How to Plan Your Banking Exam Attempts: Which Bank Exam Should You Give First?

Most banking aspirants prepare for multiple recruitment examinations, but not every exam should be approached in the same way. Although many banking exams share a common aptitude syllabus, they differ in competition level, vacancies, selection process, and career opportunities. 

If you have recently completed your graduation or are planning to begin your banking preparation, understanding the order in which you should attempt different exams can help you prepare more effectively. 

Here, we’ll explain how to plan your banking exam preparation, which exam you should attempt first, and why following the right order can improve your preparation.

Why Should You Plan Your Banking Exam Attempts?

Many candidates prepare for all banking exams at the same time. While the syllabus overlaps in many areas, every exam has its own pattern and expectations. A planned approach helps you:

• Build confidence by appearing for exams in a logical order.

• Improve your time management.

• Prepare according to the recruitment calendar.

• Learn from every attempt.

• Reduce unnecessary stress during preparation.

A planned approach also allows you to improve your performance after every exam instead of starting from the beginning each time.

Which Bank Exam to Give First?

If you are wondering which bank exam to give first, IBPS PO is generally a practical starting point for most aspirants.

The IBPS PO recruitment covers multiple participating public sector banks through a single examination. The 2025 notification announced 5,208 vacancies across 11 participating public sector banks, making it one of the largest banking recruitment drives. Because of the wider recruitment scope, many candidates begin their preparation with IBPS PO.

Preparing for IBPS PO helps you build a strong foundation in the subjects commonly tested across banking recruitment examinations. This makes it easier to prepare for SBI PO, IBPS Clerk, and several other officer and clerical examinations.

Why IBPS PO Is a Good Starting Point

IBPS PO offers several advantages for first-time candidates.

• Recruitment is conducted for multiple public sector banks.

• The syllabus covers reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and general awareness.

• The exam pattern prepares you for several other banking examinations.

• Regular recruitment provides more opportunities to appear for the examination.

A strong performance in IBPS PO also gives you confidence before appearing for more competitive examinations.

IBPS PO vs SBI PO: Which Should Beginners Attempt First? 

Many aspirants compare IBPS PO vs SBI PO before starting their preparation. Both examinations recruit Probationary Officers, but there are important differences.

SBI PO is one of the most competitive banking recruitment examinations. While its syllabus is similar to IBPS PO, the examination is generally considered more challenging because of its selection process and competition. 

Because of this, many aspirants first prepare through IBPS PO and then appear for SBI PO with stronger preparation.

SBI PO or IBPS PO First?

If you are confused about SBI PO or IBPS PO first, your decision should depend on your preparation level.

If you are a beginner, IBPS PO usually provides a smoother learning experience because of its wider recruitment and familiar exam structure. Once you become comfortable with the syllabus, mock tests, and speed, you can prepare confidently for SBI PO.

If your preparation is already at a good level, you can apply for both IBPS PO and SBI PO in the same recruitment cycle since both examinations cover similar subjects. 

Where Does RBI Grade B Fit Into Your Plan?

When comparing RBI Grade B vs IBPS PO, remember that both examinations serve different career paths.

RBI Grade B is conducted by the Reserve Bank of India and has a different examination pattern. It also includes subjects related to economics, finance, and management in addition to aptitude-based sections.

The notification specifies that General and EWS candidates can appear for a maximum of six attempts, while there is no prescribed attempt limit for SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates, subject to age eligibility.

Since the number of attempts is limited for some categories, you should prepare carefully before appearing for RBI Grade B. Building a strong foundation through other banking examinations can help improve your readiness.

Banking Exam Preparation Strategy

A successful banking preparation strategy focuses on consistent practice rather than studying many topics together. Strengthening your fundamentals first makes it easier to prepare for multiple banking examinations. 

• Complete the basic concepts of reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and general awareness.

• Solve previous years' question papers.

• Practice sectional quizzes regularly.

• Take full-length mock tests.

• Analyse mistakes after every mock test.

• Revise important concepts every week.

• Improve speed and accuracy gradually.

Since the core syllabus overlaps across many banking examinations, this preparation strategy allows you to prepare for multiple exams without starting from scratch every time. 

Best Banking Exam for Beginners

Many students ask about the Best banking exam for beginners.

For most graduates, IBPS PO is often considered a suitable starting point because it offers recruitment across several participating public sector banks and provides exposure to the common banking examination pattern.

Candidates may also appear for IBPS Clerk or other banking examinations based on their eligibility, but IBPS PO remains a common starting point for those aiming for officer-level positions.

Banking Career Roadmap After Graduation

A clear Banking career roadmap helps you stay focused throughout your preparation. You can follow this banking career roadmap after graduation:

1. Complete your graduation.

2. Build fundamentals in aptitude and English.

3. Prepare for IBPS PO.

4. Appear for SBI PO and other public sector bank examinations.

5. Prepare for RBI Grade B if it matches your career goals.

This order allows you to gain examination experience before attempting more specialised recruitment examinations.

Bank Exams After Graduation

After completing your graduation, you can apply for several banking recruitment examinations, depending on your eligibility and career goals. 

• IBPS PO

• SBI PO

• RBI Grade B

• IBPS Clerk

• SBI Clerk

• IBPS Specialist Officer

Before applying, always check the latest eligibility criteria, age limit, and notification details released by the respective recruiting authority.

Best Banking Exams in India

The Best banking exams in India depend on your career objective.

• IBPS PO is suitable for candidates seeking opportunities across multiple public sector banks.

• SBI PO is preferred by candidates interested in joining the State Bank of India.

• RBI Grade B is suitable for candidates interested in working with the Reserve Bank of India.

Each examination offers different responsibilities, career growth, and selection processes.

Planning your banking exam attempts helps you prepare with a clear direction instead of approaching every examination separately. For most beginners, IBPS PO is a practical starting point because it offers recruitment across multiple public sector banks and helps build a strong foundation in the common banking syllabus. As your preparation improves, you can confidently appear for SBI PO and later prepare for RBI Grade B if it aligns with your career goals.

Focus on strengthening your fundamentals, practising regularly, analysing your mock tests, and following the latest official notifications. A structured preparation plan can help you make the most of every banking exam attempt.