How to Prepare for Banking Exams in 2026? Tips and Tricks

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Published on 12 December 2025 by
How to Prepare for Banking Exams in 2026?

If you want to crack a bank exam in 2026, you need a clear plan, regular practice, and the right study habits. With lakhs of students applying every year, preparing smartly is more important than ever. This guide will help you understand how to start, what to study, and how to stay consistent.

How to Prepare for Banking Exams in 2026?

Preparing for a banking exam in 2026 is simpler with this step-by-step guide:

  • Utilize Online Resources: Make the most of online resources like mock tests, online coaching, YouTube videos, etc. They keep you updated with recent events and help you master tricks and methods for solving questions efficiently.
  • Create a Timetable: Next, set up a timetable. This helps you manage your time effectively and cover multiple sections each day. Remember, scoring the cutoff marks in each section is essential for job eligibility.
  • Plan Properly: The first step is to plan properly. Having a well-thought-out plan is crucial, as it ensures no time is wasted. When creating the plan, be aware of the exam pattern, syllabus, and previous year’s cutoff. Knowing these aspects will help you prepare well by focusing on areas that need improvement.
  • Cover the Entire Syllabus: Ensure you cover the entire syllabus when preparing for the exam. This ensures you can tackle any question that arises during the exam.
  • Thoroughly Revise: Once you complete your preparation, revise thoroughly. Don’t become complacent. Keep working hard on each section to ensure no gaps in your understanding.
  • Practice Regularly: Practice as much as possible. The more you practice, the better you become at solving questions. Try solving questions from mock tests within a specific time frame to track your progress and answer as many questions as possible during the exam.

What are the major bank exams in 2026?

Many banking and insurance organizations like SBI, IBPS, RBI, NICL, and NIACL conduct exams for different posts. These exams test quant, reasoning, English, general awareness, and computer knowledge. Some of the major ones include:

  • SBI Exam Series: SBI PO, SBI Clerk, SBI SO
  • IBPS Exam Series: IBPS PO, IBPS Clerk, IBPS SO, IBPS RRB
  • RBI Exams: RBI Grade B, RBI Assistant
  • LIC Exams: LIC AAO, LIC ADO, LIC Assistant
  • Other Bank Exams: NABARD, SIDBI, ECGC, and private banks
take a free bank exam mock test

What is the selection process for bank and insurance exams?

Most bank or insurance exams include a three-stage recruitment process, which is prelims, mains, and interview. Some exams, like the SBI Clerk, the IBPS Clerk, or the Local Bank Officer (LBO), include a Local Language Test (LPT) instead of an interview.

  1. Preliminary Examination:
    • The first stage is the preliminary exam. This is like a screening test to shortlist candidates for the main exam.
    • In this exam, candidates are tested on basic subjects like English, math, reasoning, and general knowledge.
  2. Main Examination:
    • After passing the preliminary exam, candidates take the main exam. This is more detailed and covers a wider range of topics.
    • The main exam may also include sections on banking and finance-related topics.
  3. Group Discussion/Interview OR a Local Language Test (LPT):
    • For some exams, candidates who pass the main exam go through a group discussion and/or interview.
    • The group discussion tests communication and teamwork skills, while the interview assesses subject knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
    • Some exams, like SBI Clerk, IBPS Clerk, or Local Bank Officer (LBO), include a Local Language Test or an LPT, where their knowledge of the local language is tested.
Solve previous year papers for bank exams

Average Salaries in various banking careers

In the banking sector, salaries vary depending on the role. Bank managers and certified public accountants (CPAs) earn around 7 Lakhs p.a., while financial risk managers and investment bankers have higher average salaries of 11 lakh p.a. and 10 lakh p.a., respectively.

PostsSalary
Bank Manager7 Lakhs p.a.
Financial Accountant4 Lakhs p.a.
Financial Risk Manager11 Lakhs p.a.
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)7 Lakhs p.a.
Investment Banker10 Lakhs p.a.
Equity Analyst4 Lakhs p.a.

Tips for Banking Exam Preparation in 2026

Here are the simple tips for banking exam preparation:

  • Know the Syllabus: Understand what topics are covered in the exam and focus on learning them well.
  • Plan Your Study Time: Create a daily schedule that allows you to study each subject thoroughly.
  • Practice with Previous years Papers: Solve previous years’ exam papers to get familiar with the types of questions asked.
  • Practice Reasoning Daily: Spend time each day practicing reasoning questions, as they are important in banking exams.
  • Understand, Don’t Just Memorize: Try to understand concepts rather than just memorizing them, although some things may need to be memorized.
  • Brush Up on Mathematical Concepts Review basic math concepts and use shortcuts to solve problems quickly.
  • Improve Your English: Read newspapers daily to build vocabulary and improve comprehension skills.
  • Stay Updated: Keep up with current events and news related to banking and finance.
  • Learn Basic Computer Skills: Familiarize yourself with common software and hardware terms, and practice using them.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on improving areas where you struggle.
  • Take Mock Tests: Practice with mock tests to get a feel for the exam and improve time management.
  • Revise Regularly: Review what you’ve learned regularly rather than trying to cram at the last minute.
  • Practice Descriptive Writing: Practice writing answers to descriptive questions within the time limit.
  • Prepare for Interviews: Be ready to discuss exam-related topics confidently during interviews.

Understanding the Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus is the first and most important step in bank exam preparation. It helps you know the sections, types of questions, and the time given for each part. When you clearly understand what topics you need to study, it becomes easier to plan your timetable and focus on the right areas. This simple step saves time, reduces confusion, and improves your overall preparation. So it is advised to check the Bank Exam Syllabus properly.

Boost Your Confidence with Mock Tests

Mock tests help you practice in real exam-like conditions. They reduce stress, improve speed, and show you where you need more practice. Regular mock tests make you more confident and better prepared for the actual bank exam.

Banking offers diverse career paths such as Asset Manager, Loan Officer, and Business Analyst, each providing unique opportunities for growth and development. Explore these popular roles to find your niche in the dynamic banking industry.

  1. Asset Manager: Manages investments and financial assets for individuals or organizations.
  2. Financial Risk Manager: Identifies and manages financial risks to ensure stability and profitability.
  3. Business Analyst: Analyzes business processes and data to improve efficiency and profitability.
  4. Internal Auditor: Reviews and evaluates internal controls and procedures to ensure compliance and reduce risk.
  5. Foreign Exchange Trader: Buys and sells foreign currencies to make profits based on market fluctuations.
  6. Credit Analyst: Assesses the creditworthiness of individuals or businesses applying for loans.
  7. Loan Officer: Evaluates loan applications and helps individuals or businesses secure financing.
  8. Bank Teller: Assists customers with routine banking transactions, such as deposits and withdrawals.
  9. Financial Manager: Oversees financial activities and prepares financial reports for organizations.
  10. Financial Service Representatives: Provides financial advice and assistance to clients regarding banking products and services.
  11. Book-Keeper: Records financial transactions and maintains accurate financial records for organizations.
  12. Audit Clerks: Assists auditors in reviewing financial records and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Developing problem-solving skills and exam techniques

To score well in bank exams, you must build strong problem-solving skills and good exam habits. Practice different types of questions daily and learn simple tricks to solve them faster. Use time wisely by scanning questions quickly, skipping tough ones first, and eliminating wrong options. When you follow these techniques during practice and mock tests, you become faster, more accurate, and more confident in the real exam.

FAQs

Q1. What are some important ways to get ready for a bank exam?

Ans. Important ways include understanding the exam syllabus, creating a study plan, practicing regularly, and using resources like practice tests and old exam papers.

Q2. How can I manage my study time effectively for a bank exam?

Ans. Effective time management involves making a study schedule that gives enough time for each subject, focusing on harder topics first, and taking short breaks to avoid getting tired.

Q3. What resources can I use to help me study for the bank exam?

Ans. Resources include books, online materials, videos, and classes. Practice tests and old exam papers are also helpful for practicing and improving.

Q4. Is practicing with practice tests helpful for studying for a bank exam?

Ans. Yes, practicing with practice tests is helpful because it helps you get used to the exam format, improves your time management, and helps you find areas you need to work on.