Common Written Exam – What To Do & What Not To Do

As the date of common written exam gets near, the doubts about it would occupy your head more than the preparations. Questions like what to do, what not to do, what to be taken,how to go etc., are some of them that we have managed to answer here.All those first time applicants will find this compilation useful.


First, what are the necessary documents to be taken?

• Call letter with your passport photo pasted in the space
• Original payment receipt or challan (e-receipt for online payments)
• ID proof – original & few copies (any one of passport, PAN card, driving license,Voter ID,bank passbook,College ID)

You wont be allowed to continue with the test, if any of the above documents are NOT submitted.

IBPS conducted a supplementary exam (re-exam) for applicants who came late & those without required certificates - just because it was the first common PO test.Don't expect IBPS to do it again!

Next, we have compiled your frequently asked questions under headings that would make reading easier.

Rough work:

• Questions in numerical ability & reasoning may require calculations to be done, as both are maths oriented.
• Never do calculations on the answer sheet or any other separate paper.It may be rejected completely.
• Rough work are to be performed only in the question paper or booklet & invigilators shall collect it after the test.

Payment Receipt:

• This is a very important proof that should be produced at the exam centre.
• Note: There are 3 types of receipts – Cash payment receipt, CBS challan & E-receipt
• See ‘How to get duplicate payment receipt’, where detailed steps are provided incase of lost receipt

Reach on time:.

• Candidates who reached late for the test, were not allowed to appear for the recently concluded PO CWE.
• So, candidates are advised to reach the venue before 30 mins of scheduled time by the authorities.
• Plan your travel in advance taking into account the traffic issues, transportation means, distance etc.,
• If possible, visit the test centre before a day to calculate the time.

Marks & Cut-Off:

• Remember this – It is essential to score the minimum cut-off in each test paper.Scorecard will not be sent if you don't secure the qualifying mark in any test.
• The cut-off marks shall be fixed by IBPS on seeing everyone`s performance in each paper.Read our post about minimising negative marks

Still have anything to ask? Write them under the comments which would be answered by us asap.