Strategizing for RBI Assistant Prelims and Mains: When to Start Mains Preparation

Dear Anas,

Thank you for reaching out with your query regarding starting the RBI Assistant Mains exam after prelims. It's important to consider a detailed strategy to maximize your chances of success in both phases. Let's break down the key sections and tips to help you navigate through your exam preparation.

Exam Structure Overview

The RBI Assistant exam is composed of two main phases: Prelims and Mains. Here's a breakdown of the sections in each phase:

Prelims: 3 sections (Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, English Language) Competition Mains: 2 additional sections (Computer Awareness, General Awareness) 3 sections from Prelims

Computer Awareness: The Static Portion

One of the distinct sections in the Mains exam is Computer Awareness, which is purely static in nature. This means that there is a wealth of available online resources, including free PDFs, that can be utilized to mug up this portion at the earliest. It's crucial to allocate sufficient time for this section as it significantly boosts your overall score.

General Awareness: Focusing on Recent Events

The General Awareness section in Mains typically covers current affairs from the last six months. This section requires regular updating with the latest news and developments across various domains. It's important to understand both the static and current aspects to perform well in this section.

Sectional Timer: A Critical Factor

Time management is a significant factor in both Prelims and Mains. Candidates should set sectional timers to ensure they are comfortable with the time constraints. This discipline during preparation will greatly influence your performance on the day of the exam.

When to Start Mains Preparation

My advice is to start your mains preparation alongside the prelims stage. If you find yourself confident enough to crack both prelims and prep for the mains simultaneously, it could be an excellent strategy to stay prepared and keep your momentum going. However, it's essential to keep in mind that not all candidates might have the same level of preparation or time management skills.

In the event that you manage to secure enough confidence from your prelims performance and the mains exam is just one week away, you might consider dedicating those final days to mains preparation. For the period of 2 weeks, which you will have after the prelims results are announced, it is more than sufficient to start preparing for the mains.

Preparation Strategy for Beginners

If you are a beginner or are just starting your journey, it is crucial to focus entirely on the prelims. Focusing on a single exam at a time ensures a more comprehensive understanding and detailed preparation. However, if you are a full-time aspirant and have a robust preparation schedule, you can certainly overlap your prelims and mains preparation.

Conclusion and Final Tips

Ultimately, the key to success in the RBI Assistant exam lies in a strategic preparation plan and adherence to time management. Whether you choose to start your mains preparation immediately or focus on prelims initially, ensuring that you are well-prepared for both phases is paramount.

I hope this advice helps. I remain at your disposal for any further queries. Best of luck with your exam preparation!