Success Story of Somnath Sarkar, Cleared JAIIB May 2025

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Published on 9 January 2026 by

Clearing JAIIB while managing a demanding professional role is no easy task. The JAIIB Exam tests both practical and theoretical banking knowledge, along with time management skills. Somnath Sarkar, Consulting Partner at TCS with over 22 years of experience, successfully balanced his high-profile responsibilities and exam preparation. With strategic planning and focused use of Oliveboard resources, he cleared all papers efficiently. Here’s his inspiring journey and preparation strategy.

Introduction

Somnath Sarkar leads global sales for the CRM practice at TCS and has over two decades of professional experience. With a packed schedule, he had limited time for exam preparation. Determined to clear JAIIB, he leveraged Oliveboard’s study material to maximize efficiency and ensure comprehensive coverage. His disciplined approach and smart preparation helped him achieve success without compromising his professional commitments.

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How did Somnath Sarkar prepare for the IE & IFS paper?

Due to professional commitments, Somnath relied entirely on Oliveboard’s resources. His strategy included reviewing concise notes, practicing chapter-wise questions, watching recorded lectures at 2x speed, revising using capsule lectures and PDFs, taking sectional and module-wise mock tests, and completing a full mock test before the exam. This structured approach helped him grasp key concepts quickly and effectively.

How did he prepare for the PPB paper?

For PPB, Somnath followed the same structured approach. He focused on understanding the core banking principles, practicing questions regularly, and revising strategically. Watching lectures at increased speed allowed him to clarify concepts efficiently despite limited time. The combination of focused practice and well-planned revision boosted his confidence and readiness for the exam.

Also Check: JAIIB Syllabus

How has he prepared for the AFM paper?

Coming from a high-paced corporate environment, Somnath ensured consistent practice and conceptual clarity in AFM. He used Oliveboard’s notes and capsule lectures for quick revisions and relied on sectional mock tests to strengthen weak areas. Regular practice and mock test simulations helped him maintain accuracy and time management for the exam.

How did Somnath Sarkar prepare for the RBWM paper?

For RBWM, Somnath applied the same disciplined methodology. His focus on reviewing notes, practicing questions, revising through PDFs, and taking structured mock tests helped him reinforce concepts and complete the paper confidently. His approach shows that consistent and focused preparation can make even the most time-constrained aspirants succeed.

Also Check: JAIIB Exam Pattern

How Oliveboard helped him in his journey?

Oliveboard played a key role in Somnath’s preparation. The concise notes, capsule lectures, PDFs, and well-structured mock tests allowed him to cover the syllabus effectively despite his professional commitments. He particularly appreciated the dedication and professionalism of the faculty Rajeev Sir, Afreen Ma’am, and Pradyumna Sir whose guidance was instrumental in his success.

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Tips for fellow bankers

He advises future aspirants to focus on the concepts essential for passing the exam rather than trying to cover the entire syllabus. Consistency, smart planning, and leveraging structured guidance can make preparation manageable even with limited time. Choosing trusted mentors and resources, such as Oliveboard, ensures a focused and results-driven approach.

FAQs

1. Who is eligible to appear for JAIIB 2026?

Ordinary IIBF members working in banks or financial institutions with at least 12th pass, or clerical/supervisory staff with manager recommendation, are eligible.

2. How many papers are there in JAIIB?

JAIIB consists of 4 papers: IE & IFS, PPB, AFM, and RBWM.

3. Is there negative marking in JAIIB?

No, there is no negative marking in the JAIIB exam.

4. What is the passing criteria for JAIIB?

Candidates must score at least 50 marks in each paper to pass.

5. How much time is required to prepare for JAIIB?

Around 2–3 months of consistent study is sufficient for most working professionals.