Preparing for the IBPS PO Prelims and Mains exam can feel overwhelming due to the large syllabus and strong competition. But if you want to make your preparation more effective, one powerful tool is making your own study notes. Notes help you revise quickly, remember important concepts, and focus better during last-minute preparation. In this blog by PracticeMock, we will explain how to make useful and smart study notes for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains.

Why Are Study Notes Important?
Before we dive into how to make notes, let’s understand why they matter:
- Quick Revision: You don’t have to go through books or videos again. Notes help you revise faster.
- Better Memory: Writing down points improves memory and understanding.
- Personalized: Your notes match your learning style. You know what’s important for YOU.
- Time-Saving Before Exam: In the final days, reading full chapters is tough. Notes make it easy.
IBPS PO Exam Study Notes – Section-Wise Guide
Let’s break it down by Prelims and Mains subjects.
1. Quantitative Aptitude (Prelims + Mains)
What to include:
- Important formulas (like SI/CI, Profit & Loss, Time-Speed-Distance)
- Tricks and shortcuts for calculations
- Common mistakes and tips to avoid them
- Table of squares (1-30), cubes (1-20), % to fraction conversions
- Types of questions asked in DI (Data Interpretation)
How to write:
- Use bullet points
- Keep formulas on one page
- Use color or highlight formulas
- Write down 1-2 solved examples for each concept
Tip: Don’t copy long solutions. Just note the logic and shortcut.
2. Reasoning Ability (Prelims + Mains)
What to include:
- Types of puzzles and their approach (Box Puzzle, Floor Puzzle, Seating Arrangement)
- Rules for Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense
- Shortcuts for coding-decoding and input-output
- Common patterns in logical reasoning
How to write:
- Make a list of puzzle types with one solved format
- Write steps to solve each type of reasoning question
- Add diagrams for better understanding (especially for puzzles)
Tip: Try to solve one example before writing notes, so you understand the logic.
3. English Language (Prelims + Mains)
What to include:
- Common grammar rules (Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Articles)
- List of idioms, phrases, and phrasal verbs
- Vocabulary (5-10 words daily with meaning + usage)
- Types of comprehension questions
- Tips to solve cloze tests, para jumbles, and fillers
How to write:
- Maintain a vocabulary notebook
- Highlight confusing grammar rules
- Use short examples to explain rules
Tip: Write one new word a day with a sentence. Review them every weekend.
4. General Awareness (Mains)
What to include:
- Monthly current affairs (especially Banking, Economy, National News)
- Static GK (important days, currencies, headquarters, etc.)
- Banking Awareness (RBI functions, monetary tools, recent schemes)
- Government schemes and reports
How to write:
- Use short bullet points for facts
- Keep a separate notebook for monthly current affairs
- Highlight budget figures, dates, and names
Tip: Revise current affairs weekly. Don’t wait for the last month.
5. Computer Aptitude (Mains)
What to include:
- Basic terms (RAM, ROM, CPU, IP Address, etc.)
- MS Office shortcuts
- Networking basics
- Keyboard shortcuts
How to write:
- Use diagrams for hardware/software topics
- Create short notes in flashcard style
- Keep technical terms simple
Tip: Don’t go too deep; just stick to IBPS PO syllabus-level basics.

5 Smart Tips to Make Effective IBPS PO Exam Study Notes Prelims and Mains
Creating good study notes is not just about copying from books. It’s about organizing what you learn in a way that’s easy to revise and remember. These five simple but powerful tips will help you build your own effective, exam-ready notes for IBPS PO Prelims and Mains.
Tip 1: Keep It Simple and Short
Long paragraphs can confuse you during revision. Use short sentences and your own words to make everything easier to understand. Your goal is clarity, not perfection.
- Use simple language instead of complex definitions
- Avoid copying full textbook explanations
- Write only what’s necessary for the exam
- Use abbreviations for commonly used terms
- Stick to one concept per line or bullet
Tip 2: Use Visual Aids Wherever Possible
Visuals like charts, tables, and diagrams help in faster recall and break the monotony of text-heavy notes. They make your notes more interactive and engaging.
- Draw tables for comparing concepts (e.g. SI vs CI)
- Use flowcharts for processes (e.g. monetary policy steps)
- Highlight key words in boxes or circles
- Create mind maps for big topics like current affairs
- Use color coding to separate sections
Tip 3: Make Section-Wise Dedicated Notebooks
Keeping your notes organized by subject or section saves time and avoids confusion. You’ll know exactly where to look during revision.
- Use separate notebooks or folders for each section
- Label all topics clearly on the top of each page
- Reserve 1–2 pages at the end of each section for updates
- Keep index pages at the beginning for quick topic access
- Use sticky tabs to mark frequently revised areas
Tip 4: Update Your Notes Regularly
The exam pattern and current affairs are dynamic. Your notes should grow with your learning. Weekly updates make your notes stronger and more relevant.
- Add new current affairs every week
- Write down new tricks or shortcuts you discover
- Insert recent examples or data into GA and Banking topics
- Replace outdated facts with the latest updates
- Revise and edit unclear points for better clarity
Tip 5: Revise From Notes Weekly
Writing notes isn’t enough—they work best when revised regularly. A weekly revision schedule helps reinforce learning and highlights what still needs work.
- Pick one subject per day for quick review
- Use Sundays to revise the full week’s notes
- Take 10-minute review breaks during study sessions
- Test yourself using notes (cover & recall technique)
- Highlight areas you keep forgetting for extra practice
PracticeMock Tip: Combine Notes with Mock Tests
Making notes is powerful, but combining them with mock tests is the real game-changer. After each mock test:
- Review your mistakes
- Add new tricks or concepts to your notes
- Note down weak areas and work on them next week
Use PracticeMock’s full-length and sectional mock tests to improve your speed, accuracy, and confidence.
Conclusion
Today, we discussed how making smart, short, and regular notes for the IBPS PO exam can give you a real edge. They can not only help you stay focused but also reduce stress before the exam and save your time. Remember, your notes are your best companion during revision. So start making your notes today. And combine them with regular mock tests from PracticeMock to maximize your chances of clearing the upcoming IBPS PO Prelims and Mains 2025 exam!
IBPS PO Exam Study Notes: FAQs
Notes help with faster revision, better memory, and focused preparation.
Formulas, shortcuts, common mistakes, and a few solved examples.
Update them weekly with new tricks, current affairs, or corrections.
Yes, digital notes work well if you organize them clearly and revise regularly.
Revise one subject daily and review all subjects every Sunday.
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