The RRB PO Mains exam is the second phase of the recruitment process for Scale 1 officer in Regional Rural Banks. This stage holds paramount importance as it demands a well-crafted strategy to conquer its slightly elevated difficulty level. Through strategic time management, regular RRB PO mains 2023 mock tests, and continuous self-assessment, you can embark on a journey towards achieving a rewarding career as a Scale 1 officer in Regional Rural Banks. In this blog, we will share crucial tips and insights to empower you in cracking the RRB PO mains exam.

Before beginning your journey towards cracking RRB PO mains 2023 examination, it is imperative to lay a strong foundation by comprehensively understanding the various components of its structure, such as the number of sections, types of questions, marking scheme, and time constraints. This understanding serves as a compass that guides your preparation, and tailor your study strategy to the exam's specific demands.
 
Name of Agency Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS)
RRB PO Mains Exam Date 10th September 2023
Name of the post Probationary Officer / Scale I officer
Total Vacancies 2529
Mode of exam CBT
Official website www.ibps.in
 

Understanding the RRB PO Mains Exam Structure

The IBPS RRB Scale I officer mains exam comprises five distinct sections: Reasoning, Computer Knowledge, Language Test, General Awareness, and Quantitative Aptitude. With a total composite time of 2 hours allocated for all sections combined, you are given a flexibility to manage your time according to your strengths. Notably, there is no sectional time limit imposed. It's vital to excel in this phase as the marks obtained here significantly impact your overall merit and final selection. Also, it is worth noting that incorrect answers carry a penalty so you must refrain from making guess attempts.
 
S.No Name of the Test Number of Questions Maximum Marks Duration
1. Reasoning 40 50 Composite time of 2 hours
2. Computer Knowledge 40 20
3. General Awareness 40 40
4. English / Hindi Language 40 40
5. Quantitative Aptitude 40 50
  Total 200 200  
 
 
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Strategies for Conquering the Reasoning Ability Section

To conquer the reasoning section of the RRB PO Mains exam, a well-structured strategy is essential, considering its lengthiness and time-consuming nature. Here are some essential tips that will be helpful:

1. Analyze RRB PO Mains Previous Years' Papers to identify recurring patterns and commonly asked types of questions asked in the reasoning section of the RRB PO mains exam. This analysis will help you understand the examiners' preferences and prepare you to tackle similar question styles efficiently.

2. Focus on topics you find easier to solve, such as Syllogism, Inequalities, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Ranking, Direction Tests, and Alphanumeric Series. Building a solid foundation in these topics not only boosts confidence but also conserves time for more challenging questions.

3. Puzzles and Seating Arrangements are integral to this section, so aim to solve them efficiently within time constraints. Practice a variety of puzzles using Smartkeeda Topic Tests to refine your puzzle-solving skills.

4. Allocate time to each question based on its complexity. Remember not to linger on a single difficult question; if a question appears time-consuming, flag it for review and proceed to the next one. This mindful time management strategy will maximize your overall attempts within the stipulated time frame.
 
By adhering to these strategies, you'll optimize your attempts and confidently navigate the intricacies of the reasoning section, positioning yourself for success in the RRB PO Mains exam.

Mastering the Quantitative Aptitude Section

To master the Quantitative Aptitude section of the RRB PO Mains exam, consider the following strategies:

1. Recognize that Data interpretation is pivotal in banking exams. To excel here, solid practice is key. Strengthen your foundational concepts in chapters like averages, ratios, percentages, profit and loss, and simplification, as they often form the basis of DI questions. By mastering these concepts, you'll be well-equipped to tackle both miscellaneous and DI-based questions.
 
2. Simplification and Approximation, Number Series, and Quadratic Equations are the bonus topics of the Quant section. With a firm grasp of these topics, you can reap substantial marks with minimal effort. Dedicate time to perfecting your skills in these areas to swiftly solve questions, maximizing your attempt rate.
 
3. Save precious time by mastering shortcuts and tricks that expedite calculations. Engage in extensive practice, especially through Quant Sectional Tests designed for RRB PO Mains. These tests not only familiarize you with various question formats but also allow you to devise your own time-saving strategies.
 
4. Consistent practice is the key to mastering the Quant section. Practice a plethora of questions available at Smartkeeda, particularly those tailored for IBPS RRB PO Quantitative Aptitude. With consistent practice, your confidence will grow, and you'll become better equipped to tackle a wide range of challenges.
 
Invest time in attempting a variety of Smartkeeda Quant Topic Tests. This will enhance your understanding of the diverse question types associated with each topic within the Quant section for RRB PO mains exam. It will enable you to identify areas that need further refinement and help you build a strategy to approach different kinds of questions with ease.

Unleashing Your Verbal Ability and Language Proficiency

The English/Hindi Language section in the RRB PO Mains examination holds a weightage of 40 marks, making it a golden opportunity for high scores if you possess robust language proficiency. This section offers a chance to secure good marks swiftly, allowing you to allocate more time to other sections. To excel here, begin by attempting RRB PO main previous year papers, familiarizing yourself with the question patterns commonly encountered.

A paramount skill to cultivate for this section is effective Reading Comprehension. Mastery in this area empowers you to quickly comprehend and answer questions within minutes. Prioritize enhancing your vocabulary as it contributes significantly to comprehending complex passages and effectively responding to vocabulary-based questions. Moreover, focus on grammar rules and language conventions to confidently handle sentence correction and error detection questions.

Additionally, practicing with a diverse range of passage types and question formats can improve your versatility in answering questions of English/Hindi language section effectively. By immersing yourself in consistent practice, and refining your analytical skills, you'll undoubtedly maximize your score in the English/Hindi Language section, securing a competitive edge in the RRB PO Mains exam.

Navigating the General Awareness and Banking Knowledge Section

The General Awareness and Banking Knowledge section holds immense importance in the RRB PO Mains exams. It requires in-depth knowledge of current events and banking affairs to score well. A good knowledge of this section is also helpful to boost your performance in the interview stage. Hence, overlooking this section is not advisable.

Smartkeeda offers valuable resources to enhance your understanding of this crucial section:
  • Mock Drill Quizzes: Smartkeeda provides Mock Drill Quizzes to aid your preparation for the IBPS RRB PO mains exam. These quizzes cover around 12 Current Affairs Mock drills per month, each containing 50 significant Current Affairs Questions tailored for IBPS exams.
  • Mock Drill PDF: Alongside the quizzes, you'll find Mock Drill PDFs that complement each drill. These PDFs include a concise "News Summary & Smart Points" section, offering a quick overview of important news and points related to each question. These Smart Points are designed to save you time and effort during your preparation.
  • Banking Awareness Quizzes & PDF: To assess your grasp of crucial banking concepts and stay updated with the latest banking sector developments, Smartkeeda mock drill section includes Quizzes and PDFs for banking awareness. These quizzes validate your knowledge, while the accompanying PDFs provide detailed explanations and summaries, serving as valuable study material to deepen your banking knowledge.
By leveraging Smartkeeda current affairs MockDrills and banking awareness, you can remain informed about current affairs and banking news, significantly enhancing your chances of scoring well in the RRB Scale 1 officer exam.The Computer Knowledge section in the RRB PO Mains exam is categorized as easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. With a basic understanding of computer knowledge, achieving over 90% marks in this section is quite attainable. To aid your preparation, we've integrated the Computer Knowledge section into our topic test series at no extra cost. By engaging with our computer knowledge quizzes, you can effectively master this segment for the RRB PO Mains 2023 exam. These quizzes are designed to streamline your grasp of computer-related concepts, empowering you to approach this section confidently and secure a strong performance.


Handling Computer Knowledge Section

The Computer Knowledge section in the RRB PO Mains exam is categorized as easy to moderate in terms of difficulty. With a basic understanding of computer knowledge, achieving over 90% marks in this section is quite attainable. To aid your preparation, we've integrated the Computer Knowledge section into our topic test series at no extra cost. By engaging with our computer knowledge quizzes, you can effectively master this segment for the RRB PO Mains 2023 exam. These quizzes are designed to streamline your grasp of computer-related concepts, empowering you to approach this section confidently and secure a strong performance.

Attempt Computer Knowledge Quizzes here!


Mock Tests and Practice - Your Path to Perfection
 

If we talk about competitive exams, the significance of mock tests cannot be underestimated. Specifically, for the RRB PO Mains exam, mock tests hold a pivotal role in your preparation journey. These tests serve as an important tool to recognize areas of weakness and time-consuming challenges. Through mock tests, you gain valuable insights into the specific topics or question types that demand further attention.
 
Smartkeeda offers a diverse range of mock tests meticulously designed to steer you towards a more targeted preparation for the RRB PO Mains exam.

1. Examination Pattern-based Mock Tests: This specialized mock test incorporates memory-based questions from the RRB PO Mains exam. Engaging with this test provides you with a clear understanding of the pattern and difficulty level of the RRB PO Mains exam, giving you a practical feel for what to expect on the exam day.

2. Smartkeeda Topic Tests: The Topic Tests span across various subjects including Quantitative aptitude, Reasoning, English/ Hindi language, and Computer Awareness. Ranging from beginner to advanced levels, these tests cater to all proficiency levels, allowing you to target specific areas and refine your skills within each topic.

3. Smartkeeda Full-Length Mock Tests: These comprehensive tests mimic the complete RRB PO Mains exam experience. By attempting these RRB PO mains full-length mock tests, you acclimate yourself to the time constraints, question distribution, and overall test environment, enhancing your readiness for the actual exam.

4. Smartkeeda Sectional Tests: If you find yourself struggling with a particular section or facing difficulty in completing a section within the allocated time, Smartkeeda's Sectional Tests come to the rescue. These tests focus on individual sections, enabling you to pinpoint areas that need improvement and enhancing your time management skills for those specific sections.
 

Last-Minute Tips

As you approach the final stages of your RRB PO Mains preparation, dedicate time to revisiting all the important topics you've covered during your preparation. Ensure you are confident in your understanding of key concepts and question-solving techniques. Reflect on the mistakes you encountered in your mock tests. Keep these insights in mind to avoid repeating similar errors during the actual exam. This will help you refine your approach to questions and improve your overall performance.
 
On the eve of the exam, prioritize getting a good night's sleep. Adequate rest will ensure that you are mentally and physically prepared to tackle the challenges of the exam day. Fuel your body with a light and nutritious meal before the exam. A balanced breakfast can provide you with sustained energy and mental clarity throughout the duration of the test. Incorporating these strategies into your last-minute preparation can help you approach the RRB PO Mains exam with confidence, clarity, and a focused mindset.


Author : Anjali

Hi, I am Anjali, a Probationary officer at a leading Public Sector Bank. With a passion for helping aspiring bankers, I have embarked on a journey to share my knowledge and insights through informative blogs. Having successfully cleared various bank exams myself, including IBPS PO XII, I understand the challenges and the importance of effective preparation. Through my blogs, I aim to provide valuable tips, strategies, and resources specifically tailored for bank exams, empowering the aspirants to achieve their dream of a successful banking career.


FAQ’s


RRB PO Mains marks are calculated out of 200. The exam consists of various sections, each with a different weightage, contributing to the final score.

The RRB PO Mains cutoff for the previous year varied across different states. The highest cutoff was for Puducherry, at 89.75 out of 200, while for Uttar Pradesh, it was 81.94.

To prepare effectively for RRB PO Mains, start by thoroughly reviewing previous year papers to understand question patterns. Additionally, engage in consistent mock test practice to refine your skills and acquaint yourself with the exam format. Kindly go through the blog to get a better view on this question.

The RRB PO Mains Exam typically covers a wide range of topics including Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge & banking awareness, and English Language/ Hindi Language.

Time management during the RRB PO mains exam is extremely crucial. Effectively allocating time, especially by optimizing the English/Hindi language, Computer aptitude and General Awareness sections, allows for more focus on the challenging Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning sections. This strategic approach helps navigate tricky questions with ease, minimizing stress and enhancing overall performance.

Coaching for RRB PO Mains preparation can provide a structured understanding of the syllabus and establish a strong foundation. While beneficial, consistent practice remains pivotal in conquering this exam, honing problem-solving skills, and mastering time management. Success in this exam largely depends dedicated self-practice.