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1. Quantitative Aptitude — Core Notes
Percentages
Percentage means “per hundred.” Formula: Percentage = (Part ÷ Whole) × 100. To increase a number by x%, multiply by (1 + x/100); to decrease it by x%, multiply by (1 − x/100).
Example: 20% of 450 = 450 × 20/100 = 90. If a price rises from ₹500 to ₹575, the percentage increase is (75/500) × 100 = 15%.
Ratio & Proportion
For a ratio 3:5 with a total of 64, the parts are 64 × 3/8 = 24 and 64 × 5/8 = 40.
Simple and Compound Interest
Simple Interest: SI = P × R × T / 100. Compound Amount: A = P(1 + R/100)T for annual compounding; CI = A − P.
Example: SI on ₹8,000 at 5% per year for 2 years = ₹800.
Speed, Time & Distance
Distance = Speed × Time. A train moving at 60 km/h travels 150 km in 2.5 hours. Convert km/h to m/s by multiplying by 5/18.
Data Interpretation
For bar graphs, tables, line charts and pie charts, first check units and totals; then use percentage change, ratios and averages. Average = sum of values ÷ number of values.
2. Reasoning Ability — Core Notes
Inequalities
Chain a relationship only when direction remains consistent: A > B and B ≥ C implies A > C. But A > B and B < C does not determine the relationship between A and C.
Number Series
Check differences, differences of differences, multiplication, division, squares and alternating patterns. Example: 3, 6, 12, 24, 48 (×2).
Syllogisms
Use Venn diagrams and do not assume information absent from the statements. Example: “All pens are tools” and “All tools are objects” establishes “All pens are objects.”
Seating Arrangements & Puzzles
Mark fixed positions first, represent each condition once, check whether participants face inward or outward, and eliminate impossible arrangements. Practice linear, circular, floor, scheduling and box-based puzzles.
Coding–Decoding & Blood Relations
Look for position shifts and repeated letter patterns. In family relations, draw a small generation tree rather than relying on mental tracking.
3. English Language — Core Notes
Subject–Verb Agreement
A singular subject generally takes a singular verb: “The banker works here.” A plural subject takes a plural verb: “The bankers work here.”
Tenses & Sentence Correction
Simple present expresses habits or general facts; present continuous expresses ongoing actions. Example: “She checks the ledger daily” versus “She is checking the ledger now.”
Reading Comprehension
Read the question, identify the passage's main idea, and verify answers using only information supported by the passage. For inference questions, avoid extreme claims not warranted by the text.
Cloze Test & Vocabulary
Read the entire paragraph to understand context before filling gaps. Practice synonyms, antonyms, collocations, prepositions and common banking vocabulary.
4. Banking & Financial Awareness — Core Notes
| Term | Quick definition |
|---|---|
| RBI | Reserve Bank of India — India's central bank. |
| Repo Rate | Rate at which RBI lends to eligible banks against eligible collateral under repo operations. |
| CRR | Cash Reserve Ratio — prescribed portion of banks' net demand and time liabilities maintained as cash balances with RBI. |
| SLR | Statutory Liquidity Ratio — prescribed liquid assets held against eligible liabilities. |
| NEFT | National Electronic Funds Transfer — electronic funds transfer system. |
| RTGS | Real Time Gross Settlement — funds transfers settled individually in real time. |
| UPI | Unified Payments Interface — instant digital payments interface. |
| NPA | Non-Performing Asset — a loan or advance classified as non-performing under applicable norms. |
| CASA | Current Account Savings Account deposits. |
| KYC | Know Your Customer — customer identification and due diligence process. |
Current repo rate, CRR, SLR, banking rules and appointment-based current affairs can change. Check official RBI or recruitment notifications before an exam; this page deliberately avoids presenting changing rates as permanent facts.
Official reference: Reserve Bank of India.
5. Computer Awareness — Core Notes
CPU: Central Processing Unit, executes instructions. RAM: volatile working memory. ROM: non-volatile memory. OS: software that manages hardware and application resources. Browser: software used to access web pages.
Cybersecurity: A phishing message impersonates a trusted source to steal information. Never share passwords, PINs or OTPs. HTTPS encrypts traffic in transit but does not, on its own, guarantee a website is trustworthy.
6. How to Study for Banking Exams
Typical subject families include quantitative aptitude or numerical ability, reasoning, English or Hindi (as applicable), financial/general awareness, and computer aptitude or knowledge. Exact sections, marks, language options and timing depend on the specific exam and current notification.
| Daily block | Suggested activity |
|---|---|
| 45 minutes | Arithmetic concepts and timed questions |
| 45 minutes | Reasoning, puzzles and inequalities |
| 30 minutes | English grammar and comprehension |
| 30 minutes | Banking awareness and current affairs |
| 30 minutes | Previous questions, mistakes and revision |
This is a sample beginner schedule, not an official exam requirement. See IBPS and SBI Careers for specific notifications.
7. Practice Questions — Check Your Understanding
Q1. Find 15% of 600.
Answer: 90. 600 × 15/100 = 90.
Q2. Find simple interest on ₹5,000 at 8% per year for 3 years.
Answer: ₹1,200. (5000 × 8 × 3)/100.
Q3. Continue: 4, 9, 14, 19, ?
Answer: 24. Add 5 each time.
Q4. If P > Q and Q > R, is P > R?
Yes. Transitivity gives P > R.
Q5. Choose the correct verb: “The officers ___ ready.”
are. Officers is plural.
Q6. What does RTGS stand for?
Real Time Gross Settlement.
Q7. Is RAM typically volatile or non-volatile?
Volatile. Contents normally do not persist without power.
Q8. What does KYC stand for?
Know Your Customer.