How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk Without Coaching: Free Resources and Tips
Preparing for the IBPS Clerk exam without coaching is not only possible but has been successfully done by thousands of toppers every year. With the right strategy, discipline, free online resources, and smart planning, you can crack IBPS Clerk confidently from home—saving time and money.
Why Coaching Is NOT Mandatory for IBPS Clerk
IBPS Clerk is a concept-based, practice-oriented exam. Coaching institutes mainly provide:
- Structured syllabus
- Practice material
- Mock tests
- Guidance
Today, all of this is available FREE online, often with better quality and flexibility.
Advantages of Self-Study:
- Learn at your own pace
- Flexible timing
- Zero coaching fees
- Personalized weak-area focus
- Access to toppers’ strategies
Understanding the IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern
IBPS Clerk Prelims
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 min |
IBPS Clerk Mains
Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
Reasoning Ability | 40 | 60 |
General English | 40 | 40 |
Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 50 |
General/Financial Awareness | 40 | 50 |
Total | 155 | 200 |
Complete IBPS Clerk Syllabus (Brief)
Quantitative Aptitude
- Simplification & Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation
- Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, SI-CI, Time & Work, Speed)
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relation
English Language
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
General Awareness (Mains)
- Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking & Financial Awareness
- Static GK
How to Prepare for IBPS Clerk Without Coaching (Step-by-Step)
1️⃣ Make a Realistic Self-Study Plan
- 5–6 hours daily for students
- 3–4 hours daily for working professionals
- Divide time equally among subjects
- Keep weekly revision slots
📌 Tip: Consistency matters more than long hours.
2️⃣ Use the Best FREE Online Resources
Free YouTube Channels
- Quant & Reasoning concept videos
- Daily practice sessions
- Exam-level questions
Free Mock Tests
- Sectional tests
- Full-length Prelims & Mains mocks
- Previous year papers
Free PDF Notes
- Banking awareness capsules
- Grammar rules
- Formula sheets
(Choose 1–2 reliable sources only. Avoid overload.)
3️⃣ Master One Subject at a Time
📘 Quantitative Aptitude
- Learn basics first (percentages, ratios)
- Practice daily calculation drills
- Focus on accuracy before speed
🧠 Reasoning Ability
- Start with basic puzzles
- Practice different puzzle types
- Analyze mistakes deeply
📖 English Language
- Read editorials daily
- Learn 5–10 new words every day
- Practice RCs and error spotting
4️⃣ Daily Current Affairs Without Coaching
- Read daily news summaries
- Make short handwritten notes
- Revise weekly and monthly
Focus more on:
- Banking news
- RBI updates
- Government schemes
Importance of Mock Tests in Self-Preparation
Mock tests are your real teacher when preparing without coaching.
Benefits:
- Improve speed & time management
- Identify weak areas
- Understand real exam pressure
- Increase accuracy
Mock Strategy:
- 2–3 mocks/week initially
- 1 mock/day in last month
- Analyze every mock for at least 2 hours
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Studying too many resources
❌ Ignoring revision
❌ Skipping mock analysis
❌ Memorizing without concept clarity
❌ Studying without a timetable
How Toppers Crack IBPS Clerk Without Coaching
- Self-discipline
- Limited but quality resources
- Regular mocks
- Daily revision
- Strong basics
Most toppers agree:
“Mock tests + revision + consistency = selection.”
Final 30-Day Self-Study Strategy
- Revise all concepts
- Focus on mock tests
- Strengthen strong areas
- Avoid new topics
- Stay calm and confident
Final Words
Preparing for IBPS Clerk without coaching is completely achievable with:
- Smart planning
- Free quality resources
- Regular practice
- Strong self-belief
Thousands of candidates crack IBPS Clerk every year from home. With dedication and the right strategy, you can be one of them.
🔍 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. Can I crack IBPS Clerk without coaching?
Yes, with proper self-study and mock practice.
Q. Is self-study enough for IBPS Clerk?
Absolutely, if done consistently with the right resources.
Q. How many hours are required daily?
3–4 hours (working professionals), 5–6 hours (students).