Balancing Work and IBPS PO Preparation: A Student’s Perspective (2026)
Preparing for IBPS PO 2026 while studying in college or managing daily academic responsibilities is not easy. As a student, you are expected to attend classes, complete assignments, prepare for semester exams, and at the same time compete in one of India’s toughest banking exams.
The Reality of a Student Preparing for IBPS PO
Most students face:
- Pressure of college exams and attendance
- Limited daily study time
- Distractions (mobile, friends, social media)
- Confusion about where to start
If you feel this way, you are not alone.
Can a Student Prepare for IBPS PO Alongside College?
Yes. Thousands of IBPS PO toppers were students when they cracked the exam.
As a student, your advantage is:
- Fresh learning ability
- Flexible time compared to working professionals
- Access to peer learning
The key is direction, not hours.
How I Planned IBPS PO Preparation as a Student
Instead of long study hours, I focused on:
- 2–3 hours of focused study daily
- One subject per day
- Weekly revision targets
A simple plan is easier to follow consistently.
Managing College + IBPS PO Study Together
Weekdays
- College + self-study basics
- Concept building (Quant, Reasoning, English)
- Short current affairs reading
Weekends
- Full revision of the week
- Practice questions and sectional tests
- Mock test analysis
Weekends became my strongest weapon.
Subject-Wise Strategy from a Student’s View
Quantitative Aptitude
- Focus on arithmetic first
- Daily formula revision
- Limited but repeated practice
Reasoning Ability
- Start with easy topics
- Puzzles on alternate days
- Accuracy over speed initially
English Language
- Daily reading habit
- Vocabulary through context
- Grammar basics only
General Awareness
- Monthly current affairs PDFs
- Short daily revision
Mock Tests: A Student’s Learning Tool
Initially, my mock scores were low. Instead of panicking, I:
- Focused on analysis
- Noted weak areas
- Improved gradually
Mocks taught me exam temperament more than books.
Mental Pressure Faced by Students
- Fear of failure
- Comparison with others
- Self-doubt
What helped me:
- Ignoring comparisons
- Tracking my own progress
- Believing that improvement takes time
Mistakes I Made (So You Don’t Have To)
- Studying without revision
- Following too many resources
- Skipping mock analysis
- Overthinking low scores
Learning from mistakes saved my preparation.
What Every IBPS PO Student Should Remember
- You don’t need perfection—consistency is enough
- Slow progress is still progress
- Discipline beats motivation
As a student, if you start early and stay consistent, IBPS PO 2026 is achievable.
Final Words from a Student
Balancing college life and IBPS PO preparation is challenging—but possible. With a calm mindset, smart planning, and belief in yourself, you can clear IBPS PO without sacrificing your student life.
Trust the process. Your time will come.
FAQs
Q1. How many hours should a student study for IBPS PO daily?
2–3 focused hours are sufficient.
Q2. Is first-year college too early for IBPS PO preparation?
No, early preparation gives a strong advantage.
Q3. Can I rely only on self-study as a student?
Yes, with proper resources and mock tests.
Q4. Should students give mock tests early?
Yes, even low scores help build exam understanding.