How to Prepare for IBPS RRB PO Interview: Common Question Types and Preparation Tips

The Interview for IBPS RRB PO (Probationary Officer) typically consists of a mix of questions designed to assess a candidate's knowledge, skills, and suitability for the role. Here, we explore the common types of questions that can be expected during an interview, along with effective preparation tips to enhance your chances of excelling.

Common Question Types

1. General Knowledge and Current Affairs Questions on recent national and international events. Topics related to economics, banking, and finance.

2. Banking and Financial Awareness Basic concepts of banking, types of banks, and their functions. Knowledge about government schemes, financial products, and services.

3. Personal Background and Experience Questions on your educational background, work experience, and achievements. Reasons for choosing a career in banking and your long-term goals.

4. Situational and Behavioral Questions Questions on handling specific situations such as customer complaints or team conflicts. Questions to assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills.

5. Technical Knowledge Questions related to the role such as understanding rural banking loan processes and financial inclusion. Basic knowledge of computer applications as proficiency may be required.

6. HR Questions Why do you want to join RRB? What are your strengths and weaknesses? How do you see yourself contributing to the organization?

7. Role-Specific Questions Understanding of the responsibilities of a Probationary Officer. Your views on the challenges faced by rural banks and how you can help address them.

Interview Experience

Different interview panels may ask a variety of questions. One candidate's experience illustrates this:

Interview Scenario

The interview was conducted at Hotel JBR Lucknow, and the candidate scored 81 marks. Here is an excerpt from the interview:

Interviewer 1 (M1): So Anjali, where did you complete your graduation? Anjali: Sir, I completed my graduation in Electrical and Electronics from ABES Engineering College, Ghaziabad.

M1: Can you tell us what an induction motor is? Anjali: Sure! An induction motor is a device that converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. It operates based on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which I can explain.

M1: Can you explain the different types of current? Anjali: Yes, there are two main types of current: Alternating Current (AC) and Direct Current (DC).

M1: Which type is more dangerous, and why? Anjali: Direct Current (DC) is considered more dangerous because the frequency of DC does not change, making it more likely to cause muscle tetanus and other harmful effects.

Interviewer 2 (M2): I see you graduated in 2016. What have you been doing since then? Anjali: Since graduating, I have been involved in freelance photography projects to support myself financially. I also prepared for competitive exams and currently work in a startup.

M2: With your background, you must not have a good knowledge of banking, right? Anjali: Sir, I have also studied and prepared for banking-related topics. Please feel free to ask any questions.

M2: Okay, you mentioned working in a startup. Can you tell us what a startup is and your role there? Anjali: Certainly! A startup is a young company or venture that aims to solve a problem or meet a specific demand in the market. I work for an education gaming app that offers quizzes in various subjects. Users can play live quizzes against opponents, and winners are rewarded after completing the quiz.

M2: Oh, so it's a gaming app! Anjali: In fact, it's more of an Education-Gaming App.

M2: Alright, how does your startup reward its users? Is there a charge for using the app? Anjali: Currently, the startup is funding the rewards for users, and the app is free to use.

M3: Which age group does your startup target with its quizzes? Anjali: The quizzes cater to competitive exam aspirants, including those preparing for banking, SSC, railways, insurance, and law exams.

M3: You mentioned that you write blogs for the startup's website. How can your previous job experience help you in this role? Anjali: Sir, to clarify, it's my current job. With my prior experience, I can explain newly launched schemes to customers in simple terms. Additionally, I can utilize SEO techniques like keyword optimization to improve the website's ranking on Google search.

M3: Have you ever visited any bank websites? Anjali: Yes, I have visited the Canara Bank website.

M3: Did you notice any specific features or sections on the website? Anjali: I can write blogs about various scheme-related topics targeting different age groups. For instance, I could create blogs highlighting schemes suitable for children, adults, and senior citizens, helping them find the most beneficial options based on their categories.

M3: I see that Canara Bank is your first preference. Any specific reason for that? Anjali: No specific reason, Sir. It's just that I have an account with them, and panel members smiled, so I am familiar with their services. Additionally, my elder brother is a probationary officer in Canara Bank.

M3: Where is your elder brother posted? Anjali: He is currently posted in Tamil Nadu.

M1: Can you tell us something about Agra? Anjali: Agra is the fourth-largest city in Uttar Pradesh by population. It is famous for its UNESCO World Heritage monuments like the Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal. Additionally, it is well-known for its delicious culinary offerings.

M2: Has the leather industry been growing recently? Anjali: The growth of the leather industry was affected during the COVID period but is now showing signs of recovery.

M5: You are also a freelance photographer. Do you have any interest in wildlife photography? Anjali: No, Ma'am. I am actually quite scared of wild animals, so wildlife photography is not my genre. I focus more on portrait photography, black and white photography, and I also enjoy photo editing, creative photography, landscape photography, and food photography.

M4: Alright, do you remember the name of an Indian wildlife photographer who was in the news for capturing an extremely rare white tiger? Anjali: I recall reading the news but cannot recall the name at the moment.

M4: It was Nilanjan Ray.

Anjali: Okay, thank you for reminding me.

M4: So you were offered a job in an MNC (Multinational Corporation) in Gujarat after your graduation, but you did not join. How can you assure us that you will join if we post you in Tamil Nadu? Anjali: The location was not the issue with that job. Firstly, the job profile was not aligned with my expectations; it was in HR for an IT staffing company. Secondly, my interest in the banking sector led me to prepare for these exams, and I am committed to building a career in this field.

M4: What does your father do, and where is he posted? Anjali: My father is a government employee, and he is currently posted in [location].

Everyone: Okay, Anjali! I said “okay, sir.” I stood up just then, another panel member said something, and I sat down.

M5: Can you tell us about financial literacy and how your current job as a blogger can contribute to it? Anjali: Financial literacy involves making people aware of basic financial tools to promote financial inclusion. This means ensuring that individuals have access to a bank account, insurance, and investment opportunities. Through my blogs, I can explain the importance of financial literacy and how being financially literate can benefit individuals using simple and engaging language.

M4: Okay, Anjali. You've done well. All the best!

Anjali: Thank you very much!