The IBPS Calendar for 2021-22 is a comprehensive schedule released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) that outlines the dates and timelines for various banking examinations and recruitment processes for the fiscal year. The calendar is a vital tool for candidates aspiring to join public sector banks and regional rural banks in India, as it provides detailed information on the examination schedule for positions such as Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, Specialist Officers (SO), and Regional Rural Bank Officers (RRB PO and RRB Clerk).
- Overview: IBPS Calendar 2021-22
- Exam Pattern
- Subjects Covered in Paper
- Benefits of IBPS exam
- FAQ’s
OVERVIEW: IBPS Calendar for 2021-22
The IBPS Calendar for 2021-22 is a comprehensive schedule issued by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), detailing key dates for various banking exams and recruitment processes throughout the fiscal year. This calendar is a valuable guide for candidates seeking positions in public sector banks and regional rural banks across India, including roles such as Probationary Officers (PO), Clerks, Specialist Officers (SO), and Regional Rural Bank Officers (RRB PO and RRB Clerk).
Highlights of the IBPS Calendar 2021-22:
Exam Timelines: The calendar provides exact dates for the Preliminary and Main Examinations for each post, helping candidates plan their study schedules effectively and avoid conflicts with other commitments.
Application Deadlines: It outlines the application submission periods for various exams. Timely submission is crucial for eligibility, and the calendar ensures candidates are aware of these important deadlines.
Admit Card Releases: Dates for the release of admit cards are specified, allowing candidates to download their admit cards in advance and avoid last-minute issues.
Result Announcements: The calendar includes schedules for the release of exam results, providing candidates with a clear timeline for when they can expect to see their scores and plan subsequent steps.
Interview Scheduling: For roles that involve an interview stage, the calendar lists the interview periods and dates, aiding candidates in preparation and ensuring they are ready for the final selection process.
By adhering to the IBPS Calendar for 2021-22, candidates can efficiently manage their preparation and stay on track throughout the recruitment process. This organized approach helps in minimizing stress and maximizing performance in the competitive banking exams.
Exam Pattern
The IBPS RRB PO (Regional Rural Bank Probationary Officer) exam pattern is designed to evaluate candidates for managerial positions in regional rural banks. The exam is conducted in three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. Each stage assesses different skills and is crucial for the selection process. Here’s a detailed overview of the exam pattern:
1. Preliminary Examination:
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Total Marks: 80
- Number of Sections: 2
- Reasoning Ability: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 questions, 40 marks
The Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature. Candidates need to meet the minimum cut-off in each section to advance to the Main Examination. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam are not considered for the final selection.
2. Main Examination:
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: 200
- Number of Sections: 5
- Reasoning Ability: 40 questions, 50 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 40 questions, 50 marks
- General Awareness: 40 questions, 40 marks
- English Language or Hindi Language: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Computer Knowledge: 40 questions, 20 marks
In the Main Examination, the total marks scored are crucial as they are considered for the final merit list. Each section has a specific number of questions and marks. There is no sectional time limit, but candidates must manage their time effectively across all sections.
3. Interview:
- Total Marks: 100
- Weightage: The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination and the Interview, with a ratio of 80:20.
Key Points:
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main Exams.
- Language Options: The exam can be attempted in English or Hindi, except for the English/Hindi Language section, which is in the chosen language.
- Descriptive Test: There is no descriptive test in the IBPS RRB PO exam. The selection process includes only the Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Interview.
The IBPS RRB PO exam pattern is structured to assess candidates’ proficiency in various areas critical for a managerial role in banking. Effective preparation and time management across all sections are essential for success in this competitive examination.
Subject Covered in paper
The IBPS RRB PO (Regional Rural Bank Probationary Officer) exam covers a range of subjects designed to evaluate candidates’ skills in various areas essential for a banking career. The subjects covered in the exam are divided across different stages, including the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Interview. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the subjects covered:
1. Preliminary Examination:
Reasoning Ability:
- Key Topics:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning
- This section tests candidates’ analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Key Topics:
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Key Topics:
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs, Charts)
- Number Series
- Simplification
- Arithmetic Problems (Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Simple and Compound Interest)
- Ratio and Proportion
- This section evaluates candidates’ mathematical and numerical skills.
- Key Topics:
2. Main Examination:
Reasoning Ability:
- Key Topics:
- Advanced Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
- Input-Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Logical Reasoning
- Critical Reasoning
- This section tests more complex reasoning and analytical skills compared to the Preliminary stage.
- Key Topics:
Quantitative Aptitude:
- Key Topics:
- Advanced Data Interpretation (Mixed Graphs, Caselets)
- Number Series
- Complex Arithmetic Problems
- Data Sufficiency
- Probability
- This section focuses on in-depth numerical analysis and problem-solving.
- Key Topics:
General Awareness:
- Key Topics:
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Banking and Financial Awareness
- Government Schemes and Initiatives
- Important Awards and Honors
- Sports and Entertainment
- This section assesses knowledge of recent events and the banking sector.
- Key Topics:
English Language (or Hindi Language):
- Key Topics:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary and Grammar
- This section evaluates candidates’ proficiency in English or Hindi, focusing on comprehension and language skills.
- Key Topics:
Computer Knowledge:
- Key Topics:
- Basics of Computers (Hardware and Software)
- Operating Systems
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Internet and Networking
- Computer Security and IT Act
- This section tests basic computer skills and knowledge relevant to the banking industry.
- Key Topics:
3. Interview:
- Focus Areas:
- Personal Interaction: Communication skills, personality assessment, and suitability for the role.
- Banking Knowledge: Awareness of banking operations, financial products, and current events related to the banking sector.
- General Knowledge: Understanding of regional and national issues, along with any relevant topics discussed during the Main Examination.
The IBPS RRB PO exam covers a comprehensive range of subjects to ensure that candidates are well-equipped to handle various responsibilities in a banking role. Proper preparation across all these subjects is crucial for success in the exam.
Benefits of IBPS Exam
The IBPS SO (Specialist Officer) exam offers several benefits, both during the recruitment process and in the resulting job roles. Clearing this exam opens up a world of opportunities in specialized fields within the banking sector. Here are the key benefits:
1. Specialized Banking Role
The IBPS SO exam allows candidates to secure a specialized role in public sector banks, such as IT Officer, Agriculture Field Officer, Law Officer, HR/Personnel Officer, Marketing Officer, or Rajbhasha Adhikari. These roles are tailored to the candidate’s specific skills and expertise, allowing them to work in a field of their choice.
2. Attractive Salary and Perks
Specialist Officers in public sector banks enjoy a competitive salary package. The starting salary for IBPS SO roles generally falls within the range of INR 23,700 to INR 42,020 per month, depending on the role and experience. Additionally, employees receive numerous perks, including House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), medical benefits, travel allowances, and more.
3. Job Security
IBPS SO positions offer the stability of a government job. Public sector banks provide long-term job security, which is a significant advantage in today’s competitive job market. The security associated with these roles makes them highly sought after by candidates seeking stable careers.
4. Career Growth Opportunities
Specialist Officers have ample opportunities for career growth. Through regular promotions and departmental exams, officers can advance to higher roles within the banking hierarchy. Growth is both vertical (e.g., from Scale I to Scale II and Scale III roles) and lateral, with opportunities to switch to other areas of specialization within the bank.
5. Professional Development
Being in a specialized role allows employees to continuously develop and refine their professional skills. Whether it’s legal knowledge for Law Officers, marketing strategies for Marketing Officers, or human resource management for HR Officers, employees gain valuable expertise that enhances their professional growth.
6. Contribution to Sector-Specific Development
Specialist Officers play a crucial role in developing and maintaining specific areas of the banking sector. For instance, Agriculture Field Officers work towards the betterment of rural agriculture finance, while Rajbhasha Adhikaris contribute to the promotion of the Hindi language in banking. This makes the job both impactful and rewarding.
7. Work-Life Balance
Unlike private sector jobs that often come with high-pressure environments and long hours, Specialist Officer roles in public sector banks typically provide a better work-life balance. Employees enjoy regulated working hours, public holidays, and adequate leave policies, which contribute to a more balanced professional life.
8. Pension and Retirement Benefits
Public sector jobs come with attractive post-retirement benefits. IBPS SOs receive pensions and other retirement perks that ensure financial stability even after they retire from active service.
9. Learning Opportunities
The roles of Specialist Officers are diverse, and employees get the chance to learn from various banking operations, interact with diverse clients, and participate in strategic decisions, thereby broadening their skills and experience.
10. Prestigious Position
Securing a job through the IBPS SO exam is prestigious and respected in society. Being a part of the public sector banking system is seen as a mark of success and brings recognition to the employees, which adds to personal satisfaction.
In conclusion, the IBPS SO exam offers a blend of professional specialization, job security, and growth, making it a highly desirable career path for candidates across various domains.
FAQ's
The IBPS Calendar is generally released at the beginning of each year, around January or February, providing the tentative schedule for various exams.
The IBPS Calendar provides the following details:
- Exam notification dates.
- Online registration start and end dates.
- Preliminary and main exam dates.
- Results declaration dates.
- Interview and final selection dates.
According to the typical IBPS Calendar, the IBPS PO Preliminary exam is usually conducted around October, with the Main exam in November. However, candidates should refer to the latest calendar for exact dates.
The subjects vary based on the position applied for. Generally, the Preliminary Exam covers Reasoning, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and General Awareness with Special Reference to Banking. The Mains Exam focuses on professional knowledge related to the specific specialist role.
