The IBPS PO exam, conducted annually by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection, is known for its high level of difficulty and competitiveness. Every year, numerous candidates participate in this examination, but only a few succeed. Many aspirants face multiple attempts before achieving success. With its challenging nature, the IBPS PO exam stands as one of the most competitive recruitment tests for Probationary Officers in various banks nationwide. Cracking this Exam is not an easy task, and the number of successful candidates remains significantly lower compared to those who do not make it. As the years go by, the number of candidates appearing for the Exam continues to rise, leading to an increase in the failure rate.
The IBPS PO exam is renowned for its intense competition, and despite candidates investing considerable effort and preparation, a significant number fail to qualify. Even though many candidates manage to clear the written Exam, they often struggle to perform well in the interview round, leading to their failure in securing the final selection as a Bank PO. This Exam’s difficulty level can be attributed to various factors. In this blog, we will delve into some of these reasons and shed light on the question that intrigues many aspiring candidates: “How challenging is the IBPS PO exam?”
Is IBPS PO Exam Tough?
The preliminary level of the IBPS PO exam serves as a qualifying stage, where candidates need to meet the overall and sectional cut-offs to proceed to the main examination. The overall cut-off depends on factors such as the number of candidates, available seats, and the Exam’s difficulty level. While the prelims are not overly difficult to clear, regular practice of mock tests helps familiarise candidates with the exam format and enhances their chances of success. With focused preparation spanning 4-5 months, it is feasible to clear the Exam, especially for those who already possess a basic understanding of quantitative aptitude, English language, and reasoning.
Some candidates believe they can qualify for the Exam within 3-4 attempts, but the reality is that many individuals manage to clear it on their first attempt. Achieving success on the initial try requires consistent effort and practice. It is crucial for candidates to maintain a determined mindset, put in diligent practice, and make continuous efforts to increase their chances of clearing the Exam successfully.
When discussing the difficulty level of the IBPS PO exam, it is important to note that the Exam and its questions themselves are not inherently tough. The test primarily comprises basic questions in quantitative aptitude, English, and reasoning. However, the competition arises from the limited number of available seats compared to a large number of candidates, which adds a level of challenge to the overall process.
The IBPS PO exam is not inherently difficult to clear, especially if you adopt the right preparation strategy and learn from the mistakes made by others. With a focused approach, consistent practice, and a thorough understanding of the exam syllabus and pattern, aspiring candidates can improve their chances of success.
What makes the IBPS PO Exam Tough?
The IBPS PO exam is renowned as one of India’s most challenging tests. Conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for selecting probationary officers in public sector banks, its difficulty arises from a vast syllabus, fierce competition, and a rigorous selection process. There are various factors which make the IBPS PO one of the toughest exams for candidates:
Few reasons why IBPS PO Exam is Tough
Difficulty Level and Cut-Off of the Exam
The difficulty level and cut-off of the Exam are the game changer of this IBPS PO exam. The primary thing about this Exam is you can’t have it all at once, which means an easy exam level and low cut-off can never go hand in hand. If you find your question paper easy, that will lead to a higher cut-off and vice versa.
Number of Applicants and Vacancies
Another reason the IBPS PO Exam is tough is the ratio between the number of applicants and the vacancies. As per the notification of IBPS PO Recruitment 2022, there are a total of 4135 vacancies, and the number of aspirants applying for these vacancies is more than 5 lakh.
Sectional Cut Off
The sectional cut-off is yet another reason making IBPS PO Exam challenging. According to the IBPS PO Exam Pattern, in order to qualify for each stage of the Exam, you are required to score a minimum cut-off in each section separately. This means to qualify for the stages of the IBPS PO Exam, you have to maintain a minimum cut-off score along with the overall cut-off score of the Exam.
Separate Time Duration
Time is precious, and the IBPS PO exam is the perfect proof of it. There are 2 stages possessing 3 and 5 sections, respectively. In the IBPS PO Prelims exam, to attempt 3 sections, you will have 20 minutes separately for each session. Hence, you have to do all the magic within those 20 minutes. Similarly, in the IBPS PO Mains Exam, you will get 60, 35, 40, 45 and 30 minutes separately for each section to attempt. Now you know why it is so.
Negative Marking
You need to be sure about your answers. Yes, IBPS PO Exam requires confidence and accuracy, not just a mere attempt at the questions. You will witness negative markings for attempting answers incorrectly, and you will not lose or gain anything if you leave any questions unanswered. Hence, the IBPS PO exams demand you to be confident with your answer. One wrong answer and you will lose 0.25 marks for it.
There is no need to get these aspects to your nerves; remember, things can be tough but not impossible. To excel in the IBPS PO exam, candidates must possess a robust understanding of subjects such as economics, finance, banking, and current affairs. The Exam’s pattern and syllabus are strategically designed to evaluate candidates’ knowledge, analytical prowess, and problem-solving capabilities. In this post, we present expert-curated tips to assist aspiring candidates in successfully cracking this esteemed examination.
General Tips and Tricks to Crack the IBPS PO Exam
Creating a Study Schedule:
– Organize a systematic study plan by preparing a comprehensive timetable covering all topics relevant to the Exam.
Selecting Relevant Books:
– Opt for standard and reputable books from the market, as reading all available books might prove unproductive. If available, utilize notes from coaching institutes for your preparation.
Emphasizing Practice:
– Distinguish yourself by cultivating a habit of extensive practice. In this Exam, practice plays a pivotal role; therefore, practice numerous questions before the actual test.
Mock Test Series:
– Enhance your exam readiness by enrolling in a mock test series. Participating in such a series will provide valuable insights into the Exam’s actual level and contribute to excelling in the test.
Analyzing Previous Year Question Papers:
– Thoroughly analyze previous year’s question papers to gain a better understanding of the Exam’s difficulty level and the types of questions typically asked.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO exam is highly competitive and challenging due to its extensive syllabus and fierce competition. However, with proper preparation, dedicated practice, and a determined mindset, candidates can overcome these obstacles and succeed. Following a structured study schedule, using standard study materials, and participating in mock test series are key strategies for exam readiness. By honing their knowledge in relevant subjects and learning from past mistakes, aspirants can increase their chances of becoming a Bank Probationary Officer. With perseverance and the right approach, the dream of excelling in the IBPS PO exam can be realized.
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