Mains Syllabus of IBPS PO Exam 2024
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam annually to recruit eligible candidates for various public sector banks in India. The exam is conducted in two phases: Preliminary and Mains. While the Preliminary exam tests basic aptitude and reasoning skills, the Mains exam delves deeper into the candidate’s knowledge and analytical abilities, assessing their suitability for a banking career.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
This section tests the candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills. It also assesses their understanding of basic computer concepts and applications.
Sub-Topics:
- Logical Reasoning:
- Syllogisms: Analyzing arguments and drawing valid conclusions based on given statements.
- Coding-Decoding: Decoding patterns in coded messages and applying them to decipher other messages.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on given information.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and distances based on given information.
- Seating Arrangement: Arranging people or objects in a specific order based on given clues.
- Puzzle: Solving complex puzzles involving various logical deductions.
- Computer Aptitude:
- Basic Computer Knowledge: Understanding the fundamentals of computer hardware, software, and operating systems.
- MS Office: Familiarity with Microsoft Office applications like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Internet & Web Browsing: Knowledge of internet basics, web browsers, and common online tools.
- Computer Networks: Understanding basic concepts of computer networks, types of networks, and network protocols.
- Cyber Security: Awareness of common cyber threats, security measures, and data protection practices.
Tips for Preparation:
- Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of reasoning puzzles and computer aptitude questions daily.
- Focus on Concepts: Thoroughly understand the underlying principles of each topic.
- Time Management: Develop strategies to solve questions quickly and accurately within the time limit.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
This section evaluates the candidate’s ability to analyze and interpret data presented in various formats, including tables, charts, and graphs. It assesses their understanding of statistical concepts and their ability to draw meaningful conclusions from data.
Sub-Topics:
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing data presented in tabular format and answering questions based on the information provided.
- Charts & Graphs: Interpreting data presented in various chart and graph formats, including bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and histograms.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether the given information is sufficient to answer the question.
- Data Analysis: Drawing inferences and conclusions from data, identifying trends, and making predictions.
- Quantitative Aptitude:
- Number Systems: Understanding basic number systems, including integers, fractions, decimals, and percentages.
- Arithmetic: Solving problems related to profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and work, speed, distance, and time.
- Algebra: Solving equations and inequalities, understanding concepts of variables, expressions, and functions.
- Geometry & Mensuration: Solving problems related to basic geometric shapes, areas, volumes, and perimeters.
- Data Interpretation: Applying quantitative skills to interpret data presented in various formats.
Tips for Preparation:
- Practice Data Interpretation: Solve a wide range of data interpretation questions from different sources.
- Develop Analytical Skills: Learn to identify patterns, trends, and relationships in data.
- Master Quantitative Concepts: Thoroughly understand the fundamentals of arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.
- Use Shortcuts & Techniques: Learn and practice time-saving techniques for solving quantitative problems.
General Awareness
This section assesses the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, banking industry, and general awareness of national and international events.
Sub-Topics:
- Current Affairs: Knowledge of recent events in India and around the world, including politics, economics, social issues, and technology.
- Banking Industry: Understanding the Indian banking system, its structure, functions, and recent developments.
- Financial Awareness: Knowledge of financial markets, financial instruments, and key economic indicators.
- Static GK: General awareness of Indian history, geography, culture, and important personalities.
- International Affairs: Awareness of major global events, international organizations, and key geopolitical issues.
Tips for Preparation:
- Read Newspapers & Magazines: Stay updated with current affairs by reading reputable newspapers and magazines.
- Follow Online Resources: Utilize online resources like websites, blogs, and social media platforms for current affairs updates.
- Refer to GK Books: Study general awareness books and study materials specifically designed for banking exams.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your understanding of current affairs and general awareness.
English Language
This section evaluates the candidate’s proficiency in English language, focusing on reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills.
Sub-Topics:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages from various sources, identifying main ideas, and answering questions based on the text.
- Grammar: Knowledge of English grammar rules, including tenses, verb forms, articles, prepositions, and sentence structure.
- Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words, synonyms, antonyms, and idioms.
- Verbal Ability: Solving problems related to sentence completion, error spotting, and paragraph jumbles.
- Writing Skills: Ability to write clear, concise, and grammatically correct sentences and paragraphs.
Tips for Preparation:
- Read Regularly: Read English newspapers, magazines, and books to improve reading comprehension and vocabulary.
- Practice Grammar: Study English grammar rules and practice solving grammar-related questions.
- Build Vocabulary: Learn new words regularly and practice using them in sentences.
- Improve Writing Skills: Practice writing essays, letters, and other forms of writing to enhance your writing skills.
Syllabus Breakdown Table
| Section | Sub-Topics | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Logical Reasoning, Computer Aptitude | 35% |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Data Interpretation, Quantitative Aptitude | 35% |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Industry, Financial Awareness, Static GK, International Affairs | 20% |
| English Language | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Verbal Ability, Writing Skills | 10% |
Exam Pattern Table
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allowed |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 45 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 40 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness | 40 | 20 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 30 minutes |
| Total | 160 | 140 minutes |
Preparation Strategy
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and the weightage of each section.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a realistic study plan that covers all the topics and allows sufficient time for revision.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate more time to improving them.
- Practice Regularly: Solve a variety of questions from previous years’ papers and mock tests.
- Time Management: Develop strategies to solve questions quickly and accurately within the time limit.
- Stay Updated: Keep yourself updated with current affairs and banking industry news.
- Mock Tests: Take regular mock tests to assess your progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Analyze Mistakes: Analyze your mistakes in mock tests and work on improving those areas.
- Stay Motivated: Maintain a positive attitude and stay motivated throughout your preparation.
Important Resources
- IBPS Official Website: Refer to the official IBPS website for exam notifications, syllabus, and other important information.
- Previous Years’ Papers: Practice questions from previous years’ papers to understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.
- Mock Tests: Take mock tests from reputable online platforms or coaching institutes.
- Study Materials: Refer to study materials from reputed publishers and coaching institutes.
- Newspapers & Magazines: Stay updated with current affairs by reading reputable newspapers and magazines.
- Online Resources: Utilize online resources like websites, blogs, and social media platforms for current affairs updates.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO exam is a challenging but rewarding exam that opens doors to a fulfilling career in the banking sector. By following a well-structured preparation strategy, utilizing the right resources, and staying focused, you can increase your chances of success in the exam. Remember, hard work, dedication, and perseverance are key to achieving your goals.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
Q: What are some common types of logical reasoning questions?
A: Syllogisms, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, seating arrangement, and puzzles.
Q: What are some essential computer skills for the exam?
A: Basic computer knowledge, MS Office proficiency, internet & web browsing, computer networks, and cyber security awareness.
Data Analysis & Interpretation
Q: How can I improve my data interpretation skills?
A: Practice solving a variety of data interpretation questions from different sources, focusing on identifying patterns and trends.
Q: What are some important quantitative aptitude concepts?
A: Number systems, arithmetic, algebra, geometry & mensuration, and data interpretation.
General Awareness
Q: What are the best sources for current affairs updates?
A: Reputable newspapers, magazines, online resources like websites and blogs, and social media platforms.
Q: How can I prepare for static GK?
A: Refer to general awareness books and study materials specifically designed for banking exams.
English Language
Q: How can I improve my reading comprehension skills?
A: Read English newspapers, magazines, and books regularly, focusing on understanding the main ideas and answering questions based on the text.
Q: What are some common grammar topics tested in the exam?
A: Tenses, verb forms, articles, prepositions, and sentence structure.
Exam Preparation
Q: How can I create a study plan for the IBPS PO exam?
A: Analyze the syllabus, allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses, and include regular revision sessions.
Q: What are some tips for time management during the exam?
A: Practice solving questions quickly and accurately, prioritize sections based on weightage, and avoid spending too much time on any single question.
Q: How important are mock tests for preparation?
A: Mock tests are crucial for assessing your progress, identifying areas for improvement, and getting familiar with the exam pattern and time constraints.
Q: What are some resources for preparing for the IBPS PO exam?
A: The official IBPS website, previous years’ papers, mock tests from reputable platforms, study materials from publishers and coaching institutes, newspapers, magazines, and online resources.