30-Day IBPS PO Study Plan to Crack the Exam on First Attempt

IBPS PO is India's most desirable bank exam. Lakhs of students send in their forms for it annually, but very few pass the test. Most of the students give up even before they try, believing the syllabus to be too vast or the duration too short. But if you plan your strategy properly and have target orientation, you can clear IBPS PO at the first attempt with only 30 days of study.

This blog is for you students. Regardless of the stream you are pursuing in science, commerce, or arts, this book will teach you how to study efficiently and stay on course. You will understand how to utilize your time, what you should study, and how not to fall into traps.

Let's begin by understanding the exam.

About IBPS PO

The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) conducts the Probationary Officer (PO) exam every year. It selects candidates for officer-level positions in public sector banks such as Bank of Baroda, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank, and others.

Why choose IBPS PO?

• Good starting salary and allowances
   
• Job security and government benefits
   
• Chance to grow and become a bank manager or even higher

The exam is not very difficult if you prepare properly. Many students crack it without coaching by following a proper study plan, practicing regularly, and staying consistent.

IBPS PO Exam Pattern

Understanding the exam pattern is the first step in your preparation. The IBPS PO exam has three stages:

1. Prelims (Preliminary Exam)

This is the first stage. It is a screening test. Only if you clear this, you can appear for the main exam.

• Total Duration: 1 hour
   
• Three sections:
   
  • English Language – 30 questions
     
  • Quantitative Aptitude – 35 questions
     
  • Reasoning Ability – 35 questions
     
• Total: 100 questions
   
• Each section is timed for 20 minutes
   

2. Mains (Main Exam)

If you clear Prelims, you appear for the Mains.

• Reasoning and Computer Aptitude – 45 questions
   
• English Language – 35 questions
   
• Data Interpretation and Analysis – 35 questions
   
• General Economy and Banking Awareness – 40 questions
   
• Duration: 3 hours
   
• Plus, 30 minutes for Descriptive Test (Letter and Essay writing)
   

3. Interview

Candidates who clear the Mains are called for a personal interview.

30-Day Study Plan for IBPS PO

This study plan is designed for students who are starting their preparation with just one month in hand. You will study for 6 to 8 hours daily, focusing on both Prelims and Mains.

You will revise basics, practice questions, and take mock tests. If you follow this plan seriously, you will be ready to take the exam with confidence.

Week 1: Understanding Basics and Syllabus

Goal: Cover all basic concepts of Quant, Reasoning, and English. Begin reading newspapers for General Awareness.

Day 1-2

• Understand the full syllabus of Prelims and Mains
   
• Check previous years' question papers
   
• Make a study timetable
  
   

Day 3-7

• Revise basic concepts in:
  Quant: Percentages, Profit & Loss, Averages, SI & CI
  Reasoning: Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding
  English: Grammar rules, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test
   
• Read current affairs for the last 3 months
   
• Start solving topic-wise questions (20–30 per topic)
   
• Practice one Prelims mock test on Day 5 or 6
   

Week 2: Focus on Speed and Accuracy

Goal: Build speed and improve accuracy. Identify weak topics.

Day 8-14

• Continue with Quant and Reasoning practice
   
• Focus on Data Interpretation and Arithmetic
   
• Solve high-level puzzles and seating arrangements
  
   

English:

• Practice Reading Comprehension and Para Jumbles
   
• Learn 10 new vocabulary words daily
   

General Awareness:

• Study Banking Awareness, RBI policies, Budget, and Static GK
   
• Take at least 2 full Prelims mock tests this week
   
• Start practicing essay and letter writing for Descriptive Test
   

Week 3: Mains-Level Preparation

Goal: Prepare for Mains-level questions. Practice full-length tests.

Day 15-21

• Focus on Mains-level questions in DI, Puzzle, and Reading Comprehension
   
• Solve computer awareness questions (static + basics)
   
• Write one descriptive piece every alternate day (essay or letter)
   
• Revise current affairs from past 4–5 months
   
• Take 2 full-length Mains mock tests
   
• Analyze test results and improve weak areas
   

Week 4: Revision and Final Preparation

Goal: Revise everything and stay exam-ready

Day 22-28

• Focus on revising notes, formulas, and shortcut tricks
   
• Revise banking awareness and static GK
   
• Practice mocks every alternate day
   
• Time yourself while solving each section
   
• Continue reading editorials and writing practice
  
   

Day 29-30

• Do light revision
   
• Revise all test mistakes and focus on accuracy
   
• Sleep well and relax before the exam day
   

Common Mistakes Students Make

Ignoring the English section
Many students think English is easy and don’t practice enough. But English has sectional cut-offs. Practice reading comprehension and grammar daily.

Not solving enough mock tests
Just reading books is not enough. You must solve full-length tests in exam-like conditions. Analyze your mistakes after every mock.

Wasting time on weak topics
If a topic is too tough and not very important, don’t waste hours on it. Focus more on topics that give good marks in less time.

Tips to Study Smart for IBPS PO

Make a timetable and follow it daily
Set clear goals for every day and week. Divide your time for each subject.

Use short notes and formula sheets
Keep all important formulas, rules, and tricks in one place. Revise them daily.

Solve previous year papers
These give you a clear idea about the type of questions asked and difficulty level.

Use online resources
There are many free resources like YouTube, PDFs, apps, and quizzes available online. Use them to learn new tricks and revise fast.

Stay updated with current affairs
Read a good newspaper like The Hindu or Indian Express. You can also use monthly current affairs PDFs or apps like AffairsCloud, Adda247, and Gradeup.

Best Resources for IBPS PO Preparation

Books:

• Quant: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal or Arun Sharma
   
• Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
   
• English: Wren and Martin for Grammar, Word Power Made Easy
   
• General Awareness: Banking Awareness by Arihant, Lucent GK
  
   

Websites and Apps:

• Testbook
   
• Oliveboard
   
• Adda247
   
• AffairsCloud
   
• Gradeup (BYJU’S Exam Prep)
   

Use mock tests from these platforms and practice daily quizzes to improve speed and accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What if I do it the very first time with only 30 days of preparation?
Yes, many students have done it. You require a solid plan, consistent practice, and dedication.

2. How many hours a day should I prepare?
Choose a minimum of 6 to 8 concentrated hours a day. Divide it into 2-hour sessions with intermittent breaks in between.

3. Do I need coaching to crack IBPS PO?
No, self-study will work if you study the correct books and websites. But coaching is useful if you require direction.

4. How significant is the Descriptive Test in IBPS PO Mains?
It is extremely significant. It tests your writing ability. Write a single essay and a single letter per week.

5. What is the cut-off of IBPS PO Prelims and Mains?
Cutoffs vary every year. You have to clear overall as well as sectional cutoffs. So practice all subjects uniformly.

Final Words

It is not so simple to crack IBPS PO in the very first attempt, but yes, you can do it. You require a clever plan, day-to-day effort, and self-confidence. Don't get demoralized if others have been studying for months. With a systematic 30-day study plan, you can still achieve it.

Don't give negative thoughts. Be positive and consistent. Keep yourself healthy, have a proper diet, and get proper sleep. Your confidence increases when you observe improvement day by day.

For more assistance, expert advice, or tools specific to your path, visit Skoodos Bridge. It's a useful site for students appearing for competitive exams. You might be given tips, material, and counseling to enhance your preparation.

You can do it. Begin today, stick to the plan, and envision yourself as a success.

Are you ready to begin your IBPS PO journey? Check out Skoodos Bridge for study tips, advice, and more to ensure effective preparation.