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, data analysis, and general knowledge. With proper preparation and practice, candidates can overcome the challenges and achieve their goal of becoming a Probationary Officer in a bank.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern:
Before starting your preparation, it's crucial to understand the exam pattern and structure. The IBPS PO exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and Interview. The Prelims exam consists of three sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains exam consists of four sections: Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, General Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
Step 2: Create a Study Plan:
Once you have a good understanding of the exam pattern, create a study plan that covers all the topics and sections. Break down your study plan into smaller chunks, focusing on one section or topic at a time. Set specific goals for each study session, such as completing a certain number of questions or finishing a specific topic.
Step 3: Focus on Weak Areas:
Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with data interpretation, make sure to allocate more time for practicing data interpretation questions. Similarly, if you're weak in English language, focus on improving your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Step 4: Practice Consistently:
Practice is key to improving your skills and building your confidence. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for practice. Practice as many questions as possible, covering all the topics and sections. Start with easier questions and gradually move on to more challenging ones.
Step 5: Use Authentic Study Materials:
Use authentic study materials such as official study guides, online courses, and practice tests provided by IBPS or reputable coaching institutes. These materials will help you get familiar with the exam format, question types, and difficulty level.
Step 6: Take Mock Tests:
Take as many mock tests as possible to assess your performance and identify areas of improvement. Mock tests will help you:
1. Get familiar with the exam format and time management
2. Identify areas where you need to improve
3. Build your endurance and stamina
Step 7: Stay Focused and Motivated:
Preparing for a competitive exam like IBPS PO can be challenging and demotivating at times. Stay focused by setting small goals and rewarding yourself when you achieve them. Celebrate your small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated.
Step 7: Stay Updated:
Stay updated with current events, banking awareness, and economic concepts by:
1. Reading newspapers and magazines regularly
2. Watching news channels and online news websites
3. Participating in online discussions and forums
Step 8: Time Management:
Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice managing your time effectively by:
1. Setting a timer for each section
2.Prioritizing questions based on difficulty level
3. Leaving some buffer time for reviewing answers
Some books:
1. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
2. Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by R.S Agarwal
3. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude by Dinesh Khattar
4. Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
5. Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams by Tarun Goyal
6. A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S Agrawal
7. A New Approach to Reasoning by B.S Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
8. Analytical Reasoning by M.K.Pandey
9. India Year Book by Publications Division, Government of India
10.Banking Awareness by B.K Raut and S.R Behera
11. Apart from these books, The Hindu and Indian Express are good sources of information on the latest developments. The focus should be on the business and world news sections of these newspapers.
12.Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly Edition)
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IBPS PO 2024
Exam Mode: ONLINE
The IBPS PO Exam is conducted every year by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to select eligible candidates for the post of Probationary Officers in different public sector banks in India. IBPS PO exam has been conducted every year since 2011 and in 2024 this would be the 14th edition.
To be eligible for the IBPS PO exam, candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The candidate should also have a valid score in the Computer-Based Language Proficiency Test (CBLE) conducted by IBPS or any other recognized institute.
| Exam Level | National |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer (IBPS PO) |
| Exam Frequency | Once a Year |
| Conducting Body | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Official Website | https://www.ibps.in/ |
| Exam Purpose | To select candidates for the post of Probationary Officers |
| Exam Fees | INR 850 for the General and OBC categories INR 175 for SC/ST/PWD candidates |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: One hour (60 minutes) Mains: 3 hours 30 minutes |
| No. of Papers and Total Marks | Prelims: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language (100 marks) Mains: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation (225 marks) Interview: 100 |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 Mains: 157 (155 objective types and 2 descriptive types) |
| Marking Scheme | 0.25 marks are deducted for wrong answers |
| Language/Medium of Exam | English and Hindi |
| No. of Participating Banks | 11 |
| Exam Mode | CBT |
| Exam | Question Paper | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims Exam | Objective | 100 |
| Mains Exam | Objective/ Descriptive | 225 |
| Interview | Personal Interview Round | 100 |
IBPS PO PRELIMS EXAM PATTERN
| Section | Total no. of Questions | Total marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
IBPS PO MAINS EXAM
| Sr. No. | Name of Tests (NOT BY SEQUENCE) | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Medium of Exam | Time allotted for each test (Separately timed) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | English & Hindi | 60 minutes |
| 2 | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | English & Hindi | 35 minutes |
| 3 | English Language | 35 | 40 | English | 40 minutes |
| 4 | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | English & Hindi | 45 minutes |
| - | TOTAL | 155 | 200 | - | 3 hours |
| 5 | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | English | 30 minutes |
| Grand Total | 225 | 3 Hours 30 minutes | |||
Syllabus details are not available.
Some common challenges faced by candidates during the IBPS PO exam include:
1. Time management: Managing time effectively is crucial in both Prelims and Mains exams.
2. Accuracy: Maintaining accuracy is essential to score well in all sections.
3. Difficulty in adapting to new topics: The exam covers a wide range of topics, making it challenging for some candidates to adapt quickly.
4. Pressure and stress: The IBPS PO exam is a high-pressure exam, requiring candidates to manage their stress levels effectively.
Overall, the IBPS PO exam is a challenging exam that requires candidates to have a strong foundation in English language, quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability, data analysis, and general knowledge. With proper preparation and practice, candidates can overcome the challenges and achieve their goal of becoming a Probationary Officer in a bank.
Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern:
Before starting your preparation, it's crucial to understand the exam pattern and structure. The IBPS PO exam consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination (Prelims), Main Examination (Mains), and Interview. The Prelims exam consists of three sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. The Mains exam consists of four sections: Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, General Economy/Banking Awareness, and English Language.
Step 2: Create a Study Plan:
Once you have a good understanding of the exam pattern, create a study plan that covers all the topics and sections. Break down your study plan into smaller chunks, focusing on one section or topic at a time. Set specific goals for each study session, such as completing a certain number of questions or finishing a specific topic.
Step 3: Focus on Weak Areas:
Identify your weak areas and focus on improving them. For example, if you struggle with data interpretation, make sure to allocate more time for practicing data interpretation questions. Similarly, if you're weak in English language, focus on improving your grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
Step 4: Practice Consistently:
Practice is key to improving your skills and building your confidence. Set aside dedicated time each day or week for practice. Practice as many questions as possible, covering all the topics and sections. Start with easier questions and gradually move on to more challenging ones.
Step 5: Use Authentic Study Materials:
Use authentic study materials such as official study guides, online courses, and practice tests provided by IBPS or reputable coaching institutes. These materials will help you get familiar with the exam format, question types, and difficulty level.
Step 6: Take Mock Tests:
Take as many mock tests as possible to assess your performance and identify areas of improvement. Mock tests will help you:
1. Get familiar with the exam format and time management
2. Identify areas where you need to improve
3. Build your endurance and stamina
Step 7: Stay Focused and Motivated:
Preparing for a competitive exam like IBPS PO can be challenging and demotivating at times. Stay focused by setting small goals and rewarding yourself when you achieve them. Celebrate your small victories along the way to keep yourself motivated.
Step 7: Stay Updated:
Stay updated with current events, banking awareness, and economic concepts by:
1. Reading newspapers and magazines regularly
2. Watching news channels and online news websites
3. Participating in online discussions and forums
Step 8: Time Management:
Time management is crucial during the exam. Practice managing your time effectively by:
1. Setting a timer for each section
2.Prioritizing questions based on difficulty level
3. Leaving some buffer time for reviewing answers
Some books:
1. High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin
2. Quantitative Aptitude For Competitive Examinations by R.S Agarwal
3. The Pearson Guide to Quantitative Aptitude by Dinesh Khattar
4. Data Interpretation by Arun Sharma
5. Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams by Tarun Goyal
6. A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S Agrawal
7. A New Approach to Reasoning by B.S Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
8. Analytical Reasoning by M.K.Pandey
9. India Year Book by Publications Division, Government of India
10.Banking Awareness by B.K Raut and S.R Behera
11. Apart from these books, The Hindu and Indian Express are good sources of information on the latest developments. The focus should be on the business and world news sections of these newspapers.
12.Pratiyogita Darpan (Monthly Edition)