The best time to start preparing for bank exams is as early as possible, ideally 6–12 months before the exam. The selection process of the bank exam consists of three stages: prelims, mains, and the interview. The prelims are quite easier, and it requires a limited amount of preparation time up to 2-4 months. The candidates need to focus on basic topics such as quants, reasoning, and English to qualify for the prelims. The candidates who have cleared the preliminary examination have appeared for the mains examination. The mains examination is more difficult than the prelims, and it requires an amount of preparation time up to 4-6 months. The mains consist of additional sections beyond prelims, such as current affairs, general awareness, and computer awareness. Followed by the mains, the candidates who have cleared the mains are called for the interview. Early preparation gives you enough time  to build concepts, practice consistently, and revise properly without stress. This article will help you understand the ideal time to start bank exam preparation and why early planning plays a crucial role in success.

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How Early Should You Start Preparing for Bank Exams?

• Want to see a huge difference in your final result? Then, preparing for the bank exam at the right time is mandatory. Since banking exams like IBPS PO, SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, SBI Clerk, and RRB exams test not only knowledge but also speed, accuracy, and consistency.

• Ideally, candidates should begin their preparation 6 to 12 months before the exam.

• This duration allows enough time to build strong fundamentals, practice a wide range of questions, revise multiple times, and take mock tests without pressure.

Ideal Time to Start Preparation Based on Your Background

Starting at the right time not only helps in building strong fundamentals but also allows sufficient practice, revision, and mock test analysis, which enables the candidates to crack bank exams confidently.

1. Beginners (Zero Level)

• Start 10–12 months before the exam

• Learn the basics of Quant, Reasoning, and English

• Gradually develop speed and accuracy

• Build a strong foundation for Prelims and Mains

2. Average Preparation Level

• Start 6–8 months before the exam

• Revise concepts quickly

• Focus on exam-level practice

• Begin mock tests early

3. Repeaters / Experienced Aspirants

• Start 3–4 months before the exam

• Concentrate on mock analysis

• Improve weak areas

• Focus more on Mains + GA + Descriptive

Best Time to Start for Beginners

For beginners starting from zero level, the best time to start preparing for bank exams is at least 10–12 months before the exam. 

• In the initial months, beginners should focus on building strong fundamentals in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language without worrying about speed.

• As preparation progresses, they can slowly move towards exam-level questions, mock tests, and revision.

Step-by-Step Guide to Start Banking Preparation from Zero

Step 1: Understand What Banking Exams Are

Before beginning your preparation, it is essential to know which banking exam you are targeting (IBPS, SBI, RRB, Clerk, or PO). Understanding the nature of the exam helps you prepare with clarity and direction.

Step 2: Know the Exam Pattern & Syllabus

One of the most important steps is to thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus. Each banking exam has a different pattern for Prelims and Mains, so candidates must:

• Go through the complete syllabus topic-wise

• Understand section-wise weightage

• Create a realistic study plan

• Choose the right study material to cover all topics effectively

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Step 3: Start with Basic Concepts (Zero Level)

Beginners should avoid shortcuts and not jump directly into mock tests. Start with basic concepts and gradually move to advanced topics.

Quantitative Aptitude – Start With:

• Number System

• Simplification

• Percentages

• Ratio & Proportion

• Averages

 Focus on understanding how formulas work rather than memorizing them.

Reasoning Ability – Begin With:

• Inequality

• Syllogism

• Blood Relations

• Direction Sense

• Coding–Decoding

Develop logical thinking first; speed will improve with practice.

English Language – Start With:

• Reading Comprehension (basic level)

• Vocabulary (5–10 new words daily)

• Grammar basics (tenses, subject-verb agreement)

Make it a habit to read editorials or short articles daily.

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Step 4: Make a Simple Daily Study Plan

Beginners should aim to study 6–7 hours daily, which is sufficient at the starting stage. Consistency matters more than long study hours.

Daily Study Plan:

• Quantitative Aptitude – 2 hours

• Reasoning Ability – 2 hours

• English Language – 1.5 hours

• Revision & Practice – 1.5 hours

Step 5: Start Practicing Topic-Wise Questions

Once a topic is completed:

• Solve 20–30 questions daily from that topic

• Analyze mistakes carefully

• Identify weak areas and work on them

At the beginning, accuracy is more important than speed.

Step 6: Introduce Mock Tests Gradually

Mock tests play a crucial role in banking preparation.

• Start with sectional mock tests after completing individual topics

• Move to full-length mocks later

• Attempt 1–2 mocks per week initially

• Analyze performance and focus on improvement areas

Step 7: Prepare General Awareness Side-by-Side

Do not postpone General Awareness preparation. Start it along with other subjects:

• Banking & Financial Awareness

• Current Affairs (last 4–6 months)

• Static GK related to banking

Step 8: Revise Regularly

Revision is key to success. Without proper revision, even well-prepared candidates may fail.

• Revise daily studied topics

• Revise weak areas weekly

• Revise the complete syllabus twice a month

Best Time to Start for Working Professionals

Working candidates usually get 2–4 hours per day on weekdays and more time on weekends. Starting early is especially important for working aspirants because consistency matters more than long study hours. For working professionals, the ideal time to start preparing for bank exams is 8–10 months before the exam. 

What Happens If You Start Bank Exam Preparation Late?

• If You Start Bank Exam Preparation Late, for the bank exam preparation late, it doesn't lead the candidates to failure, but it leads the candidates to face more challenging difficulties during the preparation.  

• When you start late, there is less time to build strong fundamentals, which may affect accuracy.

• Candidates often feel pressure to rush through topics, skip proper revision, or attempt mock tests without adequate preparation. This can lead to repeated mistakes and lower confidence.

How Long Does Preparation Take?

On average, 6–12 months of focused preparation is sufficient to crack bank exams. Beginners usually need more time to build fundamentals, while experienced or repeat candidates may require fewer months with a smart revision and mock-test strategy.

• Beginners (Zero Level): 10–12 months

• Average Level Aspirants: 6–8 months

• Repeaters / Experienced Candidates: 3–5 months

• Working Professionals: 8–10 months (with limited daily hours)

FAQs

Q. When should I start preparing for bank exams?

Ideally, candidates should start preparing for bank exams 6 to 12 months before the exam, depending on their basic knowledge and daily study time.

Q. How early should a beginner start preparing?

Beginners should ideally start 10–12 months in advance to understand concepts clearly and gradually improve speed and accuracy.

Q. Can I start preparing in the final year of college?

Yes, the final year of college is an ideal time to start bank exam preparation alongside studies, as it provides sufficient time for concept building.

Q. Can working professionals start late?

Yes, working professionals can start late, but they should begin at least 6–8 months before the exam with a disciplined and consistent study plan.

Q. Is 3 months enough for the bank exam preparation?

Three months can be enough for repeaters or well-prepared candidates, but beginners may find it challenging without strong fundamentals.

Q. When should I start mock tests?

Start sectional mock tests after completing basic topics, and begin full-length mocks once you are comfortable with the syllabus.