IBPS RRB PO
The IBPS Regional Rural Bank (RRB) PO refers to the Probationary Officer (PO) recruitment process conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for various Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) across India. These banks focus on providing banking services to rural areas and their main aim is to support agricultural and rural development.
Here’s a detailed overview of the IBPS RRB PO exam:
1. IBPS RRB PO Overview:
- Purpose: To fill the post of Probationary Officer (PO) in various Regional Rural Banks across India.
- Conducting Body: IBPS (Institute of Banking Personnel Selection).
- Type of Banks: The exam is conducted for recruitment in RRBs, which are specialized banks catering to rural India.
- Job Profile: A PO in an RRB generally handles responsibilities related to banking operations, loan management, customer service, and supervising staff.
2. Eligibility Criteria:
- Nationality: Indian citizens, subject to certain other requirements (like Nepal, Bhutan).
- Age Limit: Generally, the age for a candidate applying for RRB PO is between 18-30 years, though relaxation applies for certain categories (SC/ST/OBC/PWD).
- Educational Qualification: Candidates must have a graduation degree from a recognized university or equivalent.
- Proficiency in Local Language: As RRBs serve rural areas, candidates should be proficient in the local language of the state or union territory for which they are applying.
3. IBPS RRB PO Selection Process:
The IBPS RRB PO selection is done in two stages:
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims):
- Objective Type Questions.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
- Sections:
- Reasoning: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Main Exam (Mains):
- Objective Type Questions.
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes).
- Sections:
- Reasoning: 40 Questions, 50 Marks.
- General Awareness: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- English Language (or Hindi): 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 Questions, 50 Marks.
- Computer Knowledge: 40 Questions, 20 Marks.
- Interview: This is conducted after clearing the Mains exam and is typically worth 100 marks. The final selection is based on the combined score of the Mains exam and Interview.
4. Syllabus:
- Prelims Syllabus:
- Reasoning: Number Series, Puzzle, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, Input-Output.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Profit and Loss, Average, Percentage, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, Simple & Compound Interest.
- Mains Syllabus:
- Reasoning: Data Sufficiency, Syllogism, Sitting Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Input-Output, Puzzles.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking and Financial Awareness, Economy, Government Schemes.
- English/Hindi Language: Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary, Grammar, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Average, Percentage, Simplification.
- Computer Knowledge: Basics of Computers, Operating Systems, Software, Hardware, Internet, MS Office, Networking.
5. IBPS RRB PO Exam Pattern:
- Prelims Exam Pattern:
- Reasoning: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Total: 80 Questions, 80 Marks.
- Mains Exam Pattern:
- Reasoning: 40 Questions, 50 Marks.
- General Awareness: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- English/Hindi Language: 40 Questions, 40 Marks.
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 Questions, 50 Marks.
- Computer Knowledge: 40 Questions, 20 Marks.
- Total: 200 Questions, 200 Marks.
- Interview:
- Marks: 100
- Interview is conducted for candidates who have qualified for the Mains exam, but it is only a part of the final selection process.
6. Salary and Benefits:
- The salary of an IBPS RRB PO varies depending on the region and the bank but generally includes:
- Basic Pay: Around ₹36,000 to ₹40,000 per month (varies based on the bank and location).
- Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Medical Benefits, Special Allowances, and more.
- Other Benefits: Health insurance, leave, pension benefits, etc.
7. Application Process:
- Online Application: Candidates need to visit the official IBPS website to apply online during the official notification period.
- Fees: The application fee varies for different categories (SC/ST/PWD and General candidates). It generally ranges between ₹175 to ₹850.
- Documents Required: Proof of age, educational qualification, category certificate, photograph, signature, and any other documents specified in the official notification.
8. Important Dates:
- The exact dates vary each year, but typically, the notification is released in June/July, the Preliminary exam is conducted in August/September, and the Mains exam is conducted a few weeks after the Prelims.
9. Preparation Tips:
- Focus on Time Management: The exams, especially the Prelims, are time-bound. Hence, practicing mock tests and time-bound exercises is essential.
- Regularly Update General Knowledge: Stay updated on current affairs, banking news, and government schemes.
- Practice Previous Years’ Papers: Helps in understanding the exam pattern and frequently asked questions.
- Improve Speed & Accuracy: Use shortcut methods for mathematics and reasoning sections.
10. Cut-off Marks:
- The cut-off marks vary each year depending on the difficulty of the exam and the number of candidates appearing for the exam. It is set for each section as well as the overall score.
11. Important Resources:
- Books:
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi.
- Computer Awareness by R. Pillai.
- Online Mock Tests: Practicing online mock tests will help improve exam readiness.