Syllabus and Exam Pattern for 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 across India. The exam is a multi-stage process, consisting of a preliminary exam, a mains exam, and an interview.
IBPS PO Exam Pattern 2024
1. Preliminary Exam:
The preliminary exam is a computer-based test (CBT) that serves as a screening test for the mains exam. It consists of three sections:
| 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 |
2. Mains Exam:
Candidates who clear the preliminary exam are eligible to appear for the mains exam. This is also a computer-based test (CBT) and consists of six sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning and Computer Aptitude | 40 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking Industry | 40 | 45 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 45 minutes |
| Financial Awareness | 40 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 230 | 270 minutes |
3. Interview:
Candidates who clear the mains exam are shortlisted for an interview. The interview is conducted by a panel of experts from the banking industry. The interview assesses the candidate’s personality, communication skills, and suitability for the role of a Probationary Officer.
Detailed Syllabus for IBPS PO Exam 2024
1. Reasoning Ability:
- Verbal Reasoning:
- Analogies: Identifying relationships between words or concepts.
- Classification: Grouping words or concepts based on common characteristics.
- Series: Identifying patterns and completing sequences.
- Coding-Decoding: Deciphering codes and messages.
- Blood Relations: Understanding family relationships and solving problems based on them.
- Direction Sense: Determining directions and solving problems based on them.
- Logical Reasoning: Analyzing arguments and drawing logical conclusions.
- Non-Verbal Reasoning:
- Figure Series: Identifying patterns and completing sequences of figures.
- Analogy: Identifying relationships between figures.
- Classification: Grouping figures based on common characteristics.
- Mirror Image: Identifying mirror images of figures.
- Water Image: Identifying water images of figures.
- Paper Folding and Cutting: Solving problems based on folding and cutting paper.
- Cube and Dice: Solving problems based on cubes and dice.
2. Quantitative Aptitude:
- Arithmetic:
- Number Systems: Understanding different types of numbers and their properties.
- Percentage: Calculating percentages and applying them to solve problems.
- Profit and Loss: Calculating profit, loss, and related concepts.
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest: Calculating interest and related concepts.
- Ratio and Proportion: Understanding ratios and proportions and solving problems based on them.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to time, work, and efficiency.
- Time and Distance: Solving problems related to time, distance, and speed.
- Average: Calculating averages and solving problems based on them.
- Mixtures and Allegations: Solving problems related to mixtures and their proportions.
- Algebra:
- Linear Equations: Solving linear equations in one or two variables.
- Quadratic Equations: Solving quadratic equations and related problems.
- Inequalities: Solving inequalities and related problems.
- Surds and Indices: Understanding surds and indices and solving problems based on them.
- Geometry:
- Lines and Angles: Understanding lines, angles, and their properties.
- Triangles: Understanding different types of triangles and their properties.
- Quadrilaterals: Understanding different types of quadrilaterals and their properties.
- Circles: Understanding circles and their properties.
- Mensuration:
- Area and Perimeter: Calculating area and perimeter of different shapes.
- Volume and Surface Area: Calculating volume and surface area of different solids.
- Data Interpretation:
- Tables: Analyzing data presented in tables.
- Graphs: Analyzing data presented in graphs (bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts).
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether given information is sufficient to solve a problem.
3. English Language:
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding and interpreting passages.
- Vocabulary: Understanding the meaning of words and phrases.
- Grammar: Understanding the rules of grammar and using them correctly.
- Sentence Correction: Identifying and correcting grammatical errors in sentences.
- Para Jumbles: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent paragraph.
- Cloze Test: Filling in the blanks in a passage with appropriate words.
- Error Spotting: Identifying grammatical errors in sentences.
- Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding synonyms and antonyms of words.
- Idioms and Phrases: Understanding the meaning of idioms and phrases.
4. General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking Industry:
- Current Affairs: Knowledge of recent events in India and the world.
- Banking Awareness: Knowledge of the Indian banking system, its history, regulations, and current trends.
- Financial Awareness: Knowledge of financial markets, instruments, and institutions.
- Economy: Understanding the Indian economy, its strengths, weaknesses, and challenges.
- Static GK: Knowledge of important facts and figures related to India and the world.
5. Data Analysis & Interpretation:
- Data Interpretation: Analyzing data presented in tables, graphs, and charts.
- Data Sufficiency: Determining whether given information is sufficient to solve a problem.
- Logical Reasoning: Applying logical reasoning to solve problems based on data.
6. Financial Awareness:
- Financial Markets: Understanding the functioning of financial markets, including the stock market, bond market, and forex market.
- Financial Instruments: Knowledge of different financial instruments, such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and derivatives.
- Financial Institutions: Understanding the role of different financial institutions, such as banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
- Financial Regulations: Knowledge of regulations governing the financial sector in India.
Preparation Tips for IBPS PO Exam 2024
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the syllabus and exam pattern for each stage of the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that covers all the topics in the syllabus.
- Refer to Relevant Study Materials: Use reliable study materials, including books, online resources, and mock tests.
- Practice Regularly: Practice mock tests and previous years’ papers to get familiar with the exam format and time management.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and dedicate extra time to improving them.
- Develop Time Management Skills: Learn to solve questions quickly and accurately within the time limit.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, and online resources to stay updated on current affairs.
- Improve English Language Skills: Focus on improving your vocabulary, grammar, and reading comprehension skills.
- Develop Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Practice solving logical reasoning and data interpretation questions.
- Stay Motivated and Confident: Maintain a positive attitude and believe in your abilities.
Resources for IBPS PO Exam Preparation
- Books:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Banking Awareness by Disha Experts
- Financial Awareness by Disha Experts
- Online Resources:
- Bankers Adda
- Gradeup
- Testbook
- Oliveboard
- Adda247
- Mock Tests:
- Bankers Adda
- Gradeup
- Testbook
- Oliveboard
- Adda247
Conclusion
The IBPS PO exam is a challenging but rewarding exam. With proper preparation, dedication, and hard work, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to stay focused, manage your time effectively, and believe in yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and Short Answers:
1. What is the eligibility criteria for the IBPS PO Exam?
- Candidates must hold a graduate degree from a recognized university.
- Age limit varies depending on the category.
2. How many stages are there in the IBPS PO Exam?
- The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and Interview.
3. What is the syllabus for the Preliminary Exam?
- The syllabus includes Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language.
4. What is the syllabus for the Mains Exam?
- The syllabus includes Reasoning and Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking Industry, Data Analysis & Interpretation, and Financial Awareness.
5. What is the duration of the Preliminary Exam?
- The exam duration is 60 minutes.
6. What is the duration of the Mains Exam?
- The exam duration is 270 minutes.
7. How many questions are there in the Preliminary Exam?
- There are 100 questions in the Preliminary Exam.
8. How many questions are there in the Mains Exam?
- There are 230 questions in the Mains Exam.
9. What is the marking scheme for the exam?
- Each correct answer carries 1 mark. There is a negative marking for incorrect answers.
10. How can I prepare for the IBPS PO Exam?
- Refer to reliable study materials, practice mock tests, and focus on your weak areas.
11. What are some good resources for exam preparation?
- Books, online resources, and mock tests from reputable sources like Bankers Adda, Gradeup, Testbook, Oliveboard, and Adda247.
12. When is the IBPS PO Exam 2024 expected to be held?
- The exact dates are announced by IBPS on their official website.
13. How can I apply for the IBPS PO Exam?
- Applications are accepted online through the official IBPS website.
14. What are the important dates for the IBPS PO Exam 2024?
- The important dates, including the application window, exam dates, and results, are announced by IBPS on their official website.
15. What are the interview preparation tips for the IBPS PO Exam?
- Prepare for general awareness questions, banking-related questions, and questions about your personality and career goals.
16. What is the salary for an IBPS PO?
- The salary varies depending on the bank and location. It includes a basic salary, allowances, and other benefits.
17. What are the career prospects for an IBPS PO?
- An IBPS PO can progress through various levels in the banking hierarchy, with opportunities for specialization and leadership roles.
18. What are the challenges of being an IBPS PO?
- The job requires long working hours, dealing with customer queries, and managing pressure.
19. What are the benefits of being an IBPS PO?
- The job offers job security, a good salary, and opportunities for career growth.
20. What are the tips for time management during the exam?
- Practice mock tests to improve your speed and accuracy. Allocate time for each section based on your strengths and weaknesses.