Prelims Syllabus of ibps clerk Exam 2024

Prelims Syllabus of IBPS Clerk Exam 2024: A Comprehensive Guide

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Common Recruitment Process (CRP) for the recruitment of Clerks in various Public Sector Banks (PSBs) across India. The exam is conducted in two phases: Preliminary and Mains. This article focuses on the Prelims syllabus for the IBPS Clerk Exam 2024, providing a detailed breakdown of each section and effective preparation strategies.

Section 1: Reasoning Ability

This section tests your logical reasoning and problem-solving skills. It typically includes the following topics:

1.1. Puzzles and Seating Arrangements:

• Puzzles: These involve analyzing given information and arranging elements (people, objects, etc.) in a specific order or pattern. Common types include:
  • Linear Arrangement: Arranging elements in a straight line based on given clues.
  • Circular Arrangement: Arranging elements in a circle based on given clues.
  • Box/Floor/Room Arrangement: Arranging elements in a 2D or 3D space based on given clues.
  • Blood Relations: Determining relationships between individuals based on given information.
• Seating Arrangements: These involve arranging individuals in a specific order, often around a table or in a row.

1.2. Inequalities:

• Coding-Decoding: This involves deciphering codes and patterns to identify relationships between symbols and letters.
• Syllogisms: These are logical arguments consisting of a major premise, a minor premise, and a conclusion. You need to determine the validity of the conclusion based on the premises.
• Data Sufficiency: This involves analyzing given statements to determine whether they are sufficient to answer a specific question.
• Direction Sense: This involves understanding directions and navigating through a given path.
• Order and Ranking: This involves determining the order or rank of elements based on given information.

1.3. Miscellaneous:

• Clocks and Calendars: This involves understanding the workings of clocks and calendars to solve problems related to time and dates.
• Series: This involves identifying patterns in a sequence of numbers or letters and finding the missing element.
• Coding-Decoding: This involves deciphering codes and patterns to identify relationships between symbols and letters.
• Logical Reasoning: This involves solving problems based on logical principles and deductive reasoning.

Preparation Strategies:

• Practice Regularly: Solve as many puzzles and reasoning questions as possible from previous years’ papers and mock tests.
• Understand the Concepts: Focus on understanding the underlying principles and logic behind each topic.
• Time Management: Practice solving questions within the allotted time to improve your speed and accuracy.
• Analyze Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes and identify areas where you need to improve.
• Use Online Resources: Utilize online platforms and resources for practice questions, quizzes, and explanations.

Section 2: Quantitative Aptitude

This section tests your numerical ability and problem-solving skills. It typically includes the following topics:

2.1. Arithmetic:

• Number Systems: Understanding the properties of different types of numbers (natural, whole, integers, rational, irrational) and performing operations on them.
• Percentage: Calculating percentages, finding percentage increase/decrease, and applying percentage concepts to solve problems.
• Profit and Loss: Calculating profit, loss, cost price, selling price, and applying these concepts to solve problems.
• Simple Interest and Compound Interest: Calculating simple interest and compound interest, understanding the difference between them, and applying them to solve problems.
• Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios and proportions, solving problems involving direct and inverse proportions.
• Time and Work: Calculating time taken to complete a task, finding the work done by multiple individuals, and applying these concepts to solve problems.
• Time, Speed, and Distance: Calculating time, speed, and distance, understanding the relationship between them, and applying them to solve problems.
• Average: Calculating the average of a set of numbers, understanding the concept of weighted average, and applying these concepts to solve problems.
• Mixtures and Alligations: Understanding the concept of mixtures and alligations, solving problems involving mixing different quantities.

2.2. Data Interpretation:

• Tables: Analyzing data presented in tabular form and answering questions based on the information provided.
• Bar Graphs: Analyzing data presented in bar graphs and answering questions based on the information provided.
• Line Graphs: Analyzing data presented in line graphs and answering questions based on the information provided.
• Pie Charts: Analyzing data presented in pie charts and answering questions based on the information provided.

2.3. Miscellaneous:

• Simplification: Simplifying mathematical expressions involving various operations.
• Approximation: Approximating values of mathematical expressions to the nearest integer or decimal.
• Number Series: Identifying patterns in a sequence of numbers and finding the missing element.
• Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations and finding the roots.
• Data Sufficiency: Analyzing given statements to determine whether they are sufficient to answer a specific question.

Preparation Strategies:

• Practice Regularly: Solve as many quantitative aptitude questions as possible from previous years’ papers and mock tests.
• Focus on Basics: Ensure a strong foundation in basic arithmetic concepts.
• Learn Shortcuts and Formulas: Learn and practice shortcuts and formulas to solve problems quickly and efficiently.
• Improve Calculation Speed: Practice mental calculations and use calculators effectively to improve your speed.
• Analyze Data Interpretation Questions: Practice analyzing different types of data representations and answering questions based on the information provided.

Section 3: English Language

This section tests your understanding of the English language and your ability to use it effectively. It typically includes the following topics:

3.1. Reading Comprehension:

• Passage-Based Questions: Reading and understanding passages of varying lengths and answering questions based on the information provided.
• Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words and phrases used in the passages.
• Grammar: Identifying grammatical errors in the passages and choosing the correct grammatical structure.
• Inference: Drawing conclusions and making inferences based on the information provided in the passages.

3.2. Verbal Ability:

• Cloze Test: Filling in the blanks in a passage with the most appropriate words.
• Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
• Sentence Improvement: Choosing the most appropriate sentence from a set of options to replace a given sentence.
• Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled paragraphs to form a coherent and logical passage.
• Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding the meaning of words and identifying their synonyms and antonyms.
• One Word Substitution: Replacing a phrase with a single word that conveys the same meaning.
• Idioms and Phrases: Understanding the meaning of common idioms and phrases.

Preparation Strategies:

• Read Regularly: Read newspapers, magazines, and books to improve your reading comprehension and vocabulary.
• Practice Grammar: Refer to grammar books and practice exercises to improve your understanding of grammatical rules.
• Focus on Vocabulary: Learn new words and phrases regularly and practice using them in sentences.
• Practice Verbal Ability Questions: Solve as many verbal ability questions as possible from previous years’ papers and mock tests.
• Analyze Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes and identify areas where you need to improve.

Exam Pattern and Important Points

• Exam Mode: The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam is conducted online.
• Duration: The exam duration is 1 hour (60 minutes).
• Number of Questions: The exam consists of 100 questions.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer carries 1 mark. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
• Sectional Cutoff: There is a sectional cutoff for each section, which means you need to score a minimum score in each section to qualify for the Mains exam.
• Syllabus: The syllabus for the Prelims exam is mentioned above.
• Preparation Materials: Refer to previous years’ papers, mock tests, and study materials from reputable sources.
• Time Management: Practice time management skills to ensure you can attempt all questions within the allotted time.
• Accuracy: Focus on accuracy while solving questions to avoid negative marking.

Sample Tables

Table 1: IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Time Allotted
Reasoning Ability	35	20 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	35	20 minutes
English Language	30	20 minutes
Total	100	60 minutes

Table 2: Important Dates for IBPS Clerk Exam 2024

Event	Date
Notification Release	[To be announced]
Online Application	[To be announced]
Prelims Exam	[To be announced]
Mains Exam	[To be announced]
Result Declaration	[To be announced]

Note: The dates mentioned above are tentative and subject to change. Please refer to the official IBPS website for the latest updates.

Conclusion

The IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam is a challenging but achievable exam. With dedicated preparation and a well-structured study plan, you can crack the exam and secure a rewarding career in the banking sector. Remember to focus on your strengths, work on your weaknesses, and practice regularly to enhance your performance. All the best!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers

1. What is the eligibility criteria for the IBPS Clerk Exam?

• You must be a graduate from a recognized university.
• Age limit varies depending on the category. Refer to the official notification for details.

2. How many attempts are allowed for the IBPS Clerk Exam?

• There is no limit on the number of attempts for the IBPS Clerk Exam.

3. What is the exam pattern for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

• The exam consists of three sections: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
• Each section has a time limit of 20 minutes.
• The total exam duration is 60 minutes.

4. What is the marking scheme for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

• Each correct answer carries 1 mark.
• There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.

5. Is there a sectional cutoff for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

• Yes, there is a sectional cutoff for each section. You need to score a minimum score in each section to qualify for the Mains exam.

6. How can I prepare for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

• Practice regularly from previous years’ papers and mock tests.
• Focus on understanding the concepts and learning shortcuts and formulas.
• Improve your calculation speed and time management skills.

7. What are some good study materials for the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam?

• Previous years’ papers
• Mock tests
• Study materials from reputable sources like Bankers Adda, Oliveboard, etc.

8. How can I improve my English language skills for the exam?

• Read newspapers, magazines, and books regularly.
• Practice grammar exercises and vocabulary building.
• Improve your reading comprehension skills.

9. How can I improve my quantitative aptitude skills for the exam?

• Strengthen your foundation in basic arithmetic concepts.
• Practice solving problems from different topics.
• Learn and practice shortcuts and formulas.

10. What are some tips for the exam day?

• Arrive at the exam center on time.
• Carry all necessary documents.
• Stay calm and focused.
• Manage your time effectively.
• Attempt all questions with accuracy.

11. What are the next steps after clearing the Prelims Exam?

• You will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam.
• The Mains Exam syllabus is different from the Prelims Exam syllabus.

12. What is the salary for an IBPS Clerk?

• The salary for an IBPS Clerk varies depending on the bank and location.
• It typically includes a basic salary, allowances, and other benefits.

13. What are the career prospects for an IBPS Clerk?

• IBPS Clerk is a good entry-level position in the banking sector.
• You can gain experience and knowledge in banking operations.
• You can progress to higher positions within the bank.

14. What are some tips for interview preparation?

• Prepare for common interview questions.
• Practice your communication skills.
• Be confident and enthusiastic.
• Dress professionally.

15. Where can I find the latest updates on the IBPS Clerk Exam?

• Visit the official IBPS website for the latest notifications, exam dates, and other important information.