How to Start Preparing for IBPS PO from Scratch?

Starting your IBPS PO preparation from scratch may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to banking exams. However, with the right strategy, consistent efforts, and focused practice, cracking this exam is absolutely achievable. The IBPS PO exam tests your conceptual clarity, speed, accuracy, and decision-making under pressure. If you’re beginning without any coaching or prior background, this guide will help you take the first step in the right direction. From understanding the exam pattern to building a disciplined study routine, here’s how to begin your IBPS PO journey smartly and effectively.

How to Start Preparing for IBPS PO From Scratch?

Regular practice through mock tests, topic-wise quizzes, and time management exercises can significantly boost your performance. Staying updated with current affairs, especially banking and financial news, also plays a crucial role in the Mains and Interview stages. Preparing for IBPS PO from scratch is possible with the right mindset, discipline, and smart preparation. With the IBPS PO Prelims exam scheduled for 17, 23, and 24 August 2025, starting early gives you ample time to build confidence and maximise a candidate’s score.

Understand the IBPS PO Exam Structure

Before diving into preparation, the first step is understanding the exam pattern and selection process. Knowing what each stage demands helps you build a solid preparation foundation. The IBPS PO recruitment process is conducted in three phases:

• Prelims Exam: Objective type test including English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.
• Mains Exam: Includes Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness, English Language, and a Descriptive Writing test (Essay & Letter).
• Interview: Candidates shortlisted in the mains are called for a personal interview.

IBPS PO Syllabus Analysis

Once you are familiar with the pattern, the next step is to go through the IBPS PO Syllabus. Break it down subject-wise and topic-wise to identify areas you are strong in or weak in. Focus more on high-weightage topics and keep a balance across all sections.

Subject-Wise Breakdown:

• Quantitative Aptitude: Number Series, Simplification, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Arithmetic
• Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
• English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks
• General Awareness (Mains): Banking Awareness, Current Affairs, Financial & Economic News
• Descriptive Writing (Mains): Practice formal letters and essays on current or banking-related topics.

Build a Study Schedule for IBPS PO

Creating a realistic and effective study schedule is critical when starting from scratch. Begin with 3-4 hours a day and increase gradually. Allocate time slots for each subject and include revision time every week. Tips for a Study Plan:

• Start your day with a mock test or sectional quiz to build familiarity.
• Pick one tough subject and one easier subject daily.
• Reserve weekends for revision and full-length mock tests.

Start with Basic Concepts

Don’t rush into advanced questions. Focus on clearing your basics in Quant, Reasoning, and English. Refer to standard books or free online videos to understand fundamental concepts. For example, use apps like Adda247 for daily practice quizzes, daily current affairs PDFs for GA, etc.

Regular Practice and Mock Tests

The key to success in IBPS PO lies in practice. Once you are done with basic preparation, start attempting topic-wise and section-wise quizzes. Move on to full-length mock tests at least twice a week after a month of preparation. Also, analyse each mock test result and note down the questions or concepts you got wrong. Benefits of Mock Tests:

• Helps you get accustomed to exam pressure.
• Improves speed and time management.
• Identifies weak areas to focus on.

Stay Updated with Current Affairs for IBPS PO Mains

For the Mains and Interview stages, having good knowledge of current events and banking awareness is crucial. Start reading a good newspaper daily, like The Hindu or The Indian Express. You can also use monthly current affairs capsules or apps for revision.

How to Practice Questions the Right Way for IBPS PO

Practising questions smartly is essential for clearing the IBPS PO. It’s not just about the number of questions you solve; it’s about how you solve them. Begin with untimed practice to strengthen accuracy, then move to timed quizzes to build speed and exam temperament. Review every test attempt carefully, and don’t skip analyzing mistakes. Focus on weak areas and revise concepts regularly. Tracking errors and improving them can significantly raise your score. Key Tips to Practice Questions Effectively:

• Start with concept-based untimed practice to ensure clarity.
• Gradually move to timed quizzes to build speed and accuracy.
• After every quiz/mock test, review all correct and incorrect answers.
• Maintain an error log to track your common mistakes and tricky topics.
• Practice questions of all difficulty levels (easy, moderate, tough).
• Don’t ignore revision—revisit previously attempted topics regularly.
• Prioritise quality over quantity; avoid rushing through practice sets.

Prepare for Descriptive (Mains) and Interview

Many aspirants tend to overlook the Descriptive Paper and Interview preparation until the IBPS PO Mains exam is over, which can limit their performance later. However, with the IBPS PO Mains 2025 scheduled for 12 October 2025, starting early can give you a significant advantage. Make it a habit to practice at least one essay or letter every week to build writing fluency and structure. Focus on topics related to current affairs, banking reforms, financial inclusion, and the Indian economy. This not only sharpens your descriptive skills but also prepares you for interview discussions. Early preparation ensures you’re confident, well-informed, and ready for all stages of the selection process.

Make a Habit for the Regular Newspaper

Developing the habit of reading a newspaper daily is essential for success in the IBPS PO Mains exam, especially for the General Awareness and Descriptive English sections. A good newspaper like The Hindu, Indian Express, or Business Standard helps candidates stay updated with current events, banking and financial news, government policies, and economic developments, all of which are frequently asked in the exam. Reading editorials improves vocabulary, comprehension skills, and provides diverse perspectives on national and international issues, which is invaluable for essay and letter writing.

Be Consistent and Stay Motivated

IBPS PO preparation is a journey that requires patience and discipline. You might face difficulties initially, but consistency is the only way forward. Avoid comparing your progress with others, and keep improving at your own pace.

Approach for Preparation for IBPS PO from Scratch

Step-by-Step Approach to Prepare for IBPS PO from Scratch

• Get Familiar with the Exam Structure & Syllabus: Get familiar with the structure of Prelims, Mains, and Interview stages. Know what each section demands.
• Build Strong Fundamentals First: Begin with concept clarity in Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English. Strengthen your basics before jumping into advanced problems.
• Refer to Quality Study Materials: Use trusted books and online platforms (like Adda247, Oliveboard, etc.) to learn theory and solve examples.
• Practice Topic-Wise Daily: Solve beginner-level questions from one topic at a time and gradually increase the difficulty as you gain confidence.
• Read Daily Current Affairs: Stay updated with banking, economy, and national news via newspapers like The Hindu or apps like Adda247.
• Attempt Sectional Tests Regularly: After learning the basics, start taking sectional tests to build accuracy and improve time management in each section.
• Take Full-Length Mock Tests Weekly: Mock tests simulate the real exam and help you build stamina, speed, and strategy.
• Analyze & Improve: After each test, review your performance. Focus on weak areas and revise regularly to avoid repeating mistakes.
• Stay Consistent & Motivated: Make a timetable and stick to it. Avoid long breaks and keep your goal in sight with regular self-assessment.

Mistakes to Avoid While Preparing for IBPS PO

• Ignoring the syllabus: Studying random topics without knowing what’s actually required.
• Delaying mock tests: Starting mocks late leaves less time for performance improvement.
• Focusing only on strong areas: Avoid neglecting your weak sections, especially if they carry weight.
• Skipping current affairs: General Awareness is crucial for Mains and cannot be learned overnight.
• Inconsistency: Irregular study routines hurt your overall preparation quality.
• Not analysing mocks: Taking tests without reviewing errors leads to repeated mistakes.

Importance of Revision and Note-Making for IBPS PO Exam

• Revision helps retain concepts and avoids last-minute cramming.
• Regularly revisiting previously studied topics keeps your preparation sharp.
• Note-making simplifies revision by using short notes, formula sheets, or mind maps.
• Personal notes make it easier to revise without opening bulky books again.
• Weekly and monthly revision cycles prevent knowledge gaps.
• Helps in managing time during the final days before the exam.