Hello friends,
I finally got selected in SBI PO 2017 after two years of preparation. I started preparing for the exam in 2016 and appeared for various exams, which I could not clear. It is a result of my continuous efforts and correct guidance by various people and platforms which helped me secure a spot in the final list.
The first and foremost thing I would like to say is that please bust the myth that coaching is essential for cracking any exam. It is your time and focus on your goal that helps you achieve it. Quality of time dedicated to studies matters rather than quantity. I did not go to any coaching, rather made full use of resources (Apps, youtube, newspapers etc) that I had available.
1. My Preparation Strategy for Prelims & Mains Exams
As stated above, I started my preparation in 2016 after applying for SBI PO 2016. But, lack of correct guidance and preparation showed in my results. As I had a strong base in English, Maths and Reasoning, I passed almost every prelim exam I appeared for. My main concern was GK, as I have a hard time learning things word to word. This proved to be my weak point and I could not clear mains. Overcoming all fears and working on my flaws, I found gradeup and it proved to be a turning point. I loved the way the community interacted and exchanged knowledge. It was a huge learning for me. My preparation for mains was aimed at mainly GK, and the gradeup GK capsule and regular quizzes helped a lot. For the rest three, I would say make your basis strong and keep practising, that is what worked for me. The most important is aim at improving your speed and accuracy, the latter being more important.
I also went through many online and youtube videos just to know some tips and tricks to help me increase my speed in reasoning and quant.
2. Take Mock tests very seriously!
I took many mock tests, mainly from gradeup. They helped me a lot as they provided the actual feel for the test.
3. How I cracked the Mains phase of the exam?
Last year, I became overwhelmed with the pre-result and did not pay much attention to the mains. As a result, the sectional cut-off for GK became the hurdle I could not cross. This time around, I knew I had my work cut out after the pre. After the pre-exam, I immediately started working on my speed and GK section. I regularly went over the GK updates and quizzes on GradeUp. I made sure I watched the news for at least 1 hour daily and on Sunday, I made it a point to revise the weekly happenings.
4. My preparation strategy for the Interview?
I relied on my college training for GD and PI. For content preparation, I went through the Interview experiences on gradeup and the capsule provided for Interview. For GD, I participated in the GD discussions on the platform and put forth my views every time I came across one.
One thing I learned while preparing is presentation matters a lot. Be sure to be dressed properly for the interview as the first impression is a long lasting one. Also, be sure to prepare and know about the organisation you're appearing for. This shows your interest in the job.
I also knew my mains had not gone well (I could only attempt 7 in quant) so I had my work cut out for GD-PI. I cleared my headspace and gave it my all for the two months I got to prepare for GD-PI to make sure I was confident when the time came.
5. Books that I preferred during preparation:
For PO/Assistant :
- Manorama Yearbook and Banking Awareness by Disha Experts are the only books I referred to.
- For beginners, however, I would highly recommend www.learningspacedigital.com . They have absolutely amazing banking lectures in both Hindi and English.
- I also went through books by Arihant, Disha and Kiran for questions practice.
For SO-IT: Arihant SO (IT)
For CGL: Arihant SSC CGL Book
6. Exams that I appeared for:
I appeared for the following exams during my preparation:
- LIC AAO 2016 (could not clear written)
- SBI PO 2016 (out in mains due to sectional in GK)
- IBPS PO 2016 (out in mains due to sectional in GK, but clear by 10 marks overall)
- RBI Assistant 2016 (out in pre by 1 mark)
- RBI Grade B 2016 (out in pre due to sectional in GK)
- IPPB (out in pre)
- NIACL AO (out in pre)
- IBPS SO (could not clear overall cutoff)
- NICL 2017 (out in pre)
- IBPS PO 2017, SSC CGL 2017, IB ACIO 2017 (result awaited)
- SBI PO 2017 (Cleared, Lucknow Circle allotted)
Gradeup proved to be a turning point in my preparation. The best thing that I liked was the instant help I got throughout the year. Also, the regular quizzes helped me keep up with the exam pattern and questions expected. The best was the timely capsules provided that helped with revision of concepts.
My Success Mantra:
All the best for your upcoming exams everyone!
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