Use both for different jobs: one good book or notes per subject for learning methods, and online timed practice and mocks for speed, because the real exam is on a computer. Avoid collecting many books for the same topic.
The exam is online, but learning still works well on paper. The best results usually come from a simple split: learn from a small set of sources, practise on screen.
What each is good for
| Job | Books / printed notes | Online practice |
|---|---|---|
| Learning a new method | Good: structured chapters | Fine if solutions are step by step |
| Building speed | Weak: no timer, no pressure | Good: timers and instant results |
| Exam interface | None | Close to the real screen |
| Tracking weak topics | Manual | Automatic accuracy by topic |
| Static GA and grammar rules | Good for revision | Good for quizzes |
| Current affairs | Goes out of date | Can stay current |
A sensible set-up
- One source per subject for theory. Finish it instead of switching.
- Online practice daily for timed questions, sectional tests and full mocks.
- A notebook for your own formulas, grammar rules and mistake lessons.
- Official material: the SBI information handout and, if you are eligible, SBI's online pre-examination training.
Common mistakes
- Buying many books and finishing none.
- Reading solutions without solving first.
- Practising only on a phone, then struggling with long passages on a computer screen.
Choosing one theory source
Pick a book or notes set that is recent, explains methods with worked examples, has exercises with answers, and matches the current pattern (for example, includes newer English formats). Read one sample chapter before committing. Then finish it.
Free official and public material
Some useful material costs nothing: SBI's information handout (sample questions and how the online test works), RBI press releases and publications for banking awareness, PIB releases for government schemes, and the Union Budget website for budget facts. These are also the most reliable sources when two books disagree on a fact.
- SBI: Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026, detailed advertisement (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)
- SBI: Junior Associates 2026 Prelims information handout (Acquaint Yourself)
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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