Crack the CWE
The exam for recruitment of probation officers and management trainee positions in banks is just a few months away. Here are some preparation tips.
The upcoming Common Written Examination (CWE) for selection of probation officers and management trainees in Banks provides a wonderful opportunity for candidates to secure a promising career in the banking and financial services industry. The online examination will be held in October (11 and 12, 18 and 19) and two in November ( 1 and 2) and on additional dates if required. Lets look at the test areas of this immensely popular examination and the preparation methodology.
Reasoning and Quantitative Ability sections carry 50 marks each. The sections on English Language and General Awareness, with specific reference to the banking industry, carry 40 marks each. The test area on Computer Awareness carries 20 marks. The duration of the examination is two hours.
Reasoning
Questions on topics such as blood relations, syllogisms, arrangement as per specified parameters usually appear in this section. The test area checks ability to “Reason or Think Logically,” practising with different patterns of questions can help.
Quantitative ability
Candidates are worried about their performance in this area which is referred to as 'Mathematics'. While maths is the basic discipline, the basic mathematical operators such as addition, subtraction, division and multiplication and concepts like percentages, profit, loss, ratio, variation and proportio rule this section. An average student can significantly improve his/her performance in this section by training over a two-three month period.
English language
Understanding the difference between the meanings of similar words, sentence construction, synonyms and antonyms get covered in this section. The performance in this section can improve once the candidate starts learning more words and their usage in different contexts.
General awareness
‘‘What does ATM stand for?” was an actual question for Bank PO exam in the year 2000. While such a question will be classified as too easy in today’s context, a question like “What is meant by White Label ATMs,” can be asked in the context of several banks using the services of white label ATMs.
Trying to learn everything without having a focus can be counter-productive. Candidates need to train on the essentials — those test areas which are current, within the context and therefore have a high likelihood of being asked. Careful selection of the reading material is important, to avoid spreading yourself too thin.
Computer Awareness
The objective of this section is to ensure that the candidates perform comfortably in a completely computerised banking environment. Terminology related to computers, latest technology and banking software can form part of the questions in this section. Knowledge of programming languages is not required to crack this section.
Candidates need to keep in mind that the competition for this examination is well and truly national. So do ensure that your preparation is benchmarked at this level. You will need to take several model examinations that are actually “online” — just like the actual CWE conducted by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection. Joining a group of equally-motivated students for preparation is a good strategy. At the end of all the model examinations, get into the habit of reviewing your performance.
Do not wait for your preparation to be complete before starting to take the model exams. Even the best-prepared student feels more could have been done, days before the actual examination. Take a sufficient number of model examinations, sectional tests on areas described above, read up on current affairs and banking related current affairs and general knowledge from a trusted source and you will be well on your way to performing well in this exam. Remember, this exam can open doors to an exciting career for you.
The writer is director, T.I.M.E. Chennai.
==================================
