How to Start Preparing for IBPS PO from Scratch?

Preparing for the IBPS PO exam from scratch can feel challenging, especially for candidates with no prior banking exam experience. However, with the right preparation strategy, consistent practice, and proper guidance, clearing the IBPS PO exam is absolutely achievable. The exam tests a candidate’s speed, accuracy, conceptual clarity, and decision-making skills. If you are starting your IBPS PO preparation without coaching, this detailed guide will help you build a strong foundation and move forward with confidence.

IBPS PO Preparation Strategy from Scratch

Starting IBPS PO preparation from scratch can feel challenging, but a clear strategy makes the journey easier. With proper planning, regular practice, and concept clarity, candidates can gradually improve their performance. Understanding what to study and how to study is the key to success. Below is a simple and effective preparation strategy to follow.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by going through the IBPS PO exam pattern and syllabus for Prelims and Mains. Knowing the subjects and important topics helps you plan your preparation in the right direction.
2. Build Strong Basics First: Begin with basic concepts of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language. Clear fundamentals make it easier to solve moderate and difficult questions later.
3. Make a Simple Study Plan: Create a daily study timetable and follow it regularly. Give time to each subject and keep one day in a week for revision.
4. Practice Topic-Wise Questions: Practice questions from one topic at a time. This improves accuracy and helps you understand common question patterns.
5. Read Current Affairs Daily: Read banking and financial news every day. Current affairs are very important for the Mains exam and interview stage.
6. Attempt Mock Tests Regularly: Start with sectional tests and then move to full-length mock tests. Mock tests help in improving speed and time management.
7. Analyse Your Performance: After every mock test, analyse your mistakes carefully. Work more on weak areas and revise concepts regularly.
8. Revise and Make Short Notes: Prepare short notes, formulas, and important points for quick revision before the exam.
9. Stay Consistent and Positive: Consistency and a positive mindset are key to success. Avoid last-minute stress and trust your preparation.

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. 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.