1. Not Understanding the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

• Example Mistake: Studying topics like trigonometry or history for IBPS PO prelims — these are not even part of the syllabus.
• Solution: Download the official syllabus from IBPS/SBI/RBI website. Focus on:
  • Prelims: Quant, Reasoning, English
  • Mains: Add GK, Computer, Banking Awareness, Descriptive (Essay & Letter Writing)
• Pro Tip: Make a checklist and tick off topics as you complete them.

2. Ignoring Mock Tests

• Example Mistake: Studying theory without solving mocks until the last 2 weeks.
• Result: You panic in the actual exam due to lack of speed and time sense.
• Solution:
  • Start taking 1 full mock per week (Prelims-focused first, then Mains).
  • Increase to 3–5 per week closer to the exam.

3. Poor Time Management

• Example Mistake: Spending 15 minutes on 5 puzzles in reasoning and not finishing the paper.
• Solution:
  • Set timers for each section during practice.
  • Know which questions to skip — develop a smart question-picking strategy.
  • Practice sectional tests to build this skill.

4. Ignoring Weak Areas

• Example Mistake: Avoiding Data Interpretation or Reading Comprehension because they're difficult.
• Result: Low score in one section leads to overall failure.
• Solution:
  • Identify weak topics via mocks.
  • Spend extra 30–45 minutes daily just on your weakest section.

5. Cramming GK at the Last Minute

• Example Mistake: Trying to study 6 months of current affairs in 2 days.
• Solution:
  • Read daily/weekly current affairs from reliable sources.
  • Revise every week — make short notes.

6. Focusing Only on One Subject

• Example Mistake: Only practicing Quant for a month because you like math.
• Result: Low score in English or Reasoning despite high Quant marks.
• Solution:
  • Create a balanced daily plan: e.g. 1 hour Quant, 1 hour Reasoning, 45 min English.
  • Every subject has cutoffs — no skipping allowed.

7. Not Solving Previous Year Papers

• Example Mistake: Practicing only from random books or YouTube.
• Solution:
  • Solve past 3–5 years' actual papers — they show real patterns and difficulty levels.
  • Analyze trends (e.g., puzzle-heavy Reasoning, DI-focused Quant in SBI PO).

8. Weak Revision Strategy

• Example Mistake: Forgetting formulas or vocab after learning once.
• Solution:
  • Make short notes, formula sheets, word lists.
  • Revise every Sunday or schedule 30 mins daily just for revision.
  • Use flashcards or apps like Anki for GK & vocab.

9. Comparing Yourself to Others

• Example Mistake: Feeling demotivated seeing others’ high mock scores.
• Solution:
  • Focus on your growth, not others’.
  • Keep a log of your own mock scores and improvements.
  • Everyone’s starting point and learning curve is different.

10. Ignoring Physical and Mental Health

• Example Mistake: Studying all night, skipping meals, or not exercising.
• Result: Burnout, low memory, anxiety before the exam.
• Solution:
  • Maintain 7–8 hours sleep, eat light but healthy meals.
  • Stretch, walk, or do light exercise to boost brain function.
  • Try breathing exercises, meditation apps like Headspace or Calm.