Self-Study Strategy for SBI PO Exam: A Year Without Coaching

Can I crack the SBI PO exam if I have roughly a year’s time, without any coaching but only through self-preparation? Recently, I have successfully cracked the SBI Clerk exam on my first attempt without any coaching, and I can share my journey and strategy here to help others who are facing similar challenges.

Assessing Your Position

The first and foremost step in preparing for any competitive exam, including the SBI PO, is to assess yourself where you stand. Take a few ALL India mocks freely available from various sites and evaluate your performance. Note your rank in these mocks to understand your standing. Analyze your mock results to identify your strong and weak areas.

Maintain a Progress Diary

Always maintain a diary to keep track of your progress. Progress without record is like a ship without a map. Students often make the mistake of not maintaining a record of their growth, which makes it difficult to identify areas that need improvement at the last moment.

Effective Strategy and Implementation

While the strategy might seem simple, the key is to implement it diligently and with full dedication. Start by learning the weaker topics through resources like YouTube or standard books. Practice as many questions as you can from these topics. This applies to all three sections: English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning. Once you become adept at your weaker areas, make your stronger areas your weapon, a weapon you know you can wield effortlessly in the exam.

At the risk of sounding like a broken record, I advocate for mock tests. Aim to give at least 50 mocks before the exam day. Mock tests not only boost your confidence but also help you get used to the exam environment, reducing the pressure on the day of the exam.

Maintaining Balance and Enjoying the Journey

During your preparation, frustration can set in. It's crucial to have something that helps you release tension. Finding joy in studying will transform your experience, turning the pressure into motivation rather than frustration. Remind yourself that the hard work will yield immense pleasure and satisfaction at the end of the journey.

Conclusion

If you manage to enjoy studying, it transforms a tedious task into a journey of fulfillment. I sincerely hope that this advice will help you achieve your goals. Remember, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. So, take the first step today and make it count.

Feel free to ask any questions in the comments below, and if you find this answer helpful, please upvote and share it with others who need it. Best of luck!