Maximizing the number of questions attempted in bank exams (like IBPS, SBI, RBI) is not about rushing—it’s about speed + accuracy + smart selection. 

 

Many candidates either attempt too few questions due to over thinking or attempt too many and lose marks due to negative marking. The goal is to find the right balance.

 

Here’s a detailed, practical strategy to help you attempt the maximum number of questions effectively.

 

1. Understand the Attempt vs Accuracy Balance

Bank exams have negative marking, so blindly attempting all questions is risky.

• High attempts + low accuracy = low score 
• Moderate attempts + high accuracy = better score 

 Ideal approach:

• Aim for 80–90% accuracy 
• Attempt only those questions where you have reasonable confidence 

 

2. Follow the “Easy → Moderate → Difficult” Rule

Don’t attempt questions in order.

First Round (Quick Scan – 5–7 minutes)

• Attempt all easy questions 
• Skip anything that takes more than 30–40 seconds 

Second Round

• Attempt moderate questions 
• Spend slightly more time 

Final Round

• Try difficult questions only if time allows 

 This ensures you don’t miss easy marks.

 

3. Section-Wise Attempt Strategy

Quantitative Aptitude

• Start with: 
  • Simplification / Approximation 
  • Number Series 
• Then move to: 
  • Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work) 
• Leave: 
  • Lengthy DI sets for later 

These first topics are quick and scoring.

 

 Reasoning Ability

• Start with: 
  • Inequality 
  • Syllogism 
  • Coding-Decoding 
• Then: 
  • Seating Arrangement / Puzzles 

 Puzzles can be time-consuming—don’t start with them.

 

English Language

• Start with: 
  • Error detection 
  • Fill in the blanks 
  • Vocabulary-based questions 
• Then: 
  • Reading Comprehension 

 Don’t spend too much time on one passage initially.

 

4. Use Time Limits per Question

Set mental limits:

• Easy questions → 20–30 seconds 
• Moderate → 40–60 seconds 
• Difficult → Skip initially 

 If stuck, move on immediately.

 

5. Avoid Getting Stuck

One question can waste 2–3 minutes.

Rule:
If you can’t solve within the time limit → skip

You can always return later.

 

6. Improve Calculation Speed

Speed in Quant is critical.

Practice:

• Tables (up to 25) 
• Squares & cubes 
• Percentage to fraction conversions 

This reduces time spent on calculations.

 

7. Develop Strong Shortcuts and Tricks

Learn:

• Approximation techniques 
• Elimination methods 
• Logical shortcuts 

 Smart solving saves time and increases attempts.

 

8. Practice Mock Tests Regularly

Mock tests help you:

• Improve speed 
• Learn time management 
• Identify weak areas 

After each test:

• Analyze mistakes 
• Note slow sections 
• Improve strategy 

 Practice is the only way to increase attempts.

 

9. Decide a Target Attempt before Exam

Have a rough target like:

• Quant: 20–25 questions 
• Reasoning: 25–30 questions 
• English: 20–25 questions 

This gives direction during the exam.

 

10. Use Intelligent Guessing (When Needed)

If you can eliminate 2 options:

• You have a 50% chance 

Use guessing:

• Only when partially confident 
• Not randomly 

 Controlled guessing can increase attempts safely.

 

11. Maintain Accuracy While Increasing Attempts

Don’t sacrifice accuracy for attempts.

• Avoid panic clicking 
• Double-check simple mistakes 
• Stay calm 

 Accuracy is what converts attempts into marks.

 

12. Manage Time Section-Wise

If sectional timing exists:

• Stick to time limits 
• Don’t overspend time on one section 

If no sectional timing:

• Allocate time wisely across sections 

 

13. Stay Calm Under Pressure

Pressure reduces speed and clarity.

During exam:

• Don’t panic if questions seem tough 
• Remember: it’s tough for everyone 

Calm mind = faster decisions.

 

14. Build Exam Stamina

Practicing occasionally is not enough.

• Take full-length mocks regularly 
• Practice under timed conditions 

This improves endurance and consistency.

 

15. Learn from Previous Year Papers

Analyze:

• Question patterns 
• Difficulty level 
• Important topics 

 Familiarity increases speed and confidence.

 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

 Attempting questions in order
Spending too much time on one question
Ignoring easy questions
Blind guessing
Not practicing mocks
Poor time management

 

Final Thought

Maximizing attempts is not about attempting everything—it’s about attempting the right questions at the right time with the right speed.

 

If you:

• Quickly identify easy questions 
• Skip wisely 
• Manage time effectively 
• Maintain accuracy 

…you can significantly increase your score.

 

Simple Formula to Remember:

 High Score = Smart Attempts + Good Accuracy + Proper Time Management