A Probationary Officer (PO) serves as an entry-level manager in banks. Their role encompasses responsibilities such as overseeing customer account operations, handling financial transactions including loans, delivering customer support, promoting and selling bank offerings, and providing guidance and training to clerical staff. Here is a low-down on the syllabus, exam pattern and revision tips.
Exam pattern
The IBPS PO preliminary examination will be conducted online and lasts for a total of 1 hour, allowing around 20 minutes for each section to the candidates. This test comprises three sections, featuring a total of 100 questions with a maximum achievable score of 100 marks.
In the IBPS PO prelims, there is negative marking for incorrect answers, with 0.25 marks deducted for each one.
To qualify for the IBPS PO prelims exam, candidates must meet the cut-off criteria as set by the IBPS, in all three sections. Here are the section-wise segmentation:
Syllabus: Broad Overview
In order to clear the preliminary round of examinations, an aspirant needs to be adapt to the different topics that can potentially be covered in the three sections for the exam. Here is a section-wise list of important topics that a candidate should note:
Last-day revision tips
A day before the exam, avoid learning any new topics. Instead, focus on topics that you find difficult to grasp.
Leave out new topics
Avoid learning anything new before the exam. This will be ineffective and will cause misunderstanding.
Revise all the formulas
It is essential to review all of the formulas and tricks used to solve the questions. Revising formulas at the last moment will help you remember them.
Manage your time well
Work on improving your time management skills. Make an effort to answer all of the questions you know within the time limit.
Work on speed
In a competitive exam, speed is important. It is critical to enhance your pace in order to attempt as many questions as possible.
Check for correctness
This is the most significant aspect of achieving good grades. You should solve past years’ question papers and mock examinations to improve your accuracy.
Take practice tests
Examine your performance while using the mock tests. A mock test will help you in identifying your areas of weakness and which topics specifically need revising.
Work on weak points
After you’ve assessed yourself, focus on the areas where you’re falling short. Try strengthening the weak areas, clear any doubts related concepts and solve previous years’ question papers.