IBPS PO (Mains) � Analysis

Dear Aspirant,

The IBPS PO (Mains) exam concluded on 31st October, 2015. Although the overall difficulty level of the paper was between moderate and difficult, the numerical ability and reasoning sections posed a major challenge for the candidate owing to tricky questions. Let�s take a better look at the exam.

Section-1 (Numerical Ability)

Although the pattern has not changed much in comparison to last year exams, IBPS this year came with more tricky and calculation-intensive questions. Most important sections like quadratic equations and probability were also given a skip.

Overall Difficulty Level: Difficult

Key Points to Note:
1. This section posed a major challenge to candidates who lacked the practice of calculation.
2. Most of the questions were indirect or tricky.
3. Majority of the questions in the DI sections had two graphs to be analyzed.

TCY Recommends:
1. Hone your calculation skills; it will come handy while attempting this section. Solve a lot of questions from simplification and BODMAS rule to help you calculate faster.
2. Take a lot of practice tests on Data interpretation. It will help you in comprehending data faster and also in saving time. Also, note that it�s better to try tests on mixed graphs and multiple graphs rather than trying single graphs.
3. Take a lot of Mock Tests as per the latest pattern and type of exams; they will help in getting simulated in the real time test scenarios and monitoring your overall progress.
4. Use TCY analytics to find out where you stand and how to improve your score in the Numerical Ability section.

Section-2 (Reasoning)

Much like the numerical ability section, the reasoning section also was both tricky and time taking. No questions were asked from inequality while questions from input-output were highly complex. Another twist in the tale was that most of the puzzle blocks had only 2 or 3 question unlike 5 questions that were asked in the past.

Overall Difficulty Level: Difficult

Key Points to Note:
1. This section posed a major challenge to candidates who lacked a proper practice of Puzzles and Critical Reasoning.
2. Most of the questions were indirect or tricky.
3. Majority of the puzzle-based questions had only 2 to 3 questions making it more time consuming and less scoring.

TCY Recommends:
1. The best way to hone your reasoning skills is to practice a lot; chapters like Logical Arrangements, Seating Arrangement, Critical Reasoning and Input-Output have no shortcuts.
2. Having conceptual clarity of various Coding techniques, drawing Venn Diagrams and Family trees will also come very handy and will help you save a lot of time.
3. Take a lot of Mock Tests as per the latest pattern and type of exams; they will help in getting simulated in the real time test scenarios and monitoring your overall progress.
4. Use TCY analytics to find out where you stand and how you can improve your scores in reasoning.

Section-3 (English)

The English section was mostly moderate, however the passages were lengthy and time taking and more focus was given on questions from vocabulary than grammar in the cloze test section.

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate

Key Points to Note:
1. This section posed a major challenge to candidates who lacked good reading speed and sound vocabulary.
2. Most questions in the correction of error segment were tricky and asked from exceptions to rules in grammar.

TCY Recommends:
1. Start reading a daily newspaper; it will help you in developing the much required reading speed and vocabulary. You may also take some daily word challenges and RC tests to build your skills in this area.
2. Having conceptual clarity in grammar and hands-on practice of Correction of Errors and Sentence Arrangement will help you save a lot of time.
3. Take a lot of Mock Tests as per the latest pattern and type of exams; they will help in getting simulated in the real time test scenarios and monitoring your overall progress.
4. Use TCY analytics to find out where you stand and how you can improve your scores in English.

Section-4 (General Awareness)

This section was comparatively easier than other section of the test. Most of the questions were asked directly from the recent happenings in India and around the world. Banking awareness remained the key focus area in the general awareness section.

Overall Difficulty Level: Moderate

Key Points to Note:
1. This section was mostly easy and did not create any challenges for a candidate. However, questions from banking and financial awareness were slightly tricky with very close options.
2. Most questions were direct and based on all major happenings in India and around the world in the last one year.

TCY Recommends:
1. Keep the weekly GK update handy; it will help you revise all important updates just before the exam. Also keep the notes on banking awareness handy and spend at least 20-30 minutes on general awareness every day.
2. You may also take the weekly GK tests and Daily GK challenges to keep yourself up to date.
3. Take a lot of Mock Tests as per the latest pattern and type of exams; they will help in getting simulated in the real time test scenarios and monitoring your overall progress.
4. Use TCY analytics to find out where you stand and how you can improve your scores in General Awareness.

Section-5 (Computer Awareness)

As usual, computers remained the easiest section of the exam with most questions asked directly from MS-Office, Operating System, DBMS, Internet and Networking, and Technical Current Affairs.

Overall Difficulty Level: Easy

Key Points to Note:
1. This section was mostly easy and did not create any challenges for a candidate. However, absolutely neglecting this section while preparation might prove to be a reason for failure.
2. You don�t need to be a tech graduate to answer the questions asked in the computer awareness section. Basic understanding of computers and some practice on daily basis is more than enough to score good marks in this section.

TCY Recommends:
1. Keep the notes on Computer Awareness handy and spend at least 20-30 minutes on them every day. Also keep yourself up to date with the latest technology.
2. You may also take some topic-wise tests and challenges to help your preparation.
3. Take a lot of Mock Tests as per the latest pattern and type of exams; they will help in getting simulated in the real time test scenarios and monitoring your overall progress.
4. Use TCY analytics to find out where you stand and how you can improve your scores in Computer Awareness.