Clearing the CAIIB (Certified Associate of Indian Institute of Bankers) exam is a major achievement for any banker. It tests advanced banking knowledge, analytical thinking, and decision-making skills. For working parents, managing preparation alongside work and family responsibilities can feel overwhelming.
Shweta Mishra, a banker at Madhya Pradesh Gramin Bank and a mother, cleared the JAIIB 2025 in her first attempt. In this blog, we share details about her winning strategy and practical tips that can help any working banker succeed in the CAIIB Exam.
How did Shweta build the Right Mindset for CAIIB?
Shweta emphasizes that mental preparation is the first step in any competitive exam.
She motivated herself by setting a tangible reward, a gold bracelet, for clearing the exam. This created a sense of accountability and gave her consistent motivation.
She also follows what she calls the 70% rule. “If you mentally commit to passing, most of the work is already done,” she explains. According to Shweta, making a firm decision to succeed is more important than the number of hours you study.
For aspirants, this underlines that mindset and determination form the foundation for preparation. Without mental readiness, even the best study plan may falter.
Also Check: CAIIB Nov Cycle Exam Date 2025
How did she Balance Work, Family, and Study Time?
Managing time effectively is a common challenge for working parents. Shweta started her preparation 2-3 months before the exam form was released. Instead of studying long hours continuously, she picked small, consistent study slots in the early mornings and late evenings.
She studied 2-3 hours daily, prioritizing consistency over long but irregular sessions. Even with her daughter at home, she integrated study into her daily routine without complete isolation.
Shweta’s approach demonstrates that steady and focused effort is more effective than last-minute cramming.
How did she choose the Right Study Material?
With multiple books and online resources available, Shweta focused on one trusted source to avoid confusion. She preferred Oliveboard notes, live classes by experts such as Rajeev Sir, Pradyumna Sir, and Ajay Sir, and recorded video sessions. She also planned the order of subjects strategically:
- ABM and ABFM first
- Followed by BRBL
- Ending with her elective (HRM)
Focusing on one source deeply allowed her to gain clarity and thorough understanding, rather than skimming through multiple materials.
Subject-wise Paper Strategies of Shweta for Scoring High
Each CAIIB paper requires a different approach. She has sorted her paper-wise strategy accordingly:
| Paper | Strategy and Notes |
| ABM (Advanced Bank Management) | Focused on statistics and numericals. Numericals can give high marks even if theory is tough. |
| ABFM (Advanced Bank Financial Management) | Focused on statistics and numericals. Numericals can give high marks even if the theory is tough. |
| BRBL (Banking Regulation & Business Laws) | 7-day intensive revision. Practical paper; last-minute revision effective; scored ~60. |
| Elective (HRM) | Chose HRM; relied on common sense and judgment; 7–8 hours prep. Intuitive answers possible; preparation manageable. |
Exam Hall Tactics that Secured her Success
She used a 3-pass method in the exam hall:
- First Pass: Answer all straightforward questions. This builds confidence and secures early marks.
- Second Pass: Attempt case studies related to prepared topics. Logical application is key.
- Final Pass: Solve numericals, which are scoring and can significantly improve results.
She emphasizes that exam strategy is as crucial as preparation. Even well-prepared candidates can lose marks if they don’t follow a systematic approach.
Also Check: CAIIB Admit Card 2025
How did she Stay Motivated and Manage Stress?
She used to set small weekly goals, such as completing a module or mastering a set of numericals. Celebrating these small wins kept her motivated.
She also practiced mindfulness and short breaks to refresh her mind. According to Shweta, stress is normal, but proper planning and routine make it manageable.
What Advice does she have for Working Parents?
Shweta believes integration is better than isolation. She studied with her daughter nearby, teaching her to respect study time.
She says, “It’s not about finding extra time; it’s about protecting the time you already have. Commitment matters more than perfect conditions.”
How did she Prioritize Subjects for Maximum Marks?
Shweta focused on scoring areas first:
- ABM and ABFM numericals were her priority.
- Theory questions came later.
- BRBL required focused revision, while HRM relied on intuitive understanding.
What are her Key Tips for First-Time CAIIB Aspirants?
Some of the tips for the first-time CAIIB aspirants are as follows:
- Master numericals first in ABM and ABFM.
- Use one trusted source for clarity and depth.
- Take mock tests to understand exam patterns.
- Integrate study into daily life instead of waiting for holidays.
- Maintain health and proper sleep to ensure better retention.
How Important is Exam Strategy Compared to Preparation?
According to Shweta, without a strategy, even 80% preparation can fail you. The 3-pass method ensures efficient time management and maximum marks.
Knowing what to attempt first and last reduces stress and improves accuracy.
Check out the Detailed CAIIB Exam Pattern
How did she Manage Weak Subjects Effectively?
For challenging papers like BRBL, Shweta focused on revision instead of long study schedules. She concentrated on practical aspects and skipped unnecessary details, which allowed her to score well without wasting time.
Shweta believes that balance is possible. Aspirants do not need complete isolation. Using small, focused study slots alongside family responsibilities works effectively.
She says, “The biggest factor is deciding that passing CAIIB is your priority and protecting your study time”.
FAQs
Ans: She started 2-3 months before the exam form was released.
Ans: Mental commitment counts for 70% of success in preparation.
Ans: She studied 2-3 hours consistently every day.
Ans: She focused on numericals to secure marks first.
Ans: Protect your study time and integrate it into family routines.
- Shweta Mishra’s Winning Strategy to Clear CAIIB on the First Attempt
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Hi, I’m Aditi. I work as a Content Writer at Oliveboard, where I have been simplifying exam-related content for the past 4 years. I create clear and easy-to-understand guides for JAIIB, CAIIB, and UGC exams. My work includes breaking down notifications, admit cards, and exam updates, as well as preparing study plans and subject-wise strategies.
My goal is to support working professionals in managing their exam preparation alongside a full-time job and to help them achieve career growth in the banking sector.