โ๏ธ How to Apply Online
### How to Apply
Alright future Bank POs, listen up! The application process for the IBPS PO (CRP-PO/MT-XIII) is completely online, and it requires careful attention to detail. Follow these steps meticulously to ensure a smooth application:
1. **Visit the Official IBPS Website:** First things first, head over to the official Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) portal at `https://ibps.in`. Look for the 'CRP PO/MT' section on the homepage.
2. **Click on 'New Registration':** Once you find the correct notification for 'Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officers/Management Trainees (CRP PO/MT-XIII)', click on the 'Click Here for New Registration' link.
3. **Basic Information & Provisional Registration Number:** You'll be prompted to enter basic details like your name, contact number, and email ID. After successful submission, a provisional registration number and password will be generated and displayed on the screen. **Crucially, note these down immediately!** They will also be sent to your registered email ID and mobile number.
4. **Upload Photo & Signature:** Log in using your registration number and password. The next step involves uploading your scanned photograph (4.5cm ร 3.5cm, preferably 20kb-50kb) and signature (on white paper with black ink, preferably 10kb-20kb). Ensure these meet the exact specifications mentioned in the official notification to avoid rejection.
5. **Fill Detailed Application Form:** This is where you provide all your academic qualifications (graduation percentage is a must!), personal details, communication address, and preference for exam centers. Be honest and accurate. Double-check every single field before moving on.
6. **Preview and Verify:** Before the final submission, you'll get a chance to preview your entire application. This is your golden opportunity to spot any errors or typos. Make corrections if necessary!
7. **Upload Left Thumb Impression & Handwritten Declaration:** Now, you'll need to upload your scanned left thumb impression (on white paper with black/blue ink, 20kb-50kb) and a scanned copy of your handwritten declaration (on white paper with black ink, 50kb-100kb). The declaration text will be provided in the official notification โ ensure you write it exactly as specified in your own handwriting.
8. **Pay Application Fee:** The final step involves paying the application fee online through Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards/ Mobile Wallets. Remember, the fee varies for different categories. After successful payment, an e-receipt will be generated. Keep it safe!
9. **Print Application:** After successful payment and final submission, don't forget to print out your complete application form and e-receipt for your records. This is vital for future reference.
### Detailed Exam Syllabus
The IBPS PO exam is a two-tier process: Preliminary and Main, followed by an Interview. Here's a comprehensive breakdown:
**I. Preliminary Examination (Objective โ 1 Hour, 100 Marks)**
* **English Language:** (30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 Minutes) โ Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Spotting Errors, Para Jumbles, Fillers, Sentence Improvement.
* **Quantitative Aptitude:** (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes) โ Simplification & Approximation, Number Series, Data Interpretation (Table, Bar, Line, Caselet), Quadratic Equations, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Averages, Time & Work, Speed, Time & Distance, Profit & Loss, Mensuration, Probability.
* **Reasoning Ability:** (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 Minutes) โ Puzzles (Seating Arrangement โ Linear, Circular, Box-based), Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Alphanumeric Series, Order & Ranking.
* *Important:* There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. Candidates must clear sectional as well as overall cut-offs.
**II. Main Examination (Objective + Descriptive โ 3 Hours 30 Minutes, 225 Marks)**
**A. Objective Test (3 Hours, 200 Marks)**
* **Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:** (45 Questions, 60 Marks, 60 Minutes) โ Advanced Puzzles, Data Sufficiency, Input-Output, Logical Reasoning, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Computer Basics, Networking, MS Office.
* **General/Economy/Banking Awareness:** (40 Questions, 40 Marks, 35 Minutes) โ Current Affairs (last 6 months), Banking Terms & Concepts, Financial Market, Indian Economy, Government Schemes.
* **English Language:** (35 Questions, 40 Marks, 40 Minutes) โ Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Sentence Connectors, Vocabulary based questions.
* **Data Analysis & Interpretation:** (35 Questions, 60 Marks, 45 Minutes) โ Advanced Data Interpretation (Missing DI, Radar, Funnel, Mixed Graphs), Data Sufficiency, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Partnership, Pipes & Cisterns.
**B. Descriptive Test (30 Minutes, 25 Marks)**
* **English Language:** (2 Questions) โ Letter Writing and Essay Writing. This section evaluates your writing skills, grammar, and ability to express ideas clearly.
*Important:* Negative marking of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in the objective section. Both sectional and overall cut-offs apply.
### Preparation Tips
Cracking the IBPS PO exam requires a disciplined approach and smart strategy. Here's how you can boost your chances:
1. **Master the Basics First:** Before diving into complex problems, ensure your foundational concepts in each subject (Quants, Reasoning, English Grammar) are crystal clear. Don't skip this step!
2. **Practice, Practice, Practice:** Consistent practice is non-negotiable. Solve a wide variety of questions daily. Focus on improving both speed and accuracy. Remember, the Prelims are all about speed!
3. **Mock Tests are Your Best Friend:** Take full-length mock tests regularly (at least 2-3 times a week, especially closer to the exam). Analyze your performance thoroughly โ identify your strong and weak areas, and work on improving them. Learn from your mistakes.
4. **Time Management is Key:** With sectional timings in both Prelims and Mains, managing your time within each section is crucial. Practice allocating time effectively to different types of questions during your mocks.
5. **Read Daily for GA & English:** Make it a habit to read reputable newspapers (like 'The Hindu' or 'Indian Express') and financial dailies. This will not only improve your English comprehension and vocabulary but also keep you updated on current affairs, economy, and banking news.
6. **Focus on Banking Awareness:** For the Mains, specifically dedicate time to Banking & Financial Awareness. Static banking facts, recent RBI policies, and financial terminology are important.
7. **Descriptive Test Preparation:** For the Mains descriptive paper, practice writing essays and letters on various topics. Pay attention to grammar, sentence structure, and coherence. Reading editorials can provide excellent content ideas.
8. **Recommended Books:**
* **Quantitative Aptitude:** 'Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations' by R.S. Aggarwal.
* **Reasoning Ability:** 'A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning' by R.S. Aggarwal.
* **English Language:** 'Objective General English' by S.P. Bakshi, 'Word Power Made Easy' by Norman Lewis.
* **General Awareness/Banking:** Lucent's General Knowledge, monthly current affairs magazines, and banking awareness books by Arihant/Disha publications.
9. **Stay Positive & Consistent:** Believe in yourself, stay motivated, and maintain consistency in your study routine. Success will surely follow!