How to Prepare for Bank Exams – 4 Practical Tips

How do I prepare for bank exams, is one top question heard nowadays as many Indian youth are looking aggressively to join public sector banks.Ever since the start of recession fears in IT companies, college freshers have started to look at options that offer job security.So is the reason for many grads to choose government jobs over high paying private sector jobs.A new trend seems to have emerged among

Here is a compilation of practical tips prepared by Bankexamsindia.com that can be put to use by both – new applicants & those who were not able to crack banking exams so far.

These were sourced after our discussions with few bank exam training institutes. 

What job in banks?

Like any other organization govt. owned banks also has many positions & eligibility conditions, job profile, salary etc., differs for each.But for a fresher there are only 3 avenues.They are

• Clerk or Single window operator (SWO)
• Probationary Officer
• Specialist Officer

So first, decide on the position that you want to join & be sure of fulfilling the criteria set for it.

To know the type of banking jobs available in India checkout what posts are available in banks .

Plan early for common exam:

Having decided on the post, its time to begin preparations for examinations.

With the introduction of common written exam by Institute of banking personnel selection (IBPS) – you will have to appear for only a single test & can apply to any bank recruitments with that score.

The question paper will most probably contain the following sections:

Reasoning, Quantitative aptitude or Numerical reasoning, English, General awareness & Computer knowledge.

To know about the syllabus & what to concentrate, see topics to read in each section

Since the PO & clerical exams is conducted twice a year & specialist officer once a year, you have ample time to prepare.

Take efforts:

Whatever be the mode of preparing, personal effort is very much required as the competition will be high.

• Understand the exam pattern & frame shortcuts or easy methods for answering a question within the given time.
• Regular practice will boost your confidence level attend the exam without fear.
• Keep an eye on the upcoming bank exams & jobs to gather as much information about the specific banking organization that you wish to apply.

You can also refer the previous years trends to get an idea of the possible cutoffs & the required scores that one must secure for selection into banks.See PO jobs cutoff scores 2012

Practicing leads to perfection:

More than qualifying, scoring high marks increases your prospects.

The more you practice, the better are your chances of reaching good marks in the examination.For this, there are two methods that can be followed

• Coaching centre: Many centres for bank exams coaching have sprung up & every city/town has atleast one.Here you will have access to trainers for solving doubts, regular mock tests & individual attention.The fees starts from Rs.6000 & goes upto Rs.10,000
• Self study: This is the normal route many aspirants tend to travel.You will have to devote some time among other works in preparing for the exam sections.
• Previous year`s solved question papers, guides & workbooks are available in bookshops nowadays with which you can prepare from home.The cost of books are available in all popular book stores from Rs.100-400.

Bank exam books can be purchased on Internet as well.

Interviews:

After clearing the written tests, Group discussion or Interviews will be the deciding factor in selection of a candidate for appointment.

• Since most questions would be banking, economy & policy related, knowledge about latest events is required.(see commonly asked interview questions for bank jobs)

For this, reading newspapers & watching business new channels will infuse deeper insight on various topics.