IBBS PO Prelims Made Simple: What You Need to Know
Preparing for the IBBS PO Prelims can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to crack it alone. In this guide we’ll walk through the exam pattern, the must‑cover topics, and some quick study hacks that actually work. Grab a notebook, follow these steps, and you’ll finish your prep with less stress.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus at a Glance
The Prelims are a computer‑based test of 200 minutes, split into three sections: Reasoning, English, and Quantitative Aptitude. Each section has 100 marks, so you need a balanced score to clear the cut‑off. Here’s the cheat‑sheet:
- Reasoning: Puzzles, seating arrangements, data sufficiency, and coding‑decoding.
- English: Reading comprehension, sentence correction, fill‑in‑the‑blanks, and para‑jumbles.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data interpretation, algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic.
Focus on three things: concept clarity, speed, and accuracy. If a topic shows up in past papers, it will likely appear again.
Practical Study Tips You Can Use Today
1. Make a timetable. Allocate 2‑3 hours daily, rotating subjects so no area feels stale. Even 30‑minute micro‑sessions work if you’re consistent.
2. Use free mock tests. Sites like BankExamPrep and official IBBS portals release practice papers. Take a full test every weekend, then review every mistake.
3. Master shortcuts. In Quant, learn quick ways to solve percentage and profit‑loss problems. In Reasoning, practice pattern‑recognition drills so you spot solutions instantly.
4. Read daily. Pick up an English newspaper or a short story each morning. It sharpens reading speed and improves vocabulary without extra study time.
5. Track your progress. Keep a spreadsheet of mock scores, time taken, and topics you missed. Watching numbers improve keeps motivation high.
Remember, the Prelims are just the first hurdle. A solid score opens the door to the mains, where the competition tightens. Stick to the plan, avoid cramming the night before, and keep a healthy sleep schedule. Good luck, and may your bank career start on a winning note!