Introduction to IBPS PO 2024: Structure and Stages
The IBPS PO 2024 exam, a pivotal step for becoming a Probationary Officer in Public Sector Banks, unfolds in three phases: Preliminary, Main, and Interview. Success in each stage is crucial for progressing to the next. Understanding the exam pattern and detailed syllabus is the first step in strategic preparation.
IBPS PO 2024: Syllabus and Exam Pattern Overview
The IBPS PO 2024 test format, similar to previous years, comprises the Preliminary and Main exams, followed by an Interview. Notably, each section in the Preliminary exam has its time limit.
IBPS PO 2024 Exam Pattern
| Exam Stage | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Medium of Exam | Notes |
| Preliminary Exam | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes | English | – |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | English & Hindi | – | |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | English & Hindi | Total Duration: 60 minutes | |
| Main Exam | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude (A & B) | 45 | 60 | 60 minutes | English & Hindi | – |
| English Language (A & B) | 35 | 40 | 40 minutes | English | – | |
| Data Analysis and Interpretation (A & B) | 35 | 60 | 45 minutes | English & Hindi | – | |
| General, Economy/Banking Awareness | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes | English & Hindi | – | |
| English Language (Letter Writing & Essay) | 2 | 25 | 30 minutes | English | Descriptive Section | |
| Total for Main Exam | – | 157 | 225 | 3 hours 30 minutes | – | – |
| Interview Process | – | – | 100 | – | – | Minimum qualifying marks: 40% (35% for reserved categories) |
Preliminary Exam Pattern:
– Mode: Online
– Duration: 60 minutes
– Sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability
– Total Questions: 100 (Each section: English Language – 30, Numerical and Reasoning Ability – 35 each)
– Total Marks: 100
– Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for wrong answers
– Requirement: Clear sectional cut-offs
Main Exam Pattern:
– Introduction of Descriptive Paper (Essay and Letter Writing)
– Time Extension: 180 minutes for objective tests plus 30 minutes for the descriptive test
– Sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, English Language, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General/Economy/Banking Awareness
– Total Questions: 157 (155 objective, 2 descriptive)
– Total Marks: 225
– Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for incorrect answers in objective tests
– Format: Sections A and B in Reasoning, English, and Data Analysis sections
Interview Process:
– Total Marks: 100
– Qualifying Marks: 40% (35% for reserved categories)
Final Selection:
– Based on cumulative scores of Mains and Interview (80:20 ratio)
– Merit list generated post-interview Process
English Language Syllabus for Prelims:
– Topics: Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Phrase Replacement, Cloze Test, Sentence Re-arrangement, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary
– Types of Questions: Grammar-based, Vocabulary-based, Story/Essay passages, etc.
Effective English Preparation Strategy:
– Focus Areas: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Usage of language components
– Recommended Practice: Regular reading of newspapers, editorials, books
– Specific Preparation: Daily reading of editorials (suggested resource: [Vishal Parihar’s Editorial](https://thehindueditorial.com/editorial))
This guide serves as a structured approach for beginners to effectively prepare for the English section of the IBPS PO 2024 exam. By following the strategies and understanding the exam pattern, aspirants can enhance their chances of success.