How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk as a Beginner?

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) recruits young graduates for clerical positions in the participating banks across India. For many candidates who participate in this recruitment cycle, it shall be their first attempt. They might be anxious about the upcoming exam, but don’t worry!  Clearing the bank clerk exam is achievable, with the right approach and strategy. The aspirants who want to participate in this exam must fill out their application form on or before 21 July 2024.

How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk As a Beginner?

For beginners, the IBPS Clerk Exam can seem overwhelming. However, with the right approach, even those new to banking exams can succeed. This column is personalised specifically for beginners, offering simple, actionable steps to start the preparation journey.

What the IBPS Clerk Exam is about!

As a beginner, a candidate’s first step is to understand what the IBPS Clerk Exam is about. This exam is a gateway to clerical positions in public sector banks. As the IBPS Clerk Notification 2024 is released, familiarise yourself with the exam structure.

• Preliminary Exam: Tests English, Numerical Ability & English Language
• Mains Exam: Includes the section of the preliminary exam plus General Awareness & Computer Knowledge.

Create a Study Plan

Develop a study schedule that covers all subjects and stick to it. It must suit the candidates. As a beginner, consistency is more important than long study hours. Here is the sample plan:

Daily Routine

• Morning: 2 hours for Quantitative Aptitude
• Afternoon: 2 hours for Reasoning Ability
• Evening: 1 hour for English Language
• Night: 1 hour for General Awareness

Weekly Goals

• Monday to Friday: Study specific subjects.
• Saturday: Take mock tests and practice papers.
• Sunday: Revise and analyze mock test results.

Focus on Basics

In each subject, start with the most basic concepts:

• English: Begin with basic grammar rules, simple vocabulary and start reading books or newspapers.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Start with arithmetic, percentages, data interpretation and simple & compound interest.
• Reasoning: Focus on series, analogies, and basic puzzles & seating arrangements.
• General Awareness: Read headlines and summaries of major news stories, focusing on current affairs.

Get to know the IBPS Clerk Syllabus 2024

Practice Regularly

Mock Tests

Attempting full mock tests can be daunting for beginners. Instead, start with section-wise or topic-wise mock tests.

• Take mock tests to understand the exam pattern and improve time management.
• Analyze performance and focus on weak areas.

Previous Year’s Papers

Start solving IBPS Clerk previous year question paper one section at a time, without time limits. This will help in understanding the types of questions asked.

• Solve past papers to get an idea of question types and difficulty levels.

Study Material & Video Courses

Invest in good-quality study materials. Recommended resources must include the following:

• Good Tutors
• IBPS Clerk previous year question papers
• Standard books
• Online mock tests and practice papers

Time Management

During Preparation

• Study in focused intervals with breaks.
• Concentrate on one subject at a time.

During the Exam

• Don’t get stuck on difficult questions; move on and return if time permits.
• Prioritize easy questions to secure marks quickly.

Other Suggestions

• Use Mnemonic Techniques: As a beginner, remembering numerous facts can be challenging. Use simple mnemonic devices to remember important information, especially for General Awareness.
• Track Your Progress: Keep a simple diary to note what you study each day. This will help you see your progress and stay motivated.
• Develop a Basic Current Affairs Routine: As a beginner, reading full newspapers can be overwhelming. Following a simple current affairs YouTube channel or Using beginner-level current affairs apps can be helpful.
• Practice Basic Computer Skills: If new to computers, start with, learning basic computer parts and their functions, and familiarise yourself with basic MS Office functions.
• Don’t Neglect Physical Activity: Include some form of physical activity in your daily routine. Even a 15-minute walk can help refresh your mind and improve focus.
• Be Patient and Consistent: As a beginner, improvement takes time. Don’t get discouraged by initial low scores in practice tests. Focus on consistent effort and gradual improvement.