A full-time banking job by day and SBI CBO preparation by night – that was Ankit Mandal’s routine for months. The story of SBI CBO Topper Ankit Mandal is truly inspiring for many aspirants who struggle to balance work and study, as he chose consistency over intensity and turned a clear goal into a final selection.
Ankit Mandal has successfully cleared the SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Exam conducted by the State Bank of India. When he first came across the SBI CBO notification in 2022, he knew he wanted to be part of SBI. Instead of rushing into preparation, he took a step back to properly understand the syllabus and exam pattern before building a structured plan around it, and as a result we see the remarkable journey of Ankit unfold.
Success Story of SBI CBO Topper Ankit Mandal
In this interview, Ankit shares his preparation strategy, challenges, and practical advice for aspirants preparing for the SBI CBO exam, giving us insight into the journey behind the success of SBI CBO.
1. Please introduce yourself and tell us about your background.
My name is Ankit Mandal. I am from Barrackpore, West Bengal. I started my banking career with Axis Bank in 2022 as an Assistant Manager. While working there, I decided to prepare for the SBI CBO exam because I wanted to build a long-term career in SBI.
2. What motivated you to apply for the SBI CBO exam?
When I saw the SBI CBO notification in 2022, I felt that this was the right opportunity for me. SBI has a strong reputation and offers stability and growth. I always wanted to work in a public sector bank, and CBO was the perfect opportunity since I already had banking experience.
3. How did you manage preparation along with your full-time job?
Managing both was challenging, but I made a fixed daily schedule. I used to study for a few hours before or after office, depending on my shift. On weekends, I dedicated more time to revision and mock tests. Consistency was more important than studying for long hours, and that habit was a crucial part of my preparation.
4. How did you plan your preparation for the written exam?
First, I understood the SBI CBO complete syllabus and exam pattern. I focused on finishing the syllabus section by section. After that, I practiced previous year questions from Oliveboard to understand the type and level of questions asked. Then I started attempting sectional tests and gradually moved to full-length Oliveboard mock tests. This step-by-step approach helped me improve my accuracy and time management.
5. Did you follow any specific resources or coaching for preparation?
Yes, I joined the SBI CBO Complete Course on Oliveboard. It included concept classes, sectional tests, previous year questions, and full-length mock tests. Practicing the mocks regularly helped me understand my weak areas. The level of the mock tests was close to the actual exam, which boosted my confidence before the exam, contributing to my own journey towards becoming a SBI CBO Topper.
6. How was your interview experience?
The interview panel was professional and cordial. Most of the questions were based on my banking experience, my current role, and general banking awareness. They also asked about recent developments in the banking sector. Since I was clear about my job responsibilities, I was able to answer confidently, which reflected my preparation.
7. What were the biggest challenges during your preparation?
The biggest challenge was managing time along with my job. There were days when I felt tired after office, but I reminded myself of my goal. Staying consistent every day was difficult, but that made the difference in the end. Overcoming these challenges was part of my success story.
8. What is your advice for SBI CBO aspirants?
My advice is to first understand the syllabus and exam pattern clearly. Don’t jump directly into mock tests. Complete your basics, practice previous year questions, attempt sectionals, and then move to full-length mocks. Stay consistent and don’t lose confidence. If you are working, make a realistic schedule and stick to it.
The success story of SBI CBO Topper Ankit Mandal shows that with clarity, structured preparation, and consistent practice, it is possible to crack the such exams even while working full-time, which is the essence behind the success of Ankit Mandal. His step-by-step strategy, understanding the syllabus, practicing PYQs, and regularly attempting mock tests can serve as a practical roadmap for aspirants aiming to join SBI.
If you’re targeting the upcoming SBI CBO exam, start today. The competition gets tougher every year, and early preparation makes all the difference. Get access to a complete SBI CBO course with concept classes, PYQs, and full-length mock tests and start building your edge today, following the path of SBI CBO Topper Ankit Mandal.
I started my journey with storytelling and journalism, and somewhere along the way, I discovered how much I truly love writing. Words have always been my way of connecting with people.
With 4+ years of experience in content creation, social media, and video storytelling, I focus on building meaningful conversations, not just posts. I enjoy understanding audiences, planning engaging content, and turning followers into active, connected communities.
At Oliveboard, I work on creating value-driven content that informs, engages, and brings people together.
