Ankush Garg

I Wasn’t the Smartest Aspirant—But I Cracked IBPS PO 2025

I began my preparation for banking exams with the hope of securing a stable career that could give me a better and more secure life. Like many aspirants, I believed hard work alone would be enough. However, reality turned out to be far more challenging than I had imagined.

I was an average student during both school and college. Mathematics was never my strong area, and my English skills were only moderate. For a long time, I struggled to understand how to approach exam preparation in the right way.

When Reality Hit Me Hard

In the very first month of my preparation, I decided to take an IBPS PO prelims mock test to assess myself. The result was shocking. I scored only 5 marks in Quantitative Aptitude, 0 in Reasoning, and 8 in English, making my total just 13 out of 100.

That moment completely shattered my confidence. I genuinely felt the exam was beyond my capacity and that clearing it might be impossible for someone like me. Still, I did not quit. I needed a job, and giving up was not an option.

The Moment Everything Changed

After that mock test, I understood that my basics were weak. I stopped chasing shortcuts and focused on learning core concepts, even if they consumed more time. I memorised tables up to 25, squares till 50, and cubes till 20, which later helped me solve simplification questions faster. For Reasoning, I realised puzzles were my biggest weakness, so I practised them daily, sometimes solving 30 to 50 puzzles in a single session. Slowly, my speed improved. In English, I focused on reading newspapers and books and solved two reading comprehensions daily. I used Smartkeeda’s free quizzes to strengthen my comprehension and avoided memorising grammar rules, concentrating only on understanding.

I Built Discipline Before Motivation

My inconsistency came from fading motivation. Once my marks dropped back to 13 again, I decided to build discipline. I stopped using social media, planned daily tasks every night, preferred timer-based practice over PDFs, and made task completion my priority. Over time, discipline replaced motivation and consistency followed.

The Real Battle Was Inside My Head

Despite improvement, anxiety affected my performance in mocks. I feared failure and aimed for perfection, which caused silly mistakes.

Strategy That Finally Worked

I focused on accuracy, solved one question at a time, skipped doubtful questions after 50 seconds, attempted easier ones first, and avoided guessing.

Exam Day

On exam day, I felt calm. The paper felt like another mock test. Time management felt natural due to consistent practice.

Result Day and Lessons

Then the final result day came, and I was so nervous. I remember while checking the results, my heartbeat went higher and higher, and finally the result window opened, and it was written, "congratulations you are selected" I was at the ninth cloud, so happy, satisfied, finally all my hard work paid off. It was as if I was finally seeing a secure future for myself. I was so grateful and happy at that time.

The IBPS PO journey taught me never to underestimate myself; it taught me that one can achieve any height if one chooses to. As an underconfident, average aspirant, I never thought I would clear this exam, but I eventually did.

Yes, it was more challenging than I expected, but with dedication and hard work, one can achieve any height.

What I Want Every IBPS PO Aspirant to Remember

The IBPS PO exam is indeed a challenging one, but with hard work and dedication, anyone can clear it, as I am a living example. Believe in yourself, never give up, and stay consistent. No matter the mock score or the failures, it is all part of the process.

Focus more on your strengths, improve your weaker areas, and remember that growth can be slow, but that means you are making progress. Don't rush yourself.

You can do it.

How Smartkeeda Gave Structure to My IBPS PO 2025 Preparation

I recall that during the early phase of my preparation, I was searching for questions to practice, and then I discovered Smartkeedas' free quiz section. It has 100s of di's and puzzle sets. I started my journey from there.

I strictly followed their CA-mock drill for my current affairs source. I relied on their mock tests, and their detailed analysis actually helped me identify my weak areas. To boost my speed, I also used SmartKeeda's speed drills, which proved to be very helpful.

Smartkeeda helped me in every way to improve myself and boost my overall performance. In short, Smartkeeda played a significant role in my journey, helping me achieve my goal.

It was there for me at every turn, helping me learn and grow steadily. In the end, it played a big role in my success, and I can't express enough how thankful I am for all the support Smartkeeda provided along the way.