Bank P.O Exam Guide

Bank P.O is one of the most talked about examination for bank recruitment in India. P.O stands for Probationary Officer which is an entry level position in banks, which are especially for fresh graduates or a person without any prior experience. The probation period for Bank P.Os is generally 2 years in which they’re trained and are also posted across different departments for gaining exposure in the action and policies in the banks.

 Banking in India

Banks in India have always proved out to be reliable and have been nearly uninfluenced by any global crisis in banking industry. Indian Banks have now extended their activities and are into new services like insurance, credit cards, internet banking, investment banking, consumer finance, mutual funds, pension and stock related services etc.

Given the size of the industry and scope of banking, there will always be a lot of career opportunities for both the fresh graduates and experienced professionals.

Format

Tips to Score Well in Each Section

Here is some useful information about the type of questions in each section and some tips to score well in each section:

1.  Quantitative Aptitude

This section tests the mathematical ability of the candidate. It usually has questions contains based on basic school level maths (NCERT) which will cover the following types:

1. Calculations and approximations
2. Data Interpretation
3. General Mathematics (topics like average, number systems, time and work etc)
4. Quantitative Comparisons
5. Odd Man Out/Complete the Series

Tips:

• Try to score well in Data Interpretation. Read the given data carefully and then try to find out what is the requirement to solve a problem.
• Try to make approximations and eliminate the given options wherever possible.
• Learn the basics by reading the school level NCERT maths textbooks.
• The odd man out type questions do not require any conceptual knowledge but general calculation skills including multiplication, squares etc.

 2.  Logical Reasoning

This section mainly tests the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning skills. This section might be time occupying but anyone can score well in this section if he/she has strong analytical and reasoning abilities. Here are some type of question which show up in this section:

1. Non Verbal Reasoning
2. Data Sufficiency
3. Linear and circular Arrangement
4. Distributions
5. Blood Relations/Deductions
6. Logical Venn diagrams

Tips:

• Remember that the objective of  Data Sufficiency problems is NOT how to “solve” a question but to find out if it can be solved with the provided data or not.
• Maximize your analytical skills by practicing sample reasoning problems.
• Set time constraints, especially for this section since you can’t afford to spend too much time on this section.
• Make sure to never assume anything and to read all the provided data carefully.

3.   English Language

This section tests the candidate’s vocabulary, grammar and comprehension skills in English.

1. Synonyms and antonyms
2. Paragraph completion/ vocabulary
3. Rearrangement of sentences
4. Reading comprehension

Tips:

• Develop a daily habit of reading newspaper and learn 5 new words every day. This will help enhance both your comprehensive skills and vocabulary.
• Note down the new words with their meaning and synonyms, while you learn them.
• Watch English news and T.V channels.
• Buy a pocket dictionary and keep it with you wherever you go.

4.  General Awareness

This section tests the candidate’s knowledge with respect to the banking industry and current national and international affairs.

1. Principles and policies in the banking industry
2. National and international affairs
3. Recent technologies and changes in banking domain.
4. National Economy
5. Finance and Budgeting
6. National honours and awards

Tips

• Reading newspaper is the primary source to excel in this section.
• Know what’s happening in the world and around you. Listen to the news daily.
• Read about the recent changes in economy and budget.
• Read about the Reserve Bank of India.
• Build strong knowledge about the basic banking terminologies, policies and advancements.

 5.  Computer Awareness

This section tests the general computer awareness of the candidate. The questions are generally based on:

1. Basic computer related terminologies and abbreviations.
2. History of computers.
3. Software & Hardware.
4. Basic Knowledge of Ms-office tools like word, excel etc.
5. Knowledge of basic internet usage.

To score well in this section, buy a good book to enhance your computer related knowledge and work on MS Office to gain practical knowledge.

Note:  Some Bank P.O exams also consist of a “Descriptive Writing” test is to check the candidate’s proficiency in English writing skills. It is generally a test of English Composition which includes Letter Writing, Essay Writing and Precise Writing etc.

Rememeber

• The steps required in solving the problem won’t get you any marks. Since it’s an objective exam, you’ll get marks only if you select the correct option.
• For every wrong answer one fourth of the marks are deducted which means for every 4 wrong answers 1 mark will be deducted.
• Every section might have a separate cut-off.
• There is no specific syllabus for this exam. You can only study the last year’s question papers and solve mock tests to practice for this exam.

If you’re preparing for Bank P.O Exam and need coaching for the same, you can post your Bank Exam coaching need here. You can leave your opinions in the comments section below.