Most Important Topics for Bank Exams

Bank exams in India (like IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Assistant, etc.) generally assess candidates across four core subjects:

  1. Quantitative Aptitude
  2. Reasoning Ability
  3. English Language
  4. General Awareness (Banking Awareness + Current Affairs)

Below is a detailed breakdown of the most important topics in each subject, along with explanatory notes:

  1. Quantitative Aptitude

Important Topics:

Topic

Why It’s Important

Simplification/Approximation

5–10 questions; tests speed and accuracy

Number Series

Pattern recognition; 5 questions typically

Quadratic Equations

Algebra-based, high accuracy if well-practiced

Data Interpretation (DI)

Core of the quant section: tables, bar graphs, line graphs

Arithmetic Word Problems

Based on percentages, profit & loss, time & work, SI/CI

Mensuration

Geometry-based, mostly in mains

Data Sufficiency

Logical + numerical understanding (mains-level)

Notes:

  • Focus on calculation speed (tables, squares, cubes).
  • Learn shortcuts and Vedic math techniques.
  • Arithmetic topics dominate in mains.
  1. Reasoning Ability

Important Topics:

Topic

Why It’s Important

Puzzles & Seating Arrangement

Most important; 10–15 questions

Syllogism

Logic-based; 3–5 questions

Inequality

Symbolic reasoning; usually easy to moderate

Blood Relations

Direction + logical inference

Coding-Decoding

Pattern recognition, especially in prelims

Direction Sense

Spatial reasoning, very scoring

Data Sufficiency

Based on reasoning instead of numerical data

Input-Output

Sequence logic (mains focus)

Notes:

  • Practice multiple puzzle types: linear, circular, box-based, floor-based.
  • Use Venn diagrams and symbol tables to solve syllogisms/inequalities.
  • Time management is key — skip lengthy puzzles if stuck.
  1. English Language

Important Topics:

Topic

Why It’s Important

Reading Comprehension (RC)

7–10 questions; tests inference and vocabulary

Cloze Test

Paragraph with blanks; tests grammar + context

Error Spotting

Grammar-based; common in prelims

Sentence Rearrangement

Logical order of sentences

Phrase Replacement

Grammar + vocabulary

Fill in the Blanks (Double/Single)

Vocabulary + grammar-focused

Notes:

  • Improve reading speed and comprehension via editorials (e.g., The Hindu).
  • Focus on tenses, subject-verb agreement, prepositions, articles.
  • Vocabulary helps across multiple question types.
  1. General Awareness (GA)

Important Topics:

Topic

Why It’s Important

Banking Awareness

Static knowledge of banking terms and institutions

Current Affairs (last 6 months)

Questions on awards, appointments, sports, etc.

Static GK

Countries, capitals, currencies, days & themes

Economic News

RBI policies, Union Budget, inflation, etc.

Financial Awareness

Mergers, digital banking, committees, NPAs

Notes:

  • Revise RBI circulars, repo rates, financial inclusion schemes.
  • Use monthly current affairs PDFs from reliable sources (e.g., AffairsCloud, BankersAdda).
  • Make short notes and revise them weekly.
  1. Descriptive Writing (Only in Mains for PO)

Important:

  • Essay Writing
  • Letter Writing

Notes:

  • Stick to word limits.
  • Follow a formal tone and structure.
  • Practice frequently on topics like: digital banking, financial literacy, inflation, etc.

Strategy Tips:

Tip

Explanation

Mock Tests

Take regularly and analyze mistakes

Time Management

Practice section-wise time limits

Accuracy

Avoid negative marking by being selective

Revision

Weekly review of formulas, vocab, and current affairs

LIST OF THE MOST IMPORTANT TOPICS FOR BANK EXAMS:

Quantitative Aptitude

  1. Simplification / Approximation
  2. Number Series (Missing / Wrong Number)
  3. Quadratic Equations
  4. Data Interpretation (DI):
    • Bar Graph
    • Line Graph
    • Pie Chart
    • Tabular DI
    • Caselet DI
  5. Arithmetic Word Problems:
    • Profit & Loss
    • Simple & Compound Interest
    • Time & Work
    • Time, Speed & Distance
    • Boats & Streams
    • Mixtures & Alligation
    • Averages
    • Ratio & Proportion
    • Percentage
    • Partnership
    • Mensuration (2D & 3D)
  6. Data Sufficiency
  7. Permutation & Combination / Probability (Occasionally in mains)

Reasoning Ability

  1. Puzzles & Seating Arrangements:
    • Linear Seating
    • Circular Seating
    • Floor Puzzle
    • Box Puzzle
    • Scheduling Puzzle
  2. Syllogism
  3. Inequality (Direct and Coded)
  4. Blood Relations
  5. Direction & Distance
  6. Coding-Decoding (Old and New Pattern)
  7. Order & Ranking
  8. Alphanumeric Series
  9. Input-Output
  10. Data Sufficiency (Logical)

English Language

  1. Reading Comprehension (RC)
  2. Cloze Test
  3. Error Detection / Error Spotting
  4. Sentence Rearrangement / Para Jumbles
  5. Phrase Replacement / Sentence Improvement
  6. Fill in the Blanks (Single / Double)
  7. Vocabulary (Synonyms / Antonyms)
  8. Grammar (Subject-Verb Agreement, Tenses, Prepositions, Articles, etc.)

General Awareness (GA)

  1. Banking Awareness:
    • RBI Functions
    • Monetary Policy Tools (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR)
    • Financial Terms (NPA, CASA, etc.)
    • Digital Banking (UPI, NEFT, RTGS)
    • Basel Norms
    • Types of Accounts & Cheques
  2. Current Affairs (Last 6 Months):
    • Government Schemes
    • Appointments & Resignations
    • Sports, Awards, Summits
    • Obituaries
    • International Affairs
  3. Static GK:
    • Countries, Capitals & Currencies
    • National Parks, Dams, Rivers
    • Important Days & Themes
  4. Economic Awareness:
    • Union Budget
    • Economic Survey
    • Inflation & GDP
  5. Financial Awareness:
    • Banking Committees
    • Financial Inclusion Initiatives

Descriptive Writing (for PO Mains)

  1. Essay Writing
  2. Letter Writing (Formal & Informal)