How Long Should You Prepare for Current Affairs to Ace IBPS PO 2020?
Preparing for the IBPS PO (Preliminary and Mains) exams involves a lot of current affairs and general knowledge (GK) updates. Many aspirants wonder about the optimal duration and approach to current affairs preparation. While some suggest that six months of current affairs study is enough, a deeper look at the exam history suggests that a longer duration of preparation can yield better results. Let's delve into the nuances of current affairs preparation for banking exams, with a specific focus on the IBPS PO 2020.
Why Six Months Isn't Enough for Current Affairs
General awareness, a crucial component of banking exams, requires a broad and detailed knowledge of current events, including economics, financial statements, and banking updates. Given the dynamic nature of global and national events, preparing only for the last six months may not be sufficient. It is recommended to prepare for at least six months, but ideally, seven to eight months to cover the latest and most relevant information.
The reasoning behind this recommendation is twofold. First, current affairs are unpredictable and can have significant impacts even after six months. For instance, the 2017 IBPS exam had a substantial portion of questions from events in August, September, October, March, and April, largely due to major developments such as the Union Budget and Economic Survey, as well as the aftermath of demonetization. Second, a longer preparation period allows for better retention and understanding of the topics.
Strategic Preparation for IBPS PO
For the IBPS PO exams, a more strategic approach to current affairs preparation is necessary. Here are some tips to effectively prepare:
1. Extensive Coverage for the Last Year
The General Awareness section of most competitive exams typically covers the last year, which is usually 12 months before the exam. For the IBPS PO, it is advisable to cover at least the last six to eight months. However, given the significant impact of major events, it is crucial to have an overview of monthly capsules from various online sources.
Consider subscribing to channels on YouTube that specialize in competitive exam coaching. These channels often have concise and informative video lectures. Spending about 30 minutes a day reviewing these resources can significantly enhance your current affairs knowledge.
2. Focusing on Major Events
Spotting key events and understanding their implications is essential. Major unprecedented disruptions, such as demonetization, GST introduction, and economic surveys, should be given special attention. These events can significantly alter the current affairs landscape and can be heavily tested in the exams.
Stay updated with major news, subscribe to reliable news sources, and regularly review events that have had a profound impact on the economy and society. This will help you build a strong foundation of knowledge for the exam.
3. Monthly Capsules and Capsule Reviews
Many online platforms offer monthly current affairs capsules. For the IBPS PO Mains, it is especially important to review these capsules a couple of weeks before the exam. These capsules consolidate the most important events and updates of the month, making them a valuable resource for last-minute revision.
Platforms like Adda247 and Bankers Adda regularly publish such capsules. Additionally, following blogs and online series like TIME or Oliveboard can provide a comprehensive and updated knowledge base. Make sure to include these resources in your preparation plan.
4. Practice and Revision
Practice is key to performing well in GK sections. Solving mock tests and practicing GK MCQs regularly will help you get familiar with the types of questions asked in the exam. Additionally, revisiting the topics you have studied, especially the major events, will help reinforce your understanding and retention.
Conclusion
Preparing for current affairs is an indispensable part of your IBPS PO 2020 preparation. While six months of preparation might seem sufficient, it is highly recommended to extend this period to at least seven to eight months to cover the latest events comprehensively. Focus on major events, subscribe to reliable sources, and make use of monthly capsules to enhance your knowledge. With a well-structured approach, you can significantly increase your chances of acing the IBPS PO exam.