Making Your Success Yet Simple!

An Exclusive Encouragement, Experience & Updated Information for Bank Exams Aspirants
Mende Suresh, Canara Bank-IBPS PO IV-2015

You Have Two Hands

One To Help Yourself
The Second To Help Others
 Author's Profile & Contact Details

Full Name: Mende Suresh

Academics: Civils Coaching at YSR Study Circle, Hyderabad-2015

B.Tech Mechanical Engineering-RGUKT (IIIT) Basar-2014-88.2%
Intermediate-M.Bi.P.C.-RGUKT (IIIT) Basar-2010-92.9%
10th Class-SSC-ZPHS-2008-87.33%

Selections: 1. AE (Assistant Engineer) in TSGENCO-2016

2. SAIL Management Trainee-2015
3. IBPS PO IV-Canara Bank-2015
4. Ramky Infrastructures Limited-Management Trainee-2014
5. Nagarjuna Cements Limited-Management Trainee-2014
6. Others: IBPS RRB Qualified-2015, SSC CGL Qualified-2015

Achievements: 1. Selected for Civils Coaching-2015 in YSR Study Circle, Hyderabad.

2. GATE-2015 All India Rank 6191 (Marks: 56.99, Score: 605)
3. IIT-Bombay Research Internship Award 2012-13.

Present Status: AE in TSGENCO at Paloncha KTPS V & VI Stages, Khammam.

Contact Details:

E-Mail: suryamande@gmail.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mende.suresh.5

Author's Note:

1. In the table given in page number 7, salaries and number of vacancies are approximated
only. They may vary depending on many things.
2. This total document is purely based on conscience. No authorised source is responsible.
3. Nothing is punishable for any type of mistakes in this document. Nothing of this document
is ensured. Your trust in this document is merely left to you.

Any type of suggestions-comments-feedback-opinions-compliments-criticising are always welcome

Wishing You All The Best

 Contents

1. Questions & Clarifications................................................................................................4

2. Major Public Sector Bank and Related Jobs Details......................................................7
3. Exam Preparation & My Experience...............................................................................8
1. English.......................................................................................................................8
2. General Awareness & Current Affairs.....................................................................10
A) Current Affairs............................................................................................10
B) Banking Awareness.....................................................................................11
C) Computer Awareness...................................................................................12
D) Insurance Knowledge..................................................................................12
E) Marketing.....................................................................................................13
F) General Knowledge.....................................................................................13
3. Reasoning................................................................................................................14
4. Quantitative Aptitude..............................................................................................16
5. Computer Knowledge.............................................................................................17
4. IBPS PO IV 2015-Exam Statistics-My Statistics...........................................................18
1. Important Tips for Exam.........................................................................................18
5. My Interview Questions-Answers-Experience..............................................................19
1. Total Combined Score Calculations........................................................................24
2. Important Tips for Interview...................................................................................24
 1. Questions & Clarifications

Dear friend, how are you? Are you preparing for bank or such exams? Or planning to go for
bank or such exams? Then here I'm to help you make your success yet simple! Do you come across
the following questions by your friends while preparing for bank exams? If so, let me clarify them!

1. Bank exams are very tough and there are many candidates preparing for years to get
it. So you can't get it in first attempt?
Ans: This opinion is blunder. I've seen many of the candidates, having planned
performance, getting it in first attempt itself. My brother got it in first attempt even he was
doing some other job. I planned clearly and cleared it in first attempt itself.

2. The time in the exam is very limited that it is very tough for a normal candidate to
clear it?
Ans: This is half true and half wrong. The time in the exam is limited but a normal
candidate can also clear it! What the candidate can do is to reach the nominal cut off marks,
it is not that difficult. And I'll tell you in the following pages how it can be done.

3. Bank exams need many months/years preparation?

Ans: This is completely wrong. The candidates who are from mathematics background and
have some general awareness sense can clear these exams without any preparation. For other
candidates, weak in mathematics/general awareness, a not give up prepartion of 2 months is
more than enough. My brother had no seperate preparation but was able to clear it. I
prepared for 3 months because I had no idea about these exams before, spending much of
the time to become familiar with these exams. I spent only 1 month for subject preparation.

4. Performing in exam is important than preparation?

Ans: This is absolutely true. It doesn't matter how long you prepared. At the end of the day,
it is only that how you perform in the exam! This is not only applicable for bank exams but
for all exams!
5. Year by year, the competition in bank exams is growing and so is the cut off marks?
Ans: Yes, this is accepted fact. But we need not to fear anything because though the
competition has been growing year by year, the number of candidates writing the exam
seriously are more or less same. And the increase in cut off marks is also not tremendous.
Many of the candidates write these exams because they don't have any job or just for time
pass. But the one who writes it seriously to get it will get it. And if you are a serious
candidate, you need to fear nothing!

6. Nowadays, the number of vacancies in banks are many but may decrease after 5 years?
Ans: Yes, it is correct. Nowadays, the largest recruitment sector in India is the banking
sector that in no other government sector these many vacancies are available. This is due to;
1. Many of the people in banks are about to retire. Their service is about to end.
2. For the sake of yet more profits, banks need to expand, resulting in new vacancies.
But it is predicted that the number of vacancies may decrease after 5 years as all the
vacancies will be filled up. Hence I say Hurry Up!

7. The work load in bank jobs is very much high and it is a risky job?
Ans: This is partially true. The work in banks involves some sort of risk as it deals with
money but the work load is not as stressful as other jobs. In fact, in bank jobs you work only
in your working hours and in rest of the time you have no responsibility but in many other
jobs the work is connected to you (one way or the other) even in your holidays.

8. The english section in the exam is very difficult to clear by a normal candidate?
Ans: The difficulty of english depends on which bank exam you are writing. But what I
know is many of the candidates are unable to clear the english section though they get good
score in all other sections and good overall score. This hurts us a lot! But it is very important
for us to clear all sections so as to qualify the exam. Hence, it is necessary to improve our
english language skills so as to get at least cut off marks in english section (I'll tell you how
to improve your english skills under seperate heading in the forthcoming pages).
9. Even if a candidate clears the exam, it is difficult for a weak in english candidate to
clear the group discussion/interview, so for a weak in english candidate it is a waste of
time trying bank jobs?
Ans: This is a very common opinion many of the people have. But this is proven to be
wrong. Note that the group discussion/interview is not to test your english ability as it is
already tested in english section of the exam itself. It is to test your personality, attitude, how
you react to the situations, how you express yourself and whether you are suitable for the
bank job or not (I'll tell you details of group discussion/interview in the forthcoming pages).
They don't care about your english but rather your trying to say answer, decisions, reactions
and emotions. Because of this, it is not an exaggeration that many of the interview panels in
IBPS asked the questions in local languages itself! I also know many candidates who are not
good in english cleared the group disscussion/interview and finally got selected. Though
being good in english is an advantage, it is not the only reason to be selected in group
discussion or interview. Hence don't bother much about group discussion/interview, just
prepare for the exam, improve your english and all other speaking/expressing skills
parallely. I'll tell you in detail how to improve them in the forthcoming pages.

10. The candidate who has good academic background can only clear the bank exams and
the others can not?
Ans: This is a normal opinion arisen from the dissatisfaction of not having good academic
background. But it is seen to be wrong in reality. Having good academic background helps
us in a way that it gives us confidence to write any type of exam but it has no other role in
clearing the exam. Indeed, many people clearing the bank exams have an average academic
track. And the banks too want only such people because they need people who stay in their
bank till the retirement and they knew that a candidate who is so intelligent will leave the
bank and join some other better job after getting. Hence, dear friend, don't worry if your
track record is not so significant, you still got your turn. Your chance awaits you! Try Out!
Work Out! See Yourself Out There in a Bank!

11. The candidate who tried and failed two three times in bank exam should stop now
because he/she won't get it?
Ans: This is completely wrong opinion. The success can be at any stage but the most
important thing is we need to keep trying. He/She might not performed well in the exam due
to many reasons, but it doesn't mean that he/she won't get in future too. I strongly believe
that they get it one day because they have the capability to correct themselves in future!
 2. Major Public Sector Bank and Related Jobs Details

Recruiting Salary (Acc. to Number of Vacancies Expected

Organisation Post New Pay Scale) Expected Notification Selection Process
Rs. p.m. Month
Prelims, Mains
IBPS PO 40000 16,000-20,000 (All India) July Objective,
Interview
Prelims, Mains
IBPS Clerk 20000 35,000-40,000 (All India) August Objective,
Interview
Single Exam
IBPS RRB Scale I Officer 35000 1,000-1,500 (In a State) June Objective,
Interview
Office Assistants Single Exam
IBPS RRB (Multipurpose) 20000 15,00-2,000 (In a State) June Objective,
Interview
Mains Objective
SBI Associates PO 50000+ 2,500-3,000 (All India) September & Descriptive,
GD&Interview
Single Exam
SBI Associates Clerk 20000 6,000-6,500 (All India) November Objective,
Interview
Prelims, Mains
SBI PO 60000+ 2,000-2,500 (All India) April Objective &
Descriptive,
GD&Interview
Single Exam
SBI Clerk 20000 5,000-6,000 (All India) May Objective,
Interview
Single Exam
RBI Assistants 22000 500-700 (All India) July Objective,
Interview
United India Insurance October / Exam Objective
Company Ltd. Generalists 37000 200-300 (All India) November &Descriptive,
Inteview
New India Assurance October / Exam Objective
Company Ltd. Generalists 36000 300-400 (All India) November &Descriptive,
Inteview
National Insurance December / Exam Objective
Company Ltd. Generalists 36000 200-300 (All India) January &Descriptive,
Inteview
The Oriental Insurance January / Exam Objective
Company Ltd. Generalists 36000 100-200 (All India) February &Descriptive,
Inteview
 3. Exam Preparation & My Experience

Generally, in any bank/insurance exam, the following sections are tested in the written exam.
Let us discuss them!

1. English

This is the section where many of the candidates struggle to get through though they get
good scores in all other sections. That is why I discuss this section first! English is indispensable to
qualify any exam nowadays.We can't escape from english, hence, learning it is the only way we
have! Let us do it from the following ways. It is very simple and enjoyable!

1. Read the books of your interest-written in english, as many as possible. This is very
important and almost 50% of the english is learnt by this way. But the book should be such
that you know many of the words in that and you don't know some of the words.
2. Compulsorily refer a dictionary while reading the book. Sometimes, understand the
contextual meaning of the word rather than just taking the meaning from the dictionary.
Even if you don't understand some words, go on reading the book, you'll get to know the
meaning soon or later. Note that without reading a book, reading a dictionary and
remembering the words is useless.
3. Stay with a friend who is good at english and helps you improve your english. Wrong or
right, speek to him/her in english. This way is very helpful that we learn 25% of the english
by this way. Ask/Request him/her as many times as possible till you get the clarity for your
doubt. Never deviate from your main doubt and get the clarity immediately. Never leave
him/her till you get the clarity! Note that nowadays, nobody tells us anything without
asking. To learn anything, Learn the Art of Asking!
4. Watch/Listen english movies/songs/speeches/interviews/debates of your interest till you
completely understand them. Watch the same thing repeatedly as many times as it is
completely understood. Never leave it without understanding even a small part of it.
Especially watch english animation movies in which the english is awesome! Watch them
till a time that you'll understand them without any subtitles. By this method, many times the
words we know are revised and also we come to know that which words are really important
and used in real world rather than just bookish words.
 5. Read news paper in local language and then read english news paper. By this way we can
easily understand the words and we learn current affairs as a bonus point!
6. Fly in internet in your free time and read as many pages as you can which are of your
interest. Especially reading wikipedia pages is preferred as we can learn english as well as
knowledge!
7. While doing the above, in parallel, prepare your english in exam point of view. This is very
important. While the above methods help you learn english, preparing in exam point of view
is necessary to perform in the exam. Turn and bend your english in the point of exam.

Important Topics for Exam

1. Reading Comprehension (Most Important)

2. Sentence Completion/Fill in the Blanks (Very Important)
3. Sentences Rearrangement (Important)
4. Sentence Correction (Important)
5. Spotting Errors (Important)
6. Synonyms (To be Considered)
7. Antonyms (To be Considered)
8. Other Topics in English (To be Concerned)

Sources for English;

In fact there is no single book/website to learn complete english, but still for practice
purpose for any competitive exams, the followings are preferred to refer;
http://www.englishgrammar.org/lessons/ (PDF Download)
https://www.ego4u.com/ (Online Material)
http://free-english-study.com/ (Online Material)
http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2012/07/english-shortcuts.html (Online Material & PDFs)

My Experience in IBPS PO IV Exam (in English):

In IBPS PO IV exam, 40 marks were allocated for English section. As I feel I'm good in
English, I did this section secondly (firstly I attempted General Awareness section as I'm very strong
in that). There were two passages of each 10 marks given in exam i.e. Total 20 marks for reading
comprehension. I read one passage and attempted all the 10 questions (5 marks directly from
passage, 1 mark inference/conclusion related, 2 marks synonyms, 2 marks antonyms).
 Then I moved to sentence arrangements as I felt if I arrange them correctly I'll get 5 marks
as a bunch. But note that if we don't arrange them correctly, sometimes we loose all marks as a
bunch too! I spent 3-4 mins here and I realised that the given sentence arrangement question was
difficult hence I didn't want to take risk, so I didn't attempt any question here feeling dissatisfied of
wasting my 4 mins time. Dear friend, in exam, realise quickly whether you can do it or not, if not,
go for other questions immediately as there is very less time available.

I started doing spotting errors then. I did 4 spotting errors. Then I did fill in the blanks.
Though it was easy, finally, I did only 4 fill in the blanks and closed english section as I need to do
other sections too to qualify the exam! Totally I ticked 18 questions in English and got 18 marks.

2. General Awareness & Current Affairs

This section is very important and helps in scoring good marks resulting in getting overall
good marks. There is one more advantage in attempting general awareness section that it takes no
time to attempt them hence, the one who is very strong in this section takes no time to score good in
the exam ultimately getting overall cut offs. In this section, the options given are generally very
distant and hence the one who has at least some idea about that particular question, can easily puts
the answer and gets the marks. The questions given generally depends on the type of exam.

A) Current Affairs: This is the most important section in General Awareness section and comprises
atleast 50% of the section. All Recent Trends/Schemes/Revolutions/Updates in Indian/World
Banking & Economy, All Latest News About India and Famous News About the World, National &
International Events, Summits-Place-Participants-Heads, Committees-Heads-Issue, Books &
Authors, Awards & Honours, Persons & Positions, Persons in News, Obituaries, Sports, Countries-
Capitals-Currencies, Important Days, Organisations-Heads-Head Quarters-Tag/Punch Lines,
Government-Persons, Science-Technology-New Inventions/Discoveries, Places-Importance,
PM/President Visits, Any Notable Issues within India & of Other Countries, Superlatives. It is
recommended that the more you discuss the current affairs with your knowledged friend, the more it
will be easy to remember. Don't afraid of such a syllabus in leaps and bounds-continuously
upgrading will bring you up.

Sources for Current Affairs;

a. Offline:
Daily News Paper Reading-Eenadu or Hindu, Mahendras Monthly Competition Boosters (English),
Shine India Booklets (Telugu), Any Other Monthly Current Affairs Magazines comfortable to you.
b. Online Material:
Mahendras Competition Boosters PDFs : http://www.mahendras.org/User/downloads.aspx
ISB Current Affairs Booklets PDFs: http://www.isbcoaching.com/currentaffairs.php
Monthly & Weekly Current Affairs PDFs: http://www.currentaffairsedu.com/study-material/
Monthly Current Affairs PDFs: http://www.affairscloud.com/current-affairs-pdf-capsule/
Monthly Current Affairs PDFs: https://bankerschoice.talentsprint.com/monthly-current-affairs
Current Affairs: http://currentaffairs.freejobalert.com/month-wise-current-affairs-study-material/

B) Banking Awareness: This is the next important section after current affairs and occupies 20-
50% of the general awareness section. Banking History, Types of Banks, Types of Banking,
Banking Terminology and Dealings, Banking Services and Their Details in Depth, Organisations
like RBI, NABARD, IRDA, NBFCs, BIRD, RRBs, DICGC, SEBI, PFRDA, FSDC, FMC, NHB,
FEMA, NEFT, RTGS, Credit Rating Agencies, All Other Regulatory Bodies in India, Mutual Funds
in India, IMF, IBRD (World Bank), ADB, SWIFT, Basel, UN Agencies, Monetary Policy of RBI,
Fiscal Policy of the Government, Capital & Money Markets in India, Instruments in Banking,
Money Instruments, Indian Financial System, Indian Economy in Brief, Important Acts,
Abbreviations. Note that there is no fixed syllabus in this section, it is in leaps and bounds and the
more you know the more it will be useful.

Sources for Banking Awareness;

a. Offline:
No specific Book I found adequate exactly for bank exam. Hence, please see the book in the
market and refer it if it is comfortable to you. Ensure that much of it should be related to banking &
its relatives. Read only those topics which are helpful for your exams.
b. Online Material:
Reading
http://www.bankingawareness.com/study-material/
http://edugeeks.in/general-awareness-2014/
http://sakshieducation.com/Banks/StoryOT.aspx?nid=79613
http://www.allbankingsolutions.com/Banking-Tutor/Tutor-main.htm
PDFs
Banking & Financial: http://www.examguruadda.in/2014/10/banking-notes.html
Banking Awareness: http://www.mahendras.org/User/downloads.aspx
http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2014/10/banking-awareness-study-material-pdf-free-download.html
http://study-places.com/download-books/banking-awareness-book-part-1-download-in-pdf/
C) Computer Awareness: These questions are many times asked under seperate section but
sometimes may be combined in general awareness section also. Please note that in this section
many of the questions are repeated many times and hence it is recommended that rather than just
reading the theory, you go through the previous years' computer awareness questions as many as
possible from various exams (IBPS, SBI & SBI Associates and other bank exams) and also practice
various sample or model objective type questions on computer awareness so that it is very easy to
score in this section. Evolution of Computers & History, Computer Generations, Types of
Computers, Computer and Its Parts, Input-Output Devices, Number System, Software & Hardware,
Computer Memory, Operating Systems, Computer Languages, Internet-E-mail-Web Technologies-
Search Engines-Social Networking-Protocols, Computer Networks & Communication, Security
Tools-Virus Types-Hacking, Computer Shortcuts, Database Basics, MS-Windows, Booting,
Computer Terminology, Abbreviations, All other things related to computers.

Sources for Computer Knowledge;

http://testpanda.com/raman-files/Computer%20Question%20Bank.pdf
http://www.mahendras.org/User/downloads.aspx
http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2012/06/computer-knowledge.html
http://edugeeks.in/computer-knowledge-2014/
http://sakshieducation.com/Banks/StoryOT.aspx?nid=79615

D) Insurance Knowledge: This type of questions appears only in insurance related exams and that
too a very less number of questions are asked but having an idea about insurance helps in any exam
too. It has very limited syllabus and hence if read in brief you can answer the questions with ease.
Many of the questions are repeated from the previous exams and hence it is advisable to the
candidate to go through as many mutliple choice questions as possible from previous years'
question papers on Insurance Section. Insurance Concept, Insurance Companies' History & Details-
Heads-Head Quarters-Tag/Punch Lines, Insurance Related Terminology (Very Important),
Insurance Policies & Their types, Recent Trends/Changes in Insurance Sector, Abbreviations.

Sources for Insurance Knowledge;

http://www.exampundit.in/2014/12/insurance-awareness-pdf-for-insurance-exams.html
http://www.bankexamstoday.com/2015/03/nicl-assistant-study-material-download.html
http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2015/03/nicl-ao-exam-reviews-and-study-material.html
E) Marketing: This type of questions are generally asked in SBI & Related Exams. But having an
idea helps in all exams. Difference Between Marketing & Selling, Marketing Terminology,
Marketing Concepts, Trends, Product & Marketing Mix, Segmentation, Targeting & Positioning,
Product Planning & Life Cycle, Branding-Labelling-Packaging, Sales Forecast, Sales Promotion,
Direct Marketing, Personal Selling, Marketing Channels, CRM, Service Marketing, Social
Marketing, Competitor's Analysis, Advertising, Marketing models

Sources for Marketing Knowledge;

http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/p/marketing-aptitude-previous-papers.html
http://www.mahendras.org/downloads/Marketing-Book-Part-I.pdf
http://www.mahendras.org/downloads/Marketing-Book-Part-II.pdf
http://www.educationobserver.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=16777

F) General Knowledge: It is the fixed knowledge that do not change in time. Questions from this
section are asked very rarely. But sometimes very basic questions from Indian History, Polity,
Economy & Geography, General Science are asked in very few exams. Having an idea is helpful.
The capacity to attempt questions in this section depends on your knowledge in due course of time.

My Experience in IBPS PO IV Exam (in General Awareness):

Immediately after opening the exam, I went to this section because I have been good &
exciting at attempting the general awareness questions. I ticked 28 questions out of 40 questions (I
got 24 marks in this section). I clicked only those questions to which I was sure about the answer
and I took totally of merely 15 minutes to complete this section. As I attempted good number of
questions in the first section itself, the same interest was carried forward and carried me to the other
sections with tiger activeness.

Dude! First of all, attempt the section in which you are good at so that confidence and hopes
arise which take you further to the other sections to attempt them too without any fear. I strongly
suggest you to get perfectness at least in one section of the exam as it helps you in two ways;
1. By getting perfection in at least one section, we can attempt that section first so that it gives
us a lot of confidence to attempt the further sections.
2. Being perfect in atleast one section helps us to get a over all good score which is a necessary
condition to satisfy the over all cut off marks and also to get interview call.
 I choosed general awareness section to get perfection because if we are perfect in this it
takes very less time in the exam to attempt this section but in other sections, even if we get
perfection, it takes some minimum time to attempt them as they involve calculations/solving,
thinking/processing etc. In other sections, even after doing all such process, we can not be sure
about the answer because we might have missed some condition during the processing whereas in
general awareness section, if we know the answer it is sure or if we don't know the answer we leave
it and thats it! No confusion & no time wastage (except in very few cases when we don't have
complete idea about that particular question). Lesser time & More marks! Above all, being a person,
getting perfection in general awareness and gaining such knowledge gives us a lot of satisfaction.

I spent most of my bank exams' preparation time in getting perfection merely in general
awareness. Because I'm OK with aptitude (as I'm from engineering background), Reasoning (as I'm
familiar with taking best possible decisions in various circumstances backed by adequate reasoning
as I did like in my personal life so far) and my practice of english goes back to Intermediate and
now I'm in the stage of mastering it! General Awareness is a never ending process and it grows in
leaps and bounds but by continuously keeping in touch with it, we can go with its pace. I read books
and discuss the same with the friends and grasp the new points from them if any for general
awareness. I refer online monthly current affairs PDFs for current affairs (Note that I never bought
any book/magazine for current affairs because I read current affairs in laptop. I read daily Eenadu
hard copy news paper too!).

3. Reasoning
This is the section where type of questions asked are fixed-just the questions change! Many
bank/insurance exams ask more or less the same type of reasoning questions.

1. Sitting/Seating Arrangement
2. Syllogisms
3. Coded Inequalities
4. Statements & Conclusions
5. Input-Output
6. Data Sufficiency
7. Cause & Effect
8. Restrictions-Decisions
9. Direction Sense
10. Blood Relations
 11. Puzzle
12. Logical Reasoning-Decision Making
13. Venn Diagrams
14. Analogy/Odd One Out
15. Figures' Series, Group of Identical Figures, Foldings.

Sources for Reasoning;

http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/p/reasoning.html
http://banksscpreparations.weebly.com/bank-study-material.html#
http://edugeeks.in/reasoning-2/
http://www.bankpo.laqshya.in/free-study-notes-of-reasoning-for-bankpo.php

My Experience in IBPS PO IV Exam (in Reasoning):

To score better in reasoning without time wastage and with clarity, the preferred order of
attempting the questions in general case is-Syllogisms, Coded Inequalities, Cause & Effect, Data
Sufficiency, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Statements & Conclusions and Any Other Problems
which looks easy of the time.

Go for solving seating arrangements and any other complicated problems only in the
following cases;
1. If they look OK to solve (just go through those problems fastly and decide/forecast if they
could be solved with accuracy & within the time or not). Because many times we spend time
but leave it in the middle getting nothing but time wastage hence become tensed.
2. Even after attempting all other known questions if you feel that the cut off marks are not
reached yet then solve the seating arrangements problems also by hook or crook.
3. After attempting minimum number of questions in all the sections including reasoning, if
still time is there, then solve the seating arrangement problems or any other complicated
problems at the end of the exam.

I first solved Syllogism questions (5) as I'm perfect in solving them and then moved to &
solved all the questions in Coded Inequalities (5). Then I solved 1 Direction Sense question and 1
Blood Relation question. After that, I ticked answers to 3 Data Sufficiency questions. I totally
attempted 15 questions in reasoning and got 15 marks. Solving various problems in reasoning,
talking to & discussing with a persons who looks for reasonable happenings, considering every
condition and possible happenings etc. will make it easy to solve any type of reasoning problems.
4. Quantitative Aptitude
This is also an important section so as to get qualified in sectional cut offs. In fact, it is an
advantage for those candidates who can do mathematics/calculations just on finger tips and at the
same it is like sitting on the needle to those who are poor in calculations. Anyway, like or hate, we
need to qualify this section too though it may/may not result in overall good score. The following
topics are important in the exam point of view.
1. Data Interpretation
2. Quadratic Equations
3. Series
4. Data Sufficiency
5. Simplification
6. Algebra
7. Percentages-Ratios-Proportions-Fractions
8. Permutations-Combinations-Probability
9. Profit-Loss-Patnership
10. Simple & Compound Interest
11. Time-Work-Pipes-Cisterns
12. Time-Distance-Speed
13. Geometry
14. Mixtures
15. Trains-Boats

The preferred order of attempting the questions is-Quadratic Equations, Series,

Simplification, Data Sufficiency, Simple Problems in Data Interpretation, Geometry, Mixtures,
Profit-Loss-Patnership, Time-Distance-Speed, Time-Work-Pipes-Cisterns, Trains-Boats, P-C-P,
Remaining Problems in Data Interpretation. Note that in this section the examiner main aim is to
waste the candidate's time as much as possible hence it is recommended to do only those problems
which seem to take less time. However, attempt minimum number of questions at any cost.

Sources for Quantitative Aptitude;

RS Agarwal Book for Practice
http://www.gr8ambitionz.com/2015/01/quantitative-aptitude-study-material-free-download.html
http://sakshieducation.com/SSC/list.aspx?cid=20&Sid=166&Chid=489
http://www.careerbless.com/aptitude/qa/home.php
http://banksscpreparations.weebly.com/bank-study-material.html#
My Experience in IBPS PO IV Exam (in Quantitative Aptitude):
I attempted this section in the last because this is the section in which I take a lot of time for
calculations. I can do any type of aptitude problems but taking very much time that even for a
simple multiplication/division I need to use a pen and paper like a kid! (Believe me that I know
multiplication tables only upto 10 and for above I use paper and pen!). So surely, this is my weeker
section. I can't calculate everything in the mind itself as some people do and hence I always use a
pen and paper for even simple calculations. But anyway, I could & can do minimum number of
questions as I pre-plan properly how to proceed and do the problems in this section.

I first opened the question paper and had a glance at all the questions in quantitative
aptitude. I found 3 data sufficiency problems easy hence solved them first and then solved 2 data
interpretation problems which are simple. After that, I solved 3 quadratic equations problems, 2
series problems and 1 geometry problem. Finally I solved 1 profit & loss problem and 1 speed-
distance problem. At this point of time, I'm left with only 4 minutes of time and as I also felt that I
attempted minimum number of questions in quantitative aptitude-I left this section and moved to
general awareness section just to confirm the answers put are correct. I attempted totally 13
questions in quantitative aptitude and got 13 marks.

Though I'm not good at faster calculations, still I identified the areas of aptitude in which I
can do relatively faster. I recommend the same to you dear-never leave your weaker section as it is,
instead of being afraid of such section, please identify the areas in which you can do comparatively
better and plan how to face & tackle such weeker section. The more we escape from our
weaknesses the more it will grow and may oneday swallow us entirely. We have to be at least some
defensive against our weaknesses. And above all, prevention is better than cure! Realising the things
immediately and taking corrective actions is what needed in the current world or else the things
would be out of hand and the late realiser would get nothing but mercy of the others!

5. Computer Knowledge
There were totally 20 questions given under seperate section in IBPS PO IV-2015 and I
attempted 16 questions and I got 16 marks. All the questions were moderate except 4-5 questions
and the options given were very distant so it was very easy to recognise the answer in a second. I
took 5 minutes to answer these questions after GA. I've been in touch with computer knowledge
since my Intermediate and hence in this section, the marks were handed over to me on a golden
platter! Before going to the exam, I just revised the things I already knew for the confirmation. Note
that though you are good at something, never neglect it. Concerning all is a prime concern!
 4. IBPS PO IV 2015-Exam Statistics-My Statistics

Cut Off Cut Off Number of

S.No. Section Maximum Marks for Marks for Questions Marks Time Opinion
Marks SC/ST/OBC Ganeral Attempted Obtained Taken
Allotted /HI/OC/VI Candidates
1 Quantitative 50 4 7 13 13 35 mins Very Difficult
Aptitude
2 Reasoning 50 6 10 15 15 35 mins Difficult
3 English Language 40 6 8 18 18 30 mins Difficult
4 Computer 20 9 11 16 16 5 mins Easy-Moderate
Knowledge
5 General 40 7 10 29 24 15 mins Easy-Moderate
Awareness
6 Total 200 70/56/80/36/ 82 91 86 120 Moderate
61/38 mins

Important Tips for Exam:

1. If your exam is not the first paper of that year then compulsorily see the question papers
of that year (put in internet by many websites). Because the type of questions asked are
same in all the papers of that year and few are repeated also. I got 24 marks in general
awareness because of this only. Visiting previous years' papers of 2-3 years is enough.
2. Read the Current Affairs of only previous 2-3 months but be perfect. No bank exam is
asking last 6 months current affairs. But also go through the events which comes only once
in a year like Budget, Oscar Awards, Any Other Prestigious Awards, Cups & Trophies etc..
3. Never waste time in only one section. Attempt minimum number of questions in all
sections (at least 5 questions more than general cut off marks) and attemept more questions
in at least one section (in which you are good at) so as to satisfy over all cut off marks also.
I've many friends who got sectional cut offs but not over all cut offs.
4. Open the question paper tab in the exam (all the questions are displayed at one place but
with no options) and just go through all the questions for a minute & identify which
questions seem to take less time-solve those questions only.
5. Eat light food (fruits, carbohydrates etc.) & be tiger active in the exam hunting for a deer.
 5. My Interview Questions-Answers-Experience

My interview was scheduled at 8.30 a.m. on 24th Jan, 2015. I was allotted to the Interview
Panel VIII, held at Andhra Bank Apex College, Financial District, Gachibowli, Hyderabad. I was
the second person to that interview panel on that day. Though the interview has less weightage
relative to the written exam, it plays major role in deciding the final selection as anyway the written
exam marks can not be changed and many of the candidates qualify the exam, hence, interview
marks play a key role ultimately. Hence, performing good in interview is necessary.

There were four members in my interview panel, 3 of them were gents and 1 was lady. I call
them M1, M2, M3 & L1. I knocked the door and asked May I come in sir?. I said sir as I saw
only 2 male members when I knocked and opened the door. If had seen a lady, then I should have
said madam. They said Yes come in.... I entered the room and wished Happy morning madam,
happy morning sir . Then M1 said Oh you wished us differently. Good... then he asked me to sit
in the chair. While I was sitting, M1 said Sit comfortably Mr. Suresh.. then I replied Okay sir,
I'm comfortable. They generally say to everyone to sit comfortably. This is to make sure that the
candidate is comfortable so as to be ready for the interview. Then my interview started....
M1: Did you pass out recently?
Yes sir, I passed out my graduation recently in 2014.
M1: What is your specialisation in B.Tech?
I did my B.Tech in Mechanical Engineering sir.
M2 & L1: Oh, you know we are also from Mechanical Engineering background..
Oh, okay sir, okay madam..
M1: Mr. Suresh, introduce yourself?
My name is Suresh, I was born and brought up in a village near Ramagundam which is located in
Karimnagar district of Telangana State. I studied my 10th class in Zilla Parishad High School getting
87.33% which was the then mandal 2nd highest percentage (M1: Oh, Good!). Hence, I was given an
opportunity to study my 6-year integrated B.Tech course in IIIT-Basar. The name has changed to
RGUKT-Basar now. I completed my Intermediate and B.Tech in RGUKT-Basar getting 92.9% and
88.2% respectively (M1: Hmm..Very Good!). I was an awardee of IIT-Bombay Research Internship
Awards during 2012-13. I worked as......
M2: Okay Suresh, hmm what is your father and mother?
Both of them are engaged in agricultural work sir.
M2: Do you know anybody working in bank?
Ha sir, my brother is working as Probationary Officer in Bank of India. He joined it recently.
M2: What is his qualification?
He did his B.Tech in Computer Science in NIT-Warangal.
M1: What is the reason you come this side? No companies in campus placements or what?
Sir, campus placements is not the mere reason why I'm here infront of you. During the campus
placements, there were companies but many of them were from software field. So I didn't
participate as I was not interested. When I came out from the college, I attended and selected for the
company-Nagarjuna Cements Limited but they told me it was only a 3 years contract hence I
refused to join it. Though I studied well, there are relatively negligible number of jobs in core sector
except here and there. Then I started thinking of some job in which I can permanently settle down
and grow till the last and for which I'm suitable to use my skills and proficiency to do the best.
And the number of vacancies should also be considerable so that without wasting years, I can get
one. Then the bank job seems to be the answer for me! Nowadays many banks are opening
vacancies. Besides, bank job is a secure and prestigious job. This job offers relatively a quick
growth which no other sector offers and the salaries are also good. All these reasons pulled me
towards a bank job sir.
M3: Okay Suresh, but how do you justify that a mechanical engineer can do a bank job?
Sir, it is not about which background I'm from, it is that whether I posses the required skills for the
job or not? Strictly speaking, any work in the world basically involves the skill of analysing,
problem solving, decision making, execution within the time limit, effective use of resources,
consideration of real world restrictions, a good communication (if it is a group work) etc. Though
the works may be different, the skills are the same. Many times during my studies like exams,
organising an event, playing a game etc., I got exposure to the above skills which are helpful for
any job I do. Other than my pure core knowledge, every other thing that I have is useful for this job.
Hence, it is not a wonder that I can do a bank job. In fact, if a mechanical engineer could not do a
bank job, would you be here sir as an interviewer interviewing for a bank job? (They told me
initially that they are also from mechanical engineering background right!).
M2: Tell me the types of power producing methods?
Nowadays, the power producing methods are by coal, hydel, nuclear, solar, wind etc.
M3: Which power producing method is cheapest among the all above?
Wind power sir...
M3: Then why are we producing power by other methods?
Sir, power production by wind is the cheapest method but it is not the method which produces
highest power. We need very much electricity for all our lives today hence we adopt other methods.
M2: Why not the wind method is highest power producing method?
Because the power production by this method depends on many factors which are out of hour hands
like 1. The the wind must be very speedy to rotate the turbine 2. The wind should naturally flow
continuously so as to produce continuous power which many times doesn't happen. 3. The wind
flow rate depends on altitude of the place where we build the plant and...
M3: Okay Suresh that is correct.....
Thank you sir.
L1: Technically, what is a mechanism?
A mechanism is a combination of many resistant bodies connected closingly in which one link is
fixed and all the other links move with respect to the fixed link so as to produce some useful work.
L1: Is human body as a whole a mechanism?
No it can't be a mechanism as a whole as it posses some open links like hands and legs.
M1: What is an Operation? We say many times something is an operation...
It is a process of doing some activity.
M1: Tell me an example?
This interview is an operation sir.
M2: What is Jan Dhan Yojana?
It is a government scheme introduced by the central government to open bank accounts for all for
free and hence achieve financial inclusion.
M2: Did I say correctly? Is it Dhan or Daan?
Yes sir, you did say correctly. It is Dhan..not Daan.
M2: What is the difference just another a?
Not just another a sir, the meaning completely changes. Dhan means Money and Daan
means Donation. It is people's Money not Donation sir.
M2: Who introduced it?
It is introduced by the honourable Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi.
M2: What are the functions of a banks other than taking deposits and giving loans?
Banks provide safety lockers in which one can keep his belongings safely. Banks offer safe custody
of articles to keep the things like bonds, agreements, letters etc. between/among persons safe from
spoilage. Remittance facilities are provided by the banks by which one is able to send money to the
home country from a foreign country. Banks are the points where one needs to exchange his cash
and currency. Nowadays, banks are also selling insurance products to the people..
M2: Okay enough Suresh. Do you think bank needs profit?
Yes sir, I do think bank needs profit. But it should be legitimate profit.
M2: Why do you think so? Many aspirants who are coming for bank interview, are saying
that they are going to do service to the people by joining in bank. Why don't they do it for free
rather than expecting profit to the bank they join?
Sir, the basic aim of establishing any organisation/company, no matter is it a Public Sector
Undertaking or a private company, is only to get profits subjected to the law. If it is to serve the
society rather than to get profits, then they wouldn't have started a company but a charitable trust.
So, I strongly support a company to get profits by legitimate means.
M2: Then why a bank has to do service to the people by opening zero balance accounts, giving
loans with very less interest rates, doing other free services to the poor?
Dear sir, banks are a part of the key role in the economy & development of a country and hence
carry the social responsibility too. Above all, by opening zero balance accounts, providing such
other free facilities, the banks are making the people open accounts in their banks and do financial
transactions which is what one of the main aims of a bank. More are the customers, so is the profit
hence though initially results in no profit, in long term such things will surely improve the profits of
the bank and hence both the aims social responsibility & getting profit are fulfilled.
M2: Do you think all the banks are now running in profit?
No sir, I don't think that all the banks are now running in profit, but I think many of them are now
running in profit sir.
M2: Yes you are correct, there are two banks running in losses, tell me which banks are they?
Hmm I really don't know which banks are now running in losses sir.
M2: Ok. Find out those banks after this interview ok?
Ha sure sir.
M2: What are the services offered by the bank to the poor?
The bank offers loans at a low interest for the poor to build a home, to buy a vehicle, to start a small
shop, to persue education etc. The bank also provides timely money for a farmer for his farming
which can be repayable at a later time. By doing all this the poor are uplifted.
M2: Why is everything connected to the AADHAAR nowadays by the government?
I don't know the exact reason sir but I think when there are many identity cards, it is combursome
for the government to do transactions & to identify the people hence it came up with a new card-
AADHAAR to unify all the database with this sole card to make it easy for any
transaction/identification. Hence, they connected everything with this card sir.
M2: This is okay. But the main reason is to create an AADHAAR based account and to
transfer the money directly to this account to reach the deserver & needy so that there will be
no intermediaries and no time delays...
Oh, okay sir, thank you.
M2: Can you say the name of that account?
Hmm I don't know sir.
M2: It is AADHAAR Seeding Account
Oh, AADHAAR Seeding Account! Thank you sir.
M2: What is Vibration & Control? Consider me as an illiterate person and tell me...
Vibration is something where a body shakes to and fro and produces motion of its sorrounding
bodies. It is sometimes a disturbance and sometimes useful. Control is the actions we take to control
the unwanted vibration like providing springs/shock abosorbers in motor bikes.
M2: Oh good! Understandable explanation....
Thank you sir...
M1: Is this your first interview?
No sir, I attended & selected in a company's interview before this interview.
M1: No Suresh, I'm asking is this your first interview for bank jobs?
Yes sir this is the first bank job interivew for me.
M3: Who is the fastest person on the earth?
Excuse me sir, fastest in terms of what?
M3: Fastest in running?
Usain Bolt is the fastest runner on the earth according to the official records hitherto sir.
M3: Is it Michel Bolt or Usain Bolt?
Hmm it is Usain Bolt sir. Michel is for Phelps who is an ace swimmer sir.
M3: By which country a robot is built which runs faster than this man?
Hmm I don't know sir, but I guess it is Japan!
M3: Hmm you are very closer..
Hmm oh, it is North Korea or South Korea sir.
M3: Hmm correct! Tell me how many classical languages are there in India?
There are 6 classical languages so far in India sir.
M3: Can you name them?
Sanskrit, Tamil, Malayali, Kannada, Telugu & Oriya are granted classical language status upto now.
M3: Which of them is added recently?
Oriya is added recently sir.
M3: What was the old name of Odisha in the time of kings rule?
It was covered under Kalinga kingdom sir.
M1: Okay Suresh, you have done well (smiling). We wish you all the best. You can leave now..
Thank you very much sir, thank you madam...(took my file and bag and walked two steps back and
then turned to the door and got out..)
1. Total Combined Score Calculations
Marks in Written Exam: 86/200
Reducing Written Exam Marks to 80%: 34.40/80
Marks Got in Interview: 65/100 (<50 Poor, 50-60 Average, 60-70 Good, >70 Excellent)
Reducing Interview Marks to 20%: 13/20
Combined Final Score (80% Written + 20% Interview): 34.40/80 + 13/20 = 47.40/100
(Cut Offs: SC-42.20, ST-36.40, OBC-45.60, HI/OC/VI-24.40/39.60/34.80, General-49.60)
2. Important Tips for Interview:
1. Light color shirt, black or related pant, black belt & black shoes are preferred. Clean shave, short
hair cutting & cut nails. No tie is needed as it exaggerates the things. A firm watch is recommended.
2. Keep all the relevant certificates in a neat file. We don't know where they are useful.
3. Open the door just a half (while entering the interview room) so that you will be visible to them
clearly. (Wide opening= generally if thieves are inside, we call someone to show that. Very less
opening=generally to see illegally what is happening inside)
4. Ask permission & Wish--the one who sees you first. Then in others, give preference to ladies.
Leaving the one (can be a madam or a sir) whom you recognised saw you first is not good.
5. Put your belongings aside (not on the table) and sit straight if offered a seat after wishing them.
6. Identify & impress the main interviewer as much as possible but it shoud be generic.
7. Look more at the one who asked the question and also cover all others too while talking. If
someone asks question in the middle, then tell the current person Excuse me sir/madam and move
to the other person to answer and come back again to the current person later if they allow.
8. Never lean/vibrate/shake your body/any of the body organs.
9. While answering, there will be at least one person who tries to discourage you and at least one
person tries to push you to the sky. They intentionally do this to test the emotional stability of the
candidate. Never show difference between these two persons. Always take the brickbats & bouquets
with equality and for anything they say smile a little and say Okay sir/madam.
10. Talk very clearly. If you really don't know the answer, don't hesitate to tell I don't know this
sir/madam. They don't expect us to answer every question they ask. They are to test our expressive
skills. Add words like I guess I'm not sure but I think I don't know perfectly but it might be to
the answers which you are not perfect. Add words like In my opinion In my view In my eyes
To my knowledge To the extent of my thinking to tell your opinions on something.
11. Give balanced answers. Leaning completely to one side is not good.
12. Be royal and never say frequently Sorry sir/madam. Instead, say Okay sir/madam, it will not
repeat again/I will follow this next onwards/I will change immediately etc. But saying frequently
Thank you madam/sir is OK.