Bank Clerk Exam Strategy

If you’re just starting your preparation for bank exams and feel confused about where to begin, you’re not alone. Many beginners struggle with how to study each subject and what resources to follow. This blog provides a clear 6-month strategy to help you prepare effectively for exams like IBPS Clerk, IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, SBI PO, and RBI Assistant.

Whether you’re starting from zero or have some knowledge, this guide will help you build a strong foundation and plan your study routine.

Understanding the Bank Exam Pattern

In the Prelims stage of bank exams, there are usually three subjects:

English
Quantitative Aptitude (Maths)
Reasoning Ability

Let’s break down how to prepare for each subject.

1. English Preparation

English can be divided into three main parts:

A. Reading Comprehension

Reading Comprehension is a crucial part of the exam. To build your reading skills:

Read newspaper editorials (like Indian Express).
Read novels and articles regularly.
Subscribe to useful newsletters and websites like Finshots.

Regular reading will improve your understanding and speed in solving comprehension questions.

B. Vocabulary

For vocabulary, one of the best books is Word Power Made Easy. This book explains words using root techniques, making it easier to remember meanings and form new words. Read it multiple times and revise frequently.

C. Grammar

For grammar, use Neetu Singh’s Volume 1 book. It contains grammar rules with exercises for each chapter. Focus on:

Learning one chapter at a time
Practicing exercises after each rule

With consistent reading, vocabulary building, and grammar revision, you’ll master English.

2. Quantitative Aptitude (Maths) Preparation

A. Build a Strong Foundation

Understand basic concepts thoroughly before moving to advanced levels. Use free online resources and complete at least 50 foundation-level classes within 1–2 months.

B. Previous Year Questions

Practice questions from a previous year question bank. A recommended book is Kiran’s Bank PO Quant Book, which includes questions from 1999 to recent years. This helps you understand the exam pattern and difficulty level.

C. Practice Using DPP (Daily Practice Papers)

If you have a book, use it. If not, you can also rely on daily practice papers (DPPs). Make it a habit to solve 75–80 new pattern questions every day from Monday to Friday. These should be recent and exam-relevant.

D. Improve Calculation Speed

Practice tables up to 30, squares up to 30, and cubes. Set aside at least 30 minutes every day to improve your calculation speed. This will help you solve problems faster during the exam.

3. Reasoning Ability Preparation

A. Miscellaneous Topics

Practice common topics like:

Syllogism
Blood Relations
Direction Sense

Pick one topic a day and solve practice sets regularly. Stick to one teacher or method to avoid confusion. Maintain consistency in the logic and rules you apply during practice and mocks.

B. Puzzle Practice

Puzzles are an important part of reasoning. Choose a reliable puzzle series or playlist online. Follow these steps:

Try solving the puzzle yourself before watching a solution.
Understand the approach shown.
Practice similar puzzles from PDFs or books afterward.

Use previous year books to practice exam-style puzzles. If you prefer books, choose one reliable reasoning book and follow it regularly.

4. Study Strategy & Time Management

A. Make a Realistic Study Plan

Instead of following rigid timetables like 10–11 AM for maths, focus on setting daily targets. For example:
“Today I will complete the XYZ chapter.”
Study until the target is completed, regardless of the time.

B. Make Your Own Strategy

You know your strengths and weaknesses better than anyone. If your English is weak, give it more time. If you’re good at Maths, maintain your strength while still practicing. Create a strategy based on your individual needs.

5. Mock Tests & Facing Your Fears

Mock tests are essential. Don’t wait to complete the syllabus fully. Once 50–60% of the syllabus is done, start taking mocks regularly.

Even free mocks are good to start with.
Mocks help you know where you stand compared to others.
Analyze your performance after each test to improve.

Fear of mock tests and not following schedules are major reasons for delays in success. Learn from these mistakes and don’t repeat them.

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not following a study plan
Switching between too many teachers or sources
Avoiding mock tests until the end
Not practicing calculation speed daily
Trying to prepare for Mains before finishing Prelims

Remember, the initial months are crucial. The writer shares from personal experience that wasting 6–7 months due to lack of planning delayed their selection. Don’t make the same mistake.

Final Notes

This blog has focused on preparation for Prelims, which is your first target. Once you’re confident in Prelims, move on to Mains preparation.

The only section not covered here is General Awareness, which is specific to Mains. That will be addressed in a separate blog.

Start now. Use the resources and techniques shared here. Stay focused, consistent, and goal-oriented. With the right strategy, even beginners can crack bank exams successfully.

All the best for your banking exam preparation!