Without preparation, a goal is just a wish - strategy is everything to crack the IBPS PO bank exam in the first attempt. 

Time is your greatest asset when preparing for IBPS PO – and how you use it can decide your result. Whether you are starting early or racing against the clock, this blog brings you smart, time-specific study plans for 3, 6, and 12 months that align with the IBPS PO syllabus and exam pattern.

You’ll discover:

• What to study, and when
• How to balance prelims and mains prep
• Best way to stay motivated and track process

If you are ready to run focused preparation into success, this is the strategy playbook you need.

Who Should Follow the 3, 6, and 12 Month Study Plan for the IBPS PO Exam?

IBPS PO Study Plan for 3, 6, and 12 Months

Let’s begin with:

IBPS PO Study Plan for 3 Months

Month 1: Build Your Foundation 

Focus area: Prelims topic + basics of mains 

• Study 6 hours/day (2hr Quant + 2hr Reasoning +1.5hr English)

• Daily read The Hindu editorial.

• 1 prelims mock test after 3 days.

Month 2: Shift to Mains-Level

Objective:

• Start tackling Mains-level problems. 

• Begin Descriptive writing practice.

• Current Affairs notes (monthly Pdfs).

• Daily revision + mock analysis

Weekly Plan for IBPS PO:

Also Check: IBPS PO Mains Exam: Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Tips

Month 3: Practice and Polish 

Focus Areas for 3-Months IBPS PO Study Plan: 

• 3-4 full mocks/week (alternate days).

• Revise the last 3 months of current Affairs.

• Practice 2-3 descriptive questions per week.

• Prepare for basic interview questions.

• Revise the whole syllabus: formulas, grammar rules, vocabulary, and facts.

Target: Prelims accuracy ≥ 90%, mains mock ≥ 80%

Weekly plan for month 3 IBPS PO: 

Mock test Strategy for 3 months IBPS PO Study Plan 

Are you ready to test your skills?

Start practicing with Free IBPS PO Mock Tests – created by exam experts, with detailed solutions and to get good overall scores. It’s a perfect way to evaluate your preparation without any cost.

IBPS PO Study Plan for 6 Months 

Month 1-2 - Build Strong Foundation (Day 1-60)

Objectives of IBPS PO Study Plan for 6 Months:

• Clear basic concepts of all topics.

• Strengthen grammar, logical Reasoning, and calculation speed.

• Start reading newspapers and current affairs.

Focus areas for IBPS PO for 6 Month Study Plan:

• Daily practice: English, Quant, and Reasoning.

• Solve beginner level topic wise questions.

• Build a vocabulary log (10 new words daily).

• Daily time: 5-6 hours 

• Mock test:  Prelims mock test every Sunday 

• Newspaper: The Hindu/The Indian Express (Editorial + Main Heading)

Month 3 & 4 – Prelims Mastery + Begins Mains (Days 61-120)

Objectives:

• Finish the Prelims syllabus completely.

• Start with mains topics and descriptive writing. 

• Start focusing on speed and accuracy.

Focus area:

• Solve moderate-to high-level DI, reading comprehension, and puzzles. 

• Attempt sectional and full mock tests for prelims practice. 

• Once a week start practicing descriptive writing.  

Add on Tasks 

• Computer Aptitude with basics. 

• Start collecting monthly current affairs Pdfs. 

• Practice essay and letter formats. 

Weekly targets: 

• 2 Prelims mock test 

• 1 mains sectional level test  

• Practice 2 essay/letter writing 

• 1 weekly revision test 

Descriptive writing Prompts:

• Digital Banking in India 

• Pros and cons of UPI payments

• Write a formal letter to a bank manager.

Month 5 – Mains Mastery + Current Affairs (Days 121-150)

Goal: Sharpen exam skills with timed practice and focus on weak areas.

Weekly time allotment (Experts Suggestion):

Weekly Study Hours:

5-6 hours/day (35+ hours/week)

Month 6 - Final revision & boost mains

• Goal: prepare for both prelims and mains with full-length mock test practice and revision.

• Revise all notes, formulas, shortcuts, GK capsules, and shortcuts techniques. 

• Solve the previous year’s question paper to go through with the question pattern.

• Practice interview questions if you are confident for mains.

Weekly Study Hours:

6-7 hours/day (40 + hours/week)

Final Checklist:

IBPS PO Study Plan for 12 Months 

Months 1-3: Build strong fundamentals (Days 1-90)

Months 4-6: Strengthening Core + Timed Practice (Days 91-180)

Months 7-9: Mains-Level Preparation Begins (Days 181-270)

Months 10-11: Full Length Mocks + Interview Preparation (Days 271-330)

Month 12 – Final Revision + Test Simulation (Days 330- 360)

Comparison Table for IBPS PO all 3 Plans:

Conclusion: 

Every candidate has a different starting point–Some applicants begin with a year to prepare, others get serious in mid from the exam date, and a few aspirants take a challenge just 3 months before the exam. That’s why one type of IBPS PO study plan does not fit all the applicants.

The right study plan is not about how long you study-it’s about how wisely you manage the time to crack a competitive exam in the first attempt.

FAQ’s 

Q1. Is it possible to crack the IBPS PO bank exam in the first attempt?

Ans. Absolutely yes, a number of students crack the IBPS PO bank exam in the first attempt with the right preparation strategy, the best material and books, mock test practice, and consistent revision.

Q2. Which IBPS PO study plan should I choose from 3, 6, and 12 months?

Ans. Choose wisely study plan to crack IBPS PO bank exam in first attempt:

Q3. To crack the IBPS PO Bank exam, how many hours should I study daily?

Ans. Suggested hours according to the study plan are:

For 12-months study plan: 2-3 hours/week

For 6-months study plan: 4-5 hours/week

For 3-months study plan: 6-8 hours/week

Q4. Should I prepare for both Prelims and Mains together for the IBPS PO bank exam?

Ans. Yes, especially with the help of 6 and 12 month plans, preparing for both prelims and mains saves time. 

Also Check:

• IBPS Clerk vs. IBPS PO: Which Exam is Easier to Crack?
• IBPS vs. SBI vs. RBI: Which Bank Exam Should You Choose?
• Must-Know Reasoning Topics for Bank Exam Success
• The Role of General Awareness in Bank Exams: How to Excel
• IBPS PO Mains Exam: Detailed Syllabus and Preparation Tips
• The Importance of Mock Tests in Bank Exam Preparation
• IBPS PO 2025 Interview Marks: Process and Marking Scheme
• 8 Essential Tips for Cracking the IBPS Exam
• How to Effectively Prepare for IBPS Prelims English Section?