JobKityaari logo

Advertisement

Nykaa

Top Offers

Nykaa

How to Prepare for Bank PO Exams – Effective Strategies & Tips

Blog Image

Author:Mukesh Jha

Published: 5/22/2025

Last Updated: 6/3/2025

By Anushka Singh


The Institute of Bank Personnel Selection, or IBPS, conducts exams every year in October for recruiting Probationary Officers. With two rounds of exams [preliminary and mains], preparation might seem daunting.

But with a proper strategy, you too can ace the Bank PO exam preparation. Here’s how.


Step 1: Understand the exam structure 

Before starting your Bank PO exam preparation, first understand their structure thoroughly. The preliminary round is an aptitude test that is used to qualify candidates. It includes three sections – English, Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning.

Preliminary Round – Exam Structure


Section Name

Number of questions

Weightage/Marks

English Language

30

30

Quantitative Ability

35

35

Logical Reasoning.

35

35

Total

100

100


The second round includes a mains exam with four sections and a descriptive test. It is used to assess the candidate's suitability for banking-related roles. 


Mains Exam Structure


Section Name

Number of questions

Weightage/Marks

Reasoning and computer aptitude

45

60

Data analysis and interpretation

35

60

English Language

35

40

General Economy/Banking Awareness

40

40

Total 

200

200


Additionally, the mains exam includes a written English test with letter writing and an essay to assess the language skills of candidates. This test carries 25 marks. 


Step 2: Prioritise time management 

The prelims exam is 1 hour long, while the mains exam in the second round lasts for 3 hours and 35 minutes. So, time management is of the essence.

Start by creating a study plan for all of the exam sections. It should be followed religiously.


Step 3: Gather study material 

Collect helpful resources like textbooks, previous year papers, and mock papers for your Bank PO exam preparation. Alternatively, you can also find some relevant, helpful resources.

Step 4: Cover the syllabus 

Implement your previously created study plan. And cover all the concepts, both major and minor, to understand them.

Step 5: Take mocks    

Mock tests are important to check where you stand. Take them regularly, and after every mock, analyse your strengths and weaknesses.

Step 6: Regular practice 

Pay more attention to the weaker subjects. Practice everything regularly to score better in mocks. Also, use the previous year's papers to get an idea of any trends or patterns and strategise accordingly.

 

Additional tips 

Stay up to date with current affairs: Read newspapers and other news sources to stay up to date with current affairs. Pay special attention to those that focus majorly on the banking and finance sector.

Time Management: Don’t neglect anything. Your ideal study plan should have some dedicated time for each subject or topic.

Language Skills: Focus on refining your vocabulary and writing skills to ace the English section. For grammar, get practice textbooks with all kinds of questions. 

Positive Mindset: It is easy to be disheartened or overwhelmed at times. But throughout your preparation, maintain a positive mindset to stay motivated.

Weightage Wise Preparation: While setting your study plan, keep the weightage of subjects in mind. For example, logical reasoning and general economy/banking awareness both carry high marks.

Disciplined Routine: Maintain a disciplined lifestyle until exam day to avoid losing motivation. 

Take Notes: Regular revision of an entire chapter or topic is not always realistic. So make notes that summarise all the important things, like dates or formulas.  


Helpful Resources 


Free Study Material: Subscribe to YouTube channels like Study IQ Education and Bankers Way for free study material.

Mock Tests: Online platforms like Gradeup, Testbook, and Oliveboard offer mock tests as well as practice questions.

Subject-specific prep: You can also get some subject-specific textbooks. A more detailed guide for that is given below.


Book Title

Author

Subject

Quantitative Aptitude for Banking Exams

NK Gupta

Quant

Reasoning Ability for Bank PO and Clerk 

Disha Experts

Logical Reasoning

Banking English Language Guide

Kiran Prakashan

English

Current Affairs Yearly

Arihant Experts

General and Banking Awareness

Economic and Banking Awareness

Kiran Prakashan

General and Banking Awareness


Conclusion

Although passing the Bank PO test might appear impossible at first, it is completely doable with the correct preparation, regular practice, and the appropriate materials. 

Do keep in mind that a clever approach is just as important as hard effort for success in competitive tests. If you maintain your motivation and drive, you will be able to pursue your ideal banking profession.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the eligibility criteria for the bank PO exam?

Ans: All candidates should have a graduation degree in any stream from a recognised university.

Q2: How to start preparation for the bank PO exams?

Ans: Understand the exam structure thoroughly. Check previous year papers to understand what the expected questions are.

Q3: Is 60% necessary for the bank PO exam?

Ans: No, 60% is not necessary for the bank PO exam.

Q4: Is the bank PO very difficult?

Ans: No, the difficulty level of the bank PO is moderate. With proper preparation, it can be easily tackled.

Similar Blogs

Bank PO Exams Preparation Guide – Step-by-Step Strategy