The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the IBPS Clerk exam, which is shown to fill vacancies within the clerical cadre across public sector banks. Given the substantial number of students appearing for this exam, cracking the IBPS Clerk exam is no simple feat. Candidates must adhere to well-structured IBPS Clerk preparation strategies and study schedules to overcome this challenge. Aspirants can conquer this examination with adequate IBPS Clerk preparation, strategic efforts, and unwavering dedication. In preparation for IBPS Clerk 2023, it is imperative to grasp the exam’s pattern, identify reliable reference materials, familiarise yourself with the syllabus, and delve into past years’ question papers for valuable insights.
How to Crack the IBPS Clerk Exam: IBPS Clerk Exam Preparation Tips
Succeeding in the IBPS Clerk exam requires meticulous and thorough preparation. A structured preparation plan enables candidates to successfully navigate their journey towards achieving their goals. By implementing a strategic approach, candidates can efficiently use their study time and get closer to their dreams. Here are some valuable tips and tricks to help you conquer the IBPS Clerk 2023 exam:
Craft a Well-Structured Timetable
Forge a study timetable that strikes a harmonious balance between available time, the breadth of topics to cover, and the perceived complexity of each subject. Steer clear of diving into random topics without a coherent plan. Instead, set clear and achievable goals, progressively advancing step by step.
Consistent Study
Devote a minimum of five to six hours daily for studying, ensuring unwavering consistency. Methodically assess the effectiveness of different study patterns and adjust your timetable to align with your evolving requirements.
Strategise Based on Topics
Allocate time to thoroughly acquaint yourself with each subject outlined in the IBPS Clerk 2023 syllabus. Categorise these subjects by their difficulty levels. Formulate a clear strategy for approaching each subject, delving deep into the topics. Start with a firm foundation by comprehending the fundamental concepts and theories. Crafting personal study notes can prove invaluable during revision phases, reinforcing your understanding.
Exam Pattern for IBPS Clerk Exam
Understanding how the IBPS Clerk exam is set up will assist candidates in realising how important each topic is and how much time they’ll have for each type of question. This will guide them to follow the right IBPS Clerk Prelims Preparation Tips. Those taking the IBPS Clerk Exam need to pass two main stages:
- Prelims
- Mains
Both stages involve computer-based tests with multiple-choice questions that candidates will answer online. To successfully beat the overall cutoff, it’s crucial to try questions in all sections evenly, as minimum scores are required for each section.
Preliminary Exam Pattern
The preliminary exam comprises 100 questions of objective type, with each question carrying one mark. The total duration allotted for the exam is 1 hour. The assessment encompasses a total of 4 distinct sections.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks Allocated | Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS Mains Exam is divided into four sections, with the English section comprising 40 questions and the other sections containing 50 questions each. The exam holds a total of 200 marks, and candidates are granted 160 minutes in total to complete this segment.
| Section | No. Of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 minutes |
Subject Wise Strategy to Crack IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam
The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam encompasses three main subjects worth 100 marks. To succeed in the test, it’s crucial to thoroughly prepare for the three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Your proficiency across these subjects dramatically influences your success in cracking the IBPS Clerk Prelims in your initial attempt. Elaborated below are subject-specific tips for each section.
English Language Section
Although the English Language section in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam is generally regarded as easy to moderate, many candidates require assistance answering questions due to their limited grammatical knowledge and vocabulary. This section holds the potential for high scores and can significantly impact your overall performance. To navigate this section more effectively and enhance your chances of success, consider the following strategies:
- Strengthen your English Grammar basics and regularly practise vocabulary and speech lessons, as IBPS Clerk preparation tips recommend.
- Pay attention to essential topics of Reading Comprehension and Error Spotting, Cloze Test, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumble and Fillers, Fill in the Blanks, Active and Passive Voice and Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Direct and indirect Speech, etc.
- Expand your vocabulary by learning new words, phrases, and language usage by regularly reading newspapers, journals, and other materials.
- While taking notes, highlight important points, the general flow, and structure for future reference.
- Continuously engage with letters, essays, and comprehension passages to infer main points and understand the author’s tone for improved comprehension.
By implementing these strategies, you can approach the English section of the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam more confidently and increase your likelihood of success.
Reasoning Ability Section
Suppose you’re aiming to excel in the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam effortlessly. In that case, the key strategy lies in mastering the Reasoning Ability section, which stands out as a high-scoring segment during the Prelims stage. To conquer this section, it’s essential to effectively manage your time, avoid getting stuck on perplexing questions, and strategically approach the more accessible, non-complex topics before tackling the more challenging ones. To assist you in this endeavour, consider the following IBPS Clerk Prelims preparation tips to navigate the 25 Reasoning questions successfully:
- Concentrate on crucial topics such as Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Input-output, Syllogism, Order and Ranking, Data Sufficiency, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, and Blood Relations.
- With Puzzles and Seating Arrangement questions being prominent in this section, start by addressing questions with fewer variables first.
- Approach Seating Arrangement questions by noting direct information, comprehending terminology and relationships, arranging the data, and addressing indirect information.
- Begin by attempting questions related to Direction and distance, Ranking, Syllogism, and Inequality, as these are relatively less time-consuming.
- Rather than relying solely on guesswork, cultivate a habit of solving using diagrams and notes. Employ reliable study materials like “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K. Pandey, “Verbal and Non-verbal Reasoning” by RS Agarwal, and “Kundan’s Magical Book of Puzzles.”
By adhering to these strategies, you can tackle the Reasoning Ability section of the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam confidently, enabling you to answer 25 Reasoning questions accurately.
Quantitative Aptitude Section
To secure success in your first attempt at the IBPS Clerk Prelims, it’s essential to master the Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude) section, and accurately addressing the 25 questions it presents is critical. Discover the valuable IBPS Clerk Prelims preparation tips for this section, endorsed by experts, below:
- Concentrate on topics like Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Simplification Questions, and Data Interpretation, which are frequently featured and comparatively easier to solve than others.
- Master calculation methods and ensure you have a firm grasp of formulas and tables up to 25, squares and cubes up to 30, and the percentage-decimal-fraction equivalents. These aids will enable you to solve complex questions within a short timeframe.
- For Data Interpretation (including Pie charts and Caselets) and Data Sufficiency questions, develop analytical abilities to comprehend and interpret the provided data effectively.
- Tricky subjects such as Permutations, Combinations and probability, which may consume more time, should be tackled towards the end of your attempt.
- Devote 2-3 weeks of focused practice on Quantitative Aptitude before the exam. Utilise reputable resources such as “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S Aggarwal and “Fast Track Objective Arithmetic” by Rajesh Varma. This will ensure you’re well-prepared to tackle the Quantitative section and navigate IBPS Clerk Prelims Quant effectively.
By implementing these tips, you’ll be better equipped to handle the Quantitative Aptitude section of the IBPS Clerk Prelims exam and significantly enhance your chances of success.
Books to Crack IBPS Clerk Exam
Here is the list of recommended books for IBPS Clerk prelims and mains exams:
English Language
- “High School English Grammar and Composition” by Wren and Martin
- “Objective General English” by Arihant Publications
- “Word Power Made Easy” by Norman Lewis
Reasoning Ability
- “Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S Agarwal
- “Analytical Reasoning” by M.K.Pandey
- “A New Approach to Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal” by B.S.Sijwali and Indu Sijwali
Quantitative Aptitude
- “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S Agarwal
- “Data Interpretation” by Arun Sharma
- “Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams” by Tarun Goyal
General and Financial Awareness
- “India Year Book” by Publications Division
- “Manorama Yearbook”
- “Banking Awareness” by Arihant Publications
Computer Aptitude
- “Objective Computer Knowledge” by Kiran Prakashan
These books are highly recommended for effective preparation for both IBPS Clerk prelims and mains exams. These books cover various topics and will help you align with the necessary knowledge and skills required to excel in the exams.
Time Need to Prepare for the IBPS Clerk Exam
The necessary time to adequately prepare for the IBPS Clerk exam varies depending on the candidate’s existing knowledge and preparation level. To embark on this journey, begin by grasping the syllabus and exam pattern. Establish a structured study plan and adhere to an IBPS Clerk preparation timetable. This approach will effectively guide your efforts toward the significant subjects: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness.
Dedicate sufficient time to cover crucial topics comprehensively. Consistently engage in daily practice sessions with mock tests. Regular self-assessment is essential for gauging progress, and frequent revisions bolster confidence in anticipation of the IBPS Clerk examination. Remember, your preparation duration is pivotal, but the consistency and effectiveness of your efforts play an equally critical role in ensuring success.
IBPS Prelims Exam Analysis
Candidates can assess the overall difficulty level of different sections in the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam. This evaluation aids in comprehending the difficulty associated with each topic and assists in allocating their study time judiciously.
| Sections | Good attempts(Shift 1) | Difficulty level(Shift 1) | Good attempts(Shift 2) | Difficulty level(Shift 2) |
| English Language | 22-24 | Easy | 25-27 | Easy |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 22-25 | Easy | 22-26 | Easy |
| Reasoning Ability | 24-26 | Easy to Moderate | 22-24 | Easy |
| Financial Awareness | 22-24 | Easy | 21- 24 | Easy to Moderate |
| Total | 68-75 | Easy to Moderate | 69-77 | Easy |
IBPS Mains Exam Analysis
Candidates can evaluate the overall difficulty levels of the diverse sections within the IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam. This assessment facilitates understanding the complexities linked to each topic and aids in the prudent allocation of their study time.
| Sections | Good Attempts | Difficulty Level |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 17-20 | Moderate to Difficult |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 24-27 | Moderate |
| General/ Financial Awareness | 26-28 | Moderate |
| English Language | 20-22 | Moderate |
| Overall | 87-97 | Moderate |
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FAQs
What is the IBPS Clerk Exam?
The IBPS Clerk Exam is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) to recruit candidates for clerical positions in various public sector banks in India.
How can I prepare effectively for the IBPS Clerk Exam?
Adequate preparation involves understanding the exam pattern and syllabus, creating a study plan, practising regularly, using quality study materials, taking mock tests, and focusing on time management and revision.
How long does preparing for the IBPS Clerk Exam take?
The duration varies based on your existing knowledge and preparation level. On average, a dedicated preparation of 3 to 6 months is recommended.
What are the key subjects in the IBPS Clerk Exam?
The main topics include English Language, Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude), and Reasoning Ability. Additionally, there’s a section on General and Financial Awareness.
Can self-study be sufficient for IBPS Clerk Exam preparation?
Self-study can be enough if you have access to quality study materials, follow a structured study plan, and consistently practise. However, joining coaching classes or seeking guidance can also be beneficial.
How necessary are mock tests for IBPS Clerk Exam preparation?
Mock tests are crucial for familiarising yourself with the exam pattern, improving time management, and assessing your performance. They help you identify your strengths and weaknesses and guide your further preparation.
What are some recommended books for IBPS Clerk Exam preparation?
Some recommended books include “Quantitative Aptitude” by R.S. Agarwal, “A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Agarwal, “Objective General English” by Arihant Publications, and “Banking Awareness” by Arihant Publications.
How can I efficiently handle my time while taking an exam?
Time management can be achieved through regular practice. During mock tests and practice sessions, allocate the same time as each section’s actual exam. This will help you become accustomed to solving questions within the given time.
Is it necessary to be proficient in all subjects equally?
While balanced preparation is recommended, focusing more on your weaker subjects can help improve your overall performance. Allocate more time to subjects where you face challenges, but pay attention to your strengths.
How should I handle stress during preparation and on exam day?
Stress can be managed through a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, and meditation. On the exam day, stay positive, take deep breaths if you feel anxious, and trust your preparation.
