Strategy to crack IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam 2017

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IBPS conducts recruitment drives for various posts of banking sector in India. It has notified for the recruitment drive for clerks in public sector banks. The exam will be conducted in two phases, first phase is preliminary exam followed by main exam. The level of competition is on its peak as the number of vacancies has reduced from previous years and number of applicants has increased. The candidates required a best fit strategy to crack this exam. Through this exam we will be providing you with the best fit strategy.

The preliminary exam has three sections English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. The exact exam pattern is:-

It means we are having sixty minutes to attempt 100 questions. It means we are having 36 seconds for one question. The next big question is how many questions one should attempt to stay in safe zone. As per current trends of banking exams, one must attempt at least 75+ questions with more than 90% accuracy. The exam must be attempted in two phases, first phase to secure sectional cut off and second phase to increase marks.

The candidates should follow a rational approach to achieve these figures. The preparation plan can be divided into following sub plans:-

• Completing syllabus (from easy to moderate to difficult)
• Taking quizzes while completing syllabus
• Taking mocks after syllabus completion
• Analyzing mocks to improve speed and accuracy

Although the syllabus for this exam is vast but there are certain topics in every section which hold maximum weightage. Therefore the candidates should focus on scoring topics first and then move to other topics. The section wise strategy is given below:-

IBPS has notified for the recruitment of specialist officer exam. This exam will be conducted in three phases, the preliminary exam, mains exam and interview. First step is preliminary exam. The competition is going to be very high. Therefore a best fit strategy for attempting exam is a must. In this article we will be discussing this best fit strategy.

The preliminary exam has three sections English Language and Comprehension, Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. The exam pattern is:-

It means we are having sixty minutes to attempt 100 questions. It means we are having 36 seconds for one question. The next big question is how many questions one should attempt to stay in safe zone. As per current trends of banking exams, one must attempt at least 75+ questions with more than 90% accuracy. The exam must be attempted in two phases, first phase to secure sectional cut off and second phase to increase marks. The subject wise strategy is given below:-

English Language and Comprehension: – In English Language and Comprehension the candidates can score 25+ marks. This number of attempts is possible with a rational strategy. The candidates should prepare for scoring sections first to secure cut off marks and then move to other topics.

Phase 1:- To prepare for scoring and easy topics

• Cloze test: – This type of questions remains easy to tackle if you first read complete paragraph quickly and then start attempting blanks one by one. The candidates can score well in this topic with little efforts. The grammar and vocabulary both are covered in this type. The candidates should gain expertise in both grammar and vocabulary as well.
• Spotting errors: – These types is also easy and less time consuming as either you know the error or leave the question. Follow good source to know the main areas from where maximum questions are asked in exam. For example subject verb agreements, confusing words, questions tags etc.
• Para jumbled sentences: – With a short span of time you can easily expertise this type of questions.

Phase 2:- Scoring but level of difficulty is either moderate or tough:-

• Passage: – The passage is time consuming therefore you should first practice questions based on Synonyms and Antonyms. Once you are able to save time in English section, try to practice complete passages.
• Finding Odd sentence out: – This is the new type of question asked in exam these days. This topic requires a lot of readings from various sources.
• Merging two paragraphs:- This type of questions can be asked in preliminary exam also, therefore practice ample amount of questions before exam.

Quantitative Aptitude: – In this section also there are questions from easy to moderate and sometimes difficult also. The candidates should attempt 23+ questions. The candidates can prepare for this section in two phases:-

Phase 1:- To prepare for scoring and easy topics:-

• Simplification and approximation: – This type of questions is easy to solve and take less time. The candidates can easily attempt 8+ questions.
• Series: – The candidates can easily solve 3+ questions out of 5 in this section. If you are able to get the clue of pattern in first 10 seconds, then you should attempt it else leave the question.
• Quadratic equations: – This also one of scoring topics, you can easily score 4+.

Phase 2:- Scoring but level of difficulty is either moderate or tough:-

• Data Interpretation: – In this type of questions the candidates can easily attempt 4+. If the question is direct and involves less calculations you should attempt it else leave the question. Try to solve questions using ratio analysis method for quick calculations.
• Miscellaneous: – This type is a mix of easy, moderate to difficult types of questions. The candidates should hunt for easy and moderate questions. The difficult questions should be skipped. In this manner the candidates can attempt 4+ questions easily.

Reasoning Ability: – In this section also there are questions from easy to moderate. The candidates should attempt this section in two phases, first to secure sectional cut off and second to increase score. The candidates should attempt 27+ questions:-

Phase 1:- To prepare for scoring and easy topics:-

Inequality: – The questions of inequality remain easy to attempt. The candidates can easily attempt all 5 questions in 3 minutes.

• Number /alphabet series: – This type of questions is from easy to moderate the candidates should attempt the easy questions first and then moderate ones. The candidates can attempt 5+ questions. The candidates should not waste time if they are not able to get the pattern in first 10 seconds.

Phase 2:- Scoring but level of difficulty is either moderate or tough:-

• Miscellaneous: – In miscellaneous questions are from easy to difficult. The candidates should attempt easy and moderate questions. They should skip difficult questions in order to save time. The candidates can attempt 4+ questions.
• Puzzles: – If the puzzle is having two or less than two parameters attempt it else leave it. There remain three puzzles out of which two puzzles can be solved with proper time management. The candidates thus can attempt 8+.

Once the syllabus is complete start taking mocks on regular basis. The candidates must do proper analysis of mocks in order to know the grey areas.

All the best for your exams,

Team gradeup!