Are you staring at the calendar, realizing that SIDBI Grade A, PFRDA Grade A, and BoB LBO exams are all scheduled on the same day? It’s a situation no aspirant likes. The thought of preparing for three competitive banking exams together often triggers anxiety and confusion.
We are at that rare moment when all three exams appear to be converging. While amusing as it may seem on the outside, that’s not the case for all . Anyone preparing for all three will find it impossible to cope with the preparation that comes with it.
But here’s the good news: with the right strategy, you can prepare efficiently, avoid burnout, and walk into the exam hall with confidence. In this blog, we’ll break down easy preparation strategies to help you crack all three exams together.

SIDBI , PFRDA and BoB LBO Exams: This Needs Smart Planning
Preparing for multiple banking exams is not about doubling or tripling your effort—it’s about smart prioritization. All three exams—SIDBI Grade A and B, PFRDA Grade A, and the Bank of Baroda Local Bank Officer—have a lot of sections which overlap with each other. If you approach them wisely, you can cover nearly 70% of the syllabus simultaneously.
Before jumping into strategies, let’s briefly understand what each exam demands. Because, unless you understand these three exams well, there is no way you will be able to plan for the SIDBI , PFRDA and BoB LBO Exams.
Understanding SIDBI , PFRDA and BoB LBO Exams
Before diving into your exam preparation, you should be able to understand what each exam demands. SIDBI Grade A & B focuses on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, and Descriptive Writing, with an emphasis on development banking and current affairs.
On the other hand, the PFRDA Grade A (Assistant Manager) adds professional knowledge in finance, IT, and law, making it slightly more challenging. Even further, BoB LBO (Local Bank Officers) requires strong command over reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, and banking awareness, with a focus on local banking operations and the economy.
If you have a clear understanding about these differences, you can prioritize the important topics and plan your preparation effectively. We have provided some important aspects you should know in the table below for your reference.
Exam | Key Subjects | Difficulty Level | Focus Areas |
SIDBI Grade A and B | Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, Descriptive | Moderate | Development Banking, Current Affairs |
PFRDA Grade A Assistant Manager | Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General Awareness, Professional Knowledge | Moderate-High | Pension Sector, Finance, IT, Law |
BoB LBO Local Bank Officers | Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English, Banking Awareness | Moderate | Banking Operations, Local Economy |
What’s Common Across SIDBI , PFRDA and BoB LBO Exams?
One of the biggest advantages of preparing for SIDBI Grade A, PFRDA Grade A, and BoB LBO together is the significant overlap in their syllabi. Instead of treating each exam as a separate entity, you can focus on the shared sections and cover nearly 70% of the preparation in one go.
All three exams test candidates on Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, and General Awareness. These are your core subjects and should take up the majority of your study time. Mastering them not only builds a strong foundation but also saves you from repetitive effort.
However, each exam also has unique sections:
- SIDBI requires Descriptive Writing for essays and letters.
- PFRDA includes Professional Knowledge in fields like finance, IT, or law.
- BoB LBO focuses on Banking Awareness, particularly related to local banking and operations.
Here’s a quick look at the overlap:
Subject | SIDBI Grade A/B | PFRDA Grade A | BoB LBO |
Reasoning | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Quantitative Aptitude | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
English Language | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
General Awareness | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Professional Knowledge | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
Descriptive Writing | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ |
Banking Awareness | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
Smarter Strategies for SIDBI, PFRDA, and BoB LBO Exams
Preparing for SIDBI, PFRDA, and BoB LBO exams together can feel like running three races at once. But with the right approach, you can manage your time, sharpen your skills, and keep stress in check. Here are six practical strategies to help you prepare efficiently and perform at your best on exam day. You can also get some insight from the video given below:
Make Mock Tests Your Secret Weapon
Mock tests aren’t just practice—they’re your dress rehearsal for the big day. Start with sectional mocks covering reasoning, quant, English, and GA in the first two weeks. By week three, alternate full-length mock tests for SIDBI Grade A and B, PFRDA Grade A and BoB LBO Exams. This will help train your brain to handle different patterns. In the final week, simulate exam day with back-to-back mocks. Always spend 30–40 minutes analyzing errors after each test to fine-tune your strategy.
Build Exam-Day Stamina Early
Sitting for multiple exams on the same day is mentally exhausting. To prepare, practice giving two full-length mocks on the same day at least twice in the final week. This builds endurance and helps you stay sharp throughout. Review your performance critically to avoid repeating mistakes. Focus not only on accuracy but also on speed, as fatigue often leads to slow decision-making in the last paper.
Use the Pomodoro Technique for Focus
Long study hours can quickly lead to burnout. Break your sessions into manageable chunks using the Pomodoro Technique: study for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer 15-minute break. This method keeps your mind fresh and helps maintain concentration. During breaks, avoid screens—stretch, hydrate, or take a quick walk to recharge before the next study burst.
Prioritize “Easy Wins” During Exams
On exam day, your goal is to maximize your score, not get stuck on tough questions. Start each section with questions you find easiest to build momentum and confidence. Then, circle back to harder ones. During mocks, set strict time limits for each section to train yourself to move on when needed. For example, allot 20 minutes to reasoning, 25 to quant, and so on—this prevents over-investing time in any single area.
Stay Stress-Free With Daily Reset Rituals
Mental fitness is as critical as academic preparation. Schedule short walks or stretch breaks between long study hours to refresh your body and mind. Add deep breathing exercises or mindfulness for 5 minutes daily to calm exam anxiety. Prioritize sleep, aiming for 7–8 hours nightly to boost memory and problem-solving skills. Remember, a rested mind processes information faster and avoids silly mistakes under pressure.
Focus on Your Journey—Not Others’
It’s easy to feel discouraged when comparing your prep to others, but it’s also unnecessary. Every aspirant’s journey is unique, and what works for them may not work for you. Surround yourself with supportive mentors or peers for encouragement. Reflect on your progress weekly and set small, achievable goals. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small—they’ll keep you motivated for the long road ahead.
Summing Up
Balancing three major exams like SIDBI Grade A, PFRDA Grade A, and BoB LBO is no small task. But with the right study plan, revision techniques, and exam time management tips, you can stay ahead.Focus on building stamina, practicing effectively, and keeping your mind clear. Preparation isn’t about working harder—it’s about working smarter and staying consistent.
Remember, smart work beats hard work. Focus on common sections, revise strategically, and maintain your calm. Trust your preparation—you’re closer to success than you think.
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