Individuals wishing to develop a career in the Banking Sector have to clear Competitive examination like the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection Exam (IBPS). These exams are usually conducted at a government as well as a Private Level. The IBPS exams are usually held in the month of December. The duration of the examination is 2 hours and the marks allotted are 200 in total. The questions are Objective type.
The applicants are assessed along the 5 parameters such as Reasoning, Numerical Ability, General Awareness, Computers and English Language proficiency (verbal, written, grammar). Each of these sections comprise of 40 questions each the marks allotted to each of these sections is 40 in all and each question is allotted 1 mark (40 *1). With the exam round the corner most students tend to look for tips that can help them in clearing the exam well. In light of the need of the hour here are some tips that are based on these parameters.
Tip 1. English Language: this section assess the applicants commond over the language, as this is a language naturally the grammar and comprehension skills are tested. The questions comprise of analogies, synonyms and antonyms, match the list, idioms, one word for many, fill in the blanks and identifying the various Figures of Speech which is a task for applicants.
- Grammar: A useful tool to improve your language skills is by referring to Wren & Martin. This book is a perfect guide for improving your grammar, essay writing skills as well as your comprehension skills because it has exercises and examples for each topic. It also comes with a Key that you can use to verify if your answers are correct.
- Reading and Comprehension: you need to grab a copy of the Wren & Martin as soon as possible as it has very good examples for improving your comprehension skills. It has sample passages that contain questions on most of the aspects covered in the English section.
Tip 2. Reasoning and Numerical Ability: as the name suggests, this section deals with mathematical operations therefore your basics should be strong. The range of topics that are covered are Coding and Decoding, Syllogisms, Venn Diagrams, Number Series, Work, Time, Speed and Distance problems, Profit and Loss, Ratios and Simple Interest. Therefore it is essential to practice as many problems as you can to get acquainted with the types, formulas and form shortcuts for the same.
Tip 3. General Awareness: to be able to crack this section, your knowledge about the recent happenings in India and its surrounding Countries is important. Since this is a Banking examinatino it is obvious that you need to be familiar with the Banking terminologies, so it is preferable to focus on topics such as Ministers and Portfolios, Abbrevations, Top News in Business, Sports, Culture and Entertainment, Prominent Committees and their Heads. Here are some other tips:
- Reading newspapers, magazines (past issues from January 2012), journals, business and real estate supplements in newspapers
- visit Business and Real Estate websites
- watch Educational channels that will boost your general knowledge
- to improve your knowledge of India visit www.india.gov.in as it has information about the latest happenings in the country
- pay attention to the main events in the corporate world
- information about organizations /associations like the UN and its associate agencies such as ASEAN, SAARC, NATO, BRICS etc.
- knowledge about the stocks and GK questions like countries, capitals, currencies, inventions and discoveries in science.
Tip 4. Computers: to crack this section a basic knowledge of computer will suffice. The topics that will be covered in this section are computer parts and their functions, basic internet and email control, MS.Office package (Word, Excel, Power Point etc.) Popular Software names and their usage.
Tip 5. Practice: it is essential that students refer to previous years question papers and rely on mock tests, as this will make them familiar with the paper pattern and will give them an idea about the type of questions asked. Thus, students are better prepared for the examination.
Tip 6. Join Coaching classes: this will ensure that students practice regularly and are better prepared because they can resolve the queries that they might have about a particular topic.
Tip 7. Health Matters: it is important to ensure that you get enough rest, eat a balanced diet and most importantly exercise. It is important that you sleep in time, eat properly and exercise, if you wish to perform well in the examinations because both the body and the mind need to rest to function to its maximum potential.
By following these simple tips, the examination will be easier to crack. But in the mean time remember to “Practice as if you are the worst but Perform as if you are the best !”. For more information about the IBPS you can visit our sister website www.way2k.com.