Tips to ace bank PO exams

By Madiha Jawed

One of the most preferred and pet jobs that have emerged recently are the banking jobs. Hot favorites among job hunters, banking jobs ensure security, stability and growth opportunities.

The entrance is not considered very difficult, but it has definitive pattern. Here are few pointers to familiarise you towards this exam.

Mantras to crack the exam:

• Go through the exam pattern: The first and the foremost thing you should get acquainted with is the pattern of the exam. A written test for a bank PO exam comprises of 2 parts: objective and descriptive.
• The objective part consists of 4 sections i.e. English language test, quantitative ability, reasoning and general awareness.
• In the descriptive part, aspirants are supposed to write lengthy answers on current issues. The candidates thus selected are chosen for a round of GD/PI.
• Practice: Practice and then prepare. Make use of the previous year question papers and model test papers. It could be of great help in outlining the question paper. Try and practice the question paper thrice to gain confidence. Devote ample time on each section. Apart from mathematics and English, check out the newspapers and watch news daily to be updated on the current affairs.
• Manage your time: The most important key to get through the bank PO exam is to manage your time. Plan your time and focus on the easier subjects first, followed by the tough ones. Time yourself for every section. Do not spend more than 30 seconds for any MCA (Multiple Choice Answers). Try attempting the general awareness and marketing aptitude first, as these are easier as compared to other sections.
• Do not attempt doubtful questions: Avoid attempting questions you are unsure of as there is negative marking for every question answered wrongly. Answer questions you are confident of and practice a lot of question papers to gain confidence.
• Take mock tests: Make it a point to take mock tests. Besides getting enrolled in institutes which offer mock tests, aspirants can download or buy test papers of previous years. Solving these would surely increase your speed.

Take a look at one of the sample papers for Bank PO

Papers on varied subjects

After clearing the written exam, comes Group Discussion and Personal Interview. GDs and PIs are the two foremost stages of the selection process in all the banks across India. These stages become pertinent only after the score cards have been issued.

Following this, the banks accept the score card to further their selection process. Accordingly, on the basis of the score attained, aspirants can apply for the banks as and when the positions are notified. It is only after this, that the banks hold GD or PI or both to fill the notified posts. So, go through these steps to qualify your GD/PI.

• Typically, during a GD a group of few people are given a particular topic (written or oral) to think. After this, the group is left to discuss the topic. Students should make judicious use of their time to think critically, analyse thoroughly and then try to arrive at a conclusion.
• Irrelevant points and facts should be averted. Instead students must stick to neutral points.
• Use your comprehension skills to arrive Aspirants must recapitulate the given topic and then come up with questions based upon the same.
• It is quite a good idea to form rules and create a consensus on how the discussion should take place. For instance, the opener may request for the group's permission to give everyone a chance to speak once in line and then start the general discussion.
• Counter the points raised by others by pointing issues rather than initiating a personal attack on the member
• Completely avoid giving a negative impression.
• You can score a point by speaking less and making a valid point acceptable to the group.
• Voice your opinion in a remarkable manner. But simultaneously, listen to others carefully and include their views in a carful manner.

Some simple tips before facing bank interviews:

• Research well about the bank's history, services, achievements, management etc.
• Stay about the recent happenings and events in the business sector
• Make sure you communicate in English as most of the bank interviews are conducted in English to test your communication skills.
• Is feeling nervous, spend some time in overcoming your nervousness.
• Practice and rehearse your interview. Be particular about your attire and reaching the venue on time.