IBPS PO Mains Exam Analysis 2024, Shift 1
The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2024 for Shift 1, conducted on 30th November, proved to be a critical phase in the recruitment process. Candidates who successfully cleared the preliminary round now faced a more challenging mains exam, designed to evaluate their aptitude, banking knowledge, and problem-solving abilities. Time management and accuracy were crucial to success in this stage, as candidates worked to secure their positions in the final selection list.
Overall Exam Difficulty Level – Moderate to Difficult
The overall difficulty level of the exam was categorized as moderate to difficult. While sections like Reasoning Ability and Data Analysis & Interpretation posed more challenges, others like General Awareness and English Language were moderately difficult. The descriptive writing section also tested candidates’ writing skills under time pressure.
Section-wise Difficulty Levels:
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | Moderate |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | Moderate-Difficult |
| English Language | Moderate |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | Moderate-Difficult |
| Overall | Moderate-Difficult |
Good Attempts – Expected Range
Based on feedback from candidates, the good attempts in Shift 1 ranged from 74 to 78 questions. This estimate depends on factors like accuracy, sectional cut-offs, and effective time management. Maintaining precision across sections was essential to clear the cut-off marks.
Estimated Good Attempts:
| Section | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 21-23 |
| General/Economy/Banking Awareness | 17-19 |
| English Language | 23-25 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 13-15 |
| Total | 74-78 |
Section-wise Analysis:
1. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude – Moderate
The reasoning section was dominated by puzzles, seating arrangements, and data sufficiency questions, requiring logical thinking and attention to detail. The computer aptitude section was brief but technical in nature.
Key Topics:
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: A mix of variable and fixed seating arrangements.
- Coded Relations & Blood Relations: Featured challenging coded blood relation problems.
- Machine Input-Output: Focused on word and number-based shifting patterns.
- Alphanumeric Series & Logical Reasoning: Included step-based alphanumeric series and logical/categorical reasoning problems.
2. Data Analysis & Interpretation (DI) – Moderate-Difficult
This section required analytical thinking, particularly with DI sets, caselets, and arithmetic-based questions. Time management was a key challenge as candidates had to balance speed and accuracy.
Key Topics:
- Probability DI: Focused on calculating probabilities with real-life contexts.
- Bar Graph DI: Based on profit and loss analysis.
- Pie Chart & Table DI: Involved interpreting data from graphs and tables.
- Miscellaneous Topics: Mixture problems, train-related questions, and number series.
3. English Language – Moderate
The English section tested candidates’ reading comprehension, grammar skills, and vocabulary. The reading comprehension passages, though manageable, were time-consuming.
Key Topics:
- Reading Comprehension: Three passages on topics including online markets and international relations.
- Fill in the Blanks: Focused on vocabulary and context.
- Sentence Rearrangement & Inference: Required logical rearrangement and identifying inferences from text.
4. General/Economy/Banking Awareness – Moderate-Difficult
This section tested candidates’ knowledge of current affairs and static banking topics. Emphasis was placed on events from August to November 2024, particularly in the areas of economics, banking, and finance.
The questions in this section were moderate, covering both recent current affairs and static banking awareness. A focus on topics from August to November 2024 was noticeable.
- HDFC Singapore Branch
- Booker Prize, Prize Money
- National Green Hydrogen Mission
- Small Saving Scheme
- Pushpak, ISRO
- UPI 123 Pay Limit
- Financial Stability Report
- SLICE Merger With North East SFB
- RBI Restriction
- Oscar 2025
- PSL Target%
Key Topics:
- Banking & Economy: Topics like the RBI restrictions, merger of SLICE with North East SFB, and recent small saving schemes.
- Current Affairs: Questions related to the Booker Prize, National Green Hydrogen Mission, UPI 123 Pay, and the Financial Stability Report.
- Miscellaneous: HDFC Singapore Branch, Pushpak (ISRO), Oscar 2025, etc.
5. Descriptive Writing – Moderate
The descriptive section consisted of an essay and a letter-writing task. Candidates were required to express their thoughts clearly within a word limit, maintaining structure and coherence.
Essay Topics (280-300 words):
- Fully Online Medical Services
- Gig Workers/Gig Economy
- Fashion Industry
Letter Writing Topics (150-180 words):
- Write to an MLA requesting the reconstruction of a local park.
- Write to a magazine editor praising an article on the commercial use of renewable resources.
Conclusion:
The IBPS PO Mains Exam 2024 (Shift 1) was designed to test a candidate’s proficiency across various areas, including reasoning, data interpretation, language skills, and banking awareness. With a moderate-difficult difficulty level, candidates who managed their time efficiently and focused on accuracy had a better chance of clearing the exam. Those preparing for the next shifts should focus on maintaining a balance between speed and precision to secure a spot in the final selection process.
