Cracking the IBPS PO Exams: A Comprehensive Guide for First-time Aspirants

Hi there, I have successfully cracked the IBPS PO Pre and Mains both in my first attempt. Additionally, I have cleared many other banking and insurance exams as well. I hope that the insights shared here will be beneficial for all those preparing for banking and insurance exams. Let me break it down clearly in some main points that you might find helpful.

How Much Time Should I Commit?

The minimum time you should dedicate to preparation for IBPS PO is 6 to 8 months, but this can vary based on individual capability and understanding of the concepts. It’s essential not to get bogged down by trying to learn new concepts and tricks. Instead, focus on understanding the basics and applying them efficiently.

Key Strategies for Exam Success

Focus on Speed and Efficiency

The Preliminary exam requires a high level of speed and effective time management. The Preliminary exam is about scoring more in less time. Therefore, it's crucial to attempt reasoning and quantitative aptitude questions strategically. Spend no more than 40 seconds per question on average.

Practice Diligently and Analyze Your Performance

Give multiple mocks and test series for the Preliminary exam. Analyzing your performance in these tests can significantly improve your exam can be your best friends in terms of identifying your strengths and areas that need more work.

Be Diligent in All Phases of the Exam

During the Mains exam, focus on accuracy and question selection over speed. The Mains exam tests endurance, patience, and understanding. Approach the Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections with utmost care and confidence.

Specific Preparation Tips for Each Section

General Awareness (GA)

For GA, utilize resources like Affairscloud, and practice weekly quizzes. Alternately, use daily QA PDFs and note down current static topics like country meetings, political schemes, missions, and international events.

Quantitative Aptitude (Quant)

Use books like Objective Arithmetic by Arihant, and youtube for concept building and basic practice.

Reasoning Ability

Start with a chapter-based approach to solving quizzes. For puzzles, practice from the Ankush Lamba channel.

English Language

Understanding the language is key. Use newspapers or daily reading sources. Daily sectional mocks can also be helpful.

Choosing the Right Test Series and Study Materials

For test series, consider Oliveboard and Testbook, which are highly recommended.

Conclusion

Stay committed, keep things simple, and progress consistently. Don't be too rushed; do not attend questions you are not sure about due to the high negative marking of Mains. If you have any doubts, feel free to ask me!

Thank you for your interest and best of luck!