βοΈ How to Apply Online
### How to Apply
Greetings, aspiring bankers! The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has unveiled a golden opportunity for you to embark on a fulfilling career as a Probationary Officer (PO) or Management Trainee (MT) in various Public Sector Banks across India. The application process is entirely online, so get ready to navigate the digital realm with precision. Hereβs a detailed, step-by-step guide to ensure your application sails smoothly:
1. **Visit the Official IBPS Website:** First things first, head over to the official IBPS portal at https://ibps.in. This is your primary hub for all official notifications and the application link.
2. **Locate the CRP PO/MT Link:** On the homepage, look for the 'CRP PO/MT' section. You'll find the link for 'Common Recruitment Process for Probationary Officers/Management Trainees (CRP PO/MT-XIII)'. Click on it.
3. **New Registration:** If you're a first-time applicant, click on the 'Click here for New Registration' tab. You'll need to enter your basic details like Name, Contact Number, and Email ID. A Provisional Registration Number and Password will be generated and sent to your registered email and mobile number. Keep these safe!
4. **Log In and Fill Application:** Use your Provisional Registration Number and Password to log in. Now, meticulously fill out the online application form. This involves providing personal details, educational qualifications (ensure you enter the correct percentage/grade), and your preferred banks.
5. **Upload Documents:** This is a crucial step. You'll need to upload scanned images of your photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration. Pay close attention to the specified dimensions and file sizes for each document to avoid rejection. The handwritten declaration must be in your handwriting, stating: "I, [Your Name], hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required."
6. **Preview and Verify:** Before final submission, use the 'PREVIEW' tab to review your entire application. Double-check every single detail. Any errors here could lead to issues later on. Ensure your name, date of birth, educational qualifications, and category are absolutely correct.
7. **Payment of Application Fee:** Proceed to the payment gateway. You can pay the requisite application fee online using Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, Cash Cards/Mobile Wallets. Once payment is successful, an e-receipt will be generated.
8. **Final Submission and Print:** After successful payment, click on 'FINAL SUBMIT'. Don't forget to take a printout of the e-receipt and your complete application form. These are vital for your records and might be required during document verification.
Remember, your registered email ID and mobile number will be used for all communications from IBPS, so keep them active and check them regularly!
### Detailed Exam Syllabus
Getting into the banking sector demands strategic preparation, and understanding the syllabus is your first step towards success. The IBPS PO selection process comprises a Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam, and a Final Interview. Here's a breakdown:
**I. Preliminary Examination (Objective - Online)**
* **Total Duration:** 1 hour (20 minutes for each section)
* **Total Questions:** 100
* **Total Marks:** 100
* **Negative Marking:** 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
* **English Language:** (30 Questions, 30 Marks)
* Topics: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fillers (Single/Double), Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement/Correction, Para Jumbles, Odd One Out, Sentence Connectors.
* **Quantitative Aptitude:** (35 Questions, 35 Marks)
* Topics: Data Interpretation (Tabular, Bar, Line, Pie Charts), Simplification & Approximation, Quadratic Equations, Number Series (Missing/Wrong), Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, SI & CI, Ratios & Proportion, Averages, Percentage, Mensuration, Probability, Permutation & Combination).
* **Reasoning Ability:** (35 Questions, 35 Marks)
* Topics: Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Box-based, Floor-based), Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Order & Ranking, Alpha-numeric Series.
**II. Main Examination (Objective & Descriptive - Online)**
* **Total Duration:** 3 hours 30 minutes (3 hours for Objective, 30 minutes for Descriptive)
* **Total Objective Questions:** 155
* **Total Objective Marks:** 200
* **Total Descriptive Marks:** 25
* **Negative Marking:** 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer in objective sections.
* **Reasoning & Computer Aptitude:** (45 Questions, 60 Marks, 60 minutes)
* Topics: Advanced Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning, Syllogism, Inequality, Computer Fundamentals, Software & Hardware, Networking, MS Office, Internet Basics.
* **General/Economy/Banking Awareness:** (40 Questions, 40 Marks, 35 minutes)
* Topics: Current Affairs (National & International), Banking & Financial Awareness, Economic News, Static GK related to Banking, Important Government Schemes & Policies.
* **English Language:** (35 Questions, 40 Marks, 40 minutes)
* Topics: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Spotting Errors, Para Jumbles, Sentence Connectors, Vocabulary based questions, Phrase Replacement.
* **Data Analysis & Interpretation:** (35 Questions, 60 Marks, 45 minutes)
* Topics: Advanced Data Interpretation (Caselets, Radar Graph, Mixed DI), Data Sufficiency (3 statements), Probability, Permutation & Combination, Partnership, Ratio & Proportion, Time & Work, Mensuration (Advanced).
* **English Language (Descriptive):** (2 Questions, 25 Marks, 30 minutes)
* Topics: Essay Writing (on banking, social, economic issues), Letter Writing (formal/informal).
**III. Interview:**
* **Total Marks:** 100
* Candidates who qualify in the Main Exam will be shortlisted for a personal interview conducted by the participating banks and coordinated by IBPS. This round assesses your communication skills, personality, general awareness, and suitability for the role.
### Preparation Tips
Cracking the IBPS PO exam requires a structured approach, consistent effort, and smart strategies. Here's your high-scoring action plan:
1. **Understand the Exam Pattern & Syllabus Thoroughly:** Before you even open a book, spend a day analyzing the detailed syllabus and exam pattern (Prelims, Mains, Interview). Note down the weightage of each section and type of questions.
2. **Build Strong Fundamentals:** Don't just mug up formulas. Understand the core concepts in Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning. For English, focus on grammar rules, vocabulary, and reading comprehension techniques.
3. **Time Management is Key:** Both prelims and mains have sectional timings. Practice solving questions within strict time limits. Use a stopwatch during practice sessions. This will boost your speed and accuracy.
4. **Practice Mock Tests Regularly:** This is non-negotiable! Take full-length mock tests for both Prelims and Mains. After each test, meticulously analyze your performance. Identify your strong and weak areas. Focus on improving your weak sections.
5. **Daily Current Affairs:** General/Economy/Banking Awareness is crucial for Mains. Make it a habit to read at least one national newspaper daily (e.g., The Hindu, Indian Express), follow financial news portals, and watch current affairs debates. Make concise notes.
6. **Boost English Language Skills:** Read diverse articles, editorials, and books to improve your reading speed and comprehension. Maintain a vocabulary journal. Practice writing essays and letters for the descriptive section.
7. **Speed and Accuracy for Prelims:** Prelims is all about speed and accuracy. Solve previous year's papers and practice sets extensively. Learn shortcuts for calculations.
8. **Focus on Data Interpretation and Puzzles for Mains:** These sections carry significant weight. Practice a wide variety of DI sets (different chart types, caselets) and complex puzzles regularly.
9. **Prepare for the Interview from Day One:** While the interview is the last stage, start working on your communication skills, general knowledge, and banking awareness early. Participate in group discussions (GDs) and mock interviews.
10. **Revision is Crucial:** Consistently revise concepts, formulas, and current affairs. Use flashcards and short notes for quick revision.
**Recommended Books:**
* **Quantitative Aptitude:** 'Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations' by R.S. Aggarwal, 'Magical Book on Quicker Maths' by M. Tyra.
* **Reasoning Ability:** 'A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning' by R.S. Aggarwal, 'Analytical Reasoning' by M.K. Pandey.
* **English Language:** 'Objective General English' by S.P. Bakshi, 'High School English Grammar and Composition' by Wren and Martin (for fundamentals).
* **General/Banking/Economy Awareness:** Lucent's General Knowledge, Pratiyogita Darpan (monthly), Banking Awareness by Arihant Publications.
* **Computer Aptitude:** Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy by Kiran Prakashan, or any basic computer fundamentals book.
Stay positive, consistent, and believe in your hard work. Success will surely follow!