Analysis of IBPS Clerical (Prelims) - 2015

Dear Aspirant,

The IBPS Clerical (Prelims) ended on Sunday. As we already know, the paper consisted of 3 sections (Numerical Ability, Reasoning and English) having a total of 100 questions to be solved in 60 minutes. The overall difficulty level of the paper can be rated as low to moderate. A candidate who has prepared thoroughly should be able to attempt 70 - 75% of the paper without much difficulty. It is now time to gear up for the upcoming IBPS Clerical (Mains) Exam. Let�s take a look at the details of IBPS Clerical (Prelims) and what to expect from IBPS Clerical (Mains).

Overall Analysis and Expected Cut-offs:

Expected Overall cut-off Score: 33.5 - 35

Some Important Points:

1- The trend from IBPS PO (Prelims) and SBI PO (Prelims) is a clear indicator that Overall cut-offs remains higher for the Prelims exams. For IBPS PO (Prelims) the cut-off score were around 37% and SBI PO (Prelims) the cut-off scores were around 47%.

2- Since the question paper was largely easy, Sectional cut-offs scores are likely to remain high.

Section-1 (Numerical Ability)

Some Important Points:

1- No questions were asked on Quadratic Equation.

2- Only one block of Data Interpretation based on a simple table was asked.

3- More focus was given on Calculation Skills.

Section-2 (Reasoning)

Some Important Points:

1- No questions were asked on Syllogism or Input-Output.

2-More focus was given on Logical Puzzles.

Section-3 (English)

Some Important Points:

1- The English section contained a word usage section where candidates were asked to identify words with Wrong Usage or Wrong Spelling.

2- This was an easy section. However, managing time to attempt many questions was tricky.

What to Expect from IBPS Clerical (Mains):

1- Pattern of the Exam: There were no significant changes in the pattern of the exam in IBPS PO (Mains). Also, according to the notification IBPS Clerical (Mains) will have 200 questions divided equally into 5 sections of Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and Computer Awareness. This is the same pattern as the previous year pattern of IBPS Clerical, although in 2014 IBPS Clerical was a single tire exam.

2- Level of Difficulty: The IBPS PO (Mains) paper was full of surprises for the candidates; while the overall difficulty level remained moderate. A shift in type of questions made the paper lengthy and time consuming. Keeping this in mind, a few surprises can be expected in IBPS Clerical (Mains) also. One of the most expected surprises could be the abolition of questions from certain chapters like quadratic equation or inequality.

3- Level of Competition: IBPS PO (Mains) saw a significant rise in the level of competition among candidates. Despite a lengthy paper full of surprises, the overall cut-off went as high as almost 38.5% for the general category. The fact that there are more vacancies in the Clerical Cadre (almost double than that in PO) will play a crucial role in determining the Overall cut-off scores; still expecting a very low cut-off will be foolishness.

What we recommend:

1- Focus on Mock Tests: With a little over 15 days remaining for the IBPS Clerical (Mains) Exam, it�s high time to get simulated in the real time exam environment. We recommend that you should largely focus on mock tests and analysis now to master your skills. You may also try our IBPS Clerical (Mains) Mock Test Series.

2- General Awareness and Computers will be crucial: While preparing for IBPS Clerical (Prelims) may have given you the exposure required to handle the other 3 sections, you still need to clear the Cut-offs in General Awareness and Computers. Don�t keep these areas for last minute preparation; rather spend some quality time on them every day.

3- Sharpen your Swords: Yesterday is gone; whatever you did for IBPS Clerical (Prelims) may not be sufficient to clear the Mains Exam. Analyze each Mock Test that you take and work on building your strengths everyday.

The biggest trick to win any race is not to rest before you have crossed the finish line. So, don�t lose the momentum and make the most of it.

Waiting for the results of IBPS Clerical (Prelims) may be a bit too late. Start your preparations now.

Bests
Team TCY