How to Prepare for Bank Exams
Thousands of candidates fulfill their dream of securing a prestigious bank job every year. While it’s true that bank exams are highly competitive, many aspirants lack a clear understanding of how to prepare effectively. As a result, they waste valuable time. So, how should one approach bank exam preparation the right way?
Start by understanding Exam Syllabus, Pattern & Cut-Offs
Before diving into your preparation, it’s crucial to familiarize yourself with the exam syllabus, pattern, and cut-off trends for all major bank exams. Knowing these elements upfront helps you plan your preparation strategically and stay focused on what truly matters. We’ve summarized the key details for you here: Bank exam syllabus and pattern. Also, make sure to review cut-off trends from previous years to understand the level of competition and the score you should aim for. This insight will help you set realistic and ambitious targets from the very beginning:
| Exam Stage | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO Prelims | 54–58 / 100 | 50–54 | 44–48 | 40–45 | 52–56 |
| IBPS PO Mains | 72–78 / 225 | 68–74 | 60–65 | 55–60 | 70–75 |
| SBI PO Prelims | 58–62 / 100 | 54–58 | 47–52 | 43–47 | 56–60 |
| SBI PO Mains | 51–55 / 100 | 48–52 | 42–46 | 38–42 | 48–53 |
| IBPS Clerk Prelims | 75–80 / 100 | 72–78 | 65–72 | 60–68 | 74–79 |
| IBPS Clerk Mains | 78–85 / 100 | 73–80 | 65–72 | 60–68 | 75–82 |
| SBI Clerk Prelims | 70–76 / 100 | 66–72 | 60–68 | 56–64 | 68–74 |
| SBI Clerk Mains | 80–90 / 100 | 75–85 | 65–75 | 60–70 | 78–88 |
Should you join Coaching?
Let’s address a common dilemma: Is coaching necessary to crack bank exams? Many students are unsure whether they should enroll in a coaching institute or prepare on their own. Based on our experience, the candidates who succeed in bank exams are those who study with dedication and consistency. Whether or not you join a coaching program, a significant portion of your preparation will depend on self-study.
Coaching institutes can provide value by offering a structured approach to the syllabus, but only if the teaching quality is good. A knowledgeable and experienced mentor can make a big difference, while poor instruction can lead to confusion and wasted effort. Here is a list of coaching institutes
That said, if you’re comfortable studying online, there are now plenty of high-quality educators on YouTube offering excellent lessons for free. In the next section, we’ll share a curated list of the best topic-wise videos to help you study effectively at your own pace.
Prepare with Topic wise Shortlisted Youtube Videos
Quantitative Aptitude
1. Algebra
2. Averages and Mixture
3. Data Interpretation
4. Data Sufficiency
5. Interest
6. Mensuration
7. Number Series
8. Percentages
9. Profit, Loss and Partnership
10. Ratio & Proportion
11. Simplification
12. Speed, Time and Distance
13. Time and Work
Logical Reasoning
14. Arrangement and Pattern
15. Blood Relations
16. Coding Decoding
17. Data Sufficiency
18. Direction Sense
19. Input Output
20. Mathematical Inequality
21. Order and Ranking
22. Puzzles
23. Seating Arrangements
24. Syllogism
25. Statement & Conclusion
Verbal Aptitude
26. Cloze Test
27. Find Error
28. Fill in the blanks
29. Parajumbles
30. Reading Comprehension
31. Idiom Phrases
Bank Exam Concepts, Questions & Practice:
Once you’ve completed the lectures, the next crucial step is practice, because that’s what truly sets successful candidates apart. Start by solving a few questions from each topic to build your foundational understanding.
After that, you can begin practicing on LearnTheta, a platform that personalizes your learning journey. It gradually increases the difficulty level based on your performance, helping you improve steadily. You’ll also get access to a progress tracker, so you can clearly see how far you’ve come and what areas still need work—whether it’s conceptual clarity, speed, or accuracy.
LearnTheta AI-powered Practice: SignUp
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Bank Exam Mocks: Practice Under Exam Conditions
Once you’ve completed your syllabus and practiced thoroughly, it’s time to start taking mock tests. Mocks are essential to help you simulate the real exam environment and assess your preparation.
According to discussions on Reddit, platforms like Oliveboard and Testbook are popular among serious aspirants, but ultimately, the choice is yours. There are also plenty of free mock tests available online with just a quick Google search.
That said, here are three important things to keep in mind when it comes to mock tests:
1. Don’t Overdo It
One mock test every 2 weeks is more than enough. Many platforms try to sell you bundles of 50, 100, or even 5000 mocks, but remember, more isn’t always better. Think of it like going to the gym: quality matters more than quantity. You don’t build muscle by overtraining every day, similarly, taking too many mocks without reflection leads to burnout and confusion.
2. Analyze and Improve
A mock test is only useful if you take the time to analyze your mistakes afterward. Identify your weak areas and work on improving them before attempting the next mock. If you’re scoring the same without any improvement, you’re just repeating mistakes and wasting time.
3. Don’t Obsess Over Mock Accuracy
No mock test will ever be a perfect replica of the real exam. Don’t waste energy worrying about whether a mock is “exactly like” the real thing. Instead, check if the format is broadly aligned with the actual exam and whether it gives you realistic competition metrics like your rank among thousands of test-takers. The larger the pool of candidates, the better sense you’ll get of your current standing. Mocks are your final rehearsal before the real test, use them wisely, not endlessly.
Best of Luck!
Ever exam demands discipline, patience, and mindset. There will be moments of doubt, days when progress feels slow, but remember, every bit of effort counts. Efforts have compunding effect over time, and the difference between those who clear the exam and those who don’t often comes down to consistency and belief in themselves.
So stay focused, trust your preparation, and don’t let temporary setbacks shake your confidence. You’re building something bigger than just a score, you’re building a future.
Give it your best shot, and we wish you all the success in the world. Best of luck! 💪🚀