The IBPS PO 2023 is a golden opportunity for banking aspirants to secure a promising career in the banking sector. Being a Probationary Officer in a public sector bank comes with several advantages. The salary package offered is attractive, providing financial stability and growth opportunities. Along with a good salary, POs also enjoy various perks and allowances, making the job even more rewarding. Moreover, the job provides a secure and stable work environment.
In the highly competitive field of public sector bank jobs, cracking the IBPS PO 2023 exam requires careful planning and effective strategies. With numerous perks and benefits offered by these banks, the level of competition is undeniably high. However, there are key tips and strategies that can set you apart from the crowd and help you succeed in your first attempt. In this blog, we will delve into crucial insights and discuss important techniques that can propel you towards your goal of becoming a Probationary Officer in 2023.
In the highly competitive field of public sector bank jobs, cracking the IBPS PO 2023 exam requires careful planning and effective strategies. With numerous perks and benefits offered by these banks, the level of competition is undeniably high. However, there are key tips and strategies that can set you apart from the crowd and help you succeed in your first attempt. In this blog, we will delve into crucial insights and discuss important techniques that can propel you towards your goal of becoming a Probationary Officer in 2023.
Understanding the IBPS PO Exam: An Overview
Before delving into tips and strategies to crack the IBPS PO 2023 exam, it is crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of the exam and its pattern. Familiarizing yourself with the nuances of the IBPS PO 2023 examination will enable you to develop a well-structured roadmap towards your goal. The IBPS PO exam follows a multi-stage selection process, including the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview.This overview will empower you to navigate the exam with confidence and lay a strong foundation for your study plan.
| Name of Agency | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Online Registration | July 2023 |
| Preliminary Exam Date | 23rd, 30th September and 01st October 2023 |
| Mains Exam Date | 05th November 2023 |
| Name of the post | Probationary Officer |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of exam | CBT |
| Selection procedure | Prelims, Mains, Interview |
| Official website | www.ibps.in |
IBPS PO 2023 Selection Process
IBPS PO 2023 selection procedure will be conducted in the following 3 steps:
- Step 1: Preliminary Examination (Objective Type) (100 Marks)
- Step 2: Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive – 225 Marks)
- Step 3: Interview (100 Marks)
IBPS PO Prelims Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO 2023 prelims round will be qualifying in nature, i.e., the marks obtained in this phase will not be considered for the final merit list. To proceed to the next stage, you must meet the cutoff criteria set by IBPS for each of the three sections. The number of candidates shortlisted for the Online Main examination will be determined by IBPS based on category-specific requirements.
It is important to note that for every incorrect answer in the Objective Tests, a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be applied. Therefore, accuracy and careful consideration of answers are crucial during the IBPS PO prelims.
It is important to note that for every incorrect answer in the Objective Tests, a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be applied. Therefore, accuracy and careful consideration of answers are crucial during the IBPS PO prelims.
| S.No | Name of the Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1. | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 1. | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 2. | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Click here to attempt a free IBPS PO prelims mock test!
IBPS PO Mains Exam Pattern
The IBPS PO Mains round is the second stage in the recruitment process for Probationary officers. The marks obtained in this round hold significant importance as they are considered for preparing the merit list. To secure a spot in the final selection, it is crucial to perform well in the IBPS PO mains round and achieve a high score.
| S.No | Name of the Test | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
| 1. | General/ Economy/ Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 2. | English Language | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| 3. | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes |
| 4. | Data Analysis & Interpretation | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 155 | 200 | 3 hours | |
| 5. | English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes |
- Click here to attempt a free IBPS PO mains mock test!
IBPS PO Interview
The IBPS PO interview round is the last stage of the recruitment process. Once shortlisted from the Online Main examination, candidates will be invited for an interview conducted by Participating Banks in coordination with IBPS. The interview is designed to assess candidates' confidence, knowledge, opinions, communication skills, and suitability for the job.
This round holds significant weightage in the overall scoring process, with marks obtained in this round being added to the final merit.The minimum qualifying marks in the interview are 40% for Unreserved category candidates and 35% for SC/ST/OBC/PWBD candidates. The weightage (ratio) of the Online Main Exam and interview is 80:20 respectively.
Building a Solid Foundation for IBPS PO 2023
The position of a Probationary Officer (PO) in public sector banks holds immense respect and responsibility. You must recognize that these esteemed institutions expect them to possess a robust foundation before stepping foot into this role. The IBPS PO exam evaluates not only the depth of your knowledge in various subjects but also your ability to navigate through intricately twisted topics. Establishing a solid foundation in each subject is important, as it equips you with the necessary tools to conquer any challenge that may arise during the IBPS PO examination.
Analyze Previous Year Papers
IBPS PO Previous Year Papers are one of the most valuable resources for the upcoming exam. These papers provide a window into the actual level of the exam, allowing you to align your preparation accordingly. By attempting these papers, you gain insights into the pattern & difficulty level of questions that are commonly asked in the IBPS PO Exam and can practice solving them in a time-bound manner.
Assess Your Preparation Level
By attempting IBPS PO Previous Year Papers and comparing your score with the previous year cutoff of the IBPS PO exam, you can gain valuable insights into where you stand in relation to the competition. This assessment serves as a crucial benchmark, allowing you to identify areas that require further improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly. Knowing your current level of preparation helps you strategize your preparation effectively, and work towards achieving the desired score in the actual exam.
Practice Consistently
Once you have familiarized yourself with the exam pattern and assessed your level of preparedness, it is crucial to concentrate on the topics that are frequently tested in the IBPS PO exam. To enhance your proficiency in tackling these topics, you can download free PDFsfor Quant, Reasoning, or English from the Smartkeeda websiteor engage in online practice sessions. Smartkeeda offers a comprehensive collection of IBPS PO questions covering various subjects, enabling you to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence for the exam.
Here is some free IBPS POPractice Material:
Analyze Previous Year Papers
IBPS PO Previous Year Papers are one of the most valuable resources for the upcoming exam. These papers provide a window into the actual level of the exam, allowing you to align your preparation accordingly. By attempting these papers, you gain insights into the pattern & difficulty level of questions that are commonly asked in the IBPS PO Exam and can practice solving them in a time-bound manner.
Assess Your Preparation Level
By attempting IBPS PO Previous Year Papers and comparing your score with the previous year cutoff of the IBPS PO exam, you can gain valuable insights into where you stand in relation to the competition. This assessment serves as a crucial benchmark, allowing you to identify areas that require further improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly. Knowing your current level of preparation helps you strategize your preparation effectively, and work towards achieving the desired score in the actual exam.
Practice Consistently
Once you have familiarized yourself with the exam pattern and assessed your level of preparedness, it is crucial to concentrate on the topics that are frequently tested in the IBPS PO exam. To enhance your proficiency in tackling these topics, you can download free PDFsfor Quant, Reasoning, or English from the Smartkeeda websiteor engage in online practice sessions. Smartkeeda offers a comprehensive collection of IBPS PO questions covering various subjects, enabling you to sharpen your skills and boost your confidence for the exam.
Here is some free IBPS POPractice Material:
|
IBPS PO Free Quizzes for Reasoning Ability |
IBPS POQuant Sectional Tests |
|
IBPS PO Free Quizzes for Quantitative Aptitude |
IBPS POEnglish Sectional Tests |
|
IBPS PO Free Quizzes for English Language |
IBPS POBanking Awareness pdf |
|
IBPS POTopic-wise Quizzes |
IBPS POComputer knowledge pdf |
| IBPS POReasoning Sectional Tests |
IBPS POCurrent Affairs Quizzes |
Tips to Maximize Productivity in the Prelims
The Preliminary round IBPS PO examination evaluates your speed and accuracy in answering questions within a limited time frame. While the level of questions in this round iscomparatively easier, the cutoff marks required to qualify for the next stage are set high. Consequently, effective time management skills are essential to successfully navigate and clear this round.
By strategically allocating time to each question, focusing on quick and accurate responses, and avoiding unnecessary time-consuming tasks, you can maximize your chances of meeting the high cutoff and advancing to the mains round of the IBPS PO recruitment process. Therefore, it is crucial to practice time management right from your preparation phase to optimize your preparation. Here are some effective tips to maximize productivity in IBPS PO Prelims:
- Prioritize: Avoid attempting lengthy or complex questions at the beginning. Start with easier questions that you can solve quickly and accurately. This allows you to gain momentum and build confidence.
- Time allocation: Aim to give your best shot in the initial 10 minutes of each section. This will boost your confidence for the remaining exam duration
- Learn to Move on: If a question seems difficult or time-consuming, don't get stuck on it. Move on to the next question and revisit it later if you have time left. Remember, every question carries equal weightage, so it's better to attempt more questions within the given time frame.
- "Mark for review" option: Utilize the "Mark for review" feature provided in the exam interface. If you come across a challenging question that requires more time or thought, mark it for review and return to it after completing other questions. This way, you can manage your time efficiently and avoid getting stuck on a single question.
- Smart skipping: Develop a strategic approach to skip questions intelligently. Identify questions during the mock tests that are particularly time-consuming or complex and avoid attempting such questions in the exam if you are running short of time.
Incorporating Mock Tests into Your Study Routine
Incorporating IBPS PO mock tests into your study routine is a crucial step towards cracking the IBPS PO exam. Specifically designed to simulate the actual IBPS PO exam, these mock tests provide you with a valuable opportunity to gain a better understanding of the overall exam format and develop effective time management strategies. By regularly practicing these mock tests, you can enhance your speed, accuracy, and confidence in tackling the various sections of the IBPS PO exam.
To help you excel in your IBPS PO 2023 preparation, Smartkeeda offers a wide range of mock tests specifically tailored for the IBPS PO exam.
To help you excel in your IBPS PO 2023 preparation, Smartkeeda offers a wide range of mock tests specifically tailored for the IBPS PO exam.
- Examination Pattern-based Mock Tests: These mock tests are specifically designed from the memory-based question of the IBPS PO Previous Year Exam to give you an idea of the actual level and types of questions asked in the exam.
- Smartkeeda Full-length Mock Tests:These tests are designed to mimic the pattern and difficulty level of the IBPS PO exam. By attempting these tests, you can familiarize yourself with the actual exam format and identify your weak areas that need the highest attention.
- Smartkeeda Topic Tests: Once you have identified your weak areas, it is recommended to utilize Smartkeeda's Topic Tests. These tests cover a wide range of topics from beginner to advanced levels. By focusing on your weak areas and practicing targeted topic tests, you can improve your proficiency in those specific topics.
- Smartkeeda Sectional Tests: If you face difficulties in scoring well in any particular section or struggle to complete a section within the given time limit, Smartkeeda's sectional tests are a valuable resource. These tests focus on specific sections of the IBPS PO exam and help you improve your time management skills and accuracy in those sections.
Key Consideration
It is advised to take at least two Smartkeeda full-length mock tests per week during your preparation period. These comprehensive mock tests simulate the actual IBPS PO exam and help you assess your overall preparedness. As the exam date approaches, you can increase the frequency of these mock tests to further improve your exam-taking skills.
To maximize the effectiveness of your preparation for the IBPS PO 2023 exam, you should dedicate a daily timeframe of 2-2.5 hours specifically toIBPS PO Mock tests and thorough analysis of your performance. This after-test analysis will help you in maintaining a record of your strong and weak areas, allowing you to identify the topics that require more attention. By following this systematic approach, you can make significant progress towards your target of cracking the IBPS PO 2023 exam with flying colours.
To maximize the effectiveness of your preparation for the IBPS PO 2023 exam, you should dedicate a daily timeframe of 2-2.5 hours specifically toIBPS PO Mock tests and thorough analysis of your performance. This after-test analysis will help you in maintaining a record of your strong and weak areas, allowing you to identify the topics that require more attention. By following this systematic approach, you can make significant progress towards your target of cracking the IBPS PO 2023 exam with flying colours.
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
IBPS PO 2023 exam is a time-bound test with specific time limits for each section. By mastering time management skills, you can maximize your attempts, and increase your overall score to meet the cutoff & successfully crack the exam.
Incorporating mock tests into your IBPS PO study routine is crucial to assess your preparation level, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and improve accuracy and speed in attempting different types of questions. Without mock tests, it will be difficult to gain insights into your progress and effectively address areas that require improvement.
IBPS PO mock tests provided by Smartkeeda replicate the exact format, structure, and difficulty level of the IBPS PO exam. These mock tests give you a realistic experience, allowing you to become familiar with the IBPS PO exam pattern and gain confidence in tackling the actual exam.
Yes! To apply for the post of IBPS PO, an unreserved category candidate should not be below 20 years & above 30 years of age. However, there is an age relaxation for reserved category candidates.
Yes, through a wide range of questions and comprehensive solutions, Smartkeeda enables you to adopt the best techniques and approaches to tackle various question types. Regularly attempting quizzes on Smartkeeda can enhance your problem-solving skills and boost your speed and accuracy in answering IBPS PO questions.
