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EXAM: PREPARATION GUIDE

PREFACE

Paths can be so many, but to reach the correct destination correct path must be chosen & followed.

Unless there is a proper focus on your goal with correct guidance, same can’t be achieved in a set time frame. Most people fail not because they lack knowledge but because they lack a proper direction.

WHAT IS THE BOOK ABOUT?

In one sense, it is a guide book. It contains the ingredients, the methods that aspirants will need to follow to crack Bank Recruitment Exams & have an absolute understanding of the pattern of Questions in Bank Recruitment Exams.

In this book all the sections have been made interesting for aspirants with a practical & user friendly approach.

HOW TO READ THIS BOOK

The concepts & exercises in this book can’t be absorbed by casual browsing. It should be read properly & all the exercises must be practiced again and again.

To strategize the preparation, Aspirant must first read carefully the theory & concepts given in the beginning of every section. Once the theory & concepts had been thoroughly understood by an aspirant, then he or she can move to practice exercises.

To achieve accuracy & timeliness, aspirant must solve the practice exercise in a set timeframe. This book has been designed keeping in view the requisites for current pattern of Bank recruitment Exams.

Best of Luck!!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preface ....................................................................................................................................... 2

What is the book about?........................................................................................................ 2

How to read this book............................................................................................................ 2

Numerical Ability ........................................................................................................................ 5

H.C.F. & L.C.M. of numbers .................................................................................................... 5

Simplification ......................................................................................................................... 6

Average .................................................................................................................................. 7

Surds & Indices ....................................................................................................................... 7

Percentage ............................................................................................................................. 8

Profit & Loss ........................................................................................................................... 9

Partnership ........................................................................................................................... 10

Time & Work ........................................................................................................................ 11

Time & Distance ................................................................................................................... 12

Simple Interest ..................................................................................................................... 13

Compound Interest .............................................................................................................. 14

Data Interpretation .............................................................................................................. 15

Reasoning ................................................................................................................................. 19

Analogy ................................................................................................................................ 19

Classification ........................................................................................................................ 19

Series .................................................................................................................................... 19

Coding - Decoding ................................................................................................................ 20

Puzzle Test............................................................................................................................ 20

Mathematical Puzzle ............................................................................................................ 21

Direction Sense Test ............................................................................................................ 21

Syllogism .............................................................................................................................. 22

Abstract Reasoning .............................................................................................................. 23

English Language ...................................................................................................................... 26

Synonyms ............................................................................................................................. 26

Antonyms ............................................................................................................................. 26

Spotting the error ................................................................................................................ 26

Sentence Completion ........................................................................................................... 27

Sentence Improvement ....................................................................................................... 27

One word substitution ......................................................................................................... 27

Spelling Test ......................................................................................................................... 28

Idiom & Phrases ................................................................................................................... 28

Sentence Reconstruction ..................................................................................................... 28

Cloze Test ............................................................................................................................. 29

Comprehension .................................................................................................................... 30

Computer Knowledge .............................................................................................................. 34

General Awareness with special reference to Banking Industry ............................................. 36

NUMERICAL ABILITY

H.C.F. & L.C.M. OF NUMBERS

If a number x divides another number y exactly, then x is said to be a factor of y. To add, subtract, or just compare two fractions, we need to convert both fractions to a common denominator. The least common multiple is usually used, although any common multiple would work in this particular case. Here comes the concept of Least Common Multiple (L.C.M.).Also to simplify a fraction, we divide the numerator and the denominator by the same number. If we divide them by the greatest common factor, then no further simplifications are required. That greatest common factor is called the Highest Common Factor (H.C.F.) or Greatest Common Divisor (G.C.D.).

There are two methods of finding the L.C.M .of two or more than two numbers:

1. Factorization Method 2. Common Division Method

There are two methods of finding the H.C.F. of two or more than two numbers:

1. Factorization Method 2. Division Method

Important Formulas of L.C.M. and H.C.F. of Numbers –

1. Product of two numbers =Product of their H.C.F and L.C.M.

2. H.C.F. = H.C.F.of Numerators

L.C.M.of Denominators

3. L.C.M. = L.C.M.of Numerators

H.C.F.of Denominators

Example: Find the H.C.F. of 𝟐𝟑 × 𝟑𝟑 × 5, 𝟐𝟒 × 𝟑𝟐 × 5 and 2 × 𝟑𝟒

Solution: Here prime numbers common to given three numbers are 2 and 3.

H.C.F. = 2 × 32 = 18.

Example : Find the L.C.M. of 50, 35 and 70.

Solution: Let us apply the Factorization Method to find the L.C.M. of 50, 35 and 70.

Express each one of the given number as the product of prime factors.

50 = 2 × 52, 35 = 5 × 7, 70 = 2 × 5 × 7.

L.C.M. = Product of highest powers of 2, 5 and 7 = 2 × 52 × 7 = 350.

SIMPLIFICATION

SOME IMPORTANT CONCEPTS

‘BODMAS’ Rule: This ‘BODMAS’ Rule shows the correct sequence of all the operations that are to be executed to find out the value of a given expression. In this rule ‘B’ Stands for ‘Bracket’, ‘O’ stands for ‘of’, ‘D’ for ‘Division’, ‘M’ for ‘Multiplication’, ‘A’ for ‘Addition’ and ‘S’ for ‘Subtraction’. Therefore, the correct order to simplify an expression is: (a) () (b) {} (c) [] (d) of

(e) Division (f) Multiplication (g) Addition (h) Subtraction

Modulus of a Real Number: If the real number is ‘r’, then

| r | = {−r, if r<0r, if r>0 .

Example: What will be the value of x in the following equation?

5𝟏

𝟑 +

𝟏

𝟒 + x +2

𝟏

𝟓 = 9

𝟐

𝟑 .

Solution: Simplifying the above equation

x = 9 2

3 - 5

1

3 -

1

4 – 2

1

5 x =

29

3 -

16

3 -

1

4 -

11

5 x =

580−320−15−132

60 x =

113

60 = 1

53

60.

Example: Simplify 120 ÷ 24 of 𝟏

𝟑 +

𝟏

𝟓 × 2

𝟏

𝟐.

Solution: Given expression: 120 ÷ 24 × 1

3 +

1

5 ×

5

2

120 ÷ 8 + 1

2

120

8 +

1

2

31

2.

Example: Arjun spends 𝟏

𝟓 of his salary on house rent,

𝟏

𝟔 of his salary on food and

𝟏

𝟏𝟎 of his

salary on conveyance. If he has Rs.2400 left with him, then find his expenditure on conveyance.

Solution: Suppose Arjun’s monthly salary is Rs. x

Then, remaining part of his salary = x- (1

5 +

1

6 +

1

10) x = x – (

14

30) x =

16 x

30 =

8 x

15 .

Now, 8 x

15 = 2400 x =Rs. 4500.

Expenditure on Conveyance = Rs.( 1

10 × 4500) = Rs.450.

AVERAGE

The term Average refers to the sum of all observations divided by the total number of observations. Average is used quite regular in our day to day life. For example to calculate the average marks of the students, Average height of a particular group etc. The term average is also referred to as ‘Mean’. Basic formula to calculate the average is as follows:

Average = (Sum of all observation

Number of observation)

Example: If the average of three consecutive even numbers is 9, then find the smallest of these numbers.

Solution: Suppose four consecutive even numbers are a, a+2, a+4 and a+6.

Then, a+ a+2 + a+4 +(a+6)

4 = 9

4a+12

4 = 9 a+3 = 9a=6.

Hence, the smallest even number = 6.

Example: The average of 35 numbers is 70.If the average of first 17 numbers is 60 and that of last 17 numbers is 65, then find the 18th number.

Solution: Sum of first 17 numbers = 17× 60 = 1020

Also, sum of last 17 numbers = 17× 65 = 1105

18th number = {Sum of 35 numbers – (sum of first 17 numbers + sum of last 17 numbers)}

= {35× 70 – (1020+1105)} 2450 – 2125= 325.

Example: A famous batsman makes a score of 92 runs in the 15th inning and by this his average increased by 5.what is his average after the 15th inning.

Solution: Suppose his average after 15th inning = a

Then, average after 14th inning = (a – 5)

15 × a = 14 (a – 5) + 92 a =22.

SURDS & INDICES

The term Index (Indices is a plural) refers to the power to which a number is raised. If 𝑎2 is a number then ‘a’ is called a base 2 is called the power (Index or Exponent).

For Example: 81 = 92, then we say that ‘ 81 is equal to base 9 raised to the power 2’.

The laws of Indices:

(i) 𝑎𝑚 × 𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚+𝑛 (ii) (𝑎𝑚)𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚𝑛

(iii) 𝑎𝑚

𝑎𝑛 = 𝑎𝑚−𝑛

(iv) (𝑎𝑏)𝑛 = 𝑎𝑛 𝑏𝑛

(v) (𝑎

𝑏)𝑛 =

𝑎𝑛

𝑏𝑛

(vi) 𝑎0 = 1

When the power is a fraction say 1

𝑛, then 𝑎

𝑛 is a surd of order n. Here ‘a’ is a rational

number and ‘n’ is a positive integer.

The laws of Surds:

(i) 𝑎𝑛

=𝑎1

𝑛

(ii) ( 𝑎)𝑛 𝑛 = a

(iii) 𝑎𝑏𝑛

= 𝑎𝑛

× 𝑏𝑛

(iv) 𝑎

𝑏

𝑛 =

𝑎𝑛

𝑏𝑛

(v) 𝑎𝑛𝑚

= 𝑎𝑚𝑛

(vi) ( 𝑎)𝑛 𝑚 = ( 𝑎)𝑚 𝑛

Example: Simplify: 𝟔𝟒 𝟓

𝟔.

Solution: Given that, 64 5

6 = (26)5

6 = (2)5 = 32.

Example: Simplify:(𝟖𝟏)𝟎.𝟐𝟒 × (𝟗)𝟎.𝟎𝟐 .

Solution: Given that, (81)0.24 × (9)0.02 = (92)0.24 × (9)0.02= (9)0.48 × (9)0.02 = (9)0.50

= (32)1

2 = 3.

Example: If 𝟒𝒙−𝟐 + 𝟒𝒙+𝟐 = 1028, then find the value of x.

Solution: 4𝑥−2 + 4𝑥+2 = 1028 4𝑥−2 (1+44) = 1028

4𝑥−2 (257) = 1028 4𝑥−2 = 4 x – 2 = 1 x = 3.

PERCENTAGE

In mathematics, a percentage is a way of expressing a number like Ratio, as a fraction of 100.It is denoted by the symbol “%”. Percentages are used to express how large/small one quantity is, relative to another quantity. The percent value is computed by multiplying the numeric value of the ratio by 100. For example 50% read as Fifty percent and it is equal to 50/100 or 0.5.

Calculation of Percentage

The Percent Value is computed by multiplying the numeric value of the ratio by 100.

For Example: If we want to calculate the percentage of 20 oranges out of 80 oranges then,

The required percentage= (20/80) × 100 = 25%

Calculation of Percentage of a Percentage

To calculate a percentage of a percentage first we should convert all the percentages to fractions of 100.

For Example: 40% of 50% = (40/100)× (50/100) = 0.40 × 0.50 = 0.20 = 20/100 = 20%

Example: In an Examination, 30 % of the students failed and 637 passed. How many students appeared for the examination?

Solution: We will solve this problem in steps.

Step I : Let us suppose X students appeared for the examination

Now,

According to the problem total number of students failed in the examination = 30 % 0f X_______ (1)

Step II: Also, given that number of students passed in the examination

= 637_______ (2)

Step III: Now,

Number of Failed students + Number of passed students

= Total number of students appeared in the examination

=> 30% of X + 637 = X [From (1) and (2) ]

=> (30/100) X + 637 = X

=> (3/10) X + 637 =X

=> 3X + 6370 = 10X [Taking LCM]

=> 6370 = 10 X – 3X

=> 6370 = 7X

=> 910 = X or X= 910

Hence, 910 students appeared in the examination.

PROFIT & LOSS

Profit and loss is a very important branch of basic Mathematics. This branch deals with the study of Profit and loss made in the business and in our daily life.

Some basic terms used in Profit and loss are:

Cost price – The price, at which an article is purchased, is called Cost price and it is abbreviated by C.P.

Selling Price – The price, at which an article is sold, is called its selling price and it is abbreviated by S.P.

Profit – If S.P. > C.P., then seller is said to have a profit.

Loss – If SP < CP, Then seller is said to have incurred a loss.

Formulae –

Profit or Gain = S.P. – C.P.

Loss = C.P. –S.P.

Gain % = Gain ×100

C.P.

Loss % = Loss ×100

C.P.

S.P. = (100+Gain %)

100 × C.P.

S.P. = (100−Loss %)

100 × C.P.

C.P = 100

(100+Gain %) × S.P.

C.P = 100

(100−Loss %) × S.P.

Example: Karan sold an item for Rs. 6,500 and incurred a loss of 20%.At what price should he have sold the item to have gained a profit of 20%. (Clerks’ Grade, 2011)

Solution: If selling price = Rs. 6,500

Then, loss = 20%

We know the formula S.P. = (100−Loss %)

100 × C.P. C.P.=

S.P.×100

(100−Loss %)

6500×100

80

Rs.8,125

Now new S.P = (100+20)

100 × 8125. Rs.9750

Hence, new selling Price should be Rs. 9750.

PARTNERSHIP

Meaning: When two or more than two persons run a business jointly, they are called partners in that business and the deal between them is known as partnership.

There are two types of partners in the business

1. Working Partner: A person who manages the business is known as working partner.

2. Sleeping Partner: A person who simply invests the money is known as sleeping partner.

Some Important Formulae:

(a) Suppose two persons P and Q invests Rs. X and Rs. Y respectively for a year in a business, then their share of profit or loss at the end of the year: Share of P ′ s profit (or loss )

Share of Q ′ sprofit (or loss ) =

X

Y

(b) Suppose two persons P and Q invests Rs. X for m month and Rs. Y for n months respectively, then Share of P ′ s profit (or loss )

Share of Q ′ sprofit (or loss ) =

Xm

Yn

Example: Three friends P, Q and R enter into partnership. P invests 2 times as much as Q invests and Q invests one-fourth of what R invests. If the profit earned by them is Rs.63,000, then what is the share of profit of P at the end of the year.

Solution: Let us suppose R’s Capital = Rs. X. Then, Q’s Capital = Rs. 1

4 X

Now, P’s capital = Rs. (2 × Q’s Capital) = Rs. (2 × 1

4 X) = Rs. (

1

2 X)

Ratio of their capitals = 1

2 X :

1

4 X : X =2:1:4

Hence, share of P’s profit = Rs.(63,000 × 2

7) =18,000.

Example: P, Q and R start a business by investing Rs. 10,000.After 4 month P invests 5,000 more, Q withdraws Rs. 2,000 and R withdraws Rs. 4,000. If the total Rs.88,000 profit was recorded at the end of the year, then find the share of Q.

Solution: Ratio of capitals of P, Q and R

= (10,000 × 4 + 15,000 × 8) : (10,000 × 4 + 8,000 × 8) : (10,000 × 4 + 6,000 × 8)

= (40,000+1,20,000) : (40,000 + 64,000) : (40,000 + 48,000)

= 1,60,000 : 1,04,000 : 88,000 =160 : 104 : 88 = 20 : 13 : 11

Hence, share of Q = Rs. (88,000 × 13

44) = Rs.26,000.

TIME & WORK

SOME BASIC FACTS WITH FORMULAE

1. If a person P can do a piece of work in n days, then work done by him in 1 day = 1

n.

2. If a Person P can do 1

n work in 1 day, then he can finish the work in n days.

3. If a Person P can do a piece of work in n days and another person Q can do the same

work in m days then time taken by them to complete the work is nm

n+m days when

they work together but independently. 4. If the efficiency of P to do a work is x times than efficiency of Q to do a same work

then, Ratio of work done by P and Q = x: 1 Ratio of time taken by P and Q to complete a work = 1:3

Example: Prerna can do a piece of work in 16 days while Monami can do the same work in 20 days. How long should it take both Prerna and Monami, working together but independently, to do the same work?

Solution: Prerna’s 1 day’s work = 1

16, Monami’s 1 day’s work =

1

20

(Prerna + Monami) ’s 1 day’s work = 1

16 +

1

20 =

5 + 4

80 =

9

80

Time taken by Prerna and Monami to finish the work = 80

9 days = 8

8

9 days.

Example: Efficiency of Arun is thrice than Brijesh to do a piece of work and together they finish a piece of work in 27 days. In how many days will Arun finish the work?

Solution: (Arun’s 1 day work) : (Brijesh’s 1 day work) = 3 : 1

(Arun + Brijesh)’s 1 day work = 1

27

Then, Arun’s 1 day work = 1

27 ×

3

4 =

1

36

Arun can finish the work in 36 days.

TIME & DISTANCE

Time and Distance Formulae relates Time, Distance and Speed. These relationships have many practical applications.

For example if you know the speed of any vehicle and the distance covered by that vehicle, then we can easily calculate the time taken in whole journey by using the formula of Time and Distance.

Important Formulae

1. Speed = Distance

Time,Distance= Speed×Time, Time=

Distance

Speed

2. S km/hr =(s×5

18)m/sec

3. S m/sec =(s×18

5)km/hr

Example: A Taj Express travelling at 5

11 of its actual speed and covers 42 km in 1 hr 40 min 48

sec. Find the actual speed of the Taj Express.

Solution: Suppose the actual speed of Taj = S km/hr

Then new speed = 5

11× S

Time taken by Taj with new speed

= 1 hr 40 min 48 sec

= 1hr+40 ×1

60 hr+48 ×

1

60×60 [Because 1hr = 60 minutes,

1 minute = 60 Second,

& 1 minute = 1

60 hr,

1 Second = 1

60 minute ]

= 1hr +2

3 hr +

1

75 hr =

126

75 hrs

Now, according to the formula

New Speed × Time taken by Taj with new speed = Distance covered by Taj

5

11 S×

126

75 = 42 S =

42×75×11

126×5 S =55km/hr

Hence, the actual speed of the Taj Express is 55 km/hr

SIMPLE INTEREST

DEFINITION:

If a person X borrows some money from another person Y for a certain period, then after that specified period, X (borrower) has to return the borrowed money with some additional money. This additional money that X (borrower) has to pay is called Interest. The actual borrowed money is called Principal or Sum. The Principle and interest together is called amount, and the time for which X the borrower has been used the borrowed money is called the time. The interest that X has to pay for every 100 rupees each year is called rate percent per annum.

If the interest on a sum borrowed for a certain period is reckoned uniformly, then it is called Simple Interest and it is denoted by S.I.

FORMULAE:

Let Principle = P, Rate =R% per annum, and Time = T years. Then

S.I. = (P ×R ×T

100) or P = (

100 ×S.I.

R × T) or R = (

100 ×S.I.

P × T) or T = (

100 ×S.I.

P × R)

Now,

Simple Interest + Principle = Amount

If we denote the amount by ’A’, then

S.I. = A – P

S.I. = A – P = P ×R ×T

100

A=P (1+ 𝑅𝑇

100) = SI (1+

100

𝑅𝑇)

Two different cases can be compared by using the following formula

A1−P 1

A2−P 2

= 𝑃1𝑅1𝑇1

𝑃2𝑅2𝑇2

Example: What will be the simple interest on Rs. 78,000 at 10% per annum for 9 years?

Solution: Here, given that

Principal (P) =78,000, Rate (R) = 10%, Time (T) = 9 years

Now, we know that,

S.I. = (P ×R ×T

100) = (

78,000 ×10 ×9

100) = Rs. 70,200

Therefore, the simple interest on Rs. 78,000 at 10% per annum for 9 years will be Rs. 70, 200.

COMPOUND INTEREST

When the borrower X and the lender Y agrees to fix up a certain time for example yearly, half yearly or quarterly to settle the previous money, then the difference between the amount and the money borrowed is said to be the Compound Interest and it denoted by C.I. In these calculations, principal for the second unit of time is the amount of first unit of time and so on.

SOME IMPORTANT FACTS AND FORMULAE

Let Principal = P, Time = n years

1. If interest is compounded annually, then

Amount = P (1 +R

100)n

2. If interest is compounded half- yearly, then

Amount = P (1 + R/2

100)2n

3. If interest is compounded Quarterly, then

Amount = P (1 + R/4

100)4n

4. If time is in fractions and the interest is compounded yearly, say 2𝟏

𝟐 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬, then

Amount = P (1 +R

100)2 (1+

1

2R

100)

Example: What will be the Compound Interest on Rs. 5000 at 5% per annum for 3 years, compounded annually?

Solution: Amount = Rs. [5,000 ×(1 +5

100)3 ] = Rs. [5,000 ×(

21

20)3] = Rs. [5,000 ×

9,261

8,000 ]

= Rs.5788.125

Compound Interest = Rs. (5788.125 – 5000) = Rs.788.125.

Example: What is the compound interest on Rs. 12000 in 4 years at 20 % per annum, the interest being compounded half yearly.

Solution: Given that,

Principal = Rs. 12000, Rate = 20% per annum, Time = 4 years

Now, Amount = Rs.[ 12000 (1 + 20

2

100) 2 = Rs. (120 × 11× 11) = Rs. 14520

Compound Interest = Rs.(14520 – 12000) = Rs. 2520.

Example: If the simple interest on Rs. 1000 at x % per annum for 2 years is Rs.200, then calculate the compound interest on the same amount for the same period at the same time.

Solution: Here,

Principal = Rs.1000, Rate = x% per annum, Time = 2 years, S.I. = Rs.200

Then, S.I. = Rs.(1000 × x × 2

100) Rs.200 = Rs.(

1000 × x × 2

100) x = 10%.

DATA INTERPRETATION

Data plays an important role in our day to day life. If the given data is very large then it can be represented in precise form. The process of interpreting the data from its precise form is called Data Interpretation.

There are some important ways to represent the data in précised form.

1. Histogram 2. Frequency polygon

3. Bar-diagram 4. Pie-chart

Histogram

Frequency polygon

Bar Diagram

Pie-Chart

The method for solving the DI part involved two way process

1. Observation or Understanding of the Information provided in the Data. 2. Calculation Part

The calculation part requires knowledge of ratio, percentage and average. In these types of questions candidates are required to find the ratio of two different elements, percentage of one element with respect to other or the average of two or more elements

Question (1 to 5): The line diagram shows the cost of production and profit of five companies for the year 2011-12. (The figures are in '000').

1. The ratio of profits of company B to D is:

(a) 2:3 (b) 3:4 (c) 4:3 (d) 3:2

2. The profit of company C is what percentage of the cost of production of company E?

(a) 20% (b) 25% (c) 30% (d) 35%3. The cost of production of company B is how many times of company C profit?

(a) 2.5 (b) 3 (c) 3.5 (d) 4

4. Which company has the maximum percentage of profit?

(a) A (b) B (c) C (d) D

5. What is the average profit of all the companies?

(a) 50,000 (b) 60,000 (c) 70,000 (d) 80,000

ANSWERS

1. The profit of B is 50,000 and D is 75,000 therefore the ratio is 2:3. 2. The profit of C is 1,00,000 which is 25% of E's cost of production which is 4,00,000. 3. The cost of B is 3,50,000 which 3.5 times the profit of C's profit which is 50,000. 4. The company C has a 40% profit. 5. The total profit of all the companies are 75,000+50,000+1,00,000+75,000+1,00,000

= 4,00,000, therefore the average will be (4,00,000)/5= 80,000.

0

100

200

300

400

500

A B C D E

COST OF PRODUCTION

PROFIT

REASONING

ANALOGY

It is a similarity or comparability between like features of two things on which a comparison may be based. In these types of questions a series of numbers or alphabetical letters or combinations of both are given. The candidate is required to study the pattern and either to complete the given series with the suitable term or to find the wrong term in the series.

Example: Command: Order::Confusion:? (BANK P.O.2000)

(a) Discipline (b) Clarity (c) Chaos (d) Problem

Answer: (c) The words in both the pairs are synonymous of each other.

Example: D: 64:: G : ?

(a) 64 (b) 125 (c) 216 (d) 343

Answer: (d) G is the 7th letter in English alphabet and 73 = 343.

CLASSIFICATION

‘Classification’ means to list the items of a given group on the basis of certain quality and then choose the stranger out. It is one of the important chapters of General Mental Ability Segment of Reasoning. In these types of Questions the candidate is required to choose one item which does not fit into the group of similar items.

Example: (a) Write (b) Read (c) Knowledge (d) Learn (e) Study (S.B.I.P.O. 2005)

Answer: All others are resorted to by one to acquire knowledge.

Example: (a) 24 (b) 35 (c) 48 (d) 64

Answer: (d) Each of the numbers except 64 are in the form of (x2 – 1).

SERIES

In these types of questions series of numbers, series of alphabetical letters and the combination of alphabets and letters follow a certain pattern. They are arranged in a particular manner and each term is related to the earlier and the following term in a particular way. The candidate is required to identify the pattern followed in the series and then fill in the space with suitable alternatives or to find out the wrong term in the series.

There are some important types of series:

1. Number Series 2. Alphabet Series 3. Alpha-Numeric Series

Example: 4, 23, 60, 121, 212, ?

(a) 339 (b) 343 (c) 361 (d) 324

Solution: (a) The series is (23 – 4), (33 – 4), (43 – 4), (53 – 4) ………..

Example: U, O, I, ?, A

(a) C (b) E (c) G (d) S

Solution: (b) It is the reverse order of vowels in the English alphabet.

CODING - DECODING

A CODE is a system of conveying a message through signals. It is a method of transmitting a message between sender and the receiver in such a way that only the sender and receiver can understand its meaning. 'Coding' is done according a certain pattern in the mind of the sender.

Decoding is the reverse process, converting these code symbols back into information understandable by a receiver.

Example: If in a certain language, TRIANGLE is written as SSHBMHKF. In the same language, COUNTRY is written as:

(a) BPVOSSX (b) DNVMUQZ (c) BPTOSSX (d) DNVNVQ

Solution: (c) In the code, the letters at odd places is decreased by one and the letters at even places is increased by one according to the English alphabet.

Example: If in a certain language, PAPER is written as OZODQ. Which word would be written as RZKD?

(a) SEAL (b) SALE (c) SELL (d) SKIP

Solution: (b) all the letters have been decreased by one in the code according to the English alphabet.

PUZZLE TEST

In this segment questions are framed in the form of puzzles. These puzzles involves certain number of items, things etc. The candidate is required to analyze the given information to find the suitable answer of that particular situation.

There are some important types of Questions based on Puzzle test:

1. Seating Arrangements 2. Questions based on Classification 3. Problems based on family 4. Questions based on comparison 5. Sequential order of things

Example: P and Q are brothers. R and S are sisters. P’s son is S’s brother. How is Q related to R?

Answer: In the question P’s son is S’s brother means P is the father of S and similarly P is the father of R because S and R are sisters. Therefore Q is the uncle of R. because Q is the father’s brother of R.

MATHEMATICAL PUZZLE

Mathematical puzzles are the major ingredients of recreational Mathematics. Mathematical Puzzles require basic knowledge of Mathematics.

Types of the questions based on Mathematical Puzzles are:

1. Arrangement of correct mathematical operations. 2. Filling the correct mathematical operations. 3. Mathematical-Logical problems

The correct sequence of solving mathematical problems is known as “BODMAS Rule”.

‘BODMAS’ Rule: This Rule shows the correct sequence of all the operations that are to be executed to find out the value of a given expression. In this rule ‘B’ Stands for ‘Bracket’, ‘O’ stands for ‘of’, ‘D’ for ‘Division’, ‘M’ for ‘Multiplication’, ‘A’ for ‘Addition’ and ‘S’ for ‘Subtraction’.

Therefore, the correct order to simplify an expression is:

(i) () (ii) {} (iii) []

(iv) of (v) Division (vi) Multiplication

(vii) Addition (viii) Subtraction

Example: Some equations are solved on the basis of certain system on the same basis find out the correct answer for the unsolved equation.

1 × 2 × 5 = 125, 2 × 1 × 6 = 216, 3 × 4 × 3 = ?

Solution: Here the numbers are placed in the same order. Therefore the required number is 343.

DIRECTION SENSE TEST

In these types of questions a successive follow –up of different directions is formulated then a candidate is required to find out the final direction or the distance between two points.

Following figure shows the four main directions and four cardinal directions to help the candidates:

N(North)

NW (North –West) NE (North –East)

W (West) E (East)

SW (South –West) SE (South – East)

S (South)

Example: Prakash, Ram, Mohan and Sanjay are playing a game of Carrom, Prakash, Mohan and Sanjay, Ram are partners. Sanjay is to the right of Mohan who is facing west. Then Ram is facing

(a) East (b) West (c) North (d) South

Solution : This problem is based on Direction Sense

Step I: We can represent the four directions East, West, North, and South in the following manner

North

West East

South

Step II: Sanjay (North)

Mohan (East)

Step III:

Sanjay(North)

Prakash (West) Mohan(East)

Ram (South)

Thus, Ram is facing towards north. Hence, option (c) is the correct answer.

SYLLOGISM

A syllogism is a kind of logical argument in which one conclusion is inferred from two or more other premises of a specific form. The literal meaning of syllogism is ‘Conclusion’ or ‘inference’. The questions based on the syllogism are in the form of statements (premises)

followed by Conclusion (proposition). The Candidate is required to find the correct conclusion on the basis of the given statements.

The general form of statements and conclusions in the syllogism is:

All As are Bs. Some As are Bs. No A is a B.

The graphical representation of the statements

1. All As are Bs.

2. Some As are Bs.

3. No A is a B.

ABSTRACT REASONING

In Abstract Reasoning, abstract refers to something that is not concrete and reasoning is defined as judgments made on the basic of some logic. This is a process of reaching conclusions through the use of Symbols rather than concrete factual information

The questions from this section can be of the following types;

1. Pictorial pattern based questions. 2. Embedded figure questions. 3. Mirror Image questions. 4. Paper Cutting problems. 5. Relationship based problems.

Example: Which answer figure will complete the pattern in the question figure?

Question figure:

Answer figures:

Answer: (D) will complete the pattern.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE

SYNONYMS

Synonyms: This word comes from ancient Greek words ‘syn’ and ‘onoma’ where ‘syn’ means ‘with’ and ‘onoma’ means ‘name’. Synonyms are the word which has similar meanings. Two words are said to be synonymous of each other when they have similar meanings. The words caste and class is synonymous because both the words have similar meaning.

Example: Find the word which synonymous to Deny.

(a) Regain (b) Refuse (c) Repair (d) Reduce

Answer: (b) Here the correct synonym for deny is Refuse.

ANTONYMS

This word comes from ancient Greek words ‘anti’ and ‘onoma’ where ‘anti’ means ‘opposite’ and ‘onoma’ means ‘name’. The literal meaning of antonyms is the opposite which means the word which has opposite meaning. For example; Day – Night, Long – Short, Up – Down, Small – Large, etc.

Example: The opposite word of Concur is:

(a) Disagree (b) Disappear (c) Disarrange (d) Discourage

Answer: The synonyms for Concur are agree, cooperate, combine etc. Therefore the antonym for ‘agree’ is ‘disagree’. Hence right answer is (a).

SPOTTING THE ERROR

Spotting errors forms an important part of all the competitive Examinations that have objective questions. These questions requires a proper Knowledge of all the basic rules of Grammar such as noun, pronoun, adjective, adverb, Conjunction, preposition, parts of Speech, tenses, participles etc.

Some Basic Rules

There are some nouns that always take singular verb. Example: Mathematics, Physics, rice, furniture, Stationary, News, advice etc.

(a) Ram has given advices. – (This is incorrect) (b) Ram has given advice. – (This is correct)

There are some nouns that are singular in nature but take a plural form and always use a plural verb. Example: People, Company, Police etc.

(a) People is very crazy. – (This is incorrect) (b) People are very Crazy – (This is correct)

SENTENCE COMPLETION

Sentence Completion test is one of the most important chapter to check the vocabulary skills of the candidates. In these types of questions a candidate is required to pick out the most effective word from the given words to fill in the blank to make the sentence meaningfully complete.

Example : Since one cannot read every book, one should be content with making a _____ selection.

(a) normal (b) standard

(c) sample (d) moderate

(e) judicious

Answer: (e) judicious.

Example: Some people _______ themselves into believing that they are indispensable to the organization they work for.

(a) keep (b) fool

(c) force (d) denigrate

(e) delude

Answer: (e) delude.

SENTENCE IMPROVEMENT

Sentence improvement is similar to Spotting errors up to certain extent. In this type of questions the candidate is required to examine the error and to find out the correct option from the given alternatives.

Example: Subhash would have been looked smart in traditional clothes.

(a) would be looked (b) was looked

(c) has looked (d) would have looked

Answer: The correct answer is option (d) would have looked.

Example: Will you lend me few rupees in this hour of need? (Section officers, 1993)

(a) borrow me a few rupees (b) land me any rupees

(c) lend me a few rupees (d) No improvement

Answer: The correct answer is option (c) lend me a few rupees.

ONE WORD SUBSTITUTION

One word substitution is the words that replace a group of words or sentences without creating or changing the exact meaning of sentences. These words generally bring compression in any kind of writing. There are lots of words in English language that can be used effectively in place of complex sentences or words to make writing to the point without losing the meaning of the context.

Example: One who eats too much?

(a) Foodist (b) glutton (c) Eater (d) food loving

Answer: (b) glutton

Example: A book published after the death of its author.

(a) Posthumous (b) anonymous (c) Synonymous (d) mysterious

Answer: (a) Posthumous

SPELLING TEST

Spelling test is basically devised to test the vocabulary power and the candidate ability to write the words with correct spellings. Question asked is such section generally required to choose the correct spelt word or the miss- spelt out of the alternatives given.

Example: Find the correctly spelt word?

(a) Miscevious (b) Mischieveous

(c) Mischevious (d) Mischievous

Answer: The correct answer is option (d) Mischievous

IDIOM & PHRASES

Idioms and phrases refer to commonly used groups of words in English. They are used in specific situations and often used in an idiomatic, rather than a figurative sense. Idioms are often full sentences. Phrases, however, are usually made up of a few words and are used as a grammatical unit in a sentence. It is usually asked in all the competitive exams especially in banking examinations.

Example: He always cuts both ends

(a) Work for both sides (b) Inflicts injuries on others (c) Argues in support of both sides of

the issue

(d) Behaves dishonestly (e) Creates discord among friends

Answer: The correct answer is option (c)

SENTENCE RECONSTRUCTION

Sentence reconstruction is the grammatical arrangement of words in sentences, phrase structure, and syntax. The sentences are presented in a jumbled manner and the students are supposed to arrange it chronologically. Students should be very careful while restructuring the sentences.

Example: There is a fashion now-a-days

P. as an evil

Q. who is born with a silver spoon

R. to bewail poverty

S. and to pity the Youngman

6. in his mouth

(a) PSRQ (b) RPSQ (c) RSQP (d) SPRQ

Answer: The correct answer is option (b)

CLOZE TEST

Cloze test is the test of the ability to comprehend text in which the reader has to supply the missing words that have been removed from the text at regular intervals. It is basically a test for diagnosing reading ability; words are generally deleted from a prose passage and the reader is required to fill in the blanks. Student must be very proficient in grammar in order to fill the correct word. One should practice lots and lots of exercises on such pattern.

Example (Q. 1-1O): In the following passage there arc blanks, each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each, five words are suggested, one of which fits the blank appropriately. Find out the appropriate word in each case.

Raju was orphaned at a very (1) age. He lost (2) of his parents because his family was (3) poor to afford any treatment. He was deeply affected by this. He decided to work hard and (4) on his own feet. Along with his studies he (5) part-time in a restaurant and earned enough money in order to (6) his studies. Being a brilliant student, he earned scholarships and later managed to get admission in a good medical college. He is now a (7) doctor and helps poor patient for (8). This shows that one can survive every (9) condition. Determine and hard work (10) to success in life.

1.

(a) youth (b) early

(c) childhood (d) childish

(e) recent

2.

(a) any (b) few

(c) either (d) couple

(e) both

3.

(a) little (b) so

(c) too (d) some

(e) ample

4.

(a) balance (b) establish

(c) stand. (d) erect

(e) talk

5.

(a) worked (b) employed

(c) busy (d) established

(e) functioned

6.

(a) done (b) practice

(c) follow (d) pursue

(e) proceed

7.

(a) recognize (b) know

(c) respected (d) worth

(e) merit

8.

(a) favour (b) less

(c) penny (d) subsidy

(e) free

9.

(a) failed (b) adverse

(c) worse (d) evil

(e) tragedy

10.

(a) result (b) follow

(c) excel (d) lead

(e) urge

Answers:

1. (b) 2. (e)

3. (c) 4. (c)

5. (a) 6. (d)

7. (c) 8. (e)

9. (b) 10. (d)

COMPREHENSION

Comprehension is asked in the examination to test the ability of aspirants to grasp something mentally and the capacity to understand ideas and facts.

Readers who have strong comprehension are able to draw conclusions about what they read – what is important, what is a fact, what caused an event to happen, which characters are funny. Thus comprehension involves combining reading with thinking and reasoning

Example (Q 1- 5): Read the following passage carefully and answer the questions given below it. Certain words have been printed in bold to help you locate them while answering some of the questions.

Once upon a time there was a man who was walking past some elephants in a circus, he suddenly stopped, confused by the fact that these large animals were being held by only a small rope tied to their front leg. No chains, no cages. It was obvious that the elephants could, at anytime, break away from their bonds. Yet they stayed were they were. He asked the trainer why the animals didn't try to escape. “Well,” the trainer explained, “when they were very young and much smaller we used the same size rope to tie them and, at that size, it was enough to hold them. As they grow up, they are conditioned to believe they cannot break away. They believe the rope can still hold them, so they never try to break free.” The man was amazed. These animals could at any time break free from their bonds but because

they believed they couldn’t, they were stuck right where they were. Like the elephants, how many of us go through life hanging onto a belief that we cannot do something, simply because we failed at it once before?

Failure is part of learning; we should never give up the struggle in life.

1. What did the man noticed when he was walking past some elephants in a circus? (a) The elephants were roaring loudly. (b) They were held with a small rope. (c) They were tied with chains and locked in cages. (d) They were playing with each other.

Answer: Option (b)

2. Why the elephant didn’t try to escape? (a) They were heavily instructed to do so. (b) They are habituated to believe they cannot break way the rope. (c) Their legs have been amputed. (d) Their legs is always so heavily tied that they never manage to escape.

Answer: Option (b)

3. Which of the following is True in context to the passage. (a) The man was petrified to see that elephant can break any time but is not doing

so. (b) The man was frightened to see that elephant can break any time but is not doing

so. (c) The man was amazed to see that elephant can break any time but is not doing

so. (d) The man was feeling very sad after seeing such a scenario.

Answer: Option (c)

4. Which of the following best describes elephant’s character? (a) Hard working (b) lenient (c) quitter (d) unambitious

Answer: Option (c)

5. COMPLETE THE SENTENCE:

Failure is part of learning; we should _______ give up the struggle in life

(a) Always (b) seldom

(c) never (d) sometimes

Answer: Option (c)

Example (Q. 6- 10): Choose the word which is most similar in meaning to the word printed in bold as used in the passage.

6. OBVIOUS

(a) Vague (b) definitely

(c) Clear (d) doubtful

Answer: Option (c)

7. ESCAPE

(a) Get away (b) breakout

(c) to get in touch (d) disappeared

Answer: Option (a)

8. CONDITIONED

(a) Limited (b) habituated

(c) uncomfortable (d) confident

Answer: Option (b)

9. AMAZED

(a) Surprised (b) dazzled

(c) attacked (d) strucked

Answer: Option (a)

10. HANGING

(a) Killing (b) hang

(c) dismissing (d) suspending

Answer: Option (a)

COMPUTER KNOWLEDGE

What is a Computer?

A Computer is an electronic device for Storing and processing data that executes the instructions in a programme.

Describing in its simplest form, a computer takes information (or inputs), processes it according to a set of instructions (a program) and gives back a result (or output). In this respect, it is very similar to a calculator, but obviously somewhat more complex.

The other key characteristic of a computer is that it is a multi-function device. The same machine can perform different tasks by using different programs. So, one program (e.g., a word processing application) allows letters or documents to be created, while another program (e.g., a graphics or drawing application) allows images to be created.

Conventionally, a computer consists of at least one processing element and some form of memory. The processing element carries out arithmetic and logic operations and sequencing and control unit can change the order of operations based on stored information. Peripheral devices allow information to be retrieved from an external source, and the result of operations are saved and retrieved.

Computer has four functions to perform:-

Input – Its Accepts the data

Processing – It Processes data

Output – It Produces the Outcome

Storage – It Stores the results

Classification of Computers

According to functionality, computers are classified as:

Analog Computer

Digital Computer

Hybrid Computer (Analog + Digital)

On the basis of Size

Super Computer

Mainframe Computer

Mini Computer

Micro Computer or Personal Computer

Desktop Computer

Laptop Computer

Palmtop Computer/Digital Diary /Notebook /PDAs

Some Examples:

1. Which type of device is Computer Keyboard?

(a) Input (b) Output

(c) Storage (d) Memory

Answer: Option (a)

2. Which of the option is not an example of hardware?

(a) Mouse (b) Scanner

(c) Interpreter (d) Monitor

Answer: Option (c)

3. All types of deleted files go to:

(a) My Computer (b) My Documents

(c) Recycles Bin (d) None of these

Answer: Option (c)

4. Computer printer is:

(a) An input device (b) An output device

(c) A software (d) A storage

Answer: Option (b)

5. ALU stands for:

(a) Arithmetic Logic Unit (b) Arithmetic Log Unit

(c) Arithmetically Long Unit (d) None of these

Answer: Option (d)

GENERAL AWARENESS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO BANKING INDUSTRY

International

US and Pakistan inked NATO Supply Agreement

India allowed FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) from Pakistan

India signed Tax Information Exchange Agreement (TIEA) with Monaco

United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution on Syria

National

The Government approved a Complete Ban on Employment of Children

Union Government approved Relaxation in Policies Related to Transfer of Government Land

Power Tripped in Northern, Eastern and North Eastern Grids: India’s Biggest Power Blackout

Special Tribunal approved MHA Move to declare SIMI as an Unlawful Organization

Economy

Growth of Eight Core Sectors slipped to 3.6 % in June 2012 against 5.6 %in June 2011

RBI signed MoU with Financial Regulators of 9 Countries to promote Sharing of Information

India’s Fiscal Deficit reached 37 Percent of the Budget Estimate

India’s NSE became the World’s Largest Bourse in Equity Segment as per WFE’s Global Ranking

Corporate

SBI reduced Interest Rate on Home and Car Loans by Up to 0.5 Percent

SBI reduced the interest rate on the deposits of more than 5 years

Jet Airways Tied Up with HDFC Bank and Launched Credit Cards

Sports

London Olympics 2012 concluded as US topped the Medal Tally

Michel Phelps became the Most Successful Athlete in the Olympic History

Saina Nehwal clinched Bronze in Women’s Singles Badminton Event at London Olympics 2012

Persons

Appointed

Awarded

Died

Current Affairs for banking Exams

Some Examples:

1. Which of India's leading commodity bourses on 20 December 2011 became the world's fifth-largest commodity futures exchange? (a) National Multi Commodity Exchange of India (b) Bharat Diamond Bourse (c) Multi Commodity Exchange (d) Bombay Stock Exchange

Answer: Option (d)

2. Name the state-run Mumbai-headquartered bank which on 29 December 2011 surprised the market by cutting its base rate, the minimum lending rate, by 10 basis points, thereby becoming the first banker this year to do so when others are waiting for a signal from the central bank. (a) State Bank of India (b) Union Bank (c) United Bank of India (d) Allahabad Bank

Answer: Option (b)

3. Which of the following Indian Telecom company on 16 February 2012 got the RBI nod for FCCB redemption? (a) Reliance Telecom (b) Uninor (c) Airtel (d) Vodafone

Answer : Option (a)

4. Who is the author of the book ‘Shame’. (Clerks’ Grade, 2007) (a) Chandar S Sundaram (b) Namita Gokhale (c) Jaswinder Sanghara (d) Anita Desai (e) Salman Rushdie

Answer: Option (e)

5. Who became Miss World 2012? (a) Denise Perrier (b) Yu Wenxia (c) Marita Lindah (d) Azra Akin

Answer: Option (b)