English Language is a high-scoring section in banking and insurance exams if prepared properly. Most aspirants fear English, but with clear understanding and regular practice, it can become your strongest section.
In this blog, you will learn the complete English syllabus for banking exams, including Prelims & Mains, along with important preparation tips.
Importance of English in Banking Exams
English Language tests a candidate’s:
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Reading ability
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Vocabulary knowledge
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Grammar understanding
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Comprehension skills
Organizations like Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS), SBI, RBI, and insurance companies include English as a mandatory section in both prelims and mains exams.
English Syllabus for Banking Exams – Overview
The English syllabus is divided into:
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Prelims English Syllabus
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Mains English Syllabus
📌 The syllabus remains largely the same, but the difficulty level increases in Mains.
🔹 English Syllabus for Banking Prelims
Prelims English focuses on basic grammar and comprehension skills.
📌 Topics Included in Prelims:
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Reading Comprehension (RC)
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Cloze Test
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Error Detection
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Fill in the Blanks
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Sentence Improvement
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Sentence Rearrangement / Para Jumbles
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Word Usage
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Spotting Errors
📌 Prelims English is mainly speed-based, so accuracy matters.
🔹 English Syllabus for Banking Mains
Mains English focuses more on advanced comprehension and vocabulary.
📌 Topics Included in Mains:
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Reading Comprehension (Long & Inference-based)
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Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Word Usage)
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Para Jumbles (Advanced)
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Sentence Connectors
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Sentence Correction
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Phrase Replacement
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Fillers (Double Fillers)
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Cloze Test (Advanced)
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Word Swap
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Error Correction (Multiple Errors)
📌 Mains questions test depth of understanding, not rote learning.
English Syllabus for Insurance Exams
Insurance exams like LIC AAO, NIACL AO, UIIC AO follow a similar English syllabus with emphasis on:
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Reading Comprehension
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Vocabulary
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Grammar
👉 If you prepare English for banking exams, insurance English is automatically covered.
Weightage of English in Banking Exams
| Exam Stage | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Prelims | 30 |
| Mains | 35–40 |
📌 English can be a deciding factor in clearing cut-offs.
Preparation Strategy for English Language
✅ For Beginners:
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Start with basic grammar rules
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Read English newspaper/editorials daily
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Practice RC and Cloze Test regularly
✅ For Mains Level:
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Focus on vocabulary building
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Practice long RCs
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Improve reading speed & comprehension
Common Mistakes Aspirants Make in English
❌ Ignoring grammar basics
❌ Memorizing vocabulary without usage
❌ Skipping reading practice
❌ Not analyzing mock test mistakes
❌ Fear of English language
How to Improve English for Banking Exams
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Read editorials daily
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Learn 5–10 new words every day
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Practice sectional mock tests
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Analyze errors carefully
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Revise grammar rules weekly
Final Words
The English syllabus for banking exams is not difficult if approached with the right mindset. With daily reading, consistent practice, and proper revision, English can become your most scoring section in IBPS, SBI, RBI, and Insurance exams.
👉 Start small, stay consistent, and practice daily.
📌 FAQs
Q1. Is English compulsory in banking exams?
Yes, English is compulsory in both prelims and mains exams.
Q2. Is English syllabus same for IBPS and SBI?
Yes, the syllabus is almost identical with minor variations.
Q3. How much time is required to prepare English for banking exams?
With regular practice, 3–4 months are sufficient to see improvement.