IBPS Clerk Mains Time Management Tips for Each Section

Cracking the IBPS Clerk Mains exam is all about smart strategy and effective time management. The paper is lengthy, the questions are moderate to difficult, and the timer keeps running fast. To score high, knowing how much time to spend on each section becomes extremely important. Here are practical and easy-to-follow time management tips designed to help you maximize accuracy and minimize stress.

IBPS Clerk Mains Time Management Tips

The IBPS Clerk Mains Exam 2025 is scheduled for 29 November & 02 December 2025, and managing time well is key to scoring high. In Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, attempt easy puzzles and quick topics first. For Quant, start with arithmetic and pick manageable DI sets. In General Awareness, move steadily without overthinking. In English, cover quick-scoring topics before attempting RC.

1. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude – 45 minutes

The Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude section requires a strategic approach to manage time effectively. Starting with easier questions can help build confidence and secure quick marks before moving on to more challenging problems.

• Start with easy and moderate level puzzles (linear, circular, floor-based).
• Attempt inequality, syllogism, blood relation, coding-decoding quickly.
• Save complex puzzles for the end attempt only if time remains.
• Don’t spend more than 8–10 minutes on any single puzzle.

2. Quantitative Aptitude – 45 minutes

The Quantitative Aptitude section requires careful time management to maximize your score. Starting with questions you are comfortable with can help build momentum before moving on to more time-consuming problem types.

• Begin with arithmetic word problems you are comfortable with.
• Quickly solve simplification/approximation if asked (rare in Mains).
• Attempt DI sets in this order:

1. 1. Table or Bar Graph
   2. Line Graph
   3. Caselet
   4. Arithmetic DI

• Don’t waste time on lengthy DI sets set a 3-minute cap per set.

3. General/Financial Awareness – 35 minutes

The General/Financial Awareness section is considered the highest-scoring part of the exam, as it requires no calculations or reasoning. A focused and streamlined approach can help candidates attempt questions efficiently and maximize marks.

• This is the highest scoring section no calculations, no reasoning.
• Attempt in one single flow; don’t overthink answers.
• Mark doubtful questions for review, return later in remaining seconds.
• Prioritise Banking Awareness + Current Affairs of last 6 months.

4. English Language – 35 minutes

The English Language section demands both speed and accuracy. Focusing on quick-scoring areas first can help build confidence before tackling more time-consuming tasks like reading comprehension.

• Start with error spotting, fillers, para jumbles quick scoring.
• Attempt Reading Comprehension later; select answers smartly.
• Avoid re-reading passages more than necessary.
• Maintain accuracy negative marking hurts in this section.

Time Management Tips for IBPS RRB PO Exam 2025

Managing time efficiently during the IBPS RRB PO exam is crucial to maximize your score and attempt all sections confidently. Here are some key tips to help you stay on track:

• Prioritize Easy Questions: Attempt questions you are confident about first to secure quick marks.
• Set Time Limits: Allocate fixed time for each section and for tricky questions to avoid getting stuck.
• Tackle Sections Strategically: Start with high-scoring or faster sections to build momentum.
• Mark and Move: Flag doubtful questions for review and return to them only if time permits.
• Avoid Overthinking: Stick to your strategy and don’t spend too much time on a single problem.