IBPS SO Preparation Tips 2023: The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection has released the exam calendar for IBPS SO 2023 recruitment. The exam is being held to fill Specialist Officer positions at Scale I.
The IBPS SO 2023 Selection Process is based on the common written examination, which consists of preliminary and main examinations followed by an interview. Many banking aspirants attempt the competitive IBPS SO exam because it is one of the top banking exams in India. So, to beat this competition and ace the examination, candidates should make solid preparation strategies.
IBPS SO Preparation Tips and Strategy 2023
To clear the IBPS SO exam, candidates need to follow a strict study routine. Aspirants can refer to the provided article to learn the IBPS SO preparation tips and techniques used by the exam’s topper to get high scores in the exam.
1- Exam Pattern
Candidates must check the IBPS SO 2023 Exam Pattern, as it enables them to know the sections, marking scheme, and sectional time duration in detail. Candidates should note that there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks. The prelims exam consists of three subjects with a total score of 125 marks, whereas the mains exam consists of one section of professional knowledge worth 60 marks.
2- Syllabus
The IBPS SO 2023 syllabus for the exam remains constant. Since IBPS has established a syllabus for the SO exam, candidates should take their time and not rush through each item in any subject. The subjects included in both prelims and mains are provided below.
| IBPS SO Exam | Syllabus |
|---|---|
| Preliminary Exam | English, Reasoning, Quantative Aptitude/General Awareness |
| Mains Exam | Professional knowledge related to the particular field IT/HR/Agriculture/Marketing/Law/Rajbhasa |
3-Chater-wise Study Plan
After knowing the exam pattern and syllabus, candidates should focus on making a study plan that covers all the subjects simultaneously. A chapter-wise study plan will enable candidates to keep track of all pertinent information, enabling them to identify their weak areas. Aspirants should also make revision time to focus on their weaker sections.
Candidates should put more effort into quantitative aptitude, as it is one of the longer sections. Only with practice, candidates can master this subject. Since the Mains paper includes professional knowledge, it is important that candidates focus on their graduation subject.
For example, candidates should review topics like OS, networking, DBMS, computers, organisation, etc. for the IT officer position.
4- Clear Concept
When preparing for any comparative exam, many aspirants make a common mistake by attempting to finish the entire syllabus as soon as possible. As a result, they frequently struggle to answer complicated matters since their foundational skills are weak. Understanding the basis and concept should be a top priority for the candidates.
5-Mock Test and Previous Year Paper
Note that the IBPS SO test is conducted online through computer-based testing (CBT). So, after finishing the syllabus, applicants should begin the mock exam. A mock test is one of the most important IBPS SO preparation tips for candidates. They will be better able to comprehend the format of the exam and their speed of question-solving.
They will be able to determine their weaker areas and subjects by completing the previous year’s exam paper and taking the mock test. By doing so, they will also be able to determine which topic has the most exam questions.
6-Time Management
Time management is the key factor for the IBPS SO online exam. Time management mistakes are a common cause of exam failure for candidates. Candidates can only speed up with consistent practice.
Candidates for the exam should take a systematic approach to pass the exam in the allotted time by starting with the simple questions and then moving on to the more challenging ones. This will help candidates avoid rushing at the last minute for difficult questions.
7. Revision
While preparing for the banking exam, revision is the most crucial step. Aspirants should revise at regular intervals after finishing each topic and subject. It will make it easier for the candidates to recall what they have learned. Candidates who don’t revise frequently are likely to forget the formulas and tips for the questions. Revision is the last-minute IBPS SO preparation tips for the exam.
Top 5 IBPS SO Preparation Tips by Experts
Subject-wise Preparation approach
The preliminary focus of candidates should be completing the syllabus subject-wise. This will enable them to cover all the chapters. Candidates should prioritise subjects like quantitative aptitude and reasoning because these are time-consuming and long.
Make a TimeTable
This is a crucial phase in the preparation process. Making a schedule will assist candidates in allocating sufficient time to each subject. Aspirants should make time for revision at regular intervals. The timetable will also assist them in creating a study schedule that is suitable for the preparation.
Choose the right Preparation Books
Candidates should only select the best IBPS SO 2023 preparation books and study guides. Due to the abundance of books available on the market, applicants eventually become confused and end up purchasing an excessive number of books. But it’s crucial to realise that consulting a couple of well-known study guides is all you need to ace the test. The candidates will simply become confused if they read too many books.
Appropriate Study Time
Candidates should not continuously study for 6-7 hours, as doing so will only make them exhausted. An appropriate study time for IBPS SO is 3–4 hours per day. A break at regular intervals is important to refresh the mind. Also, candidates should allocate proper time for each subject.
Avoid Last time preparation
Candidates should avoid the last-minute rush for the IBPS SO exam. Instead of grasping and learning new topics, candidates should focus their time on revision and practice. Making a suitable timetable before beginning the preparation, as was indicated before, will enable students to finish all the topics weeks before the exam. Leaving any topic for the last minute will only create pressure and confusion in the minds of candidates.
IBPS SO Preparation Tips 2023 FAQs
Ans- Yes, the IBPS SO is one of the top comparative banking exams. With a limited number of openings and a large number of candidates participating, it becomes difficult to crack the exam, but with good preparation, candidates can pass the examination.
Ans- The IBPS SO exam is conducted for IT officers, Law Officers, HR, Marketing Officers, Agriculture Field Officers and Rajbhasa Adhikari.
Ans- The difficulty level of the exam is moderate.
Ans-Six months are enough for preparation if candidates put in the right efforts and plan their studies in the appropriate direction.
Are the questions in the IBPS SO exam repeated?
It’s possible that some of the questions have been asked before. The likelihood of a question pattern repeating is higher than the likelihood of a specific question repeating.
What date will the IBPS SO Interview be held?
After the IBPS SO Mains results are announced, the IBPS SO Interview will be held.
How can I get ready for the IBPS SO exam’s Reasoning section?
Complete puzzles, practice tests, and old question papers to get ready for the reasoning portion of the IBPS SO exam.
I struggle with quantitative aptitude. How can I pass the IBPS SO exam?
You can attempt as many mock tests as you can and tackle IBPS SO question papers from prior years. Consult the high school textbooks to review your foundational concepts.
What is the first and most important step in preparing for the IBPS SO?
Reviewing the syllabus and exam format is the first and most important step in preparing for the IBPS SO exam.
How can I get ready for the IBPS SO’s General Awareness section?
A good way to remain up to date on current events is to read newspapers and periodicals. Examine the recent six months’ worth of current events.