Mr. Sarvesh Devasthale has successfully cleared the CAIIB examination conducted by the Indian Institute of Banking and Finance in 2025. He has been working in the banking sector for the last 25 years and is currently serving in the IT department of a Mumbai-based cooperative bank. He had completed JAIIB nearly 10 years ago and later decided to pursue CAIIB to strengthen his banking knowledge.
After a long academic gap, Mr. Sarvesh dedicated six focused months to preparation while managing his full-time job. With consistent study and proper guidance, he successfully cleared the exam.
Success Story of CAIIB Topper Mr. Sarvesh
In this section, Mr. Sarvesh shares his preparation strategy, challenges, and advice for future CAIIB aspirants.
1. Can you tell us about your banking journey so far?
I have been in the banking sector for the last 25 years. I have worked in almost all domains of banking. For the last 15 years, I have been working in the IT department of a Mumbai-based cooperative bank which has around 30–40 branches in Maharashtra.
2. When did you complete JAIIB and why did you delay CAIIB?
I completed JAIIB almost 10 years ago. At that time, the exam was offline and there were fewer subjects. After that, due to office work and personal responsibilities, I could not attempt CAIIB. Time kept passing, and I kept postponing it.
3. What made you finally decide to attempt CAIIB?
I felt that if I am working in banking, I should at least complete JAIIB and CAIIB. It was not about increments at this stage. It was about knowledge and having CAIIB completed with my name. I also felt that I should update myself with banking knowledge.
4. How difficult was it to restart studies after so many years?
It was difficult because after so many years, starting studies again at CAIIB level is not easy. But once I decided that I have to complete it, I committed to it.
5. How much did you study during your preparation?
The preparation I did in six months was more than what I did in my 10th and 12th. I attended daily Oliveboard classes and revised regularly.
6. What was your daily study routine?
My classes were usually at 7 PM. After office and travel, I attended the Oliveboard classes. In the morning, I used to wake up around 4:30 or 5:00 AM and study for one to two hours for revision. For the first two to three months, I focused on understanding concepts.
7. Did you start with mock tests immediately?
No. First, I focused on clearing my concepts. Once concepts were clear, then I started attempting mock tests and module-wise tests. The Oliveboard mock tests helped me understand the pattern and difficulty level.
Aspirants should practice full-length Oliveboard mock tests regularly to improve speed and accuracy before the actual CAIIB exam.
8. Which subject did you find most challenging?
Every subject is challenging in its own way. ABFM was challenging because of statistics and numericals. BFM had modules I had never seen before. BRBL was challenging because of legal language. So each subject requires proper focus.
9. What is your advice about question practice without concept clarity?
If you directly solve many questions without understanding concepts, it becomes difficult. In CAIIB, questions are twisted and options are confusing. Without concept clarity, you cannot confidently answer them.
10. Which elective did you choose and why?
I chose HRM as my elective. Even though I work in IT, I did not choose IT because the syllabus is vast and risky. HRM overlaps with other subjects and is more manageable. It is also scoring.
11. How important is revision in CAIIB preparation?
Revision is very important. After completing the Oliveboard foundation batch, the Oliveboard revision batches and crash courses helped me refresh everything. It builds confidence before the exam.
12. What changes did you observe in the 2025 exam cycle?
The level of the paper has increased compared to earlier attempts. At least one paper feels tougher. The language is complex, and questions are framed in a twisted way. Concept clarity is very important.
13. Any additional preparation advice for aspirants?
Aspirants should read RBI circulars and amendments regularly. It helps understand the language used in exams. Also, regular practice and consistent study are important.
14. What is your final message for 2026 CAIIB aspirants?
Do not think that CAIIB is impossible. Dedicate six months properly. Make small personal sacrifices. Attend Oliveboard classes regularly and do self-study. Try to clear it in the first serious attempt so you don’t have to repeat the process again.
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