How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk at the Same Time?

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How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk at the Same Time: Preparing for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk together can be one of the smartest strategies for banking aspirants. Both exams have a similar syllabus, test the same core skills, and are held within a short gap. This makes it possible to prepare for them in a single, well-structured study plan. With the right approach, you can save time, reduce workload, and boost your chances of clearing at least one or even both in the same year.

How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk at the Same Time?

Many banking aspirants aim to appear for both IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk in the same year. At first, it may seem like preparing for two exams together will double the workload. But in reality, both exams have very similar syllabi, overlapping subjects, and exam dates that are close to each other. With a planned approach, you can prepare for both in one go and increase your chances of securing a job in the banking sector.

IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk Exam Timeline Overview

Before you begin, it’s important to understand the schedule for both exams. This helps you plan your preparation effectively and avoid last-minute stress. The IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk exams usually have only a gap of a few weeks between their stages.

Exam	Prelims	Mains
SBI Clerk 2025	Expected in September 2025	Likely in November 2025
IBPS Clerk 2025	Expected in August 2025	Likely in October 2025

Why Combined Preparation Works for IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk?

The main reason you can prepare for both exams together is that they test the same core subjects: English Language, Reasoning Ability, and Quantitative Aptitude in Prelims, plus General Awareness and Computer Knowledge in Mains. This overlap means you don’t have to create two separate study plans; one plan can work for both, with small adjustments for differences.

Key Differences to Keep in Mind

Even though there are many similarities, there are also a few differences you must remember while preparing. These differences can affect how you approach practice questions and time management in the actual exam.

Difficulty Level: SBI Clerk often has slightly trickier puzzles and data interpretation sets, while IBPS Clerk tends to be more speed-based.
General Awareness Focus: SBI Clerk sometimes includes more static GK, whereas IBPS Clerk may focus slightly more on banking-related current affairs.
Vacancies and Posting: SBI Clerk is state-specific, while IBPS Clerk covers multiple participating banks.

Preparation Strategy for Exam IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk

To crack both exams together, your preparation should cover common topics first and then move to exam-specific adjustments.

1. Cover the Common Syllabus First

Since a large portion of the syllabus is the same, start with these topics and build strong basics. This will save time and help in both exams.

Common Prelims Topics Include:

English: Reading Comprehension, Error Spotting, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles.
Reasoning: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Inequalities, Blood Relations, Syllogisms.
Quant: Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation.

2. Prepare for Mains-Level Topics Early

Don’t wait until after prelims to start mains preparation. Main sections like General Awareness, advanced DI, and Computer Knowledge take time to master, so start early. Focus on:

6–8 months of current affairs.
Banking Awareness and RBI updates.
Caselets and Data Sufficiency in Quant.

3. Make a Weekly Study Plan

A fixed schedule ensures balanced coverage of all sections without burnout. Divide your time between core subjects, current affairs, and mock test practice. Check a sample plan below.

Mon–Thu: Quant, Reasoning, and English (alternate focus each day).
Fri–Sat: General Awareness + Computer Knowledge.
Sunday: Full-length mock test + analysis.

4. Use Mock Tests the Right Way

Mock tests help you get used to the exam pattern and improve speed. Attempt tests for both SBI Clerk and IBPS Clerk so you can adjust to small differences in question styles. Always review your mistakes and work on weak areas before the next test.

5. Stay Consistent with Current Affairs

General Awareness is a scoring section in Mains, but only if you stay updated regularly. Read daily news summaries, revise weekly, and create short notes for last-month revision.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many aspirants fail to clear both exams because of avoidable errors. Being aware of these mistakes can save you time and effort.

Ignoring Mains preparation until after Prelims.
Using too many study materials and creating confusion.
Taking mock tests but skipping error analysis.
Not following exam pattern updates.
Neglecting Computer Knowledge and General Awareness.

Tripti Mishra

Hi, I’m Tripti, a senior content writer at Oliveboard, where I manage blog content along with community engagement across platforms like Telegram and WhatsApp. With 3 years of experience in content and SEO optimization, I have led content for popular exams like SSC, Banking, Railways, and State Exams.