1. Prioritize High-Weightage Topics

Don\’t try to cover everything in the last few days. Focus on topics that carry maximum marks and where you\’re already comfortable. This maximizes your scoring potential with minimal effort.

• Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation, Simplification, Number Series
• Reasoning: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism
• English: Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Cloze Test
• GK/Current Affairs: Last 4-6 months banking & financial news

2. Formula & Shortcut Revision

Create a one-page formula sheet for Quantitative Aptitude and revise it daily. Shortcuts and quick calculation methods can save precious minutes during the exam.

3. Previous Year Questions Analysis

Solve previous year IBPS Clerk Mains papers to understand question patterns, difficulty levels, and frequently asked topics. This gives you a realistic exam feel and boosts confidence.

4. Timed Mock Tests

Take at least 2-3 full-length mock tests in the remaining days, maintaining exact exam conditions. This helps you build stamina and perfect your time management strategy.

5. Current Affairs Capsules

For GK section, rely on monthly current affairs capsules rather than reading newspapers. Focus on: Banking news, Government schemes, Important appointments, Awards, Sports events, and Economic terms.

Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks, 45 Minutes)

High-Priority Topics:

• Data Interpretation (15-20 marks): Practice line graphs, bar charts, pie charts, and tables. Focus on calculation speed.
• Simplification/Approximation (10-15 marks): Easy scoring area. Master BODMAS and approximation techniques.
• Number Series (5 marks): Practice pattern recognition for quick solving.
• Quadratic Equations (5 marks): Learn factorization and formula method.

Key Formulas to Revise:

• Percentage, Profit & Loss shortcuts
• Simple & Compound Interest formulas
• Time, Speed & Distance relationships
• Average, Ratio & Proportion tricks
• Mensuration formulas (area, volume)

Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (60 Marks, 45 Minutes)

Reasoning Section (40-45 marks):

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (20-25 marks): Highest weightage but time-consuming. Practice floor-based, linear, and circular puzzles.
• Syllogism (5 marks): Easy scoring. Revise Venn diagram method and rules.
• Inequality (5 marks): Quick to solve. Practice conclusion derivation.
• Coding-Decoding (3-5 marks): Pattern recognition is key.
• Direction Sense (3-5 marks): Draw diagrams for complex questions.

Computer Aptitude (15-20 marks):

• Computer Fundamentals (Input/Output devices, Memory)
• MS Office basics (Word, Excel, PowerPoint shortcuts)
• Internet & Networking concepts
• Computer Abbreviations & Full Forms
• Basic Security concepts (Virus, Firewall, Encryption)

General English (40 Marks, 35 Minutes)

Focus Areas:

• Reading Comprehension (10-15 marks): Practice reading speed. Read questions first, then passage. Focus on main idea and tone.
• Error Spotting (5-8 marks): Revise common grammatical errors (Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Prepositions).
• Cloze Test (5-8 marks): Read entire passage once before filling blanks. Context is key.
• Para Jumbles (5 marks): Identify mandatory pairs and opening/closing sentences.
• Fill in the Blanks (5 marks): Revise vocabulary and contextual usage.

General/Financial Awareness (50 Marks, 35 Minutes)

Critical Topics:

• Banking Awareness (20-25 marks): RBI policies, Banking terms, Types of accounts, Recent banking news
• Current Affairs (15-20 marks): Last 4-6 months news (focus on banking, financial, government schemes)
• Static GK (10-15 marks): Capitals, Currencies, Important days, Books & Authors, Sports
• Financial Awareness: Budget highlights, Economic terms, Stock market basics

Must-Know Banking Topics:

• RBI Governor, Deputy Governors, and key policy rates (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR)
• Types of bank accounts (Savings, Current, Fixed Deposit, Recurring Deposit)
• Negotiable Instruments (Cheque, Bill of Exchange, Promissory Note)
• Banking Ombudsman Scheme
• Priority Sector Lending
• Recent bank mergers and acquisitions
• Digital banking initiatives (UPI, BHIM, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS)

The 3-Pass Strategy

Divide your attempt into three passes for maximum efficiency:

First Pass (50-60% time):

• Attempt all easy and moderate questions that you can solve quickly
• Mark difficult/time-consuming questions for review
• Build confidence and momentum

Second Pass (30-40% time):

• Return to marked questions
• Attempt those which you can solve with some thinking
• Use educated guessing if 2 options can be eliminated

Third Pass (Remaining time):

• Review your answers
• Check for silly mistakes in calculations
• Ensure all intended answers are marked correctly

Day Before the Exam

• Revise only formula sheets and short notes—no new topics
• Take a light mock test or practice 20-30 quick questions for confidence
• Prepare your exam kit: Admit card, ID proof (original + photocopy), pen, pencil, water bottle
• Check exam center location and plan your route
• Have a nutritious dinner and sleep early (at least 7-8 hours)
• Avoid caffeine after 6 PM for better sleep
• Set multiple alarms to wake up on time

Exam Day Morning

• Wake up at least 3 hours before reporting time
• Do light exercise or meditation to calm nerves
• Have a healthy breakfast (avoid heavy or oily food)
• Quick revision of formulas and shortcuts (15-20 minutes max)
• Reach exam center 45-60 minutes early to avoid last-minute stress
• Carry a water bottle and light snacks (if allowed)
• Use washroom before entering exam hall

During the Exam

• Read all instructions carefully before starting
• Check system, mouse, and keyboard functionality
• Start with your strongest section (within sectional timing constraints)
• Don\’t panic if questions seem difficult—everyone faces the same paper
• Keep track of time for each section using the timer
• Use the rough sheet effectively for calculations
• Don\’t discuss questions with anyone during breaks
• Stay calm if you encounter technical issues—inform invigilator immediately

Breathing Exercises

Practice deep breathing (4-7-8 technique): Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, exhale for 8 counts. Repeat 4-5 times to calm your nervous system.

Positive Affirmations

Start your day with positive self-talk: \”I am well-prepared,\” \”I will do my best,\” \”I am calm and focused.\” Your mindset significantly affects performance.

Physical Activity

Light exercise, yoga, or a morning walk can reduce stress hormones and increase endorphins. Even 15-20 minutes makes a difference.

1. Random Guessing Due to Negative Marking

Many candidates attempt too many questions without proper thought due to exam pressure. Remember: 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. It\’s better to leave a question than mark it randomly.

2. Spending Too Much Time on Difficult Questions

Getting stuck on one difficult puzzle or DI set can waste 5-10 precious minutes. Always move on if you can\’t solve something in 2 minutes. Return to it later if time permits.

3. Ignoring Sectional Cut-offs

Some candidates focus heavily on their strong sections and neglect weak ones. Remember, you must clear cut-offs in ALL sections. Balanced preparation is crucial.

4. Not Using Process of Elimination

In MCQs, if you can confidently eliminate 2-3 options, your chances of getting the right answer increase significantly. Use this strategy wisely.

5. Calculation Errors in Easy Questions

Silly mistakes in simple calculations can cost you easy marks. Always double-check your calculations, especially in Simplification and Number Series.