Selection Process: IBPS- PO/MT III conducted for 2014-15

vacancies in 19 PSU Banks

Particulars of candidate selected:
Name of the candidate
E-Mail ID
Employer (as on interview date)
Job profile/Role (as on interview
date)
Highest educational qualification
Institute the highest course attended
Recruitment process conducted by
Vacancies (P.O.s) filled in year
Bank allotted to me
Final Score(Online test+Interview)
Category of reservation (if any)
Vacancies filled-in

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:
:
:

Anjaiah Mande
anjaiahmande@gmail.com
Standard Chartered- Scope International, Chennai
Analyst

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:
:
:
:
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:
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B.Tech-Computer Science&Engineering-2012
NIT-Warangal
IBPS
2014/15
Bank of India (This is my third preference in application)
39.06 (out of 100)
OBC
21000 (Approximately)

Important dates of the process:

Date of Notification
Date Applied in online/fee paid
Date of Online Test
Date of Interview Conducted
Date of Final Allotment

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:
:
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July 01, 2013

July 17, 2013
October 27, 2013
January 05, 2014
April 01, 2014

Details of Online Test:

Total Duration of Online Test
Maximum Marks of Online Test
Total No. of Sections
Reasoning
English Language
Quantitative Aptitude
General Awareness (with special
reference to Banking Industry)
Computer Knowledge

120 Marks
200 Marks ( I got 70 total marks)
5 (All sections are mentioned below with their
max. marks and marks I got )
50 marks ( I got 10)
40 marks ( I got 13)
50 marks ( I got 19)
40 marks ( I got 14)
20 marks ( I got 14)

Note: The Formula for arriving at final score for selection in IBPS-P.O. is given in the last page of this
documen

Details of questions asked in each section of Online Test:

Note: We were allowed to use only mouse during online test, and not allowed to use KEYBOARD at all,
and if we use keyboard, the test would be locked. So, be aware of it.
All (200) questions were of OBJECTIVE type only, where there were FIVE options for each question, we
had to choose correct one of them. There were 5 sections. Each question carries one mark for right
answer w while there was negative marking as well. One fourth (0.25) of mark assigned to that question
will be deducted for wrong answer.
All sections are explained below along with preparation advice, based on my experience.

I) Reasoning: Total 50 questions.

I can say the degree of difficulty is DIFFICULT (9 on a scale of 101 being very easy and 10 being very
difficult)
Some of the types of questions to mention: Questions based on arrangements-circle/line, etc.,
statement- conclusion based questions, series of figures with missing figure in same pattern.

Advice on preparation:
This section definitely requires good practice before attending the exam. If we practice in exam itself, it
will consume lot of time, then, we may not able to concentrate on other sections of the test. First go
through questions of previous years (IBPS PO/MT 1, MTII and MTIII) and then start practicing questions
from any good book for reasoning, like RS Agarwal.
The advantage of this section is, No need to read any theory for this section. You can directly practice
model questions from any good book for reasoning.
The good website for practice this section: http://www.indiabix.com/aptitude/questions-and-answers/

I) English Language: Total 40 questions.

I can say the degree of difficulty is MEDIUM (7 on a scale of 101 being very easy and 10 being very
difficult)

Questions were based on: read the passage and answer questions following it (comprehensive type),
rearrange the given 5 sentences to make the paragraph formed by them meaningful, fill the blanks with
correct word given out of 5 words. Etc.

Advice on preparation:
Learning good English skills (speaking and writing including grammar) cannot be achieved in one day or
one month, however, there is way to learn effective English in speeder manner by following the
methods below.
There are two levels of learning English.
1) Basic/Standard English We should learn the rules of a language i.e. grammar
2) Improving language skills- Making effective sentences in writing and speaking
We can go for second level only after completing the first level, because there cannot be any use of
simply knowing many words in English without knowing the basic rules of English (grammar)
For understanding Basic English: We can start with parts of speech, and then continue with tenses (past,
present and future), active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech and other parts of Grammar.
One of the best books for understanding English grammar is:
High School English Grammar & Composition Revised Edition by Wren and Martin
It is available on Flipkart.com in below link:
http://www.flipkart.com/high-school-english-grammar-composition-revised/p/itmduq4ascwfxtpj
Once you are comfortable in making simple sentences, then you can start learning advanced and
effective English by making below activities as hobbies
1)
2)
3)
4)

Reading newspapers (preferably national dailies like The Hindu, The Times of India, etc.)
Watching English movies with subtitles
Reading English books (short stories, novels, reading interesting articles on internet/Wikipedia)
Speaking in English with friends/colleagues and Posting in blogs/ Facebook in English

One of the best books for improving vocabulary in English:

Word Power Made Easy New Revised & Expanded Edition and its Flipkart link:
http://www.flipkart.com/word-power-made-easy-new-revisedexpanded/p/itmduzxhjhgvkhsb?pid=9788183071000&srno=b_1&ref=4214e4d0-d65a-4e77a536- 3587f51aaf4c

III) Quantitative Aptitude: Total 50 questions.

I can say the degree of difficulty is EASY (6 on a scale of 101 being very easy and 10 being very difficult)
The questions were based on number system, percentages, ratios, time&work, data interpretation/ date
sufficiency, etc.
Advice on preparation:
The questions were easy compared to other sections of the paper, and can be done easily if you are
th
good at just 10 standard mathematics. However, you need to be fast in calculations, since most of the
questions involve basic numeric/arithmetic methods. This section demands revision of theory of the
topics of the section and then practice.
The good website for practice this section is again:
http://www.indiabix.com/logical-reasoning/questions-and-answers/

III) General Awareness (with special reference Banking Industry): Total 40 questions.
I can say the degree of difficulty is MEDIUM (8 on a scale of 101 being very easy and 10 being very
difficult)
Most of the questions were related to events which were very recent to time of exam. The online test
was conducted in October-2013and many questions were based on the events happened in August or
September-2013. Many questions were of pure current affairs only, very few questions were actually on
Banking/Finance topics, and hence, no need of severe preparation on banking subject is required.

Advice on preparation:
I have done a mistake while preparing for this section. I have prepared on events from Jan-2013 to July
2013, thinking that, question paper would be prepared in 1 or 2 months advance of test date. But the
very recent questions (October/September/August) were asked.
My sincere suggestion is to do preparation from very recent to back to older months.
For example, if exam is there in month of April, read the current affairs of April, March and February of
the same year are enough.
Many people suggest reading newspapers and magazines for this section, but that cannot help because
the content of news every day is huge and difficult to remember. Hence, reading any good book on
current affairs might help you. But make sure that book is updated and latest edition. In fact, preparing

for general knowledge/current affairs is always a challenge, since there is no standard source of
preparation, till date. Nevertheless, the below websites and books can help to some extent.
There are many website on the internet for this section, one of the good site I found is:
http://www.bankingawareness.com/category/current-affairs/

V) Computer Knowledge: Total 20 questions.

I can say the degree of difficulty is MEDIUM (7 on a scale of 101 being very easy and 10 being very
difficult)
Questions were based on basics of computer usage, MS office, data base, operating system. This section
was a cake for me, since I have a degree in Computer Science in Engineering and working experience in
I.T industry. However, some amount of preparation is required for candidates, because there is
difference between using computer and knowing particulars of functionalities of computer. By trial and
error, one can learn how to use a computer easily, but it is little difficult when somebody ask you about
a particular functionality/features of a computer.

Advice on preparation:
Reading questions in this section of previous paper of bank exams (IBPS, SBI-PO and previous bank
exams) will definitely help you, and the same questions might repeated also.

GROUP DISCUSSION: Not Applicable for this recruitment process.

PERSONAL INTERVIEW:
There was only one round of interview.
My interview was conducted in Indian Overseas Bank-Regional Office- Chennai.
The panel consisted of 4 members; three of them from banking background, one of them were a
psychologist/professor. All of them were gents.
There were 25 candidates to be interviewed by the same panel on the same day. My serial number was
24. (Just before very last candidate)

Document verification is done before the interview, so we need not take any documents into the actual
interview room.
In fact, I did not prepare much for interview except basics of banking and few current affairs.
Nevertheless, I could have cracked interview with flying score, since I was working in bank.
My interview lasted for about 10 minutes. I can say it was short and easy
It was around 4.30PM. Once I entered the interview room, I wished all the members good evening and
happy new yearsince the date of my interview was January 05, 2014.
Then, interview started, the below were the questions asked, and answers I told.
1) What do you do now?
My Answer: Sir, I am working as business analyst in Scope International which is subsidiary of
Standard Chartered bank.
2) You are already working in a bank.why are you trying for another bank job (IBPS-PO)?
My Answer: Though I am working in bank, I work in technology team where I need to coordinate SDLC (software development life cycle).and I work with frontend bank employees and
vendors to make sure that, the requirement given by client is delivered by vendor.
Since, I dont work in frontend of the bank; I dont deal with end customers/clients. But my
interest is to have more public relations as a part of my role..so want to get job in public sector
bank (though IBPS-PO).
3) Which part of Andhra Pradesh do you belong (by that time, A.P. is yet to be divided?
My answer: I belong to Telangana region of Andhra Pradesh.
4) Do you support separate Telangana state?
My answer: Yes. I support Telangana.
5) Why?
My answer: There is no equal development in all the parts of Andhra Pradesh. There is
significant difference between the districts of Telangana and those of Andhra regions.
This was due to partiality of chief ministers worked so far, and most of them were from Andhra/
Rayala Seema only..
6) Can you please make your explanation more specificwith necessary facts?
My answer: Sure sir. There were many conditions made in favor of Telangana, when Telangana
and Andhra regions merged to form Andhra Pradesh state. Because, people of Telangana were
less educated than those of Andhra, and hence Telangana people could easily be cheated by
Andhra people, in terms of sharing funds, jobs, etc. Two of such conditions are a) gentlemens
agreement and b) six point formula. As per six point formula, if C.M is not from Telangana,
deputy C.M. should be allocated to candidate from Telangana, and six major ministries should
be given M.L.As of Telangana. But, both conditions were violated many times, making
Telangana people burst and start the protest for their rights, identity. So.. (They stopped
me.and asked another question)
7) But, should government give separate state wherever there is such demand? If so, there are lot of
such demands across India.How do you justify it?

My answer: No need to give a separate state wherever there is a demand. Government can
form a committee which should analyze the genuineness of the demand and there should be
minimum qualifying criteria to form a state. In terms if population, area, complexity in ruling (if
there are many languages spoken in the state), etc. but, definitely each demand of separate
state should not be realized into state, which can potentially cause the harm to the unity of the
nation.
They seem to be satisfied with my answer.
8) Can you enter the standard chartered bank?
My answer: Yes. But there is rule.I need to work some period in my role, and then only I can be
given a chance to enter bank, based on my skills and requirement.
9) Do you know the period?
My answer: I am not sure about exact period?
10) Then, you can wait and enter right?
My answer: Yes sir. But SCB (Standard chartered bank) is doing business mostly in East Asian
countries and Africa, not I India. I want to work in India only, sir, so
11) Hey Anjaiahhow can you say that SCB is not there in India, you guys (employees of SCB) are
advertising keeping the board in hand we are here to stay?
My answer: excuse me sirit is not We are here to stay, it is we are here for good
Then, all of the members were laughed.
12) What is financial inclusion? What are your views on it?
My answer: it is the percentage of population who has access to banking services. It is less than
50% in India, while many people are in need of banking services in now-a-days, so I can
saymore growth is expected in banks in coming days.
13) Thats all Anjaiah.your interview is overThank you.
Then I said, Thanks all, sir and came out of interview room.

Over-all, I can say, it was easy. I secured better marks (55.3 out of 100) in interview compared to my
score in online test. I believe they want to assess our communication and inter-personal skills in
interview than our technical knowledge, because, banking career demands good skills in dealing
customers.

Advice on preparation:
Preparing basic banking concepts and current affairs of national importance are enough, because they
did not ask any depth questions to anybody (I checked with candidates for whom interview completed
before mine). But make sure, you have good idea of what do you do at time of interview (job or study)
and why you are trying to get a bank job. We should not give extreme or pessimistic answers to any
questions and we should not get too emotional also, instead we should give balanced, diplomatic and
optimistic answers to any question that is asked in interview, because in that way, we can project
ourselves as good candidate for the job.

SUMMARY OF EXPERIENCE
I would like to mention a famous quote by Abraham Lincoln here. And I believe, it can explain the
importance of planning for any task we do in life.
If I had eight hours to chop down a tree, I would spend first six hours sharpening my axe.

That means, we need to spend more time on planning and background work, then
automatically, the execution part will become easy.

SUGGESTIONS TO JUNIORS
First understand the pattern of the question paper. For this, you should go through each and every
question of previous paper for same exam (IBPS-PO/MT I and MT II and MT III)
After getting thorough idea on how questions are asked, prepare model questions from any good book
or website. But make sure you follow the time; you cannot take very much time when you do practice.
And write some mock tests to assess yourself. Coaching is not mandatory if you feel you can manage
yourself, unless you are poor in all sections of the test. And discuss with other optimistic aspirants of the
same job, dont discuss with aspirants who are pessimistic because, they might impact your confidence
levels.
Search Wikipedia or yahoo-answers or wiki-answers for any concept/clarifications. You can also join the
groups formed for preparing test/interview in Facebook. Candidates can get updates and share
information about the on-going process.

Another good website to refer: http://bankpoclerk.com/community/

Important points to remember:
1) Give correct details (Name, Date of birth, category, percentage of marks, etc.) while filling-in
the application form.
2) Do some homework on the preference order of banks. I gave the banks in descending order
which have more number of branches in Andhra Pradesh.
3) Carry necessary documents for online test and interview. This is taken seriously by the
organization (IBPS)

Note to readers:
I feel, I have covered all steps of the selection process (IBPS-PO) in this document. Nevertheless
the complements/feedback/suggestions/comments are always welcome.
Your acknowledgement in this regard is an encouragement for me to improve this document (if
any) and make it as standard guide for future aspirants of the bank industry.

If you want to acknowledge, don't hesitate to communicate to me at below my contact details:

1) My Facebook profile: www.facebook.com/AnjaiahMande

2) My email id: anjaiahmande@gmail.com
I wish you all the best......Hope to see you @Bank of India, next year

Thanks and Regards,

Anjaiah Mande
Date: November 21, 2014

Place: Chennai

Formula for arriving at final score for selection in IBPS-P.O.:

Before going to further about online test and interview, I would like to tell you the logic/formula behind
the arrival at final score based on marks obtained in on-line test and interview.
Weightage ratio of marks in online test (out of 200) and marks obtained in interview (out of 100)
for arriving final score is

80:20

This means, the total marks which you get in on-line test (out of 200) is calculated to how many for
80. Similarly, the marks which you get in interview (out of 100) are calculated to how many for 20.
Then both are combined to form score for 100.
However, note that, the IBPS does not publish the marks we get in interview. We can only find our
marks in interview by applying reverse calculation of weightage (80:20) on final score.
Below are the figures, in my case:
Total marks I secured in on-line test= 70 (out of 200)
Final score= 39.06
If I apply the weightage ratio on above marks and score, then the marks I secured in interview are
found to be: 55.3 (out of 100)
Therefore, I can say, I performed better in interview than in on-line test.