IBPS - Common Written Exam for Bank Recruitment

Eligibility Criteria

• Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university or its equivalent.
• Age Limit: Generally, the minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 30 years, with age relaxation for reserved categories as per government norms.
• Nationality: Candidates must be Indian citizens. Some categories also allow subjects of Nepal, Bhutan, Tibetan refugees (with certain conditions), and persons of Indian origin migrated from specified countries.

Exam Pattern

• Mode of Exam: Online (Computer Based Test)
• Number of Questions: Usually ranges from 100-150 questions in the preliminary stage, increasing in mains.
• Marking Scheme: Each correct answer typically awards 1 mark; there is usually a penalty for wrong answers (negative marking of 0.25 marks per wrong answer).
• Subjects Covered:
  • English Language
  • Quantitative Aptitude
  • Reasoning Ability
  • General Awareness (with special reference to banking sector)
  • Computer Knowledge
• Exam Schedule: The preliminary exam is usually held in August-September, with the main exam following in October-November. Official notifications are generally released in July.

Syllabus

• English Language: Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, spotting errors, para jumbles, fill in the blanks, cloze test.
• Quantitative Aptitude: Number systems, simplification, data interpretation, ratio & proportion, percentages, profit & loss, averages, time & work, time & distance, algebra, geometry.
• Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating arrangements, inequalities, syllogisms, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, ordering and ranking, logical reasoning.
• General Awareness: Current affairs, banking awareness, static GK, financial awareness, economic news, government schemes related to banking.
• Computer Knowledge: Basics of computers, hardware, software, internet, MS Office, computer abbreviations, computer networks.

Other Important Information

Application Process

1. Visit the official IBPS website: https://www.ibps.in
2. Click on the link for the current year's Common Written Exam (CWE) recruitment notification.
3. Read the detailed instructions and eligibility criteria carefully.
4. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number to create your candidate profile.
5. Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per specifications.
7. Pay the application fee online through available payment modes (debit card, credit card, net banking).
8. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
9. Offline applications are not accepted; the process is entirely online.

Courses Offered

• Probationary Officer (PO)
• Clerical Cadre (Clerk)
• Specialist Officer (SO) in various domains like IT, Law, HR, Marketing, Agriculture, and more.

Facts About the Exam

• IBPS CWE is a gateway for recruitment into multiple public sector banks across India.
• The exam is held annually.
• High competition: lakhs of aspirants appear each year.
• Separate exams for PO, Clerk, and SO posts.

Admit Card

• Available for download on the IBPS official website approximately 10-15 days before the exam date.
• Download by logging into your candidate profile using registration number and password/date of birth.
• Carry the admit card along with a valid photo ID to the examination center.
• Check all details on the admit card carefully such as exam venue, date, and instructions.

Results & Cut-Offs

• Results are announced on the official IBPS website.
• Separate cut-offs for preliminary and mains exams.
• Cut-offs vary every year based on exam difficulty and number of candidates.
• Candidates must clear sectional and overall cut-offs to qualify for the next stage or final selection.

Preparation Tips

• Develop a strong foundation in English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.
• Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests regularly.
• Stay updated with current affairs, especially banking and economic news.
• Use standard books like R.S. Agarwal for reasoning and quantitative aptitude.
• Leverage online resources and apps for daily quizzes and practice.
• Manage your time well and take care of health and stress.

FAQs

• Q: How many attempts can I take for the IBPS exam?
  A: There is no restriction on the number of attempts within the age limit.
• Q: Can final year students apply?
  A: Generally, candidates should have a graduation degree before the application; final year students may check specific notifications.
• Q: Is there negative marking?
  A: Yes, usually 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer.
• Q: Is the exam bilingual?
  A: Yes, the test is usually available in English and Hindi except for English language paper.
• Q: What documents are required at the time of exam?
  A: Admit card and a valid government-issued photo ID.
• Q: When is the application form released?
  A: Usually in July every year; check official website for exact dates.
• Q: Are there sections for computer knowledge?
  A: Yes, some exams include computer knowledge as a section.