Is There a Sectional Cutoff in the IBPS Exam?

The Indian Bank Recruitment Board (IBPS) conducts two primary examinations for clerical and other banking positions: the Preliminary and the Main stage. While the overall cutoff is a critical aspect, it’s also important to understand the sectional cutoffs within these exams. This article will delve into whether sectional cutoffs exist in the IBPS Clerk and RRB exams and how they impact the overall selection process.

IBPS Clerk Exam

The IBPS Clerk exam is divided into two stages: the Preliminary and the Main Exam.

Preliminary Stage

The Preliminary stage of the IBPS Clerk exam is conducted for selection that involves three sections: Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Each section is assessed individually, and the Preliminary exam carries a total of 100 marks.

Main Stage

The Main stage of the IBPS Clerk exam also includes the same three sections and carries a total of 200 marks. It has both a sectional and overall cutoff. The overall cutoff is the final score that a candidate needs to obtain in the total exam, whereas the sectional cutoff is the minimum score required in each subject to get shortlisted for further stages.

Sectional Cutoff for IBPS Clerk Mains

Yes, sectional cutoffs are indeed applicable in the IBPS Clerk Mains. The exam is divided into Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, Data Analysis and Interpretation, and English Language sections. The sectional cutoff for each of these sections can vary, and it is important to perform well in all sections to clear the overall cutoff.

IBPS RRB Exam

The RRB (Regional Rural Bank) exam conducted by IBPS involves both Preliminary and Main stages like the IBPS Clerk exam. However, the RRB exam has a unique structure that includes Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude as the two primary designated sections.

Sectional and Overall Cutoffs in IBPS RRB

Similar to the IBPS Clerk exam, RRB exams also have both sectional and overall cutoffs. However, the emphasis on sectional cutoffs is slightly different. In RRB exams, candidates need to qualify in both Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude sections individually. The overall cutoff is a combined score of these two sections, but the sectional cutoff ensures that candidates perform adequately in both areas.

Exam Pattern

The main exam for RRB is conducted for 200 marks and includes reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and general awareness. As with the Clerk exam, the sectional cutoff is an important factor to be considered.

Understanding the Cutoffs

Candidates aspirating for banking positions should keep in mind that while overall cutoffs are indicative of the final score needed, sectional cutoffs are equally important. Typically, the sectional cutoffs remain low for preliminary stages and moderate for the mains stage. However, the overall cutoff varies from state to state, and some states may have a higher cutoff than others.

Key Points to Remember

Sectional cutoffs ensure balanced performance across different sections. Preparation for all sections is necessary to clear the overall cutoff. While overall cutoffs are critical, sectional cutoffs must also be considered. Candidates in more competitive states may experience higher sectional cutoffs.

In conclusion, while the overall cutoff is the ultimate determinant for selection, sectional cutoffs play a crucial role in assessing candidate performance. Understanding and preparing for both types of cutoffs can significantly enhance your chances of success in the IBPS exams.

Resources for Further Reading

For more detailed information and comprehensive preparation guides, you can visit:

Ambitious Baba - A website providing detailed information and preparation resources for various government examinations, including IBPS.

Wishing you all the best in your examinations!