IBPS PO Exam 2024 - Notification, Eligibility, Important Dates, Syllabus and more

The IBPS PO (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Probationary Officer) exam is a competitive exam conducted annually for the recruitment of probationary officers in various public sector banks in India.

Salary: 50,000 INR to 55,000 INR

The IBPS PO notification usually releases in August or September each year. It contains details regarding exam dates, eligibility criteria, syllabus, application process, and other important information.

How to apply?

1. Register online on the official IBPS website, providing basic details and generating login credentials.
2. Fill out the application form with personal and educational information, ensuring accuracy.
3. Upload scanned copies of required documents such as photographs and signatures as per specifications.
4. Pay the application fee online through net banking, debit card, or credit card.
5. Review the filled application form, submit it, and download/print a copy for future reference.

Following are the basic eligibility criteria for IBPS PO exam:

• Nationality: Indian citizen or subject of Nepal/Bhutan.
• Age: Usually between 20 to 30 years (relaxation for reserved categories).
• Educational Qualification: Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

The syllabus for each stage of the IBPS PO exam:

Preliminary Examination:

1. English Language:
   • Reading Comprehension
   • Cloze Test
   • Error Spotting
   • Sentence Correction
   • Fill in the Blanks
   • Para Jumbles
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
   • Simplification/Approximation
   • Number Series
   • Data Interpretation (Table, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart)
   • Quadratic Equations
   • Profit & Loss
   • Time, Speed & Distance
   • Time & Work
   • Simple & Compound Interest
3. Reasoning Ability:
   • Syllogism
   • Inequality
   • Coding-Decoding
   • Blood Relations
   • Alphanumeric Series
   • Direction Sense
   • Order and Ranking
   • Puzzles (Scheduling, Seating Arrangement, etc.)

Main Examination:

1. English Language:
   • Reading Comprehension
   • Sentence Improvement
   • Error Detection
   • Para Jumbles
   • Cloze Test
   • Fill in the Blanks
   • Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases)
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
   • Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart, Radar/Web, Caselet)
   • Number Series/Number System
   • Simplification/Approximation
   • Quadratic Equations
   • Data Sufficiency
   • Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, etc.)
3. Reasoning Ability:
   • Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular, Parallel, etc.)
   • Puzzle (Floor based, Box based, Month based, etc.)
   • Syllogism
   • Blood Relations
   • Inequality
   • Coding-Decoding
   • Input-Output
   • Data Sufficiency
4. General Awareness:
   • Banking Awareness
   • Financial Awareness
   • Current Affairs (National & International)
   • Static GK (Indian History, Geography, Polity, etc.)
5. Computer Aptitude:
   • Computer Fundamentals
   • Internet & Networking
   • Microsoft Office
   • Keyboard Shortcuts
   • Operating Systems
   • Memory
   • Computer Abbreviations

Interview:

During the interview stage of the IBPS PO selection process, candidates are assessed on their personality, communication skills, knowledge of banking and finance, and their suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.

Exam Pattern

The IBPS PO exam is conducted in three phases:

• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Interview

Marking Scheme:

The marking scheme for the IBPS PO exam varies slightly between the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview stages:

Preliminary Examination:

• Each correct answer typically carries 1 mark.
• There may be negative marking for incorrect answers, with a deduction of 0.25 or 0.5 marks for each wrong answer.
• The total score is calculated based on the number of correct answers minus the penalties for incorrect answers.

Main Examination:

• Similar to the Preliminary Examination, each correct answer generally carries 1 mark.
• Negative marking may apply for incorrect answers, with a deduction of 0.25 or 0.5 marks for each wrong answer.
• The total score is calculated based on the number of correct answers minus the penalties for incorrect answers.

Interview:

• There is no fixed marking scheme for the interview stage.
• Candidates are assessed based on various factors such as communication skills, banking knowledge, personality, and suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.
• The interview panel assigns scores based on their evaluation of each candidate's performance during the interview.

The given strategy will increase the chance of selection in the exam :

• Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus of both the Preliminary and Main Examinations. Focus on the key topics and sections mentioned in the syllabus to streamline your preparation.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover each section of the syllabus thoroughly. Break down your study sessions into manageable chunks and set realistic goals to track your progress.
• Practice Regularly: Regular practice is essential to build speed, accuracy, and confidence. Solve a variety of practice questions and mock tests to simulate exam-like conditions and identify your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate time for daily practice sessions to reinforce your learning.
• Review and Analyze: After attempting mock tests and practice questions, analyze your performance critically. Identify areas where you need improvement and focus on strengthening your weaker areas. Additionally, review your mistakes to understand the underlying concepts and avoid repeating them in the future.
• Mock Tests and Revision: Prioritize mock tests as they help you gauge your readiness for the exam and improve time management skills. Take full-length mock tests regularly to assess your overall preparedness and identify areas needing further revision. Allocate time for revision to consolidate your learning and ensure retention of key concepts.

In summary, success in the IBPS PO exam requires strategic planning, syllabus coverage, and consistent practice. Note that, utilizing mock tests for self-assessment, analyzing performance, and focusing on weak areas are vital.