The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) is a premier organization that conducts recruitment exams for various public sector banks in India. The IBPS exam is one of the most sought-after exams in India, and thousands of candidates appear for it every year. The exam is conducted in three stages – Preliminary, Main, and Interview – and covers various subjects such as English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness.
Preparing for the IBPS exam can be a daunting task, but with the right tips and strategies, you can increase your chances of success. In this article, we will discuss how to prepare for the IBPS exam and provide you with some useful tips and strategies.
Understand the Exam Pattern
The first step in preparing for the IBPS exam is to understand its pattern and syllabus. The exam is conducted in three stages – Preliminary, Main, and Interview – and covers various subjects such as English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness.
The Preliminary exam consists of 100 questions, with a time limit of 60 minutes. The Main exam consists of 155 questions, with a time limit of 180 minutes. The Interview stage carries a weightage of 100 marks.
Create a Study Plan
Creating a study plan is essential for effective preparation for the IBPS exam. It helps you to organize your time and ensure that you cover all the topics and subjects in the syllabus.
Start by setting a realistic goal for yourself, based on the time remaining for the exam and your strengths and weaknesses. Divide the syllabus into manageable sections and allocate time to each section. Make sure to include time for revision and practice tests in your study plan.
Study the Syllabus
Once you have created a study plan, start studying the syllabus. Focus on understanding the concepts and fundamentals of each topic, rather than rote learning. Refer to standard textbooks and online resources to supplement your study material.
Make sure to cover all the topics and sub-topics in the syllabus, as the exam covers a wide range of subjects. Pay special attention to the topics that you find challenging, and practice them until you are confident.
Practice with Previous Year Papers
Practicing with previous year papers is one of the best ways to prepare for the IBPS exam. It helps you to understand the exam pattern, the type of questions asked, and the level of difficulty.
Solve as many previous year papers as possible, and analyze your performance. Identify the areas where you need to improve, and focus on them in your preparation. Make sure to practice with a timer to simulate the actual exam environment.
Take Mock Tests
Taking mock tests is another essential aspect of IBPS exam preparation. Mock tests help you to assess your preparation level and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Take mock tests regularly, and analyze your performance. Identify the areas where you need to improve, and focus on them in your preparation. Make sure to simulate the actual exam environment as much as possible, by setting a timer and taking the test in a quiet and distraction-free environment.
Improve Your Speed and Accuracy
Improving your speed and accuracy is essential for success in the IBPS exam. The exam is time-bound, and you need to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limit.
Practice solving questions quickly and accurately. Use shortcut methods and tricks to save time and improve your speed. Make sure to practice with a timer to simulate the actual exam environment.
Stay Updated with Current Affairs
General Awareness is a crucial subject in the IBPS exam, and it covers a wide range of topics such as national and international news, economy, politics, and sports.
Stay updated with current affairs by reading newspapers, watching news channels, and following online news portals. Make notes of important events and news, and revise them regularly. Make sure to focus on the events and news related to the banking and financial sector, as they are relevant for the exam.
Improve Your English Language Skills
English Language is another important subject in the IBPS exam, and it covers topics such as reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, and verbal ability.
Improve your English language skills by reading newspapers, books, and online articles. Make notes of new words and their meanings, and practice using them in sentences. Solve English language practice tests and focus on improving your grammar and verbal ability.
Focus on Time Management
Time management is crucial for success in the IBPS exam. The exam is time-bound, and you need to answer as many questions as possible within the given time limit.
Practice solving questions quickly and accurately. Use shortcut methods and tricks to save time and improve your speed. Make sure to practice with a timer to simulate the actual exam environment.
Stay Calm and Confident
Last but not least, stay calm and confident during the exam. Avoid last-minute cramming, and focus on revising the concepts and fundamentals. Take deep breaths and stay relaxed.
Stay confident in your preparation, and trust your instincts. Do not get bogged down by difficult questions, and move on to the next question if you are stuck.
Conclusion
Preparing for the IBPS exam requires dedication, hard work, and perseverance. Understanding the exam pattern, creating a study plan, studying the syllabus, practicing with previous year papers, taking mock tests, improving your speed and accuracy, staying updated with current affairs, improving your English language skills, focusing on time management, and staying calm and confident are some of the essential tips and strategies that can help you to prepare effectively for the exam.
Remember to stay motivated and focused, and do not get disheartened by setbacks or failures. Keep practicing and learning from your mistakes, and you will surely achieve success in the IBPS exam. Good luck!
Team Lead 
Piyush Mishra