The Annual most prestigious Examination by Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for the candidates aiming to achieve a job in India’s banking sector as Probationary Officers. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for the IBPS PO exam for lucrative career opportunities, job stability, and career growth that it offers.
So, if you are a student readying for the IBPS PO examination of 2024 or a parent guiding your child, this is the most comprehensive guide to step by step help you prepare for the all-over breakdown, tips on being on top of the exam schedule, key topics, and how to prepare to crack it. Let’s dive right in for some details on the exam structure,and key deadlines so you can prepare with confidence.
Introduction
The IBPS PO is an all-India competitive exam conducted to recruit Probationary Officers in any of the public sector banks functioning under the Indian government. The competition level in this exam has seen a rise over the period of time. Hence, aspirants now require a well-equipped strategy while preparing, adequate knowledge of the curriculum, and good time management skills.
In total, the exam can be divided into three primary stages:
- Prelims (Preliminary Examination)
- Mains Examination
- Personal Interview
Screening of the candidates is done in three stages only during the pre-application stage of the IBPS PO exam. So, the Preliminary stage is only for screening the candidates so that it is just a qualifying round whereas both Mains and Interview stages culminate into the final merit list. To achieve success, the candidates need to focus on increasing speed, accuracy and their knowledge of the subject.
IBPS PO 2024 Exam Overview
The IBPS PO 2024 exam consists of two stages of written exam, Prelims, and Mains, accompanied by an Interview round. The two stages test candidates on different skill domains, including reasoning ability, quantitative aptitude, English language skills, and awareness of current affairs.
| Stage | Type of Exam Mode | Mode | Description | Marks |
| Preliminary Exam | Objective | Online (CBT) | Three sections: Reasoning, Quant, English | 100 marks |
| Mains Exam | Objective + Descriptive | Online (CBT) | Four sections + 1 Descriptive section | 200 marks + 25 marks |
| Interview | Personal | In-person | Personal Interview round | 100 marks |
The Preliminary exam tests the basic skills of reasoning, quantitative aptitude and English of the candidates. The candidates selected after Prelims can sit for the Mains, which is more detailed and includes modules such as Data Analysis, General/Economic/Banking Awareness, and a Descriptive test in English.
All those who clear the Mains exam are called for the Interview, which will test personality, communication, and knowledge of banking. The aggregate performance of a candidate both in the Mains and the Interview stages is taken to finalize selection.
IBPS PO 2024 Exam Date
The exam dates are to be considered as you can plan your practice more efficiently and you would be aware of your application timelines. Here are the important dates for IBPS PO 2024 exam as follows-
| Event | Date |
| IBPS PO Notification Release Date | August 2024 |
| Online Application Start Date | 1 August 2024 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 28 August 2024 |
| Release of Prelims Admit Card | 11 October 2024 |
| Date of Preliminary Exam | 19 & 20 October 2024 |
| Release of Mains Admit Card | TBA |
| Mains Exam Date | 30 November 2024 |
| Interview Call Letters | TBA |
| Declaration of final results | TBA |
Candidates must keep a watch on all these dates and ensure that the applications are submitted and all preparations are made in good time before any particular stage of exams.
Eligibility Criteria for IBPS PO 2024
The candidate must ensure that he/she meets the eligibility criteria put forth by the IBPS, before he/she applies for IBPS PO 2024 exam. Eligibility criteria for IBPS PO consists of educational qualifications, age limits, and requirements as far as their nationality is concerned.
Educational Qualification
Candidates who apply for the IBPS PO 2024 exam should have held a bachelor’s degree in any field from any recognized university or its equivalent qualification. The bachelor’s degree must be completed before the date of application. Final years/awaiting result candidates are not eligible to apply.
Age Criteria
The IBPS PO 2024 exam has the following age criteria.
- Minimum Age 20 years;
- Maximum Age 30 years
Candidates, who hail from the reserved categories are eligible for age relaxation:
| SC/ST | 5 years of relaxation |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years of relaxation |
| Persons with Disabilities (PWD) | 10 years of relaxation |
| Ex-Servicemen | 5 years of relaxation |
Nationality Conditions
To be eligible to appear for the IBPS PO 2024 examination, candidates must be satisfying any one of the following nationality conditions:
- Indian Citizen
- Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan.
- A Tibetan Refugee migrated to India prior to January 1, 1962 with an intention to settle there for all times to come.
- Indian origin persons migrating from such countries as Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Burma, Kenya, Uganda, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, Ethiopia and Vietnam to India with an intention of permanent settlement
Applicants will make sure that they fulfill the criteria mentioned above as mere disqualification at later stages.
IBPS PO 2024: Important Dates Not to Miss
The IBPS PO exam is one of the cut-throat exams. Though it is competitive, it becomes indispensable to keep track of some known dates. You may also be disqualified if you miss the deadlines of the exam.
IBPS PO 2024 important dates,
| Event | Deadline |
| Last Date for Online Application | 28 August 2024 |
| Admit Card for Prelims | 11 October 2024 |
| Prelims Exam Date | 19 & 20 October 2024 |
| Mains Admit Card Release | TBA |
| Mains Exam Date | 30 November 2024 |
If you keep these dates in view and prepare accordingly, you will not miss the submission of the application and will be well prepared with each round of the examination.
How to Stay Updated with IBPS PO Exam Notifications
Following the important notifications regarding the IBPS PO Exam 2024 is essential in not missing a particular notice. It could be the deadline for the application, date for admit card issuance, or the date of exam. Here are a few tips on how to stay updated-
1. Check the Official IBPS Website.
The official website for all exam updates is https://www.ibps.in/. Please visit the website often.
2. Subscribe to Email Alerts
Many education websites and exam prep portals provide email alert options so that a candidate can get instant updates about the issuance of an admit card, results, or new notifications. The candidate, therefore, must subscribe to these alerts for instant updations.
3. Follow IBPS on Social Media
IBPS official social media pages carry all necessary notifications and updates. Through these pages only you can always keep updating about changes in the exam schedule or any other important news.
4. Bookmark the pages related to exams
Bookmark the exam pages on IBPS portal or popular portals for exam preparation. You need not roam here and there for the latest information on the same; otherwise, it would create confusion.
You could ensure never to miss the updates related to IBPS PO exam by remaining proactive with frequent checks of credible sources.
Tips for Time Management with respect to IBPS PO Exam Schedule
IBPS PO 2024 exam time management plays a great role in preparation towards competitive exams. As the exam schedule is already announced, the candidate should chalk out his own plan to cover the syllabus without leaving time for re-reading and practice.
1. Making a Study Plan
One of the best and most efficient strategies is to divide the syllabus into small sections, set a time limit for each subject, and follow the approach. Spend more time in areas where you’re least confident. A well-organized plan will keep you on track and avoid last-minute cramming.
| Subject | Time allocated per day | Weekly Target |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 2 hours | Complete 4-5 topics, practice problems |
| Reasoning Ability | 1.5 hours | Puzzles and logical reasonings |
| English Language | 1 hour | Vocabulary improvement, comprehension practice |
| General Awareness | 1 hour | Read newspapers, banking awareness |
| Mock Tests & Revision | 2-3 hours | Weekly mock test, weak areas revision |
This type of plan structure tends to cover all the important topics in a time schedule in a balanced way.
2. Track Application Deadlines
Keep a watchful eye on the key dates, that is, the closing dates for applications as well as admitting cards. Use reminders or calendar notifications to not miss any deadlines as missing a deadline can mean sitting for an exam
3. Practice Mock Tests & Revision
Mock tests are a part of your IBPS PO preparation. Repeated practice of mock tests will not only increase your speed but also improve the accuracy and make you accustomed to the pattern of the exam. After each mock test, analyze your paper to highlight weak areas and work on them.
In the last month leading to the exam, majorly revise. Look through important formulas and concepts and also practice papers that you felt were difficult. This will therefore help one remember important information and gain confidence.
Conclusion
The IBPS PO exam is one of the most competitive exams offered by the institute, and the successful completion would help to pursue a successful, stable banking career. Preparations with the right resources, proper usage of time during the test, and the needed aid, and everyone can crack the examination.
This keeps updated each important notification, tracks key deadlines to manage preparation time appropriately, and works towards success in each stage of the exam. It helps in concentrating both on conceptual understanding and regular practice for maximum chances of acing the IBPS PO exam.
Do remember, after all, that success on this exam depends not on your hard work but also on your ability to remain disciplined and constant during the preparation process.
FAQs
Q1: By when will the IBPS PO 2024 Preliminary Examination conduct?
The IBPS PO 2024 Preliminary Examination will be conducted on 19th and 20th October 2024.
Q2: By when can I/We submit the application for IBPS PO 2024?
The last date for an IBPS PO 2024 exam application is August 2024. Candidates should complete the application process a week before.
Q3: How to get the IBPS PO admit card?
IBPS PO admit card for the Prelims exam can be downloaded from the official IBPS website, ibps.in, between 11th October and 20th October 2024. You can download the same using your registration number and password.
Q4: Is there any interview after the IBPS PO mains exam?
Therefore, the candidates who are eligible in the Mains Exam will be shortlisted for the Personal Interview round. The final result will be on the aggregate scores of Mains Exam and Interview. .
Prepare very well and manage your time properly to get through the different phases of the IBPS PO 2024 exam and finally, realize your objective of becoming a Probationary Officer in any public sector bank.
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