The Institute of Banking’s PO exam is one of India’s most sought-after banking exams. Each year, thousands of aspirants compete for a limited number of vacancies. And one crucial aspect of this exam is the cutoff marks, which determine a candidate’s eligibility for the next stage of the selection process. So, this article will delve into the IBPS PO previous year cut off marks, focusing on the category-wise analysis and trends.
Table of Contents
Understanding Qualifying Scores
Qualifying scores are the minimum scores that candidates need to secure to get selected for the next stage of the probationary officer’s exam. These marks vary for categories such as General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS. The scores are determined based on various factors, including the number of positions, the level of the examination, and the performance of candidates. Analysing the previous year’s cutoffs can provide valuable insights into the expectations and competition for future aspirants.
Category-Wise Analysis
General Category
The score for the General category is usually the highest among all categories. The competition is fierce, and candidates need to score significantly higher to secure a place. Previous year’s qualifying scores for the General category have ranged from 60% to 70% of the total marks.
OBC Category
The score for the OBC category is slightly lower compared to the General category. The previous year’s qualifying scores for OBC candidates have been around 55% to 65% of the total marks.
SC/ST Category:
The score for the SC/ST category is relatively lower compared to the General and OBC categories. Candidates from these categories have a slightly lower benchmark to qualify for the next stage. The previous year’s qualifying scores for SC/ST candidates have been around 50% to 60% of the total marks.
EWS Category
With the introduction of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation, a separate category was formed. The score for EWS candidates is similar to those for the General category. The previous year’s qualifying scores for EWS candidates have been around 60% to 70% of the total marks.
Trends and Patterns
Analysing the previous year’s scores for probationary officers reveals some interesting trends and patterns. So, here are a few observations:
Consistent Rise in Scores
Over the time period, there has been a consistent rise in the qualifying scores for all categories. This can be due to the increasing competition and the growing number of aspirants vying for limited vacancies.
General Category Scores
The qualifying scores for the General category have witnessed a substantial increase. The fierce competition, and candidates must score exceptionally well to secure a place.
Narrowing Gap
There has been a level of decrease in the gap between the qualifying score of the General and OBC categories. This indicates an increased representation of OBC candidates in the selection process.
Relatively Stable SC/ST Qualifying Scores
The qualifying scores for the SC/ST category have remained relatively stable over the years. This suggests a consistent level of competition within these categories.
EWS Category Impact
With the introduction of the EWS category, the overall qualifying scores have slightly increased. However, the impact on other categories’ qualifying scores has been minimal.
Analysing the IBPS PO previous year cut off marks provides valuable insights into the trends and competition for different categories. Aspirants should keep these trends in mind while preparing for the exam. As such, it is crucial to strive for a score higher than the qualifying scores to increase the chances of selection. The cutoff marks are dynamic and can vary yearly based on several factors. Therefore, aspirants must stay updated with the latest information and trends to plan their preparation strategy effectively.