The IBPS PO Prelims Question Papers are obviously the first and foremost hurdle an aspirant has to tackle before appearing for the Mains. Compiling on the frequently asked questions in these papers can immensely be used in the final days of preparations.

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Here are the top 10 most frequent question types found in recent IBPS PO Prelims Question Papers across Reasoning, Quant, and English sections.

1. Number Series-Type Questions (Quantitative Aptitude)

• Common Types: Missing Number, Wrong Number
• Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
• Tip: Practice concepts such as +/–, ×/÷, squares, cubes, and alternate patterns.

2. Simplification & Approximation (Quant)

• Appears almost in every Prelims exam
• Focus on BODMAS rules, decimal calculations, and percentages
• Tip: Try solving them within 30–40 seconds each.

3. Data Interpretation (Quant)

• Types: Tables, Pie Charts, Lines What we usually have: a set with 5 questions.
• Tip: Concentrate on quick calculations of percentages and ratios.

4. Puzzles & Seating Arrangements (Reasoning)

• Most scoring but also most time-consuming
• Types: Linear and Circular, Floor- and Box-based
• Tip: Consider attempting these only after you have done the quick reasoning questions if time is an issue.

5. Syllogism (Reasoning)

• Based on statements and conclusions
• New pattern: “Only a few” and “Possibility” questions
• Tip: Use Venn diagrams to achieve 100% accuracy.

6. Direction Sense (Reasoning)

• Short questions about movement and turns
• Tip: Draw graphs to avoid confusion. 

7. Blood Relations (Reasoning)

• They are asked in either a coded or direct manner.
• Tip: Practice common family-tree problems.

8. Cloze Test (English)

• Given 1 passage with 5-10 blanks
• Tip: Understand the tone and context of the passage before choosing answers.

9. Error Detection (English)

• Grammar: Tenses, prepositions, articles, subject-verb agreement
• Tip: Practice spotting commonly overlooked errors.

10. Reading Comprehension (English)

• Passed 1 passage, 5-7 questions
• Tip: Answer factual/inferential questions first and avoid wasting your time on vocabulary-based ones.

Quick Stats: Question Weightage in Prelims

Section	Topic	Expected Questions
Quant	Simplification, DI, Series	15–20
Reasoning	Puzzles, Syllogism, Direction	20–25
English	RC, Cloze, Grammar	20–25

Mock Strategy for FAQ Practice

• Solve 1 mock daily (Week 3 onwards). After each mock:
  • Review incorrect FAQ-type questions
  • Note down type patterns and time taken
  • Practice 10 additional questions of that type

Bonus Tips

• Use sectional timers to create real Prelims pressure
• Maintain an error log with recurring mistakes
• Avoid guesswork for FAQ type questions that have very close options
• Start with your strongest section

IBPS Prelims is Just the Start – Mains Will Be the Final Threshold. 

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