How to Prepare for the IBPS RRB PO 2025 Prelims Exam?

RRB PO 2025 Prelims Exam: The IBPS RRB PO 2025 Prelims Exam is the first step for aspirants to secure Officer Scale-I positions in Regional Rural Banks. The IBPS RRB PO 2025 notification is expected to be released in June 2025 on their official website. The RRB PO Prelims Exam will be held on 27th July, 2nd, and 3rd August 2025, and the Mains exam will be held on 13th September 2025.  An effective preparation strategy is the key to covering the competitive syllabus. This article outlines a structured approach to help you excel in the prelims, which consists of Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, with 40 questions each, totaling 80 marks, to be completed in 45 minutes. In this article, we are providing the RRB PO master strategy to boost their score to 70+ marks in the prelims exam. Candidates must follow a step-by-step process and boost their score in the preliminary exam.

Phase 1: Foundation Building (Days 1–30)

Understand the Exam Pattern

Before starting the prelims exam preparation, candidates can know the prelims detailed exam pattern. Candidates can know the structure and start their preparation as soon as possible.

The IBPS RRB PO Prelims Exam is an objective-type, computer-based test designed to assess candidates’ aptitude in two key areas: Reasoning Ability and Quantitative Aptitude. Here’s a breakdown of the exam pattern:

• Total Questions: 80 (40 questions each for Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude)
• Total Marks: 80
• Duration: 45 minutes (with sectional timings: 25 minutes for Reasoning, 20 minutes for Quantitative Aptitude)
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
• Cut-Off: Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs, which vary by state and category (estimated at 43–58 marks for the general category, depending on the state)

The prelims exam is qualifying in nature, meaning marks obtained are not counted toward the final merit list. However, scoring high (75+ marks) ensures a strong position to clear the cut-off and advance to the Mains exam.

Create a Study Plan

A well-structured study plan is essential for covering the entire syllabus for the preliminary exam. Here we are providing the RRB PO prelims day-wise plan along with the preparation tips. Candidates can check all details in the table below.

IBPS RRB PO Study Plan 2025- Check Prelims & Mains Day Wise Plan

Key Topics to Focus On

Here we are providing the RRB PO prelims reasoning and quant most scoring topics. Candidates can check all the important topics and preparation tips in the section below.

Quantitative Aptitude

• Number Series: Practice identifying patterns in missing or wrong number series.
• Simplification/Approximation: Master quick calculation techniques using Vedic math or shortcuts.
• Data Interpretation: Focus on tables, bar graphs, pie charts, and line graphs (expect 2–3 sets in the exam).
• Arithmetic: Cover profit and loss, percentages, time and work, speed and distance, and ratio and proportion.
• Quadratic Equations: Practice solving equations and comparing roots.

Tips:

• Memorize squares (up to 30), cubes (up to 15), and tables (up to 20) to save time.
• Use approximation for faster calculations in simplification questions.
• Practice 50–60 questions daily to build speed and accuracy.

Reasoning Ability

• Puzzles and Seating Arrangements: Expect 2–3 sets (linear, circular, floor-based, or box-based puzzles).
• Syllogism: Focus on possibility-based and negative conclusion questions.
• Inequalities: Practice coded and direct inequality questions.
• Blood Relations and Direction Sense: Solve complex family tree problems and direction-based questions.
• Coding-Decoding: Prepare for letter-based, number-based, and fictitious coding patterns.

Tips:

• Solve 3–4 puzzles daily to improve logical thinking.
• Use Venn diagrams for syllogisms to avoid errors.
• Practice 40–50 reasoning questions daily to enhance speed.

Phase 2: Intensive Practice and Mock Tests

Objective: Boost your speed, accuracy, and familiarity with exam-level questions.

1. Topic-Wise Practice:
   • Reasoning: Solve 10–15 puzzles and seating arrangements daily, focusing on complex linear and circular arrangements. Practice syllogisms and inequalities using short tricks to save time.
   • Quantitative Aptitude: Focus on data interpretation (DI) sets (2–3 daily) and number series. Use shortcut methods for simplification and approximation to solve questions in under 30 seconds.
   • Practice at least 50 questions per section daily, emphasising high-weightage topics.
2. Take Mock Tests:
   • Candidates can attempt one mock test and analyse their performance and score. Aim to score 60+ initially and gradually increase to 75+.
   • Analyse each mock test to identify mistakes, time spent per question, and weak areas. For example, if DI takes too long, practice more table and bar graph-based sets.
3. Time Management:
   • Our Mock Test is time-bound, so you can start preparation under timed conditions to adapt to the sectional timings (25 minutes for Reasoning, 20 minutes for Quantitative Aptitude).
   • Aim to solve easier questions (e.g., simplification, syllogism) in 15–20 seconds and complex ones (e.g., puzzles, DI) in 1–2 minutes.
4. Revise Formulas and Shortcuts:
   • Maintain a notebook of key formulas (e.g., compound interest, speed-distance-time) and reasoning tricks (e.g., syllogism, Venn diagrams).
   • Revise daily to ensure quick recall during the exam.

RRB PO previous year paper

Mock Tests Based On the Latest Pattern

Boost your preparation for the IBPS RRB PO 2025 exam with our latest mock tests based on the Latest Exam Pattern! These tests include a comprehensive set of full-length mock tests and topic-wise practice tests, carefully designed to reflect the latest syllabus, question trends, and difficulty level of the actual exam.

Phase 3: Final Preparation and Exam Strategy

Objective: Fine-tune skills, optimise test-taking strategy, and build confidence.

1. Advanced Mock Tests:
   • In the last 15 days, you should take 1-2 full-length mock tests daily to boost your preparation, analyse your score, and develop a strategy to improve your results.
   • Target 35–38 correct answers in each section to achieve 75+ marks.
2. Analyse Previous Year Papers:
   • Solve previous year’s IBPS RRB PO Prelims papers to understand question trends and difficulty levels. Focus on recurring topics like puzzles, DI, and number series.
   • Note: The 2024 Prelims exam was easy to moderate, with Quantitative Aptitude being easier than Reasoning.
3. Develop an Exam-Day Strategy:
   • Question Selection: Start with easier topics (simplification, syllogism, number series) to secure marks quickly. Allocate 8–10 minutes for these in each section.
   • Time Allocation:
     • Reasoning (25 minutes): Spend 12–15 minutes on puzzles and seating arrangements (10–15 questions), 5–7 minutes on syllogism and inequalities, and the rest on miscellaneous topics.
     • Quantitative Aptitude (20 minutes): Allocate 8–10 minutes for DI (2 sets), 5–6 minutes for simplification and number series, and the rest for arithmetic and quadratic equations.

Final Thoughts

Preparing for the IBPS RRB PO 2025 Prelims Exam requires consistent effort, smart strategies, and regular practice. Candidates must follow three simple steps and start preparation as soon as possible. With dedication and the right resources, you can clear the prelims and move closer to your goal of becoming an RRB PO.

Good luck!

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