Planning your IBPS Clerk Exam Preparation

by Vidya Guru Coaching Institute

Here in this article, we will be giving you a few important details for your IBPS clerk exam preparation. First and foremost, it is important to remember that what you score in clerk prelims will not be counted to your overall score, hence there is no need to worry if you are not a topper here. Your focus should be on the following three factors:

1) Time management – While appearing for any exam, the most important aspect is to fully attempt the question paper and ensure that none of the questions is missed. Another point of concern is to divide the total time among various sections and selecting the order questions should be answered. A good strategy here is to identify questions that are easier and can be solved in less time. Follow the below pointers for the perfect time management strategy –

a) Start with the English section. It only takes 10-15 minutes to solve this section.

b) Divide rest of the time, which is approximately 45-50 minutes as per your subject preference. This means if you are good on a particular subject, then start with that first. However, some even suggest starting with the section you are most scared of, as this way you can devote a few more minutes to solve this section. For example –if a student is not so good in quant, he should attempt this section first. The ideal time devoted to solving Quant and Reasoning section is approximately 20 to 25 minutes.

2) Accuracy – For any competitive exam, negative marking is the candidate’s major concern. Thus, it is important that you minimize the chances of negative marking, which is possible only if you minimize the number of wrong answers. Let’s start with different sections –

A) For English -

a) Start with comprehension, as this section is the most scoring and can help you get through the cut-off for General English quite comfortably.

b) Next to attempt are the cloze test and the para-jumbles.

c) Prepare topics like – Ratio and proportion, Percentages, Decimal and Fractions, Averages, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time, speed and distance, Data Interpretation and Time and Work.

B) For Quantitative Aptitude-

a) No guess-work here.

b) Attempting less question with more accuracy is important than attempting more question with less accuracy.

C) For Logical reasoning –

a) Again, accuracy is important, be very sure of the answers, no guess work, PLEASE.

b) Attempt questions from topics like – Seating arrangements, Data sufficiency, Coding and decoding, Venn diagrams and Blood relations.

3) Speed – We often see candidates enquiring about – how to improve their speed in attempting questions, in doing faster calculations and in increasing their reading speed? It’s true that speed in competitive exams matters a lot but at the same time it might cost you the accuracy. Following are the type of questions that need improved speed –

a) Reading comprehension – One trick that is quite fruitful is, read the questions before reading the comprehension. This way you will be able to answer all the question in a single reading.

b) Data interpretation – There is no need to be accurate with the calculations. Most of such questions require rounding off the numbers and performing the approximate calculations and finally marking the answer that is close to your calculation.

c) Long calculations – Speed mathematics is what is the need of the hour. It is important for you to memorize tables, square roots and cube roots till 20, 30 and 15 respectively.

Mock Tests and Mentorships – Last but not the least is the mock tests and mentorships. Attempt one mock test daily, this will improve your proficiency and speed both. Besides these, never leave the hand of your mentor for expert tips, tricks and advice.

For more information on IBPS bank exam coaching and preparation, visit http://www.vidyaguru.in/bank-exams/ibps-clerk/