The Importance of Puzzles in IBPS/SBI PO Mains: A Comprehensive Guide

As you prepare for the IBPS/SBI PO Mains, you might find yourself overwhelmed with the vast amount of content to cover. One question that often arises is whether it is okay to skip puzzles and focus on the rest of the topics. While it may be tempting to skip this section, doing so could mean missing out on a significant portion of the exam. In this article, we will delve into why puzzles are crucial and how to prepare effectively for them.

Why Skipping Puzzles is Not Recommended

Skipping any concept in competitive exams is not advisable, especially in the context of the IBPS/SBI PO Mains. According to various experts, approximately 70-80% of the questions in the reasoning section are based on puzzles. If you skip puzzles, you are essentially bypassing a substantial portion of your syllabus. Every mark matters when you are competitive, and missing out on puzzle questions could cost you crucial points.

Impact on Your Exam Performance

Puzzles are designed to test your critical thinking and analytical skills. Solving them correctly can save your day, especially if the sectional cutoff is close. Just one correctly solved puzzle can net you 5 marks and help you clear the sectional cutoff. While the level of difficulty is often high, it's not impossible to get a moderate puzzle that is manageable. This is why it's important not to skip these questions entirely.

Alternative Options and Strategies

While puzzles are crucial, if you find them challenging, you might be struggling with other topics as well. Instead of completely avoiding puzzles, you should develop a strategy to tackle them effectively. Here are some tips:

Identify Your Weakness: Determine whether you are not able to solve puzzles due to lack of practice or if it takes too much time. Address the root cause of the problem. Regular Practice: Gradually increase the difficulty level of the puzzles you practice. This will help you build your skills and confidence. Mixed Approach: While focusing on puzzles, don't forget to give equal weight to other important areas such as Blood Relations, Syllogism, and Logical Reasoning. These topics are equally challenging and can be equally time-consuming.

It's important to note that the IBPS PO Mains does not have a sectional cutoff, so you have more flexibility in choosing which topics to focus on. However, in SBI PO Mains, since there is a sectional cutoff, you might want to consider avoiding puzzles only if you have other stronger sections to shore up.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while it can be tempting to skip puzzles, doing so would be a significant mistake. Puzzles are a critical part of the reasoning section and can often save your day in the exam. Instead of avoiding them, focus on developing your critical thinking and problem-solving skills through regular practice. This will not only improve your performance in puzzles but will also benefit you in other areas of the exam. Good luck with your preparation and take care!

Keywords: IBPS PO Mains, SBI PO Mains, Reasoning Puzzles