Preparing for bank exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, RRB Officer, RBI Assistant, and others may seem overwhelming at first, especially if you are attempting them for the first time. However, thousands of students crack these bank exams every year in their first attempt with a strategic study plan, targeted preparation, and disciplined practice routine.

Whether you are a beginner or switching from another exam, this step by step plan will guide you towards cracking your bank exam in the first attempt.

Is It Easy to Crack Bank Exams in the First Attempt?

Yes, but only if students' bank preparation is structured, consistent, and exam oriented. 

Students who crack bank exam in first attempt they usually follow:

• A clear study plan 
• Topic – wise practice 
• PYQ based preparation 
• Strong Conceptual understanding 
• Mentors Guidance 
• Smart Revision Techniques 

If you follow the given steps strictly, you can definitely crack the bank exam in the first attempt. 

How to Crack Bank Exam in First Attempt: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Students Trust Bhagya Achievers for Bank Exam Preparation (IBPS, SBI & RRB)

Step 1: Understand the Exam Pattern & Structure 

Before starting your preparation, it is very important to understand the exam pattern and structure for prelims and mains exam. 

A deep understanding of the exam structure helps students:

• To plan their preparation efficiently 
• Prioritise high scoring topics

Common Sections in Most of Bank Exam:

Exam Stages: 

• Prelims: Speed + Accuracy 

• Mains: Deep understanding + Analytical Ability 

• Interview: For PO level exams 

Once you understand the exam structure of your bank exam, then study planning becomes much easier.

Also Check:

• Must-Know Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success
• Computer Awareness for Bank Exams with Preparation Tips and Tricks
• 8 Important Subjects to Focus on for Bank Exams

Step 2: Join a Mentorship Program for Proper Guidance 

Proper mentorship can significantly reduce your trial and error phase.  A mentor guides you on what to study, how to study helping you progress faster and more confidently. 

Mentorship gives direction, especially when aspirants feel stuck or confused. 

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Step 3: Select Best Books and Study Material 

• One of the biggest mistakes students make is studying from too many books. Instead, 1-2 top books per subject and stick to them at the end. Quality matters more than quantity during bank exam preparation. 

Also Check:

• Best Books and Resources for IBPS RRB PO Exam Preparation

• Best Books and Resources for IBPS PO Preparation

• Essential Books and Study Material for RBI Assistant Exam Preparation

Step 4: Build a Focused Preparation Environment with Study Plan

Quiet, distraction – free study area with timer and notepad.

Use the Pomodoro method: 25 min focused block + 5 min break.

Track productive hours rather than time spent (Use a simple daily log).

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Step 5: Improve Accuracy First, and then Speed 

Many aspirants do the opposite – they rush for speed and compromise accuracy.

Bank exams have negative marking. Your goal should be:

High Accuracy 

Stable Speed 

Proper question selection 

Skip time consuming and difficult questions to avoid wastage of time.

Accuracy vs Speed – Which Should You Prioritize

Step 6: Use Previous Year Question Papers 

PYQs are one of the most powerful tools for the banking aspirants. Previous Year Question Papers show you the real nature of the exam, the types of questions asked, and the difficulty level you should expect. 

Benefits of Practicing PYQs 

Helps to understand real exam trends 

Improves speed, reduce exam fear & boost confidence

Helps decide which topics need more attention

Essential Tips for Success in Your Upcoming Bank Exam

Step 7: Use Short Notes & Formula Sheets for Last Minute Preparation 

Short Notes and Formula sheets make revision easier especially during the last 10-15 days of the final exam. 

In the last moment of the final exam, instead of revising a complete chapter, you should give preference to short notes, crispy formula sheets, and short tricks to boost speed and accuracy during the actual exam.

Why Short Notes Matter:

Faster Revision in less time 

Better formula recall during the exam 

Improves calculation speed 

Reduces last minute confusion 

If you struggle to make your own notes, you can download Bhagya Achievers free short notes, formula sheets, and shortcut PDFs - designed to make your revision quick, simple, and exam friendly.

Also Check: 

• Bhagya Achievers Student Community: Learning Together, Growing Together
• Last 10 Days Preparation Strategy for Bank Exam
• Smart Revision Techniques Used by Toppers
• Get Free Notes for All Bank Exams 

Step 8: Time Management and Exam Strategy 

Attempt high confidence questions first then difficult.

Don’t getting stuck on one question for more than allotted seconds 

Maintain Speed with Accuracy

Also Check:

• Time Management Tips for Bank Aspirants
• Master Time Management for SBI Clerk Prelims – Strategy Inside!

Step 9: Mock Tests + Analysis = Real Exam Readiness 

Mock tests simulate the real exam pressure – never skip them: 

What to analyze after each test:

Accuracy percentage 

Topics consuming time 

Type of errors: silly mistakes/ concept gaps 

Strategy improvements for next test

Your main focus should be learning from every single mock test rather than scoring more and more.

Also Check:

• Common Mistakes to Avoid in Bank Exam
• Time Management Tips for Bank Exam Aspirants Using Mock Test Series
• The Importance of Mock Tests in Bank Exam Preparation

Step 10: Build a Strong & Positive Mindset 

Mind-set matters as much as preparation. Avoid comparing your journey with others. There will be days when mock test scores drop or you feel stuck – but remember:

Every topper has gone through the same phase:

What makes you win is not giving up.

How to Crack a Bank Exam in 3 Months?

If you want to learn the proven strategies to crack bank exams within 3 to 6 months, read the given below article for detailed information.

Is It Possible to Crack Bank Exams in 3 Months?

To Conclusion:

Every topper was once a beginner who decided not to give up. If you consistently follow your study plan and have trust in yourself you can definitely crack the bank exam. Even if some days feel tough, remind yourself why you started and keep moving forward – one day your hard-work will pay off.

Frequently Asked Question 

Q: Is it really possible to clear a bank exam in the first attempt? 

Ans: Yes, every year a number of students crack IBPS, SBI, RRB, and RBI bank exams in their first attempt. With the right plan, consistent practice, PYQ based preparation, and regular mock tests, cracking the bank exam in the first attempt are absolutely possible. 

Q: How much regular time is enough to crack a bank exam in the first attempt?

Ans: To crack a bank exam in the first attempt, ideally 4-5 hours of daily focused study is enough with smart practice and mock tests.

Q: How to start preparing for banking exams?

Ans: To start preparing for banking exams, begin by understanding the particular exam pattern and syllabus; also create a best study plan that allocates proper time for each subject. 

Q: Which exam is easy and tough to crack among all the bank exams?

Ans: The SBI PO and RBI Assistant are the toughest bank exams to crack due to their difficulty level. However, most of the clerical exams like IBPS, SBI, and IBPS RRB are relatively easy to crack with consistent preparation.

Q: How to prepare for bank/competitive exams at home?

Ans: You need to self-study from various online and offline study sources, practice mock & previous papers, create a realistic study plan and time to time solve practice sets to improve speed.

Q: What is the best time of day to study for bank exams?

Ans: Morning (6 AM – 10 AM) is best for learning. Evening (6 PM – 10 PM) is ideal for mock test practice and revision.

Q: Should I attempt all questions in the bank exam?

Ans: No, because bank exams have negative marking. Attempt only what you are confident about.

Also Check:

• How to Score 40+ in IBPS PO General Awareness Section
• How Many Attempts Are Allowed For Bank Exams?
• How to Tackle Quantitative Aptitude in IBPS Prelims: Speed, Accuracy & Shortcuts
• SBI Clerk Exam 2025 Preparation Tips: Score 90+ in Prelims
• 10 Must - Know Facts about SBI PO Mains Bank Exam
• How Do Bank Exams Differ from Other Competitive Exams?
• IBPS PO Interview Questions 2025: Top Expected Questions
• Types of Banks in India: Look at Their Roles, Functions, and Responsibilities
• Expert Tips to Excel in the SBI PO Exam