Success Story of Ravish Ranjan: From Missing SBI PO by 0.01 Marks to Cracking IBPS PO

Success in banking exams is not just about intelligence—it’s about persistence, strategy, and the ability to bounce back after failures. The journey of Ravish Ranjan is a perfect example of how consistency and determination can turn near-misses into final success.

Starting his preparation journey in 2017, Ravish faced multiple setbacks, including missing the SBI PO final selection by just 0.01 marks. However, instead of giving up, he continued refining his strategy and ultimately secured selection as a BOI PO with All India Rank 312 through IBPS PO.

In this success story, we’ll explore his preparation strategy, challenges, and key takeaways for aspirants.

Candidate Details

• Name: Ravish Ranjan
• Exam Cleared: IBPS PO
• Final Selection: BOI PO
• AIR: 312

Q1. Tell us about your preparation journey.

I completed my higher studies in 2016 and started preparing for bank exams in 2017. My first attempt was SBI PO, for which I started preparation after the notification. I narrowly missed the final selection by 0.01 marks.

In 2018, I appeared again for SBI PO but missed the final list by less than 1.5 marks. After that, I started working and took a break from exams. Later, I resumed preparation and appeared for IBPS PO, where I finally succeeded.

Q2. How did you prepare for the English section?

For English, I focused heavily on reading newspapers like Hindustan Times and Economic Times. Since the exam is comprehension-based, especially in mains, reading editorials helped a lot.

My grammar basics were already clear, so I focused more on solving new pattern questions through mocks. Regular reading and practice helped me perform well in this section.

Q3. What was your strategy for Quantitative Aptitude?

I started by clearing the basics of arithmetic. I followed a step-by-step approach:

• First, learned basic concepts
• Then solved easy questions
• Gradually moved to advanced-level questions

I used YouTube videos and mock tests to practice difficult questions. I also focused on:

• Data Interpretation based on arithmetic
• Data Sufficiency
• Comparison-based questions

Q4. How did you approach the Reasoning section?

Reasoning was a major focus area, especially puzzles and seating arrangements, as they dominate both prelims and mains.

I practiced:

• New pattern puzzles
• Arrangements
• Blood relations
• Direction & distance
• Coding-decoding

For mains, I also worked on analytical reasoning, which carries significant weight.

Q5. How did you prepare for General Awareness?

I dedicated one month to GA preparation. Since time was limited, I:

• Covered last 6 months of current affairs
• Attempted quizzes regularly
• Used multiple sources for revision

I even carried printed GA capsules while traveling for the exam. However, I believe the best strategy is to study GA daily to avoid last-minute pressure.

Q6. What was your overall preparation strategy for IBPS PO?

Since my basics were already clear, I started giving mock tests from the beginning. My strategy included:

• Analyzing mocks regularly
• Working on weak areas
• Focusing first on prelims
• Simultaneously practicing mains-level questions

After clearing prelims, I got around 25 days for mains, during which I:

• Increased mock practice
• Focused on GA
• Practiced new pattern questions

Q7. Did you face any challenges during your journey?

Yes, during my prelims exam, my center was 3 hours away. I fell sick during the journey, but I didn’t give up. I reminded myself of my goal and gave my best despite the situation.

This experience taught me that determination matters more than circumstances.

Q8. How did mock tests help you?

Mock tests played a crucial role in my success. They helped me:

• Understand the real exam level
• Compare my performance with other aspirants
• Identify mistakes and weak areas

Practicing mocks regularly improved both my speed and accuracy.

Q9. What message would you like to give to aspirants?

• Clear your basic concepts first
• Practice new pattern questions regularly
• Start GA preparation early
• Learn from your failures

If you are missing exams by small margins, don’t lose hope. Every attempt adds to your experience and brings you closer to success.

Confidence and smart hard work are the keys to cracking competitive exams.

Conclusion

Ravish Ranjan’s journey highlights an important lesson—success often comes after repeated failures. Missing selection by 0.01 marks could break anyone’s confidence, but he chose to persist.

His story proves that with the right strategy, consistent practice, and a never-give-up attitude, cracking exams like IBPS PO is absolutely achievable.

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