How to Prepare for Banking and MBA Exams While Working?

Tripti Mishra

1 week ago

How to Prepare for Banking and MBA Exams While Working? Preparing for competitive exams like SBI PO, IBPS PO, RBI Grade B, CAT, XAT, SNAP, and CMAT while managing a full-time job can feel overwhelming. Long office hours, deadlines, meetings—and then finding the energy to study? It’s tough. But every year, thousands of working professionals manage to crack these exams. How? By working smart, staying consistent, and using their time wisely.

How to Prepare for Banking and MBA Exams While Working?

The pressure to upgrade your career is higher than ever. Banking and MBA exams open doors to better roles, higher salaries, and long-term stability. But juggling preparation with a job requires more than just discipline—it requires clarity. You need to know what to study, how to fit it into your day, and how to keep going when things get tough. That’s where this article comes in—to give you a practical roadmap that fits into your life.

In this guide, we’ll break down how you can balance work and exam prep without burning out. Whether you’re aiming for a career in banking or planning an MBA, this is your blueprint to study effectively in 2025.

1. Get Clarity on the Exam Format and Syllabus

Start by knowing exactly what you’re preparing for. Understand the exam pattern, subjects, number of questions, and how they’re scored. This clarity helps you focus your efforts in the right direction. Stick a printed syllabus on your study wall or maintain a Google Sheet where you can track what’s covered and what’s pending.

Exam Type	Main Sections	Duration	Mode
Banking Exams	Quant, Reasoning, English, General Awareness	60–180 mins	Online
MBA Exams	Quant, DI-LR, Verbal, RC, Decision Making (XAT)	120–180 mins	Online

2. Create a Study Schedule That Works Around Your Job

You won’t have 6-7 hours to study like full-time aspirants, and that’s okay. The goal is to be regular, even if it’s just 2 hours a day. Morning or night, pick your most focused time and use it consistently. Be realistic while planning. If your work schedule is unpredictable, aim for weekly targets rather than daily ones.

Time Block	Suggested Activities
Morning (6–8 AM)	Concept learning or revision
Commute	Listen to news, revise vocab/formulas
Post Work (8–10 PM)	Practice sets, sectional quizzes, video lessons
Weekends	Full-length mocks, GA revision, doubt-solving

3. Focus on High-Impact Topics First

With limited prep time, don’t try to cover everything at once. Focus on the topics that appear frequently in exams and carry the most marks.

For Banking Exams:

Prioritize simplification, number series, seating arrangements, puzzles, and reading comprehension.
General awareness (especially of current banking news) is a must—cover the last 6 months thoroughly.

For MBA Exams:

Practice arithmetic, geometry, DI sets, and RC passages. If you’re taking XAT, spend time on decision-making questions too.

Tackle tough sections early in your schedule so you can revisit them later with more clarity.

4. Use Digital Tools and Online Platforms Wisely

Technology is a huge asset if used right. Instead of spending hours flipping through books, use trusted online resources that simplify concepts and save time. The goal is to study smarter, not harder. Let these tools work for you, especially on busy workdays.

Tool/Platform	How It Helps
Oliveboard	Mock Test Series Online Courses Study Notes
YouTube Channels	Short concept lessons, RC strategies, puzzles
Note-taking apps (Notion, Google Keep)	Organize notes and revise on the go
Podcasts (The Hindu, PIB Summary)	News updates during commute

5. Take Mock Tests Regularly and Analyze Them

Mocks are essential if you want to crack exams like CAT or SBI PO. They help with time management, accuracy, and understanding where you stand.

One full-length mock every weekend
Two sectional tests during the week
Track your scores and analyze errors

Focus Area	Mock Test Goals
Quant & Reasoning	Improve speed and logic
Verbal Ability	Practice RCs and vocabulary
General Awareness	Reinforce facts, test retention

6. Make the Most of Your Commute and Breaks

You don’t need a study table to learn. Use commute time, lunch breaks, or even post-dinner slots to revise or practice. These micro-study sessions add up. Even 30 minutes a day during breaks can make a huge difference over time.

Listen to editorials or current affairs podcasts
Revise daily vocab or formulas with flashcards
Watch one short concept video during lunch

7. Stay Consistent With Small, Daily Goals

It’s better to study 45 minutes a day consistently than to study 4 hours once a week. Make it a habit even on days when you feel tired. Set weekly goals (e.g., complete two topics, solve three mocks) and track your progress.

Duration	Suggested Study Type
15 minutes	Quick vocab/news revision
30 minutes	One concept or question set
45–60 minutes	Full mock section/RC practice