So, you wish to crack a bank exam but don’t wish to shell out a small fortune on coaching classes? Perhaps you don’t have the time for extended hours of offline coaching, or perhaps you simply have faith in self-study. Whatever your reason, let me tell you something—you absolutely CAN crack bank exams without coaching.
I can see what you’re thinking. “Is it really possible?” Yes, it is. Actually, many toppers study by themselves with the help of online materials and self-motivation. And the best part? You can do it too!
Let us take you through it, step by step. Like a mentor, we’ll guide you through the process of cutting the confusion, staying motivated, and concentrating on what matters most. Ready? Let’s start!
First Things First – Know What You’re Getting Into
You must first know the structure of the exam and syllabus well before you begin preparing for it. Bank exams—be it IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI PO, RBI Assistant, or whatever—typically contain these sections:
Quantitative Aptitude – Mathematics questions to judge your speed and accuracy.
Reasoning Ability – Puzzles, seating arrangement, and logical questions.
English Language – Grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
General Awareness – Banking & finance news, current affairs, and static GK.
Computer Awareness – Computer basics and IT.
Why? Because after knowing what’s going to come, you won’t waste your time on useless topics.
Get Your Study Material Sorted (No, You Don’t Need 10 Books!)
Many students fall into the “collecting books” trap. They continue to purchase material but never study from the material. Avoid that trap. Stay with a few good books and internet resources.
Here’s what works best:
For Quant & Reasoning – RS Aggarwal, Arun Sharma, MK Pandey
For English – Wren & Martin, Norman Lewis (Word Power Made Easy)
For General Awareness – Lucent’s GK, The Hindu editorial, PIB updates
For Computer Awareness – Arihant’s Computer Knowledge
Except books, refer to internet resources such as free YouTube tutorials, PDFs, and practice apps. The internet is your best friend if you know how to utilize it judiciously.
Prepare a Study Plan (And Actually Stick To It!)
Self-study is effective only if you are self-disciplined. Else, it’s very easy to say “I’ll study tomorrow” and spend the day watching Netflix instead.
Create a sensible study schedule. Not some elaborate one that reads well on paper but is unimplementable. Here’s a basic plan:
2 hours Quant & Reasoning – Finish questions daily.
1 hour for English – Read newspaper and practice grammar.
30 minutes for General Awareness – Note down news updates.
1 hour Mock Tests & Analysis – More later in the second point.
Tip: Begin with 3–4 hours of study and then increase it gradually. But be regular. Even 3 consistent hours a day is superior to 10 hours of sporadic study every now and then.
Mock Tests & Previous Year Papers – Your Secret Weapons
Mock tests are a must if you wish to crack bank exams. Mock tests assist you with:
Getting acquainted with the exam pattern.
Increasing speed and accuracy.
Understanding time management.
Pinpointing weak areas.
Trust me, don’t wait until the eleventh hour to begin taking mock tests. Begin from Day 1. Practice previous year papers weekly. Platforms like ixamBee provide free and paid mock tests—utilize them.
Time Management Like a Pro
Most students get stuck because they don’t manage their time well, not because they don’t know the answers. That’s why time management is key.
Begin with simple questions first. Don’t dwell on one tough question.
Avoid lengthy calculations. Mark them and return later if you have time.
For Reading Comprehension (English), read the questions first. Saves time.
For Reasoning, don’t think too much. Go with your instinct and move on.
Practice attempting full-length mock tests within the actual exam duration.
Current Affairs – The Deal-Breaker for General Awareness
Most students neglect current events until the very end and then freak out. Don’t.
Read 30 minutes a day from newspapers such as The Hindu or Economic Times. Pay attention to:
Banking & finance news
Government schemes
Economic reports & updates
Key appointments & global events
If you don’t like reading newspapers, play current affairs quizzes from apps. Short, easy, and effective.
Make Your Own Notes (Because Trust Me, You’ll Forget Stuff!)
Don’t merely read and skip. Write few notes for swift revision. Use different notebooks for:
Math equations and shortcut short cuts
Grammar rules and word meanings in English
One-line GK news updates
During exam time, which will be almost here, these notes will save your life.
Be Motivated & Avoid Distraction
Self-learning is challenging because you have no teacher reminding you daily. One can get easily demotivated. But tell yourself why you began.
Set daily goals. Smash them. Feel good. Repeat.
Stay away from social media distractions—mute unnecessary WhatsApp groups.
Join study groups or Telegram channels to stay connected with serious aspirants.
Reward yourself when you finish a difficult topic—perhaps a small treat or a short break. Above all, don’t doubt yourself. Many students crack bank exams without coaching. If they can do it, so can you.
Final Words – You Got This!
Preparing for bank exams without coaching isn’t just possible—it’s actually a smart choice if you do it right. You save time, money, and you get to learn at your own pace. Stick to a study plan, practice daily, take mock tests, and stay consistent. Your dream bank job is just one exam away. Now go give it your best shot.
ixamBee specializes in providing expert guidance and resources for banking exams 2024, ensuring that you are well-prepared for the Upcoming Bank Exams like RBI Grade B, NABARD Grade B, IBPS SO, and more. Our courses align with the bank exam calendar 2024, covering all the essential topics. With a focus on the upcoming bank jobs, our Previous Year Papers, BeePedia, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, SSC MTS and other Mock Tests are designed to help you excel in upcoming banking exams.
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