Before joining SBI, Tanmay Sen was already working in the Credit Operations department at IndusInd Bank in Delhi. Like many banking professionals, he aspired to build a career with the country’s largest public sector bank. Instead of waiting for the SBI CBO notification, however, he decided to prepare well in advance. That one decision, combined with consistency and the right guidance, helped him crack SBI CBO 2025 in his very first attempt.
Start Before Everyone Else
Tanmay first came to know about the SBI CBO exam through a friend while completing the mandatory two years of banking experience required to apply. Even though he wasn’t immediately eligible, he made a commitment to start preparing early rather than waiting for the notification.
He believes this early start gave him a significant advantage. While many candidates begin their preparation after the notification is released, Tanmay had already built a strong foundation and was ready when the opportunity arrived.
Balancing a Full-Time Job with Preparation
Preparing alongside a demanding banking job required discipline more than anything else.
Tanmay divided his preparation into two study sessions. Before leaving for work, he dedicated an hour to current affairs, increasing it to nearly two hours as the exam approached. After office hours, he watched recorded classes, revised his notes, and practised MCQs.
Since attending live classes wasn’t always possible due to his work schedule, he relied on recorded lectures and ensured he never missed his daily study routine. His consistency mattered more than the number of hours he studied.
Preparing for SBI CBO Alongside a Full-Time Job?
A structured study plan can make all the difference. Oliveboard’s Super Elite Course offers recorded classes, topic-wise study material, mock tests, and flexible learning designed specifically for working professionals.
His Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy
General Awareness was the toughest section for Tanmay because of its vast syllabus. To tackle it, he followed Oliveboard’s Current Affairs sessions by Sheetal Ma’am and revised several months of current affairs consistently.
For Banking Awareness, he focused on understanding important concepts, RBI circulars, and solving topic-wise MCQs. Instead of jumping between multiple resources, he preferred revising one structured source multiple times.
He also highlights a mistake many aspirants make, ignoring the descriptive paper. According to him, this section offers an excellent scoring opportunity. A strong vocabulary, regular writing practice, and choosing the right essay topic helped him maximize his marks.
Mock Interviews Built His Confidence
After clearing the written examination, Tanmay immediately shifted his focus to the interview stage.
He regularly read newspapers, stayed updated with banking news, and thoroughly prepared his current job profile because interviewers often ask detailed questions about candidates’ professional responsibilities. During his interview, most questions revolved around his work at IndusInd Bank and his previous experience at Yes Bank.
To prepare better, he joined Oliveboard’s SBI CBO Interview Batch, where mock interviews conducted by former SBI bankers helped him identify gaps in his preparation. Their feedback improved his communication, confidence, and knowledge of his own banking profile before the final interview.
Balancing Wedding Preparations and the SBI Interview
One of the most inspiring parts of Tanmay’s journey was balancing two major life events at the same time.
His wedding was scheduled for 2nd February, while his SBI CBO interview was held on 6th February. Amid family celebrations and wedding preparations, he continued revising, preparing for current affairs, and staying interview-ready.
His journey is a reminder that life doesn’t stop while you’re preparing for competitive exams. With proper planning, discipline, and focus, even the busiest phases of life can become stepping stones to success.
The Biggest Lesson for SBI CBO Aspirants
If there’s one lesson Tanmay wants every aspirant to remember, it’s this: don’t prepare from too many sources.
Switching between multiple teachers and platforms often creates confusion. Instead, choose one trusted mentor, follow one structured preparation plan, and remain consistent until the exam.
His first-attempt success wasn’t built on studying endlessly. It came from starting early, following a disciplined routine, trusting the right guidance, and believing in the process.
Tanmay’s journey proves that success doesn’t come from studying everywhere, it comes from following one structured plan consistently. If you’re aiming to crack the upcoming SBI CBO exam, now is the best time to begin.
I started my journey with storytelling and journalism, and somewhere along the way, I discovered how much I truly love writing. Words have always been my way of connecting with people.
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