If you plan to appear for the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) Clerk exam, it’s natural to wonder how difficult it is. The IBPS Clerk exam is a highly sought-after bank exam in India. It is conducted annually to hire individuals for clerical positions in public sector banks. Here let’s look over how hard is the IBPS Clerk exam and provide tips to help you prepare for it.
What is the IBPS Clerk exam?
IBPS Clerk exam is a national-level exam conducted by the IBPS to recruit candidates for clerical posts in public sector banks in India. The exam is conducted in two segments: Preliminary and Main. Candidates who clear both stages of the exam are eligible for the post of Clerk in participating banks.
IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The IBPS Clerk exam consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The Preliminary exam consists of 100 questions, while the Main exam consists of 190 questions. The Preliminary exam lasts one hour, while the Main exam lasts 160 minutes.
How Hard is the IBPS Clerk Exam – Difficulty Level
The exam questions are of a moderate level of difficulty and are formulated to assess the candidate’s basic knowledge and abilities. However, the competition for the exam is high, and the number of aspirants taking the exam is large, making it challenging to crack.
Tips to prepare and crack for the IBPS Clerk Exam
Here are some significant tips to aid you in preparing for the IBPS Clerk exam:
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Build a study plan and follow it strictly.
- Study regularly and revise the topics regularly.
- Practise mock tests and previous year’s question papers.
- Improve your time management skills.
- Solve as many questions as possible from various sources.
Time Management during the Exam
Time management is a vital factor in cracking the IBPS Clerk exam. To optimize your time management during the exam,, please consider the following tips:
- It is important to thoroughly review the instructions prior to beginning the exam.
- Create a time plan based on the total number of questions and their respective difficulty levels.
- Avoid dedicating excessive time on a single question.
- Attend the easy questions first and then move on to the difficult ones.
- Ensure to keep track of the time and aim to finish the exam within the allotted time frame.
- If you’re having difficulty with a certain section or question, don’t waste too much time on it. Proceed to the next question and return to the previous one later.
- Allocate some time for revision at the end of the exam.
Books and Study Materials for IBPS Clerk Exam Preparation
Various books and study materials are available in the market for IBPS Clerk exam preparation. Some of the popular ones are:
- IBPS Clerk Guide by Disha Experts
- Comprehensive Guide to IBPS Clerk Preliminary & Main Exam by Arihant Publications
- 30 Mock Test Series for IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam by Disha Experts
- IBPS Clerk Preliminary Exam Mega Book by Arihant Publications
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Mistakes to avoid during IBPS Clerk Exam Preparation
Here are some common mistakes to avoid during IBPS Clerk exam preparation:
- Neglecting the basics and focusing only on advanced topics.
- Not practising enough questions and mock tests.
- Not revising regularly.
- Not managing time effectively during the exam.
- Not reading the instructions carefully before starting the exam.
Mock Tests and Previous Year Question Papers
Inorder to prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam, it is crucial to utilise mock tests and past year’s question papers. They help you to comprehend the exam pattern, practice time management, and assess your preparation level. It is advisable to solve a minimum of 20-30 mock tests and review previous year’s question papers before appearing for the exam.
IBPS Clerk Exam Revision and Practice
Revision and practice are crucial for IBPS Clerk exam preparation. Revising the topics regularly and practising as many questions as possible is essential to improve your speed and accuracy.
Dos and Don’ts during the IBPS Clerk Exam
Some Dos and Don’ts during the IBPS Clerk exam:
Dos:
- Before starting the exam, it is crucial to thoroughly go through the instructions.
- Attempt the easy questions first.
- Manage your time effectively.
- Keep track of the time and revise the answers before submitting.
- Stay calm and composed during the exam.
Don’ts:
- Avoid spending excessive time on a single question.
- There’s no need to panic if you encounter a challenging question.
- Do not guess the answers blindly.
- Ensure to bring all essential documents with you to the exam center.
It is true that every competitive exam will be a daunting task, but the fact is that it will only last until we, the aspirants, are ready to work hard. The hardness of the examination will not be affected if you are ready to work hard. Moreover, if you follow a systematic learning procedure, then it will help you to craft the best career. Coaching for IBPS Clerk exam preparation is an excellent option for candidates who require personal guidance and support. There are various coaching institutes available across the country that offer coaching for IBPS Clerk exam preparation.
If you are a serious career seeker in the banking sector, then don’t be late to join Finprov’s bank coaching. The experienced faculties and training with continuous mock tests help you to crack the exams very effectively. Most importantly, Finprov provides exemplary coaching for preparing for IBPS, SBI, LIC, and Cooperative bank exams. The personalised mentorship the team provides helps you approach the exams confidently.
