Taking any online exam is a greater challenge as compared to taking a paper-pen (offline) exam. If the online exam in question happens to be IBPS PO, then the task becomes even more challenging considering the stiff competition you have to face in order to become a probationary officer in public sector banking. Moreover, you must understand that IBPS PO online exam is an elimination process, which is conducted with the objective of rejecting all the candidates who don’t have the aptitude required to become a Bank PO.
In fact, the exam is designed in such a way as to induce candidates into making mistakes so that the ones who qualify are undoubtedly the best. Given this scenario, it is essential that your performance on the exam is nothing short of excellent. The margin of error is really small and you just can’t take any chances. Keeping it into account, the faculty at the institute for best Bank PO Coaching in Delhi, Vidya Guru, has come up with a detailed analysis of mistakes which should be avoided while taking the exam.
- Neglecting Sectional Cut Offs – The first task that you should have in mind while taking the exam is to clear the sectional cut offs. Remember that the exam expects you to prove your competence in all areas. You must not commit the mistake of assuming any one section to be of greater significance as compared to others. Getting a really healthy score on one or two sections will not be enough, if you fail to clear the cut offs for other sections.
- Using Lengthy Problem Solving Methods – You will feel immense time pressure during the course of the exam, if your problem solving methodology isn’t appropriate. The use of lengthy problem solving methods will not take you through. Solving arithmetic questions by forming linear equations, where you have to assume X and Y variables must definitely be avoided. Wherever possible, use shortcuts and time saving tricks. It will keep you ahead of others in the race.
- Faulty Question Selection – If your question selection is not right, you will always be in trouble. One glance or cursory reading of the question should be enough to tell you whether it is worth attempting or not. If you end up choosing a question that is difficult and highly time consuming, it acts as a speed breaker. It is basically a trap which has been laid to break your rhythm and concentration. You will have to be really attentive to stay clear of such time trapping questions because they are distributed throughout the exam.
- Getting Obsessed (with any question) – If you have made the mistake of choosing an inappropriate question, you must get rid of it as quickly as possible. It will be yet another mistake to stick to that question in an attempt to solve it. You must not let your ego come in between. It is not a matter of whether you are capable enough of solving such a question or not. The idea is to realize early that even if you are able to crack such a question, it will be counterproductive. So, it is clear that your decision making skills also get tested when you appear in the exam.
- Unbalanced Time Allocation – At first, it is necessary to get an idea of the overall difficulty level of the exam so that you can judge how much time will have to be invested in each section. The first 5 to 6 minutes must be spent in getting a bird’s eye view of the exam. Once the preliminary analysis has taken place, you will be able to allocate time more effectively. Remember that this analysis is not a waste of time. It will keep you away from the tendency of unbalanced time allocation, which is perhaps the most common mistake committed by candidates.
- Reckless Guesswork – The exam has a provision for negative marking. In case of an incorrect answer, 25% marks allotted to that question get deducted from your aggregate score. Therefore, you must not indulge in reckless guesswork. However, systematic elimination of options along with some intelligent guesswork can indeed fetch you additional marks. This is something which can’t and must not be overlooked.
- Clerical & Calculation Errors – When you are dealing with numbers, as in case of Quantitative Aptitude, there is always a possibility of calculation errors. These errors must be avoided at all costs. It is advisable that you remain patient while calculating; this will help you improve your accuracy. Moreover, clerical errors such as copying the wrong data or marking the wrong option as the answer after having calculated the right answer are certain clerical errors which can cost you dearly in the exam. If you concentrate well, clerical errors will be reduced to a minimum.
Finally, it is essential that you put all the suggestions described above into practice and see for yourself the difference that it makes. This can be done easily by registering for online mock tests offered by any of the reputed centres for top IBPS Coaching in Delhi.
Summary
The mistakes discussed in this article are some of the most common ones made by candidates. Focusing on reducing the number of such avoidable mistakes will help you a great deal in maximizing your Bank PO exam score, thereby paving the way for your success. For further guidance on how your score can be improved, you can write at vidyagurudelhi@gmail.com and interact with faculty members from Vidya Guru.