Fresh graduates and experienced professionals, regard banking exams as one of the most desired career opportunities. Throughout the year, various commercial banks (public/private) along with RBI and Development banks announce various vacancies under diverse posts, recruiting candidates through exams like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Grade, NABARD Grade and so on.
Banking exams conducted by the top national bodies such as SBI (State Bank of India), IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection), RBI (Reserve Bank of India), and NABARD (National Bank of Agriculture & Rural Development) include English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and General/Banking Awareness etc. in their syllabus.
Every year, aspirants struggle and many fail to rationalize their effort and time on sections mentioned above, thereby falling short of the prescribed cut off. Some, who do get through the prelims are not able to make it past the Mains exams or Personal interview.
Lets flip through some imperative tips that will help you ace some upcoming banking exams:-
Quantitative Aptitude
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Calculate faster and save time –
Speeding up your calculations will save you considerable time. It is highly recommended that you remember tables upto 20 (at least) and squares and cubes upto 30 and 20 respectively. Also, try to perform multiplication quickly using tricks for 2 and 3 digit numbers.
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Clear fundamentals behind each concept
Any doubts at the foundational levels will hamper your further steps, for each chapter has its own set of fundamentals concepts. For instance, the partnership section of Quant requires that your fundamentals of ‘ratio’ be clear. It is suggested to go through as many questions and examples as possible along with using concept-based formulae.
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English Language
This is a section where candidates can easily score above 30 in prelims and 35 in mains exams if he/she is fully equipped with the basics. Roots of rules in grammar and merely practicing will not help. For honing comprehension skills, it is highly advised to read a bunch of editorials from reputed newspapers.
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Logical Reasoning
One of the sections that often tends to be troublesome for candidate is Logical reasoning. However, even this section can end up being fruitful for the ones who know their way through different topics. Topics such as puzzles, sitting arrangement, and more, require special attention and regular practice. Solving a puzzle or sitting arrangement can easily fetch you 3 to 5 marks. Working on weak areas and regularly attempting practice tests in reasoning will make you fly through this section while appearing for the exam.
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General and Banking Awareness
It is almost known to every aspirant having appeared in past banking exams, that current affairs spanning a period of 6 months prior to the exam date are generally asked. Historical background of Indian banking system and financial news updates are also a few key areas an aspirant should be acquainted with. This is a time saving section and one’s score is purely based on one’s know-how.
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Give regular Mock tests
First and foremost, after finishing a topic, attempt as many quizzes on it as you possibly can. And only after you’ve gained confidence and mastery in at least half of the topics should you start giving mock tests on a regular basis.
The very nuance that separates Banking exams from other competitive exams like SSC, RRB etc. is that of sectional cut-off. A candidate not only has to clear the overall cut off in prelims and mains, but also take care of section-wise cut off. Last year, IBPS PO Results pegged overall cut off in prelims and mains exams at 59.75 and 71.50 respectively in general category. At the time of preparation for these exams it is highly important to give yourself some break in between study sessions, which includes taking a water break or going for a walk or even taking a breath of fresh air while standing at your balcony to rejuvenate your mind, and relieve you of the regular hassle. Make a mental note to remain calm, confident and focused,while appearing for the exam, as this will improve your concentration and productivity when you finally appear for the main battle.
