Key Takeaways:
- Know your syllabus and exam pattern
- Follow a disciplined and focused study plan
- Practice daily with mocks and previous year papers
- Focus on both speed and accuracy
- Stay confident and believe in your preparation
Know the Banking Exam Pattern
Most major banking exams like IBPS, SBI, and RBI follow a similar structure:
Prelims (Qualifying Stage)
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
Mains (Merit-Based)
- General/Banking Awareness
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- Descriptive Writing (in some exams)
Know the Banking Exam Pattern
Most major banking exams like IBPS, SBI, and RBI follow a similar structure:
Prelims (Qualifying Stage)
- English Language
- Reasoning Ability
- Quantitative Aptitude
Mains (Merit-Based)
- General/Banking Awareness
- Reasoning & Computer Aptitude
- Quantitative Aptitude
- English Language
- Descriptive Writing (in some exams)
Interview/Group Discussion (For PO-level posts)
Proven Strategies to Crack Banking Exams
1. Understand the Syllabus Thoroughly
“Preparation without direction is a waste of time.”
- List down the topics for each section
- Focus more on high-weightage topics
- Refer to official notifications for updates
2. Create a Realistic Study Plan
- Allocate time for each subject based on your strengths and weaknesses
- Keep short, achievable daily goals
- Reserve weekends for revision and mock tests
3. Use Quality Study Materials
- Refer to NCERTs for basics (Math & English)
- Use standard books like:
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- Reasoning by Arun Sharma
- English by Wren & Martin
- Subscribe to trusted online platforms for current affairs
4. Practice with Mock Tests
- Attempt at least 2 full-length mocks per week
- Analyze your mistakes after each test
- Simulate real exam conditions
5. Focus on Speed and Accuracy
- Practice shortcuts and Vedic math techniques
- Avoid guesswork (negative marking applies)
- Improve time management by sectional timing
6. Stay Updated with Current Affairs
- Read daily newspapers like The Hindu or Indian Express
- Use apps or monthly PDFs for revision
- Focus on banking and financial awareness
7. Work on Your Weak Areas
- Identify weak sections using mock test analysis
- Practice them daily for 15–30 minutes
- Don’t ignore them due to fear — improve them gradually
Smart Preparation Tips from Toppers
- “Revise daily. Don’t pile it up for weekends.”
- “Stay consistent. Even 3 hours daily is enough if used wisely.”
- “Mock tests are game changers. Don’t skip them.”
- “Don’t compare your journey with others. Focus on your growth.”
Motivational Boost: Don’t Give Up!
- “Revise daily. Don’t pile it up for weekends.”
- “Stay consistent. Even 3 hours daily is enough if used wisely.”
- “Mock tests are game changers. Don’t skip them.”
- “Don’t compare your journey with others. Focus on your growth.”
Motivational Boost: Don’t Give Up!
- Banking exams are competitive — yes, but not impossible. Remember:
- Every topper was once a beginner.
- Failures are just feedback — not the end.
- Stay consistent, stay positive.
Share This With Your Friends
Found this helpful? Share it with your study group or friends preparing for banking exams. Let’s grow together! 
Here’s a sample mock paper designed specifically for banking exam aspirants, following the structure of popular exams like IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, and RBI Assistant. It includes a mix of Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language — the core subjects of the Prelims stage. (Link to Mock Test)
Bankng Exams Prelims Level Test Paper I – Download