IBPS is an acronym of the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection while PO stands for probationary officer. If you are planning to appear for the IBPS PO exam then this article will guide you on how you can start preparing.

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The IBPS is an autonomous body that is well known for conducting assessment and selection processes for various government departments, insurance companies, and the Public sector banks of India.

Be Ready for All the Components of IBPS PO exam

Firstly, You have to register for the Common Recruitment Process (CRP-PO) at the authorised website of IBPS, so that you can appear for the exam. Moreover, remember to fill in the relevant column for pre-examination training while filling out your online application.

The exam is conducted online at prescribed venues, in two parts; the first is the online preliminary exam and the second is the online main exam.

After you successfully clear the preliminary exam, you will be shortlisted for the next exam, which is the main exam. When you qualify for these two exams, you will be chosen to appear for the common interview.

Once you successfully clear the preliminary exam, main exam and common interview, you will be provisionally allotted positions based on applicable guidelines, vacancies and approvals.

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Pre-Examination Training

The participating banks or nodal banks conduct pre-exam training for the applicants as given in the tentative schedule of events in the advertisement. If you have opted for pre-examination training while filling out the application form, then only you can attend the training.

The pre-examination training is arranged for a limited number of candidates in major cities and towns across the country.

What are the Subjects for the Exam?

English Language
Quantitative Aptitude
Reasoning Ability
Data Interpretation and Data Sufficiency
Computer Knowledge
General knowledge, Economy and Banking Awareness

Comprehensive study guidebooks are available to especially help you prepare for this exam if you require them. Check if the guidebook includes question papers from past exams conducted by IBPS for the probationary officer selection process.

How will You Prepare for the IBPS PO Exam?

1. Start early and do not keep important checkpoints for last

Firstly, remember to check the official website of IBPS regularly for new updates because they may alter the pattern of the exam.

Download the official information handout and the examination call letters in advance. Get the call letters stamped by the exam centre staff just before the exam at the venue. Preserve all the call letters even after the exams.

Set alarms/reminders of the date, venue and time of the examination so that you don’t miss anything. Carry your identity proofs and passport-sized photos on the day of the exam.

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2. Know the structure of the examination

Find which subjects are included in the exams.
How many questions will be asked in each subject?
What are the maximum marks for each question?
How much time will you get per subject?
Have you chosen the medium of exam that you are comfortable with?
You must know that you have to qualify in each of the exam subjects.

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3. Practice exceptionally for each of the subjects

If you practice well, you will be well prepared. Also, remember that there is a penalty for a wrong answer so study and practice become important.

As I told you before, there are comprehensive study guidebooks that you could make use of. In addition to the prescribed subjects, remember to practice descriptive letter writing and essays.

Marks of the online main examination are important and will qualify you for the interview. So stay focused on preparing for both exams.

Allot at least six months for the exam preparation to become a probationary officer in a top-level bank in India.

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4. Clear the concepts in your mind

You must know all the concepts of quantitative aptitude so that you can answer correctly and fast. The same goes for data interpretation and sufficiency.

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Even its your assumption that reasoning ability seems easy, do not be relaxed regarding this subject. There can be various combinations to decipher so practise a lot.

English language and computer knowledge are very important as these are used on a day-to-day basis in official communication. General knowledge, economy and banking awareness are critical to becoming a probationary officer in a bank.

5. Master your accuracy and speed

When you practise all the prescribed subjects, knowing fully well the marks per question and the total time for each exam, you will do great.

Practice mock tests and previous year’s question papers so that you learn to manage your time efficiently. Also know that negative marking for wrong answers is best avoided.

To Sum It Up

Having self-belief and confidence along with the best preparation will pave the way for your success in the IBPS PO exam.