The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS PO exam to recruit Probationary Officers (POs) for public sector banks. The IBPS PO Exam 2024 includes three stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and Interview. To navigate these stages successfully, candidates need a clear understanding of the exam pattern and syllabus. This guide provides a detailed overview to help candidates prepare effectively.
IBPS PO Exam Overview
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Exam Name | IBPS PO Exam 2024 |
| Post | Probationary Officer |
| Vacancy | To be announced |
| Category | Syllabus |
| Exam Level | Moderate |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains, and Interview |
| Exam Dates | 19th and 20th October 2024 |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Official Website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is an online, objective-type test with a total duration of 1 hour. It comprises three sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Points:
- Each incorrect answer incurs a penalty of 0.25 marks.
- Candidates must clear the cut-off in all three sections to qualify for the Mains Exam.
Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains Exam consists of both objective and descriptive tests, totaling 225 marks:
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total (Objective) | 155 | 200 | 180 minutes |
| English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
| Total (Including Descriptive) | 157 | 225 | 3 hours 30 minutes |
Key Points:
- Objective sections carry a penalty of 0.25 marks for incorrect answers.
- The descriptive test assesses writing skills, including essay and letter writing.
Interview Process
- Marks: 100
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: 40% (35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWD)
- Weightage: Interview results contribute 20% to the final score, with the Mains Exam contributing 80%.
IBPS PO Syllabus 2024
Understanding the syllabus is crucial for effective preparation. Below is the detailed syllabus for each stage:
IBPS PO Prelims Syllabus 2024
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English Language | Cloze Test, Sentence Correction, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Reading Comprehension, etc. |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Number Series, Inequality, Arithmetic (e.g., Profit & Loss, Time & Work), Data Interpretation, Data Sufficiency |
| Reasoning Ability | Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Inequalities, Syllogism, Input-Output, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Order and Ranking, Alpha/Numeric Series, Distance and Direction |
IBPS PO Mains Syllabus 2024
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Seating Arrangements, Puzzles, Inequalities, Syllogism, Input-Output, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Order and Ranking, Logical Reasoning |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | National and International Current Affairs, Banking and Financial Awareness, RBI Circulars, Government Schemes, Static Awareness, Important Days |
| English Language | Cloze Test, Reading Comprehension, Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Correction, Paragraph Completion |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Number Series, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation (Tables, Pie Charts, Line Charts, Bar Charts, Mixed Charts, Caselets), Data Sufficiency |
Descriptive Test Syllabus (Mains)
| Component | Topics |
|---|---|
| Essay Writing | Essays on current affairs, social issues, or economic topics |
| Letter Writing | Formal and informal letters, including letters to editors or complaint letters |
Preparation Tips
- Understand the Exam Pattern: Familiarize yourself with the format and structure of each stage of the exam.
- Study the Syllabus: Focus on all topics listed in the syllabus for both Prelims and Mains.
- Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ papers and take mock tests to gauge your preparation.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and improve your weak areas by dedicated practice.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and general knowledge to prepare for the General/Economy/Banking Awareness section.
Note:
Preparing for the IBPS PO Exam requires a strategic approach. By understanding the exam pattern and thoroughly studying the syllabus, candidates can enhance their chances of success. Keep a regular study schedule, practice diligently, and stay updated with current affairs to perform well in the exam. For further information and updates, visit the official IBPS website.
