Patience and smart work is the key to success, says SBI Clerk 2019 qualifier Gaurav Anijwal

State Bank of India Clerk Exam 2025 ( SBI Clerk )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 15 Nov '25 - 16 Nov '25

Anangsha
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
Updated on Apr 10, 2020 19:07 IST

SBI Clerk 2019 qualifier, Gaurav Anijwal believes that Patience and smart work is the key to success. Read his complete interview below.

SBI Clerk

Every year, lakhs of candidates appear for SBI Clerk exam to pursue their dream of joining the most prestigious organisation. Once SBI Clerk 2019 results were out, Gaurav Anijwal was among the few candidates who have qualified the exam. It is not an easy task to clear the prelims and mains of SBI Clerk in the first attempt itself. To get there, Gaurav not just spent time studying the syllabus and books, but also attempted innumerable mock tests. “This is my first attempt and prepared for the exam for three months sincerely and dedicatedly. Initially, I took coaching as it helps to understand the format of the exam. It is important to take mock tests as it helps to identify the topics that needed to focus on and track performance,” said Gaurav.

When we asked him, regarding his mantra to success, he said, “Just believe in yourself and your preparation. Only Patience and smart work will lead you towards your goal.”

In conversation with Shiksha, Gaurav Anijwal shared some interesting strategies for cracking SBI Clerk for future aspirants.

Q. Congratulations on clearing SBI Clerk. How was your feeling about qualifying the exam?

A.

Clearing an exam always gives you the best feeling. It does not matter which exam you have cleared. This gives you more confidence and boosts up your spirit of clearing more exams in the future. However, clearing the SBI Clerk exam from Delhi gave me the feeling that I am not behind anyone in this competitive environment.

Q. Tell us something about your background?

A.

I basically from Delhi only. I have completed done my graduation from Deen Dayal Upadhaya College, Delhi University, in Commerce Stream. I have completed my Master's degree in 2019 from IGNOU. 

 

Q. What was your overall marks/score in SBI Clerk? Which year did you qualify the exam and where you are currently working?

A.

I do not remember the score but the cut off in Delhi was high. I have cleared SBI Clerk exam in 2019. I am currently working in LIC after clearing the LIC Assistant exam. 

 

Q. What made you pursue a career in banking? Which all other exams did you appear in and which all you have been able to crack?

A.

I always dreamt of joining a financial institution. Even my uncle was in Canara Bank and got inspiration and motivation from him. This made me to pursue my career in the banking industry. Besides, SBI Clerk I have cleared LIC Assistant exam too. I have also appeared for the interview of IBPS PO. 

Q. How much time did you prepare for the SBI Clerk exam? Did you crack it in the first attempt?

A.

Yes, this is my first attempt at SBI Clerk. I have prepared for the exam for three months but with a targeted strategy. As I was already preparing for other exams it helped me a lot in clearing this exam.

Q. Did you take any coaching for the exam? If yes, from where and how long?

A.

Yes, I took coaching for the exam in 2018 from a leading coaching institute. But after that, I had prepared by myself by referring to the study materials available on the online platform.

Q. How to prepare for SBI Clerk exam? Tell us the strategy you applied to prepare for the exam?

A.

I always focussed on scoring better marks in the mains exam. Besides, focussed on the sections in which I can score maximum marks such as Current Affairs and Financial Awareness. Students should clear their basics whether it is English, Quant or Reasoning. 

 

 

Q. Is coaching important to crack the exam?

A.

It depends on the person to person. I won’t say the only mantra to clear the examination is to join coaching. If your basics are not cleared and you want to start from the beginning then it will be helpful. Otherwise, you go through the basics and give mock tests online that will be best for you.

Q. Tell us regarding the SBI Clerk study routine?

A.

I always believe in study as per the requirement. On a daily basis, I used to read newspapers, solved puzzles and Quant quizzes. 

 

 

Q. What is the ideal time for starting the preparation?

A.

Students can begin their preparation just after the notification is released. They should study daily and with a targeted approach. 

 

Q. How much time did you spend regularly on preparation?

A.

Studying for three to four hours is enough to clear the exam but candidates should focus only on study. 

 

 

Q. How you tackled your strong and weak areas?

A.

Just with practice and analysis of the mock tests I have tackled my strong and weak areas.

Q. Did you take any mock test? How mock tests help to improve your performance in the exam?

A.

Yes, the mock tests helped me most to tackle my strong and weak points.

Q. What are your hobbies? Did you attribute it to the preparation?

A.

My hobbies are watching movies, music, and reading books. This helped me to keep myself motivated during the exam preparation. 

Q. What factors you attribute for success?

A.

Patience and smart work are the key to success. 

Q. Any message or advice to the future banking aspirants?

A.

Just believe in yourself and your preparation. This is a highly competitive exam, and candidates need to prepare it very well.

About the Author
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Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.
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Answered a month ago

The prelims exam was conducted on September 20, 21, 27, 2025. The Mains exam will be conducted on November 15 and 16, 2025. 

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Few important points related to SBI Clerk exam centres are given below:

  • Candidates are required to choose the name of the SBI Clerk exam centre where they want to appear in the exam 
  • SBI reserves the right to cancel any of the exam centres or add some other centres at its discretion, depending upon th

...Read more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who are in their final year/semester of graduation can apply provisionally as per SBI Clerk qualification. They need to produce proof of having passed the examination on or before the joining date.

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

There are no definite percentage criteria defined by SBI to apply for SBI Clerk. Candidates within the prescribed SBI Clerk age limit can apply for the exam. Candidates must be well-versed in official and local languages.

R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, final year degree candidates can apply for SBI Clerk provisionally as per SBI Clerk qualification. Such candidates should note that if selected for the exam, they should provide proof of having passed the Graduation.

S

Sumridhi Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The relaxation in the upper SBI Clerk age limit provided to SC/ST candidates is five years. This means candidates belonging to this category can apply for the exam till the age of 33 years.

I

Indrani Thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The relaxation in the upper SBI Clerk age limit 2024 provided to the OBC candidates is three years. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are given relaxation in the upper age limit as per government rule.

B

Bhumika Arora

Contributor-Level 7