Ninety days is enough to build a serious SBI PO attempt if you use the time well. This plan splits preparation into three phases — build, strengthen and peak — so you reach the exam fast, accurate and confident. It also works for SBI Clerk and IBPS PO & Clerk with minor tweaks, since the syllabus overlaps.

Know the pattern before you start — see the SBI PO exam hub for the full Prelims and Mains structure.

The daily routine (every day)

  • Quant — 1 hour: one topic + a short timed set.
  • Reasoning — 1 hour: puzzles/seating focus + a short timed set.
  • English — 45 min: reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary.
  • Current affairs & banking awareness — 30 min: daily notes.
  • Review — 15 min: log and re-solve the day's mistakes.

That's about 3.5 hours a day. Consistency beats marathon sessions.

Phase 1 — Build the base (Days 1–30)

Goal: cover the full syllabus once and fix fundamentals.

  • Weeks 1–2: Quant fundamentals (tables, percentages, ratio, averages) and reasoning scorers (syllogism, inequality, blood relations, coding). Follow the Quantitative Aptitude strategy and Reasoning Ability strategy.
  • Weeks 3–4: Arithmetic word problems, number series, quadratic equations; start puzzles & seating; build an English reading habit (one RC passage daily).
  • Begin daily current affairs from day one — it compounds.

Take one sectional practice set every day to apply what you learn.

Phase 2 — Strengthen and speed up (Days 31–60)

Goal: convert knowledge into speed and accuracy.

  • Data Interpretation daily — this is where SBI PO is won or lost.
  • Puzzles & seating daily — aim for two to three sets a day.
  • English: cloze tests, error spotting, para jumbles.
  • Start full-length Prelims mocks twice a week on mock tests with an All-India rank; analyse every mock for 45 minutes afterwards.
  • Begin light Mains-level practice: harder DI, caselets and complex puzzles.

Phase 3 — Peak and simulate (Days 61–90)

Goal: exam temperament and revision.

  • Weeks 9–10: a full Prelims mock every 2 days; rework weak topics identified from mock analysis.
  • Weeks 11–12: shift to Mains-level practice — Data Analysis & Interpretation, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Banking Awareness, and the descriptive paper (practise one letter and one essay twice a week).
  • Final week: light revision, formula and current-affairs recap, full sleep — no new topics.

Mock-test rule

Mocks are the single most important tool in the last 60 days. Follow one rule: analyse every mock longer than you take it. A mock teaches you nothing without honest review of time spent, accuracy and the questions you should have attempted.

Weekly checklist

  • 6 study days, 1 lighter revision day.
  • At least 5 timed sets per week in Phase 1, rising to 3–4 full mocks per week by Phase 3.
  • A running error log you actually re-read.

Before you start

If banking exams are new to you, read the complete beginner roadmap first, then come back to this plan. And if you're still choosing a target, compare SBI PO vs SBI Clerk.

Frequently asked questions

Is 90 days enough to prepare for SBI PO?

Yes, if you study consistently (around 3–4 focused hours a day) and prioritise mocks and revision in the last month. Beginners may need longer for the Mains stage.

How many mock tests should I take?

Build up to 3–4 full mocks per week by the final month, and spend more time analysing each mock than taking it.

Should I prepare for Prelims and Mains together?

Spend the first two phases on Prelims-level mastery, then shift to Mains-level practice (including the descriptive paper) in the final 30 days.

How do I prepare for the descriptive paper?

Practise one letter and one essay twice a week in the last month, focusing on structure, clarity and word limit. Read editorials to build vocabulary and ideas.

Can I use this plan for IBPS PO or SBI Clerk?

Yes. The core syllabus overlaps, so the same routine works. Drop the descriptive and interview focus for clerk exams, and adjust difficulty accordingly.