Introduction:
Time management is crucial for success in the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains 2025 exam. With limited time and a high level of competition, managing each section efficiently is the key to scoring well. In this blog, we’ll provide you with section-wise time management strategies for both Prelims and Mains. By learning how to distribute your time effectively, you can increase your chances of success and reduce exam-day stress.
1. IBPS Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern & Time Management Strategy:
The IBPS Clerk Prelims exam consists of three sections:
- Reasoning Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 35 questions (35 marks)
- English Language – 30 questions (30 marks)
The total duration is 60 minutes, which means you have 1 minute per question on average. Given the pressure of time, you need to be strategic in your approach.
Prelims Time Allocation:- Reasoning Ability: 20 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 20 minutes
- English Language: 20 minutes
- Reasoning Ability: This section requires logical thinking and analysis. Focus on time-consuming but easy-to-interpret topics like seating arrangements, blood relations, and coding-decoding. Skip tricky puzzles and move on to easier questions if you're stuck.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Prioritize questions like simplification, number series, and data interpretation. For DI, focus on easy-to-understand graphs and tables. Use shortcuts and mental math to save time.
- English Language: Start with the reading comprehension section, as it is easier and time-efficient. Skip questions that seem too complex, and focus on vocabulary and grammar questions for quicker answers.
The IBPS Clerk Mains exam has 4 sections:
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude – 60 questions (60 marks)
- English Language – 40 questions (40 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude – 50 questions (50 marks)
- General Awareness (with special reference to Banking) – 50 questions (50 marks)
The total time for Mains is 160 minutes. The key to doing well here is to manage time wisely across sections based on difficulty level.
Mains Time Allocation:- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude: 35 minutes
- English Language: 20 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 minutes
- General Awareness: 30 minutes
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude: This section is both time-consuming and tricky. Start with easier reasoning questions (such as sitting arrangements or inequality), and save computer aptitude questions for the last. 35 minutes will be enough if you focus on maximizing accuracy.
- English Language: With 40 questions in Mains, you need to manage your time carefully. Start with reading comprehension, as it is less time-consuming. For other grammar-related questions, work through them quickly, but ensure accuracy.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on the sections with direct calculations like number series and simplification. Data interpretation can be time-consuming; hence, practice to identify easy DI sets. Stick to the 35-minute strategy, and don’t linger on tough questions.
- General Awareness: This section is knowledge-based, and it doesn’t require much time to solve. Allocate 30 minutes for the section, reading through the questions carefully. Keep up with current affairs to ensure you can answer questions from banking and finance.
3. Section-Wise Time Management Tips to Maximize Your Score:
Whether it’s Prelims or Mains, always start with the easier questions. For example, in Quantitative Aptitude, begin with questions like simplification or number series, which are quick to answer.
b) Don’t Waste Time on Difficult Questions:If you find yourself stuck on a question, move on. There's no point wasting time on a single question when you can attempt easier ones and boost your overall score.
c) Follow the 60-40 Rule:Devote 60% of your time to answering the easiest and quickest questions, and spend the remaining 40% on the more complex ones. This applies to both Prelims and Mains.
d) Speed and Accuracy Over Quantity:It’s not about how many questions you attempt; it’s about how many you can answer correctly. Accuracy is crucial, especially in the Prelims. In Mains, focus on improving both speed and accuracy while solving complex problems.
e) Use the ‘Skip and Return’ Technique:If you’re unsure about a question, use the skip and return technique. Mark it and return to it after you’ve completed the rest of the paper. This helps in managing time and avoiding frustration.
4. Practice and Revision: The Key to Success
The most effective time management strategy is practice. Take mock tests and solve previous years’ papers to get a better understanding of the time each section requires. Use these tests to simulate the actual exam environment and perfect your time management skills.
Revision is just as important. Regularly revise key concepts and formulas, which will improve both your speed and accuracy. The more familiar you are with the concepts, the less time you’ll waste on them during the exam.
Conclusion:
Effective time management is the cornerstone of success in the IBPS Clerk Prelims and Mains 2025. By understanding the exam pattern, allocating time wisely to each section, and practicing regularly, you can maximize your chances of scoring well. Remember, consistency and focused preparation are key to acing the exam.
Start applying these section-wise time management strategies today, and boost your performance on exam day. Best of luck in your preparation!