Cracking bank exams like IBPS PO, SBI Clerk, RBI Assistant, or RRB Officer in just 3 months is entirely possible with a focused, disciplined, and smart strategy. These exams test candidates in quantitative aptitude, reasoning, English, general awareness, and sometimes descriptive writing and computer knowledge.

This guide breaks down the 3-month strategy, subject-wise preparation tips, study materials, and a weekly timetable to help you succeed in your first attempt.

 

1. Understand the Exam Structure and Syllabus

Most Bank Exams Have:

Stage	Description
Prelims	English, Quant, Reasoning (Objective) – 60 minutes
Mains	Includes GA, DI, Reasoning, Computer, and English – 3 hours approx
Descriptive Test	Letter & Essay (for PO-level exams only)
Interview	For PO and Officer Scale positions only

Key Subjects:

• Quantitative Aptitude: Arithmetic, DI, simplification, number series
• Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, seating, syllogisms, coding-decoding
• English Language: Grammar, comprehension, vocab
• General Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking Awareness
• Computer Aptitude: Basic computer concepts, MS Office

 

2. Month-Wise Preparation Plan

Month 1: Build Your Foundation (Day 1–30)

Goals:

• Learn all concepts from scratch
• Start slow and steady
• Take a diagnostic test to assess your level

Weekly Focus:

Week	Focus
Week 1	Basics of Quant, Vocab building, Easy puzzles
Week 2	Simple DI, Grammar rules, Coding-Decoding
Week 3	Simplification, Cloze test, Syllogisms
Week 4	Static GK, Daily Current Affairs, Introduction to mocks

 

Daily Time Distribution (Ideal for full-time aspirants):

• Quant: 2 hrs
• Reasoning: 2 hrs
• English: 1.5 hrs
• GA: 1 hr
• Mock Practice: 30 mins

 

Month 2: Strengthen & Practice (Day 31–60)

Goals:

• Start full-length mock tests
• Focus on time management
• Master medium to hard-level questions

Weekly Focus:

Week	Focus
Week 5	Moderate puzzles, advanced DI, para jumbles
Week 6	Error spotting, quadratic equations, new topics
Week 7	Start revising old topics + computer aptitude
Week 8	Static GK + RBI & banking updates

Must-Do in Month 2:

• Take 3–4 mock tests per week
• Analyze mock performance
• Solve previous year question papers

 

Month 3: Revise & Master (Day 61–90)

Goals:

• Increase speed and accuracy
• Daily mocks & error analysis
• Revision of weak areas

Weekly Focus:

Week	Focus
Week 9	Mixed quizzes and revision
Week 10	Mains-level practice (DI, GA, Descriptive)
Week 11	Interview prep (for PO), essay & letter writing
Week 12	Final revision & confidence building

Final 2 Weeks:

• Solve 1 full mock test every day
• Revise current affairs from the last 6 months
• Keep a short note revision file ready

 

3. Best Study Material

Recommended Books:

• Quant: Arun Sharma, R.S. Aggarwal, Magme’s Quantitative.
• Reasoning: M.K. Pandey’s Analytical Reasoning & Magme’s Reasoning.
• English: Wren & Martin, SP Bakshi, Magme’s English.
• GA: Lucent GK, Banking Awareness by N.K. Sinha, Magme’s Golden Book
• Computer: Arihant Computer Knowledge, Magme Computer Awareness

 

4. Smart Preparation Tips

1. Don’t Study Everything – Focus on high-weightage and commonly asked topics.
2. Time Yourself – Practice with a stopwatch, especially Quant and Reasoning.
3. Make Notes – Especially for current affairs, formulas, and shortcuts.
4. Learn Shortcuts – For arithmetic calculations and puzzle-solving.
5. Revise Weekly – Don’t let concepts fade; revise what you learned every Sunday.
6. Track Your Progress – Use Excel or a journal to track weekly improvements.

 

5. Weekly Timetable Template (Example)

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA	Mock/Test
Mon	Percentages	Puzzles	RC	Current	Quiz
Tue	SI/CI	Syllogisms	Cloze	Banking	Topic Test
Wed	DI	Inequality	Grammar	Static GK	Full Mock
Thu	Number Series	Seating	Vocab	Current	Review
Fri	Algebra	Coding	Error Spotting	Banking	Mock
Sat	Revision	Mixed Set	Para Jumbles	Static	Analysis
Sun	Full Mock	Revision	Revision	Revision	Review

 

6. Interview and Descriptive Round Tips (for PO-level)

Descriptive Writing:

• Practice essays on:
• Digital Banking
• Inflation and Economy
• Cybersecurity in Banking
• Practice formal and informal letters

Interview Preparation:

• Know your bio-data thoroughly
• Understand current economic issues
• Read about RBI, Banking Acts, Monetary Policy
• Stay calm, clear, and confident

 

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Ignoring Mains while preparing for Prelims
• Not analyzing mock test mistakes
• Rote learning instead of concept understanding
• Overstudying without revision
• Following too many resources at once

 

 3-Month Banking Exam Study Planner

Study Plan Summary

• Total Duration: 90 Days
• Target Exams: IBPS PO, SBI PO/Clerk, RBI Assistant, IBPS RRB
• Focus: Prelims + Mains Preparation
• Subjects Covered: Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General Awareness, Computer Knowledge, Descriptive Writing (for PO exams)

 

MONTH 1 – Concept Building (Days 1–30)

Goal: Build basics, improve accuracy, and learn the exam structure.

Weekly Focus

Week	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA	Notes
1	Number System, Simplification	Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations	Grammar Basics	Intro to Banking	Start with basic concepts
2	Averages, Percentages, SI/CI	Inequality, Direction Sense	Cloze Test, RC	Current Affairs (30 days)	Take 1–2 quizzes
3	Ratio, Time & Work	Syllogism, Puzzles	Para jumbles, Vocab	Static GK	Begin sectional tests
4	DI Basics	Seating Arrangement	Error Spotting	RBI, Govt Schemes	Evaluate weak areas

Daily Time (Full-time aspirants)

• 2 hrs Quant
• 2 hrs Reasoning
• 1.5 hrs English
• 1 hr GA
• 30 mins: Quick revision & quizzes

 

MONTH 2 – Speed, Practice, and Accuracy (Days 31–60)

Goal: Improve speed, accuracy, and mock performance.

 Weekly Focus

Week	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA	Notes
5	DI (Bar/Tabular), Time & Distance	Puzzles (Moderate), Input-Output	RC Practice	Banking + CA	Start daily quizzes
6	Probability, Algebra	Data Sufficiency	Grammar Practice	Monthly CA	Mock tests 3x week
7	Caselets, Quadratic Equations	Mixed Practice	Error spotting	Static + CA	1 full mock + review
8	Revision Week	Revision Week	Revision	Revision	Take 1 Mains-level mock

 Tips

• Practice 2 full Prelims mocks per week
• Focus on weak areas after analysis
• Solve at least 25–30 MCQs per subject daily

 

 MONTH 3 – Mock Tests, Revision & Mains Prep (Days 61–90)

 Goal: Mocks + Descriptive + GA + Final revision

Weekly Focus

Week	Mock Tests	GA & Descriptive	Focus
9	3 Prelims mocks + 1 Mains mock	Revise 4 months of CA	Practice descriptive essay/letter
10	1 mock per day	Banking Awareness crash	Analyze and improve
11	Revise all sections	Monthly GA PDF revision	Interview prep (if PO)
12	Final Revision	Quick test review	Confidence-building

 Descriptive Writing Practice (If PO):

• Essay: Financial Inclusion, Digital India, Inflation
• Letter: Complaint to bank, feedback, request letter

 

 Weekly Timetable Template

Day	Quant	Reasoning	English	GA	Test/Review
Monday	Simplification	Puzzles	RC	Banking CA	Sectional
Tuesday	DI	Syllogisms	Cloze	Static GK	Quiz
Wednesday	Word Problems	Input-Output	Error Spotting	CA	Full Mock
Thursday	Algebra	Direction	Grammar	RBI Schemes	Review
Friday	Quadratic Eq	Inequality	Para Jumbles	GA	Topic test
Saturday	Revision	Revision	Revision	Revision	Mock
Sunday	Full Mock	Feedback	Essay	Review	Plan next week

Final Tips for Success

• Focus on accuracy first, then speed
• Use mock analysis to correct mistakes
• Read editorials daily for English + Descriptive
• Revise current affairs weekly
• Don’t ignore Mains-level practice

 Conclusion

With the right strategy, 90 days is sufficient to prepare and crack bank exams. Prioritize smart learning, regular practice, and self-assessment. Stay motivated and disciplined — consistency is the key to turning your bank exam dream into reality.