IBPS PO 2021 previous year paper practice · PYQ-pattern set

IBPS PO 2021 PYQ-pattern questions

Showing 10 of the 14 PYQ-pattern questions in this set — freshly worded in that year's pattern, not the original questions. Answers and solutions open under each question.

1. Q1 · Cloze Test

   In the following passage, there are blanks, each numbered. Choose the most appropriate word from the given options to fill in the blank. Digital payment systems have __(1)__ transformed the way consumers conduct transactions. The __(2)__ of cash is gradually declining as more people embrace contactless payment methods. However, ensuring data __(3)__ remains a top priority for financial institutions. Which word best fits blank (3)?

   • A. vulnerability
   • B. security
   • C. negligence
   • D. redundancy
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The context discusses a priority for financial institutions in digital payments. 'Security' is the most appropriate word, as protecting data is a key concern.

2. Q2 · Number Series

   What will come in place of the question mark (?) in the following number series? 7, 14, 30, 62, 126, ?

   • A. 248
   • B. 254
   • C. 260
   • D. 266
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   The pattern is: 7×2=14, 14×2+2=30, 30×2+2=62, 62×2+2=126, 126×2+2=254. Each term is multiplied by 2 and then 2 is added.

3. Q3 · Arithmetic

   A train travels from Station A to Station B at a speed of 60 km/hr and returns from Station B to Station A at a speed of 90 km/hr. What is the average speed for the entire journey?

   • A. 70 km/hr
   • B. 72 km/hr
   • C. 75 km/hr
   • D. 78 km/hr
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Average speed = (2 × 60 × 90)/(60 + 90) = 10800/150 = 72 km/hr. The formula for average speed when distance is same is (2xy)/(x+y).

4. Q4 · Mensuration

   A rectangular field has length 80 m and breadth 60 m. A path of uniform width runs inside along the boundary and its area is 1056 m². What is the width of the path?

   • A. 3 m
   • B. 4 m
   • C. 5 m
   • D. 6 m
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Inner dimensions = (80−2x) and (60−2x). Path area = 80×60 − (80−2x)(60−2x) = 1056. Solving: 4800 − (4800 − 280x + 4x²) = 1056 → 280x − 4x² = 1056 → x² − 70x + 264 = 0. Solving gives x = 4 m.

5. Q5 · Alphanumeric / Number Series

   Study the following arrangement: R 4 T @ 9 D A 7 $ K E 3 % M 2 U # 8 P. How many such symbols are there which are immediately preceded by a number and immediately followed by a letter?

   • A. None
   • B. One
   • C. Two
   • D. Three
   Answer and solution

   Answer: C

   Check sequence: 9D→No, 7$→No, 3%→No, 2U→No, 8P→No. Actually: 9 is before @, 7 before $, 3 before %, 2 before U, 8 before P. Only 7$K (7 number, $ symbol, K letter) and 2U# work. Wait: 7$K: 7(number) $(symbol) K(letter) = YES. 2U#: 2(number) U(letter) #(symbol) = NO. Let me recount: 9D - 9(num) D(letter) but @ between. Correction: 7$ (num-symbol) and 2U (num-letter). Only 2U#: 2(num) U(letter) but # follows. Checking again: Symbols preceded by number and followed by letter: 7$K and correcting to find 2 instances.

6. Q6 · Blood Relations

   If A + B means A is the father of B, A - B means A is the sister of B, A × B means A is the brother of B, and A ÷ B means A is the mother of B, then which of the following means M is the maternal uncle of N?

   • A. M × P ÷ N
   • B. M - P + N
   • C. N ÷ P - M
   • D. M + P × N
   Answer and solution

   Answer: A

   Maternal uncle = mother's brother. M × P means M is brother of P, P ÷ N means P is mother of N. So M is maternal uncle of N.

7. Q7 · Alphabet Test

   Directions: Study the following letter sequence carefully: M K H T B R Q P N W F D S L G If all the consonants are arranged in alphabetical order from left to right followed by vowels in alphabetical order, which letter will be eighth from the right end?

   • A. H
   • B. K
   • C. L
   • D. M
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All 15 letters are consonants. Sorted alphabetically: B D F G H K L M N P Q R S T W. Eighth from right = eighth from left (since 15-8+1=8), which is M.

8. Q8 · Synonyms and Antonyms

   Choose the word that is MOST SIMILAR in meaning to the word given below: PRUDENT

   • A. Reckless
   • B. Cautious
   • C. Careless
   • D. Hasty
   Answer and solution

   Answer: B

   Prudent means showing care and thought for the future, which is synonymous with cautious.

9. Q9 · Word Swap / Word Usage

   In the following sentence, four words are given in bold. These words may or may not be in their correct positions. Choose the option with the correct arrangement of words to make the sentence grammatically and contextually correct. If no rearrangement is required, select option (D). The central bank's intervention (A) to stabilize the currency was timely (B), though critics argued it could have been more aggressive (C) to prevent (D) further depreciation.

   • A. A-D
   • B. B-C
   • C. A-C, B-D
   • D. No rearrangement required
   Answer and solution

   Answer: D

   All words are correctly positioned. The sentence is grammatically and contextually accurate as written.

10. Q10 · Order and Ranking

    In a row of 35 students, Priya is 14th from the left end. What is her position from the right end?

    • A. 21st
    • B. 22nd
    • C. 23rd
    • D. 20th
    Answer and solution

    Answer: B

    Position from right = Total students - Position from left + 1 = 35 - 14 + 1 = 22. Hence, Priya is 22nd from the right end.