Easy Tips on How to Prepare for IBPS PO Exam

IBPS PO exam is a prestigious exam for people aiming to join the banking sector. The Institution of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has released the exam dates for the candidates. Over eight lakh people all over India apply for the exam. Since the number of vacancies is limited, the applications received are very high and the competition is cut-throat. With the last two months in hand, the candidates should buckle up and intensify their preparation for the exam. This article will shed light on tips to prepare for your exam. Read on to know more.

Know your syllabus and exam pattern :

Candidates need to realize that there is no time to waste, every minute should lead towards their success. The most important things you should know are the exam pattern and the syllabus. This helps to study smart and plan. Only when the preliminary exam is cleared, the candidate will be eligible for the IPSO PO Mains. IBPS PO exam pattern is built in three sections. They are :

SECTIONS	NUMBER OF MARKS	MAXIMUM MARKS	DURATIONS
ENGLISH LANGUAGE	30	30	20 minutes
NUMERICAL ABILITY	35	35	20 minutes
REASONING ABILITY	35	35	20 minutes
TOTAL MARKS	100	100	60 minutes

Since these sections are timed, the candidates have to complete each section within the allotted time. While preparing for the exam, make sure it is done in such a way you are capable of answering the given questions in the allotted time. The next most important thing is being thorough with the syllabus. Each of the given sections deals with different topics. 

The English language section consists of questions in English grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary, which tests the following: 

• Comprehension passage
• Fill in the blanks
• Idioms and phrases
• Preposition
• Spotting the errors in questions.

The quantitative aptitude section tests basic math skills. Candidates need to focus on.

• Sequence and series

• Data interpretation

• Number system

• Ratio and proportion

• Quadratic equations
• Percentage & average and simplification.

The candidates are also tested on the basics of computers – network basics (WAN AND LAN) internet knowledge, MS Word/ MS PowerPoint/MS Excel, etc. Make sure that you have given enough attention to general knowledge. To do this,  the candidates are advised to watch the news for at least 30 minutes, read newspapers regularly and keep updating themselves with world affairs.

In the last section, the reasoning ability will test one’s reasoning and analytical skills. The topic to focus on is: 

• Marking series/analogy

• Coding and decoding

• Number series  questions

• Problem-solving

• Comprehension reasoning
• Passage and conclusions.

Students should prepare in such a way that they cover all these portions effectively to achieve their dream job.

Workout the timetable

Now, you know the complete syllabus and exam pattern. The next wise thing for the candidates to do is to prepare a proper timetable. With the help of your syllabus, plan out the timing and the concepts you want to study and stick to that routine. The routine will help you keep organized and disciplined throughout the process. Spend your time accordingly because you have no time to waste. Concentrate on scoring high marks by managing the time effectively.

Try out mock tests

Mock tests are very useful in becoming well-versed in the concepts that are to be studied. Many websites offer mock tests for the candidates to practice before the exam. One can make use of IBPS PO mock test free on many reputed websites, enrolling in one or more to enhance your exam writing skills. The benefit of writing as much as possible is that the candidates will manage their time well for each section. They will frame their answers properly, keeping in mind the negative marking. Taking the mock tests twice a week will help them keep their cool and not panic in the exam.

Practise and enhance reading ability

Practice is the only key to achieve success. Practise daily to understand all the concepts. Practise all the basics in Maths and be thorough in all the formulae. Make a list of the important questions, concepts, theories to refer to during revision. Reading will also help the candidates to increase their reading ability, improve their writing skills, and improve their grammar. Creating a separate list of grammar rules can be used as reference material while preparing for the English section. Another important thing while preparing for the exam is to have clear basics and eliminate all the doubts. Only when you understand the concepts, will you be able to answer the questions. To crack the exam within two months, students should practise regularly.

Manage your time

When you manage your time properly, it will help you effectively prepare for your exam. It is difficult to prepare for the exam within two months, but not impossible if planned well. Time management also helps to write the exam within the stipulated time. By practising, one can improve on the calculation time and reading time. This will also allow one to go through the answers before submitting the answer sheet. Being productive is never an accident. It comes with commitment, intelligent planning and focus. This is what helps in achieving dreams.

Stay calm and healthy

We know how stressful the two months are going to be for the candidates preparing for the exam. But never lose hope because there is nothing in this world that is impossible to achieve. The aspirants shouldn’t be hard on themselves and should prepare for their exams calmly. Hard work with proper rest and diet will help to stay focused throughout the process. Remember to stay calm and believe in yourself. Best of luck!