How to Qualify in the IBPS RRB Exam: A Detailed Guide
Starting your journey towards the IBPS RRB (Regional Rural Bank) exam can be quite a challenge, especially for fresher candidates. Each year, a large number of aspirants attempt to clear this prestigious exam, but not everyone makes it to the final list. In this article, we will discuss the steps and strategies that led to my success in the IBPS RRB exam. If you are looking for a detailed guide on how to prepare and qualify, keep reading!
Understanding the Eligibility Criteria
Before diving into the preparation stage, it is crucial to understand the eligibility criteria for the IBPS RRB exam. The exam is open to candidates who have a minimum educational qualification of a Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university and meet the age criteria set by the bank. Additionally, candidates must be Indian citizens or eligible as per the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Key Points:
Education: Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university. Nationality: Indian citizen or eligible as per RBI provisions. Age: Between 18 and 30 years old at the time of applying.My Preparation Journey
My preparation journey for the IBPS RRB exam began in December 2021. As a working IT professional, balancing my day-to-day work responsibilities with preparation was not an easy task. It took me some time to cover my basic knowledge, roughly between December 2021 and March 2022. During this period, I utilized resources such as Adda247 and Hero batches to build my foundation.
After solidifying my basics, I began attempting mock tests on platforms such as Testbook. Initially, my performance was not satisfactory, with marks and percentiles ranging from 30 to 40. However, I didn't give up and started gaining confidence. By the final stages, my mock performance improved significantly, hitting a 60-70 percentile range. Just before the actual exam, I managed to achieve a 90th percentile in the clerk paper, but in the PO paper, I still struggled with maintaining a high percentile, staying in the 60-70 range.
The exam season began in August, and I successfully cleared the RRB Clerk Pre, IBPS Clerk Pre, IBPS PO Pre, but unfortunately, I did not make it in the RRB PO Pre and did not attempt the SBI exams. As usual, I was not adequately prepared for the Mains, and I could not make it to the final list. In 2023, I revisited my basics and followed specific preparatory strategies, focusing on quant from Kaushik Mohanty, reasoning and general awareness from Ashish Goutam, and English with Agility Mocks and computer preparation from Arora Educator on YouTube. I did not opt for any paid batches and instead chose to take multiple mocks, particularly from Oliveboard and Guidely.
For the Mains preparation, I focused on taking weekly mocks on Oliveboard, which were immensely helpful. I skipped spending too much time on YouTube videos of teachers and instead focused on self-practice. Eventually, on January 1, 2024, I cleared the RRB PO exam and other related exams. However, given my preference for home posting, I ultimately chose to go through with the RRB PO path.
Preparation Tips for Freshers
If you are a fresher aiming to qualify in the IBPS RRB exam, here are some crucial tips for your preparation journey:
1. Start from the Basics
Start with the basics of reasoning and mathematics. Use resources like Adda247 and Unacademy, follow the teachers on YouTube and Telegram channels, and ensure that you have a strong foundation before moving on to more advanced topics.
2. Consistent Mock Practice
Consistent mock practice is key to success. Attempt 2 to 4 mocks on a daily basis for Prelims and analyze your performance in detail. Avoid making repeated mistakes and use the detailed analysis to improve your weak areas.
3. Follow a Structured Syllabus
Follow a well-structured syllabus. Complete the Prelims syllabus first, and then start practicing the Mains syllabus. This ensures that you cover all the necessary topics and are well-prepared for the exam.
4. Avoid Over-Spending on Online Content
While online resources can be beneficial, avoid spending too much time on YouTube videos. Instead, focus on self-practice and take advantage of mock tests to assess your progress.
No matter how tough it gets, keep persevering. The IBPS RRB exam is a significant milestone in your career, and with the right preparation, you can definitely clear it. If you have any queries or need further guidance, feel free to reach out to me. Good luck with your preparation!