Clearing multiple banking exams requires consistent practice, smart mock test analysis, and preparation for Mains from the beginning. Abadhoot Rajaram Das successfully qualified for SBI PO, SBI Clerk and UIIC Assistant by following a structured preparation strategy.
A Physics Honours graduate, Abadhoot initially explored other career options before deciding to pursue a career in banking. In his conversation with Oliveboard mentor Prabal Awania, he shared how he improved his Prelims performance, approached General Awareness (GA), and prepared for Mains.
1. Overcoming Prelims Challenges with Practice
Abadhoot found that speed was a challenge even though his accuracy and Mains-level preparation were strong. Instead of letting unsuccessful attempts discourage him, he focused on regular practice.
Over time, he became more comfortable with timed examinations and started clearing most of the Prelims exams he attempted.
His takeaway is simple: accuracy and speed must go hand in hand. Regular timed practice helps improve question selection, speed, and confidence.
Watch his full interview:
2. His Mock Test Strategy for Prelims and Mains
Mock tests played a crucial role in Abadhoot’s preparation. He recommended adjusting their frequency according to the stage of preparation.
- For Prelims: Once your preparation reaches a reasonable level, attempt a mock every one or two days to maintain speed and accuracy.
- For Mains: Build your fundamentals first, then gradually increase mock practice to one or two tests per week.
- Analyse every mock: Identify mistakes, understand weak areas, and determine whether you need to revise concepts or change your question-selection strategy.
Abadhoot found Oliveboard’s banking mock tests useful because some questions were more challenging than those in the actual examination. Practising difficult questions helped him approach unexpected challenges without panicking.
3. Start General Awareness Alongside Prelims
General Awareness was initially difficult for Abadhoot because remembering numerous facts and figures felt overwhelming. However, consistent practice gradually made the subject easier and more interesting.
His advice was to choose a teacher whose explanations work for you and follow daily current affairs consistently. Weekly and monthly revisions can help reinforce what you learn.
The biggest mistake to avoid is postponing GA until after Prelims. Since General Awareness plays an important role in banking Mains, starting early gives you more time to revise instead of rushing through current affairs after the Prelims result.
Abadhoot continued studying current affairs alongside his Prelims preparation, giving him an advantage when preparing for Mains.
4. Master Question Selection for Mains
Abadhoot generally attempted a Mains mock every two or three days, using the following day to analyse his performance.
He also practised higher-level Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning questions, including Data Interpretation, puzzles, and coding-decoding.
His key lesson was that Mains is not just about solving questions; it is about choosing the right questions.
Some questions may look easy but contain tricky wording or complicated variables. Others may appear lengthy but be relatively straightforward. Learning to identify these differences helps candidates manage time and avoid getting stuck on a single question.
5. Prepare for Banking Interviews with Confidence
During interviews, Abadhoot was asked about his name and why he wanted to enter banking after graduating in Physics Honours.
He recommended preparing for questions based on your educational background, name, and family influences. Answers should be genuine and supported by clear reasoning rather than memorised responses.
He also emphasised maintaining eye contact and communicating confidently. Candidates can answer in regional if that helps them express their thoughts more naturally.
Abadhoot Rajaram Das’s Advice for Banking Aspirants
Abadhoot’s preparation journey offers three important lessons:
- Prepare for Mains early: Study current affairs daily alongside Prelims.
- Learn from mock tests: Analyse mistakes instead of focusing only on scores.
- Maintain a balanced routine: Make time for exercise, walking, and mental well-being.
His experience shows that consistent practice, early General Awareness preparation, and smart question selection can make banking exam preparation more structured and manageable.
Explore Oliveboard’s banking courses, mock tests, and previous year questions to strengthen your preparation.
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