Strategic Approach to Attempt Questions in the IBPS PO Exam: 2018 and Beyond

A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Probationary Officers

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam to select candidates for various banking positions. This comprehensive exam typically comprises several sections, including Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. Each section plays a crucial role in determining the final score.

Key Insights from Previous Years: 2018 as a Case Study

While the IBPS PO exam does not have a fixed number of questions that guarantees selection, aiming to attempt around 60-70% of the questions is generally a reasonable strategy. In 2018, with a total of 200 questions, attempting approximately 120 to 140 questions with a fair accuracy (around 70%) was a sound approach to maximizing the chances of selection. This highlights the importance of conserving time for the questions that you are more confident about.

Adapting to the Changing Landscape: 2022 and Beyond

As the difficulty levels of the exams can vary significantly from year to year, it's essential to adapt your strategy accordingly. For instance, in 2022, the IBPS PO Mains exam was perceived as being tougher than previous years. Educators estimated that a safe attempt would be around 60-65 marks, which might be lower than the 90-95 marks from the previous year. Factors such as the increase in the number of vacancies and the overall difficulty level of the exam contribute to this adjustment in the safe attempt strategy.

Best Practices for Maximizing Your Score

Here are some best practices that can help you in attempting questions strategically:

Focus on Your Strengths: Identify your strong sections and allocate more time to them. This can significantly increase your chances of scoring well. Reasoning: This section often requires sharp mental agility and logical reasoning skills. Quantitative Aptitude: Practice and memorization of formulas can help in quickly solving arithmetic and numerical problems. English Language: Reading extensively and improving grammar and vocabulary can boost your scores. Practice Regularly: Regular practice will not only familiarize you with the question types but also improve your speed and accuracy. Stay Updated with Cut-off Marks: Keep an eye on the official cut-off marks released by the IBPS post the exam. This will give you a clearer idea about the required performance to secure a selection.

Conclusion

The number of questions you should attempt in the IBPS PO exam depends on the difficulty level of the test. However, a strategic approach focusing on accuracy, strength identification, and regular practice can significantly enhance your chances of success. Remember, attempting too many questions with low accuracy can be counterproductive. Hence, it's essential to balance the quantity and quality of questions you attempt.