How To Prepare For Bank Tests
Public sector banking industry is witnessing large-scale recruitments in the last few years owing to retirement of incumbent employees and opening of new branches. As per the estimates of Central government, public sector banks will need 51,000 clerks and 34,000 officers over the period 2010-2013. This offers great opportunity for job seekers to land jobs in banks. This post looks into how to prepare for bank tests
How to prepare for Bank Tests
Public Sector Banking industry is witnessing increased recruitments to meet its rising staff requirements arising out of retirements and opening of new branches over the last few years. According to government projections, public sector banks will be recruiting 85,000 thousand employees in various cadres over the period of next three years. This offers great opportunity for job seekers to grab bank jobs.
Banking recruitment involves a selection process that is comprised of various tests. These tests are conducted by individual banks either themselves or with the help of organizations that specialize in this area, like Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS). It is reported that Central Government will entrust IBPS with the task of selection exams for public sector banks. This means a common test for recruitment to the PS banks.
We will be looking at the tests that are usually conducted for the recruitment of Probationary Officer and Clerk.Probationary Officer
This is the entry-level management cadre. Over the years a PO can rise the rungs of bank's hierarchy to reach the Manager, General Manager positions. Experience and merit are very important factors to be considered for promotions to higher management levels.Selection Tests
Tests are two types
• Objective
Objective type tests will have: Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English and General Awareness. There will be negative marks (0.25 marks). Candidates should pass each section separately.
•Descriptive
This type will have Essay type questions, lasting about 1 hour. Minimum 40% marks are required to pass the test.
Among the objective type tests, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude, require special attention, as they might be a little confusing and require candidates to answer about 250 questions in a span of 2 hours. Mental calculations are required, and answers should be derived in a very short span of time.
Quantitative Aptitude will have questions from algebra, percentage sums, profit & loss problems, etc. high school math texts will be helpful to deal with these questions. These tests are aimed bringing out the problem-solving skills of the candidate. A great deal of practice is required to come out successful in the test.
English test consists of questions on vocabulary, grammar, synonyms, antonyms, prepositions, sentence correction, etc. English grammar books will help to deal with this test. In the descriptive sections, there will be essay. Take special care to spell words correctly.
General Awareness is aimed at testing the knowledge of the candidate in day-to-day events in the areas of politics, economics, sports, famous personalities, business, finance and organizations. News papers and Internet can help the candidate in tackling this test.
Since there are minus marks, guess work is not good. Only attempt those questions that one is confident about. A lot of books are available to prepare for these tests. Some banks offer coaching before the exam. Elaborate preparations are required to come out flying colors in the selection tests.
How to prepare for clerk
Tests
The following sections are included in the exams for clerical recruitment.
1. Numerical Ability
2. Clerical Aptitude
3. Test of Reasoning
4. Test of English
Test duration will be usually 2 – 2-1/2 hours. Speed is an important factor that can make a difference. A great deal of practice is required to beat the tests. Concentrate on those questions that one is confident about. Read questions thoroughly before answering. Overconfidence can be disastrous.
Basic knowledge of math is enough to tackle Numerical Ability. So practice high school level math. Through practice, one can develop speed.
Reasoning and clerical aptitude tests could be a bit confusing. A through understanding of the question is necessary before attempting to answer. Planning is necessary to make the process easier. Don't waste one's time on difficult questions. Solve easier ones first, and if there is enough time left, one can always come back to crack the tougher ones
The Test of English Language consists of questions on grammar, spelling, sentence formation, vocabulary etc. Care should be taken to avoid spelling mistakes in essays. Some banks will conduct coaching camps before the exam, but this will not be available to all. A lot of books are available in the market on various subjects. Hard work and intelligent use of time is required to win the tests.
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