Banking IBPS PO Preparation

Banking IBPS PO Preparation

IBPS PO Preparation

Logical Reasoning :

Statement & Conclusion: Identify whether the conclusion logically follows from the statement (e.g., Statement: All swans are white. Conclusion: Some white birds are swans - True).

Cause & Effect: Establish a cause-and-effect relationship between events (e.g., The car wouldn't start. The battery was dead - Cause: Dead battery, Effect: Car wouldn't start).

Strengthening & Weakening Arguments: Evaluate arguments and identify factors that strengthen or weaken them (e.g., Weakening Argument: If it rains, the ground is wet. The ground is wet, so it rained - There could be other reasons for a wet ground).

Identifying Assumptions: Recognize underlying assumptions in arguments (e.g., Assumption: Everyone who works hard will be successful - Not everyone who works hard is guaranteed success).

Analogies: Identify relationships between concepts and find similar relationships in other pairs (e.g., Doctor : Patient :: Teacher : Student).

Exercise 1: Analyze the following statement and conclusion: "All flowers are red. Roses are flowers. Therefore, all roses are red." Is the conclusion logically true? Why or why not?

2. Alphanumeric Series :

Identify the pattern in a sequence of letters and numbers and predict the next term (e.g., A1, B2, C3, D4, E...).

The pattern could involve alternating letters and increasing numbers, adding a fixed value to both letters and numbers, or following a more complex logic.

Exercise 2: Find the next term in the series: 2W, 4X, 6Y, 8Z, ...

3. Ranking/Direction Puzzle :

You are given information about the relative positions or directions of objects or people (e.g., A is to the left of B, C is between D and E).

Use this information to deduce the final arrangement or answer questions about their positions.

Exercise 3: In a line, A sits to the left of B, C sits to the right of D, and B is not next to D. Who is in the center?

4. Data Sufficiency :

You are presented with data in the form of statements or numbers and asked to determine if the data is sufficient to answer a specific question.

Analyze the information carefully and identify if it's enough to reach a definite conclusion (e.g., Data: The total cost of 2 apples and 3 oranges. Question: Is the cost of an apple more than the cost of an orange? - Insufficient data).

Exercise 4: Data: The average weight of 5 students. Question: Is one student heavier than 70 kg? - Insufficient data (we need individual weights).

5. Coded Inequalities :

Letters or symbols represent numbers, and you need to decipher the code to solve inequalities (e.g., A > B might translate to 2 > 1).

Use the given information and logical reasoning to solve for the unknown values.

Exercise 5: Code: P > Q, Q = R. If S < P, what can you say about the relationship between S and R?

6. Seating Arrangement :

You are given information about the seating positions of people around a table or in a row (e.g., A sits next to B, C is opposite D).

Use this information to deduce the final arrangement or answer questions about who sits next to whom or who is opposite whom.

Exercise 6: Five friends, E, F, G, H, and I, are sitting around a circular table. E sits next to F, and H is not next to either E or F. G sits opposite I. Who is sitting between E and G?

7. Puzzle :

You are presented with a scenario or a set of clues that require logical deduction to solve (e.g., There are three boxes: one contains only gold coins, another only silver coins, and the third a mixture of both. Each box is labeled either "gold," "silver," or "lie" - but one label is incorrect. By weighing just one box, can you determine the contents of all three?).

Exercise 7: A thief stole a necklace and can either hide it in the garden, bury it underground, or give it to his accomplice. He can either tell the truth, lie, or remain silent about each location. You know the thief either hid the necklace and lied about it or gave it to his accomplice and told the truth about both the accomplice and the hiding place. Where is the necklace hidden?

8. Syllogism :

A syllogism consists of two statements (premises) and a conclusion derived from them (e.g., Premise 1: All doctors wear white coats. Premise 2: John is wearing a white coat. Conclusion: Therefore, John is a doctor).

Analyze the premises to see if they logically support the conclusion.

Exercise 8: Premise 1: Only teachers are punctual. Premise 2: Sarah is not punctual. Conclusion: Thus, Sarah is not a teacher. Is the conclusion valid? Why or why not?

9. Input-Output :

A set of input numbers is processed by a specific rule, and you need to determine the output based on the rule (e.g., Input: 3 --> Output: 9 (rule: multiply by 3)).

Identify the pattern or rule applied to the input to get the output.

Exercise 9: Input: 7 --> Output: 22. Input: 5 --> Output: 16. What is the output for an input of 8? (Possible rule: add 15)

10. Coding-Decoding :

A code is used to replace letters or numbers with different symbols or numbers (e.g., A = 1, B = 2, etc.).

You need to decipher the code by translating coded messages or finding the code for specific letters/numbers.

Exercise 10: Code: A = 4, B = 6, C = 8. Decode the message: "BCDE." (Answer: 6824)

11. Blood Relations :

You are given information about family relationships (e.g., A is the son of B, C is the brother of D).

Use this information to answer questions about relationships between other family members.

Exercise 11: X is the daughter of Y. Z is the brother of Y. How is Z related to X? (Answer: Uncle)

IBPS PO Prep: Mastering the English Language

The IBPS PO English Language section assesses your reading comprehension, vocabulary, and grammatical skills. Let's delve into key areas with examples, exercises, and study tips to help you excel:

Reading Comprehension :

You will be given passages on various topics (business, economics, current affairs, etc.) followed by questions testing your understanding.

Example 1: The passage discusses the importance of innovation in the banking sector. A question might ask: "What is the main challenge faced by banks that are resistant to innovation?"

Exercise 1: Read a short news article and answer questions about the central idea, supporting details, and the author's purpose.

Tips:

Before reading, skim the passage to get an overview of the topic.

Pay close attention to the opening and closing paragraphs, which often contain the main idea and conclusion.

Underline or highlight key points and keywords while reading.

2. Cloze Test :

A passage will have certain words missing, and you need to choose the most appropriate word from the given options to fill the gaps.

Example 1: The company's growth has been ___(a) phenomenal (b) stable (c) mediocre ___(d) throughout the past decade. (The answer is (a) phenomenal)

Exercise 2: Practice filling in the blanks of a short passage with suitable words from a given list.

Tips:

Read the entire passage to understand the context and meaning of the surrounding sentences.

Choose the word that best fits grammatically and logically in the blank.

Consider the overall tone and style of the passage when selecting your answer.

3. Para Jumbles :

A set of jumbled sentences or paragraphs is given, and you need to rearrange them in the correct order to form a coherent passage.

Example 1:

The meeting ended on a positive note. (ii) After a long discussion, a consensus was reached. (iii) All parties involved presented their viewpoints. (iv) The agenda for the meeting was business expansion.

Reordered passage: (iv), (iii), (ii), (i)

Exercise 3: Reorder the following jumbled sentences to form a grammatically correct paragraph:

With proper planning, any goal can be achieved. (ii) The first step is to set realistic and achievable goals. (iii) Success requires hard work and dedication. (iv) Once you have a clear goal, you can develop a plan to reach it.

Tips:

Look for transition words or phrases like "however," "therefore," or "furthermore" that indicate the sequence of ideas.

Identify the opening sentence that introduces the topic and the concluding sentence that summarizes the main points.

4. Spotting Errors :

You will be given sentences with grammatical errors, subject-verb agreement issues, or incorrect word usage. You need to identify the error and choose the correct option.

Example 1: There are fewer (a) a less number of students enrolled this year compared to last year. (The answer is (a) a less number of)

Exercise 4: Identify and correct the grammatical errors in a set of sentences.

Tips:

Pay attention to subject-verb agreement, verb tenses, and pronoun usage.

Review common grammar rules and usage of frequently confused words.

5. Fill in the Blanks :

Sentences will have blanks where you need to choose the most appropriate word or phrase from the given options.

Example 1: The manager commended (a) criticized (b) appreciated the employee's excellent work. (The answer is (b) appreciated)

Exercise 5: Fill in the blanks in a short paragraph with appropriate words from a given list.

Tips:

Use your vocabulary skills to choose the word that best fits the meaning of the sentence.

Consider the context and surrounding words to determine the appropriate word.

General Tips for English Language:

Regularly read newspapers, articles, and other English-language materials to improve your comprehension and vocabulary.

Focus on improving your reading speed without compromising accuracy.

Computer Aptitude

Internet :

Concept: A vast network of interconnected computer networks that enables global communication and information sharing.

Examples:

World Wide Web (WWW): Provides access to websites and web pages.

Email: Electronic messaging system.

E-commerce: Online buying and selling of goods and services.

Social Media: Platforms for online connection and content sharing.

Online Banking: Manage your finances electronically.

Cloud Storage: Store data remotely over the internet.

Search Engines: Tools for finding information online (e.g., Google, Bing).

Video Conferencing: Conduct virtual meetings and calls.

Online Learning: Access educational resources and courses.

Online Entertainment: Stream music, movies, and shows.

Tips: Learn basic internet terminology (e.g., URL, IP address, bandwidth), understand different internet protocols (e.g., HTTP, FTP), and be familiar with online safety practices (e.g., strong passwords, phishing scams).

2. Memory :

Concept: The storage capacity of a computer system to hold data and instructions.

Examples:

RAM (Random Access Memory): Volatile memory that stores data currently being used (e.g., open programs).

ROM (Read-Only Memory): Non-volatile memory that stores permanent data (e.g., BIOS).

Hard Disk Drive (HDD): Magnetic storage device for permanent data storage.

Solid-State Drive (SSD): Flash-based storage offering faster read/write speeds than HDDs.

Cache Memory: High-speed memory that stores frequently accessed data for quicker retrieval.

Virtual Memory: Technique that uses a portion of the hard drive as an extension of RAM.

USB Flash Drive: Portable storage device for transferring data.

SD Card: Removable storage card commonly used in cameras and mobile devices.

Optical Discs (CD, DVD, Blu-ray): Optical storage media for data and multimedia content.

Cloud Storage: Online storage space accessed via the internet.

Tips: Understand the differences between memory types and their functions. Be familiar with storage capacities and common storage units (e.g., GB, TB).

3. Keyboard Shortcuts :

Concept: Combinations of keys pressed simultaneously to perform specific actions quickly.

Examples:

Ctrl + C: Copy selected text.

Ctrl + V: Paste copied text.

Ctrl + X: Cut selected text.

Ctrl + Z: Undo the last action.

Ctrl + Y: Redo the last action.

Ctrl + A: Select all text.

Ctrl + P: Print the current document.

Ctrl + F: Find text within a document.

Alt + F4: Close the current program.

F5: Refresh a web page.

Tips: Practice using keyboard shortcuts for commonly used functions in different applications. This can significantly improve your efficiency.

4. Computer Abbreviations :

Concept: Shortened forms of commonly used computer terms.

Examples:

CPU: Central Processing Unit (main processor)

GPU: Graphics Processing Unit (processes graphics)

RAM: Random Access Memory (volatile memory)

ROM: Read-Only Memory (non-volatile memory)

USB: Universal Serial Bus (connection port)

HDD: Hard Disk Drive (storage device)

SSD: Solid-State Drive (storage device)

GUI: Graphical User Interface (visual interface)

OS: Operating System (software that manages computer resources)

HTTP: Hypertext Transfer Protocol (communication protocol for web)

Tips: Learn and memorize common computer abbreviations to understand technical discussions and exam questions.

5. Microsoft Office (8 Examples - Focus on core functionalities):

Concept: Suite of productivity applications for creating and managing documents, spreadsheets, presentations, email, and more.

Focus on:

Word: Document creation and editing.

Excel: Spreadsheet creation and data analysis.

PowerPoint: Presentation creation and delivery.

Outlook: Email management and communication.

Examples:

In Word, you can format text, insert tables and images, and collaborate with others.

In Excel, you can create formulas and functions for calculations, generate charts and graphs, and analyze data.

In PowerPoint, you can create slides with text, images, videos, and animations, and deliver presentations with transitions and speaker notes.

In Outlook, you can compose and send emails, manage your calendar, and organize contacts.

Tips: While in-depth knowledge of Microsoft Office might not be directly tested, a basic understanding of core functionalities in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook will be beneficial. You can find free online tutorials or explore the built-in help features within these applications.

6. Operating System (8 Examples):

Concept: Software that manages computer hardware resources and provides a platform for running other programs.

Examples:

Windows (various versions): Widely used OS for personal computers.

macOS: Operating system for Apple computers.

Linux: Open-source OS offering various distributions.

Android: Operating system for smartphones and tablets.

iOS: Operating system for Apple iPhones and iPads.

Chrome OS: Lightweight OS designed for cloud-based applications.

DOS: Disk Operating System (early text-based OS).

Tips: Be familiar with the basic functions of a typical operating system, such as managing files and folders, installing and running programs, and user interface elements (desktop, taskbar, menus).

7. Other Important Topics (5 Examples each):

Input & Output Devices:

Input: Keyboard, mouse, scanner, camera, microphone.

Output: Monitor, printer, speaker.

Hardware & Software:

Hardware: Physical components of a computer (e.g., CPU, RAM, hard drive).

Software: Programs and instructions that run on a computer.

Network & Security:

Network: A group of interconnected computer systems.

Security: Measures taken to protect computer systems and data from unauthorized access.

Basic Troubleshooting:

Restarting the computer.

Checking internet connection.

Running antivirus software.

MS-DOS Commands (Optional):

DIR: Lists directory contents.

COPY: Copies files.

DEL: Deletes files.

CD: Changes directory.

Tips:

Focus on understanding core concepts rather than memorizing extensive details.

Utilize online resources, tutorials, and practice tests to solidify your knowledge.

Pay attention to emerging technologies and basic cybersecurity practices.

Financial Awareness :

Concept: Understanding financial concepts, products, and institutions.

Examples:

Financial Institutions: Banks, NBFCs (Non-Banking Financial Companies), Insurance Companies, Stock Exchanges.

Financial Products: Savings Accounts, Fixed Deposits, Mutual Funds, Loans, Demat Accounts, Credit Cards.

Government Schemes: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

Financial Terms: Inflation, Interest Rate, GDP (Gross Domestic Product), Fiscal Deficit, NPA (Non-Performing Asset).

Basic Financial Calculations: Simple Interest, Compound Interest, EMI (Equated Monthly Installment).

Tips: Read financial news articles, understand basic financial terminology, and be familiar with government schemes related to financial inclusion and social security.

2. Current Affairs

Concept: Staying updated on significant national and international events across various domains (economics, politics, sports, science & technology).

Examples (Focus on recent events - Replace these with current examples when you appear for the exam):

National Budget and its key highlights.

Government policies and their impact (e.g., PLI schemes, infrastructure projects).

Major international events (e.g., G20 Summit, global economic trends).

Important awards and recognitions (e.g., Nobel Prizes, national sports awards).

Significant appointments and changes in government or international organizations.

Tips: Regularly read newspapers, news websites, or follow credible news sources to stay updated. Focus on news with national and financial implications.

3. General Knowledge :

Concept: A broad range of knowledge encompassing various subjects like history, geography, science, literature, and current affairs.

Examples:

Important dates and events in Indian history (e.g., Independence Day, major wars).

Basic geographical features of India (e.g., major rivers, mountain ranges).

Inventions and discoveries that shaped the world (e.g., electricity, printing press).

Renowned personalities and their contributions (e.g., literary giants, scientific pioneers).

Important works of literature, art, and architecture.

Tips: Utilize study guides or online resources that provide a concise overview of general knowledge topics. Focus on frequently tested areas in previous exams.

4. Static Awareness :

Concept: Knowledge of permanent and unchanging facts like capitals, currencies, important organizations, etc.

Examples:

Capitals and currencies of major countries.

Headquarters of important international organizations (e.g., UN, WHO, IMF).

Important awards and their recipients (e.g., Bharat Ratna, Nobel Prizes).

Important constitutional bodies and their functions (e.g., Election Commission, CAG).

Famous landmarks and monuments across the world.

Tips: Utilize flashcards, mnemonic techniques, or mind maps to memorize static facts effectively.

Overall Study Tips for General Awareness:

Develop a Reading Habit: Regularly read newspapers, magazines, or online news platforms to stay informed and improve your knowledge base.

Utilize Online Resources: Take advantage of free online quizzes, mock tests, and current affairs compilations specifically designed for IBPS PO preparation.

Focus on Recent Events: Prioritize recent developments in the last 3-4 months leading up to the exam for the Current Affairs section.

Create a Study Schedule: Dedicate time for studying General Awareness topics and revise them regularly for better retention.