My Journey to Clearing the IBPS PO 2020: A Smart Strategy and Persistent Hard Work

In 2020, I successfully cleared the IBPS PO (Probability of Selection) in my first attempt, thanks to a strategic plan combined with hard work. While there isn't a magical formula, I did follow some key pointers that made a significant difference in my performance.

Key Points to Clear IBPS PO or Any Government Exam

1. Start with a Previous Year Mock Test

One of the crucial steps is to begin by attempting a previous year's mock test. This not only gives you an idea of the pattern and difficulty level of the exam but also helps you identify your strengths and areas of improvement. From a mock test, you'll know where you stand in comparison to the expected cut-off.

2. Thoroughly Complete Your Syllabus

Once you have a clear understanding of the test pattern, the next step is to complete the entire syllabus. This is a comprehensive process and should not be rushed. It's important to ensure that no topic is left out. Completing the syllabus thoroughly will build a strong foundation for your preparation.

3. Shift Towards Mock Tests After Completing the Syllabus

After completing the syllabus, it's time to shift the focus to mock tests. These are simulated exam environments designed to mimic the actual test conditions. Regular mock tests will not only gauge your progress but also improve your time management skills and reduce anxiety during the actual exam.

4. Practice as Many Mock Tests as Possible

Repetition is key when it comes to acing any exam. The more mock tests you take, the more comfortable you will be with the format and content. This practice also helps to identify patterns and areas where you might need additional focus. The goal is to achieve both speed and accuracy in your responses.

5. Work Out of Your Comfort Zone

To truly excel, you need to push your boundaries. Comfort zones are convenient but they can hinder progress. Challenge yourself with difficult problems and complex sections to improve your understanding and performance. The more you stretch your limits, the better you will perform on the actual exam.

A Personal Account

While I didn't have a fairy tale story to share, I can say that the journey to clearing the IBPS PO 2020 was a testament to the power of hard work and persistent effort. The truth is that success often comes from a combination of both mental and physical preparation. Don't shy away from hard work, and be ready to put in the necessary time and effort to be ahead of the competition.

It's also worth noting that I initially prepared for the IBPS Specialized Officer exam but switched to the IBPS PO exam pattern midway. While both exams are competitive and challenging, their differences lie mainly in the nature of the Mains exam. For the Specialized Officer exam, the Mains consists only of a professional knowledge test, whereas for the PO exam, it includes a preliminary test with sections on maths, reasoning, and English.

Preliminary Preparation

For the Prelims of the IBPS PO exam, I followed the PO pattern and focused on building a strong understanding of basic concepts such as cubes, squares, multiplication, and divisions. I also learned basic formulas and practiced the quickest methods to solve problems. Timing is a key factor, and it plays a crucial role in determining your selection.

After mastering the basics and improving my speed and accuracy through daily practice, it became clear about which questions to attempt and which ones to skip. Regular mock tests were instrumental in identifying my strengths and weaknesses. I followed some YouTube channels to learn the easiest methods to solve reasoning and mathematical problems quickly.

Improving English Skills

For the English section, I spent significant time reading newspapers like The Hindu and Financial Express, as well as magazines. Additionally, I took daily mock tests and practiced in quiz formats. Banker Adds provided quizzes that helped improve my timing and confidence.

It is crucial to note that not every question is equally important. By practicing and taking multiple mock tests, I was able to determine which questions to focus on and which ones to leave out. This strategic approach was key to my success in the IBPS PO exam.

If you are facing the IBPS PO exam, remember that you have a real chance of clearing one of the IBPS exams. Stay happy and persistent in your preparation. There's no need to worry; just keep working towards your goals.