If you're starting from zero, bank-exam preparation can feel confusing — too many exams, acronyms and conflicting advice. This guide cuts through it. By the end you'll know which exams to target, what they test, and exactly how to begin preparing in 2026.
Which bank exams can you take?
Most banking and insurance recruitment in India runs through a few bodies. The big ones for beginners:
| Exam | Conducted by | Post |
|---|---|---|
| IBPS PO | IBPS | Officer in public-sector banks |
| IBPS Clerk | IBPS | Clerical cadre |
| SBI PO | State Bank of India | Officer |
| SBI Clerk | State Bank of India | Junior Associate |
| RBI Grade B / Assistant | Reserve Bank of India | Officer / clerical |
| NABARD Grade A | NABARD | Development officer |
| LIC, NICL, NIACL | Insurance companies | AO / Assistant |
Browse all of them on the exam hubs page. The good news for beginners: these exams share most of their syllabus, so one preparation opens many doors.
Are you eligible?
The basics for most bank exams:
- Education: a graduate degree in any stream (for officer and most clerk posts).
- Age: usually 20–30 for officers and 20–28 for clerks, with relaxations for reserved categories.
- Nationality: Indian citizen (with the usual listed exceptions).
Exact eligibility, age limits and relaxations change every cycle — always confirm on the official notification linked from each exam hub.
The common exam pattern
Almost every bank exam follows the same two-stage shape:
- Preliminary exam — a qualifying online test, usually 100 questions in 60 minutes across English, a quantitative/numerical section and Reasoning, with 20 minutes per section.
- Main exam — the merit-deciding stage, with more sections (General/Banking Awareness, Computer Aptitude, Data Interpretation) and, for officer posts like SBI PO and IBPS PO, a descriptive paper and/or interview.
What's in the syllabus?
Four core areas power almost every bank exam:
- Quantitative Aptitude — simplification, number series, quadratic equations, Data Interpretation and arithmetic. See the Quant strategy.
- Reasoning Ability — puzzles, seating arrangement, syllogism, inequality, coding–decoding. See the Reasoning strategy.
- English Language — reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, cloze tests.
- General / Banking Awareness — current affairs and banking/financial knowledge. Build this daily with Daily Exam IQ.
How to start preparing (step by step)
- Pick a target exam. Not sure which? Compare IBPS PO vs IBPS Clerk and SBI PO vs SBI Clerk.
- Learn the pattern of that exam from its hub page so you know exactly what to prepare.
- Build fundamentals in Quant and Reasoning — these decide most results.
- Practise daily, timed. Start free with daily practice sets.
- Take full mocks with an All-India rank on mock tests, and analyse every one.
- Follow a schedule. A structured plan like the SBI PO 90-day study plan keeps you on track (adaptable to any bank exam).
A simple weekly rhythm for beginners
- 6 study days + 1 revision day.
- Quant and Reasoning every day; English and current affairs daily; one timed set daily.
- One full mock a week to start, building to more as the exam nears.
Don't forget the application
When notifications open, you'll need a photo and signature in exact pixel and KB sizes. Our free exam form tools resize them to the right spec in your browser — no uploads, no stress on application day.
Frequently asked questions
Which bank exam is best for beginners?
IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk are the most accessible entry points (no interview, slightly easier), while IBPS PO and SBI PO are officer roles with higher pay. Many beginners prepare for both clerk and PO together since the syllabus overlaps.
Can I prepare for multiple bank exams at once?
Yes — this is the smart approach. The Prelims syllabus is nearly identical across IBPS and SBI exams, so one preparation lets you appear for several.
How long does it take to prepare for a bank exam?
With consistent daily study, many aspirants build a serious attempt in about 3–4 months. Officer exams with a descriptive paper and interview can take longer.
Do I need coaching?
No. With a clear plan, free daily practice, mock tests and honest mistake review, self-study is enough for most aspirants.
Which subjects should I start with?
Begin with Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability — they carry the most weight and take the longest to build. Add English and current affairs daily from day one.