The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection conducts the highly competitive IBPS PO Exam annually, which attracts lakhs of students from across the country. However, only a few candidates qualify for the position of PO in various banks. Many aspirants need help to succeed in this challenging exam.
The IBPS PO Exam is commonly regarded as one of the most toughest exams in the banking sector recruitment process.
The competition is intense, and the rate of success is comparatively low, with most candidates failing to cut. As the number of applicants increases yearly, so does the failure rate, making securing a job as a PO in a leading bank even more challenging.
Despite rigorous preparation and hard work, many candidates still need to qualify for the IBPS PO exam owing to its exceptionally competitive nature. Some candidates may clear the written exam but need help to perform well in the interview round, failing to secure the position of Bank PO, even after passing the written exam based on merit. There can be various reasons for failure in the IBPS PO examination, such as inadequate preparation, lack of proper guidance, poor time management, or nervousness during the interview.
Additionally, the exam pattern and syllabus keep changing. As a result, candidates must have a well-rounded preparation strategy and the ability to adapt to evolving exam patterns to increase their chances of success.
Reasons for failing the IBPS PO exam
Avoiding going through the syllabus
A frequently encountered mistake that candidates make when preparing for the IBPS PO exam is not going through the syllabus before starting their preparation. Instead, they try to cover every type of question they come across, which can lead to wasting time on less critical topics that may have little weightage in the exam. To avoid this, knowing the syllabus and focusing on the essential issues that have been consistently relevant over the years is crucial. Knowing what to avoid can assist you to use your time and resources more effectively.
Failing to study the Previous year’s question papers
Candidates must often familiarise themselves with the previous year’s exam papers and cut-offs. Solving last year’s question papers gives candidates an idea of the type of questions asked in the actual exam, which can be very helpful during preparation. Additionally, going through the previous year’s cut-off trend can help you make better decisions while attempting questions in the exam. Therefore, it is recommended that candidates solve at least 5-6 previous year question papers and check the last year’s cut-offs to get an edge over other candidates who still need to solve them.
Didn’t analyse about competition
One primary reason candidates fail the IBPS PO exam is their ignorance of the competition level. With thousands of aspirants applying for limited vacancies, the competition is intense, and the success rate is low. Therefore, giving your best performance and meeting the sectional cut-offs is essential to secure a position in the exam.
Attempting all questions for count increasing purpose
Another mistake is that candidates must know the answer before attempting questions to increase their attempt count. In the IBPS PO exam, there is negative marking for incorrect answers, which can significantly decrease your chances of selection if you guess the answers. Attempting questions only when you are entirely sure of the solution rather than guessing and risking negative marks is advisable.
Dealing exams with anxiety
Exam anxiety is another common mistake affecting a candidate’s performance in the IBPS PO exam. With sectional timing in the exam, candidates may feel pressured to solve all questions within the restricted time frame, leading to exam hall anxiety and incorrect answers. To prevent this, it is imperative to practice mock tests regularly, which can help you be more confident while attempting questions in the exam. By acquainting yourself with the exam format and timing, you can reduce your anxiety and improve your performance.
How Hard is IBPS PO exam?
The introductory level of the IBPS PO exam is designed to test the candidates’ basic knowledge in quantitative aptitude, English, and reasoning. The exam is just qualifying; candidates must clear the overall and sectional cut-offs to appear for the mains. The general cut-off depends on factors such as the number of candidates, the number of seats, and the difficulty of the exam.
However, with proper preparation of 4-5 months and basic knowledge of the subjects, it is possible to clear the exam. It is a misconception that candidates need 3-4 attempts to qualify for the exam. Many candidates qualify on their first attempt with practice and constant effort. Therefore, preparing well and staying focused is essential to successfully pass the exam on the initial attempt.
Regarding the difficulty level of IBPS PO, the exam and the questions asked are relatively manageable. The questions mainly consist of fundamental quant, English, and reasoning topics. However, the competition for the limited number of seats makes the exam challenging. That said, clearing the exam is achievable with a proper strategy, consistent effort, and avoiding the abovementioned mistakes. It is essential to focus on understanding the concepts, practising mock tests, and analysing previous year’s papers to improve your chances of success.
Tips to crack the IBPS PO exam
To clear the IBPS PO Exam, here are a few practical tips and tricks:
Create a Study Plan: Studying systematically is crucial; a well-prepared study plan can help you achieve that. Create a study plan covering all the topics asked in the exam and set deadlines for each case.
Refer to Standard Books: With so many books available in the market, it’s easy to get lost. Only refer to classic texts that cover the entire syllabus. If you have notes from a coaching institute, use them to supplement your preparation.
Practice Regularly: Consistent training is critical to success in this exam. It helps to strengthen your concepts and increase your speed and accuracy. It would help to practice many questions before appearing for the exam to score well.
Join a Mock Test Series: Mock tests are a great way to simulate the exam and gain confidence. It can immensely help you in acing this exam. Join a mock test series to evaluate your performance and identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Reviewing the previous year’s question papers can help you understand the exam pattern and difficulty level. It also gives you an idea of the questions, allowing you to prepare more effectively.
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