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DBF Study Plan 2026 detailed 90 days timetable and strategy by Exam Prepp and Sunderpal Dahiya Sir
DBF Study Plan 2026: 90 Days Powerful Strategy for Sure Success

DBF Study Plan 2026: Detailed 90-Day Timetable & Powerful August–November Strategy

Complete August to November 2026 Exam Cycle Preparation Roadmap with Official IIBF Schedule, Day-by-Day Timetable, Free YouTube Classes, MCQs, Concept Notes, Prime Test Series, Paid Course and Mentoring Support

DBF Study Plan 2026 is very important for students preparing for the August to November 2026 exam cycle. Starting on 2 August 2026 and culminating in the November official examinations, a smart preparation strategy can help you cover all four DBF papers, revise important concepts, practice MCQs and attempt mock tests with confidence. In this article, Exam Prepp provides a complete DBF 90-day timetable, day-by-day preparation roadmap, free YouTube classes, notes, MCQ PDF bundle, test series, free quizzes, paid course, one-to-one mentoring and direct guidance from Sunderpal Dahiya Sir.

Official IIBF DBF November 2026 Exam Schedule & Rules

This roadmap begins on 2 August 2026 and completes its first 90-day preparation cycle on 30 October 2026. Official dates listed on the IIBF portal for the DB&F November 2026 exam cycle are as follows:

Paper NameOfficial Examination Date
Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE & IFS)1 November 2026
Principles & Practices of Banking (PPB)22 November 2026
Accounting & Financial Management for Bankers (AFM)28 November 2026
Retail Banking & Wealth Management (RBWM)29 November 2026

Exam Pattern & Passing Rules: The examination consists of approximately 100 objective questions for 100 marks, with 2 hours allowed and no negative marking. A candidate ordinarily needs 50 marks out of 100 in each paper to pass, or an aggregate of 50% across all papers in a single attempt with a minimum of 45 marks per paper. Always verify rules directly on the official IIBF website (https://www.iibf.org.in/).

Quick Answer: How to Prepare for DBF Exam 2026?

To prepare for DBF Exam 2026, students should follow a structured plan based on available time. Starting August 2, 2026, cover IE&IFS, PPB, AFM, and RBWM step-by-step. If you have 90 days, build core concepts with video classes and notes, solve 5,000+ MCQs, and attempt full mock tests before November. If you have 60 or 30 days, follow an accelerated crash strategy focusing 70% on MCQ PDF bundles, short notes, and full test series.

In simple words: Concept Class → Concept Notes → Chapter MCQs → Error Analysis → Revision → Sectional Test → Full Mock Test.

Daily Study Structure for Working Aspirants & Full-Time Students

To maintain consistency, structure your daily schedule according to your current employment status:

Full-Time Students Schedule (4–5 Hours Daily)

SessionActivityTime Allocation
Session 1Concept class or recorded video lecture90 Minutes
Session 2IIBF book / Exam Prepp concept notes reading60 Minutes
Session 3Chapter-wise MCQ practice60 Minutes
Session 4Revision and updating error notebook30 Minutes
Session 5AFM Calculation & Formula practice30 Minutes

Working Students Schedule (2.5–3 Hours Daily)

  • Morning Slot (45 Mins): Quick concept reading and formula revision before work.
  • Evening Slot (75 Mins): Watch video class and highlight concept notes.
  • Night Slot (30–45 Mins): Practice 30–40 chapter-wise MCQs on Exam Prepp App.
  • Weekend Slot: 1 Sectional Test plus backlog topic completion.

Daily Minimum Target Checklist

  • 1 major concept or 2 short topics completed daily.
  • 40–50 chapter-wise MCQs solved with error checking.
  • 5 difficult facts/formulas noted in the error notebook.
  • 10 minutes quick review of the previous day’s targets.
  • AFM calculation practice at least 4 days every week.

Phase 1: Foundation and Concept Building (2 August – 29 August 2026)

Week 1: Days 1–7 | 2–8 August 2026

Primary Target: IE & IFS Module A — Indian Economic Architecture

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 12 AugUnderstand exam pattern, syllabus and passing criteria. Take 100-question diagnostic test and create 4 subject folders.
Day 23 AugEvolution, characteristics and structural changes of the Indian economy. Complete 40 MCQs.
Day 34 AugEconomic planning: objectives, types, achievements and limitations. Prepare a one-page timeline.
Day 45 AugPrimary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary and quinary sectors. Complete 50 MCQs.
Day 56 AugRole of agriculture, industry and services; structural transformation of India.
Day 67 AugGlobalisation, economic reforms, FDI, FII and foreign trade. Watch Exam Prepp revision class.
Day 78 AugWeekly revision plus 100-question Module A sectional test. Analyse every incorrect answer.

Weekly Output: Module A concept notes, 1 economic timeline, 250 MCQs solved.

Week 2: Days 8–14 | 9–15 August 2026

Primary Target: IE & IFS Module B — Economic Concepts Related to Banking

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 89 AugFundamentals of economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics and types of economies.
Day 910 AugDemand, supply, equilibrium and shifts in demand/supply curves.
Day 1011 AugMoney, money supply, monetary aggregates and inflation. Complete 60 MCQs.
Day 1112 AugTheories of interest and liquidity preference; prepare a comparison chart.
Day 1213 AugBusiness cycles, their characteristics and different phases.
Day 1314 AugMonetary policy, fiscal policy, FRBM Act and policy instruments.
Day 1415 AugNational income, GDP, GNP, NDP, deficits and Union Budget; take Module B test.

AFM Side Practice: Simple interest, compound interest and percentage calculations for 20 minutes daily.

Week 3: Days 15–21 | 16–22 August 2026

Primary Target: IE & IFS Module C — Indian Financial Architecture

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 1516 AugIndian financial system and phases of banking development.
Day 1617 AugBanking structure: commercial banks, RRBs, cooperative banks, SFBs and payment banks.
Day 1718 AugRBI functions, monetary authority, banker to government and banker’s bank.
Day 1819 AugRBI Act 1934 and Banking Regulation Act 1949 — important provisions.
Day 1920 AugDevelopment financial institutions, NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank and NHB.
Day 2021 AugNBFCs, financial inclusion, priority-sector framework and government initiatives.
Day 2122 AugModule C test plus cumulative revision of IE & IFS Modules A–C.

Week 4: Days 22–28 | 23–29 August 2026

Primary Target: IE & IFS Module D — Financial Products and Services

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 2223 AugFinancial markets, their functions and major segments.
Day 2324 AugCall money, notice money, term money, T-bills, CP and CD.
Day 2425 AugRepo, TREPS, LTRO and other money-market instruments.
Day 2526 AugGovernment securities, bonds, yield, price and primary dealers.
Day 2627 AugCapital market, primary market, secondary market, ASBA and QIP.
Day 2728 AugForex market, insurance, pension products, mutual funds, REITs and InvITs.
Day 2829 AugComplete IE & IFS syllabus test — 100 questions in 2 hours. Prepare first weak-topic list.

Milestone: First reading of IE & IFS complete by Day 28!

Phase 2: Complete the Remaining Three Papers (30 August – 17 October 2026)

Week 5: Days 29–35 | 30 August – 5 September 2026

Primary Target: PPB Module A — General Banking Operations

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 2930 AugBanker-customer relationship and different types of banking relationships.
Day 3031 AugDeposit accounts and account-opening requirements.
Day 311 SepKYC, AML, PMLA, CKYCR, FATCA and CRS.
Day 322 SepSpecial customers: minors, firms, companies, trusts and societies.
Day 333 SepNegotiable instruments, cheques, crossings, endorsement and paying banker.
Day 344 SepCollecting banker, customer service, Consumer Protection Act and RTI Act.
Day 355 SepPPB Module A test plus IE & IFS mixed revision test.

Week 6: Days 36–42 | 6–12 September 2026

Primary Target: PPB Module B — Functions of Banks

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 366 SepPrinciples of lending and types of borrowers.
Day 377 SepFund-based and non-fund-based credit facilities.
Day 388 SepCredit appraisal, working-capital assessment and term-loan assessment.
Day 399 SepSecurities, charge creation, pledge, hypothecation, mortgage and assignment.
Day 4010 SepDocumentation, credit monitoring, NPA identification and provisioning basics.
Day 4111 SepRecovery, SARFAESI, DRT, Lok Adalat, IBC and compromise settlement.
Day 4212 SepMSME finance, priority-sector lending and government schemes; Module B test.

Week 7: Days 43–49 | 13–19 September 2026

Primary Target: PPB Modules C & D — Digital Banking & Ethics

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 4313 SepBank computerisation, CBS, BOD, EOD and operational controls.
Day 4414 SepATMs, cards, internet banking, mobile banking and delivery channels.
Day 4515 SepNEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, SWIFT and electronic clearing systems.
Day 4616 SepCybersecurity, online frauds, customer liability and failed-transaction rules.
Day 4717 SepFinTech, RegTech, SupTech, account aggregators and open banking.
Day 4818 SepEthics, professional conduct and ethical decision-making in banking.
Day 4919 SepComplete PPB full-length test and update error notebook.

Week 8: Days 50–56 | 20–26 September 2026

Primary Target: AFM Modules A & B — Accounting Functions & Financial Statements

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 5020 SepAccounting principles, standards, GAAP, IFRS and Ind AS.
Day 5121 SepDouble-entry system, debit-credit rules, journal and ledger.
Day 5222 SepCash book, subsidiary books and bank reconciliation statement (BRS).
Day 5323 SepTrial balance, rectification and adjustment entries.
Day 5424 SepBills of exchange and operational accounting entries.
Day 5525 SepFinal accounts, company accounts and financial statements.
Day 5626 SepCash-flow statement, fund-flow statement and banking company accounts; test.

Week 9: Days 57–63 | 27 September – 3 October 2026

Primary Target: AFM Modules C & D — Financial Management & Taxation

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 5727 SepFinancial management objectives, risk-return relationship & TVM.
Day 5828 SepRatio analysis: liquidity, profitability, solvency and activity ratios.
Day 5929 SepSimple interest, compound interest, annuities, present & future value.
Day 6030 SepCapital budgeting: payback, NPV, IRR and profitability index.
Day 611 OctWorking capital management, leasing and derivatives.
Day 622 OctIncome tax, TDS, GST and deferred tax basics.
Day 633 OctCosting, break-even analysis, marginal costing & budgets; AFM sectional test.

Week 10: Days 64–70 | 4–10 October 2026

Primary Target: RBWM Modules A & B — Retail Banking Fundamentals

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 644 OctRetail banking: meaning, characteristics, evolution and challenges.
Day 655 OctRetail banking business models and comparison with corporate banking.
Day 666 OctBranch profitability, ROA, ROE and operating efficiency.
Day 677 OctCustomer requirements, service quality and product development.
Day 688 OctRetail liability products and deposit accounts.
Day 699 OctHousing, vehicle, education, personal and other retail loan products.
Day 7010 OctCredit scoring, retail-loan appraisal, documentation, NPA & recovery; test.

Week 11: Days 71–77 | 11–17 October 2026

Primary Target: RBWM Modules C & D — Marketing & Wealth Management

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 7111 OctMarketing concepts and retail-banking marketing mix.
Day 7212 OctDelivery channels, DSAs, tie-ups and digital service models.
Day 7313 OctCRM, customer satisfaction and service standards.
Day 7414 OctMarketing information systems and grievance redressal.
Day 7515 OctWealth management process, financial planning and investment management.
Day 7616 OctMutual funds, insurance, bonds, retirement planning & portfolio management.
Day 7717 OctValuation, real estate, reverse mortgage & complete RBWM test.

Milestone: First reading of all four papers complete by Day 77!

Phase 3: Revision, Prime Test Series and Exam Readiness (18–30 October 2026)

Week 12: Days 78–84 | 18–24 October 2026

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 7818 OctIE & IFS Modules A and B rapid revision plus 150 MCQs.
Day 7919 OctIE & IFS Modules C and D rapid revision plus 150 MCQs.
Day 8020 OctPrime Test 1 — IE & IFS Full Mock; analyse incorrect & guessed answers.
Day 8121 OctPPB complete revision plus 100 mixed MCQs.
Day 8222 OctAFM formula revision plus 50 numerical questions.
Day 8323 OctRBWM complete revision plus 100 mixed MCQs.
Day 8424 OctFour-paper grand test: 25 questions from each paper.

Final Week: Days 85–90 | 25–30 October 2026

DayDateStudy Target & Execution
Day 8525 OctIE & IFS Prime Mock 2. Analyse errors on the same day.
Day 8626 OctRevise economic architecture, planning, sectors, reforms, FDI & SDGs.
Day 8727 OctRevise demand-supply, inflation, interest theories, GDP, Budget & monetary policy.
Day 8828 OctRevise RBI, banking structure, financial institutions & priority sector norms.
Day 8929 OctRevise money market, capital market, forex, bonds & REITs. Prime Mock 3.
Day 9030 OctFinal short notes, important facts and error notebook. Sleep properly.

31 October 2026: Buffer Day Instructions

  • Revise only marked questions and one-page micro notes.
  • Do not begin any new topic under any circumstances.
  • Check your admit letter, exam centre details and original photo ID.
  • Keep your permitted simple calculator ready if required for calculation papers.
  • Sleep for at least 7 to 8 hours to maintain high mental alert during the exam.

November Examination Bridge Plan (1 to 29 November 2026)

The gap days between individual paper examinations are goldmines for targeted revision. Follow this exact bridge execution strategy:

1 November 2026: IE & IFS Examination Day

Attempt all 100 questions since there is no negative marking. Manage time efficiently (120 minutes for 100 questions).

2–14 November 2026: PPB Re-Activation Phase

  • Days 2–5 (2–5 Nov): PPB Module A complete revision & 150 MCQs daily.
  • Days 6–9 (6–9 Nov): PPB Module B credit & lending rules revision.
  • Days 10–11 (10–11 Nov): PPB Modules C & D digital banking & ethics.
  • Days 12–13 (12–13 Nov): Attempt two full PPB Prime Mock Tests on Exam Prepp App.

15–21 November 2026: PPB Final Revision

  • 3 full-length mocks + complete error-notebook review.
  • Final day before exam: Only short notes and previously marked wrong MCQs.

22 November 2026: PPB Examination Day

After returning from the exam center, rest during the evening. Do not over-analyse the paper.

23–27 November 2026: AFM & RBWM Final Sprint

DateMorning Session (AFM)Evening Session (RBWM)
23 NovAFM accounting process & standardsRBWM Modules A & B products
24 NovAFM financial statements & BRSRBWM Modules C & D marketing
25 NovAFM TVM & numerical formulasRBWM Full Mock Test
26 NovAFM taxation, costing & budgetsRBWM Error Notebook revision
27 NovAFM Full Mock & Formula SheetRBWM one-page summary notes

28 November 2026: AFM Examination Day

After the AFM paper, rest for 2 hours. In the evening, review RBWM products, credit scoring, marketing mix, CRM and wealth management. Do not attempt late-night tests.

29 November 2026: RBWM Examination Day

Complete the final DBF paper with calm time management and attempt every single question!

30, 60 & 90 Days Plan Comparison: Which Should You Choose?

Available TimeSuitable Student CategoryMain Strategy FocusRecommended Exam Prepp Resource
90 Days PlanBeginners, Non-Commerce students, Working aspirants needing slow-paced learning.Complete concept building + In-depth notes + Regular MCQs + Full Test Series.DBF Full Paid Course
60 Days PlanStudents with basic financial knowledge or disciplined daily study hours.High-weightage concept modules + MCQ Practice Batch + Mock Tests.Paid Course + Test Series
30 Days PlanRepeaters, banking job candidates, or quick learners needing rapid revision.Crash Revision Notes + MCQ PDF Bundle + Mock Test Analysis.MCQ PDF Bundle & Notes

DBF Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy

1. Indian Economy and Indian Financial System (IE&IFS)

Focus on economic indicators, RBI policies, money/capital markets, and international financial institutions. Maintain micro-notes for numerical values.

2. Principles and Practices of Banking (PPB)

Study banker-customer relationships, deposit/loan accounts, PSL rules, digital banking, and cheque truncation system (CTS).

3. Accounting and Financial Management for Bankers (AFM)

Practice numerical formulas daily (TVM, Ratio Analysis, Capital Budgeting, Depreciation). Solve numerical problems using simple calculators.

4. Retail Banking and Wealth Management (RBWM)

Understand retail asset/liability products, credit scoring, LTV ratios, marketing mix, CRM, and wealth management portfolios.

Prepare DBF 2026 Under the Guidance of Sunderpal Dahiya Sir

Mentorship can make the difference between passing and falling short by a few marks. Students preparing for DBF 2026 have the exclusive opportunity to study directly under the leadership of Sunderpal Dahiya Sir (10+ years experience in banking and finance coaching).

90-Day Final Target Metrics

Requirement CategoryTarget Quantity
Complete Syllabus Readings2 Times
Concept Note Revisions2 Times
Chapter-Wise MCQs Solved5,000 – 6,000 Questions
Sectional Tests Completed12 – 16 Tests
Full-Length Mock Tests Completed8 – 10 Full Mocks
AFM Numerical Questions Solved700+ Numericals
One-Page Micro Revision SheetsAll Major Chapters
Error-Notebook RevisionsMinimum 3 Times
Desired Mock Test Accuracy70% – 80%

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – DBF Study Plan 2026

Q1: What is DBF Study Plan 2026?

A: DBF Study Plan 2026 is a structured preparation roadmap designed by Exam Prepp starting 2 August 2026 for candidates targeting the November 2026 DBF exam cycle. It includes day-by-day schedules, subject timetables, MCQ practice plans, and mock testing strategies.

Q2: What are the official DBF November 2026 exam dates?

A: According to IIBF, the official exam dates are: IE & IFS on 1 November 2026, PPB on 22 November 2026, AFM on 28 November 2026, and RBWM on 29 November 2026.

Q3: Is 90 days enough for DBF preparation?

A: Yes, 90 days (from 2 August to 30 October 2026) is the ideal timeframe for DBF preparation, allowing candidates to read the syllabus twice, solve 5,000+ MCQs, and complete 8–10 full mock tests.

Q4: Is 60 days enough for DBF Exam 2026?

A: Yes, a dedicated 60-day study plan focusing on high-weightage modules, daily MCQ practice, and revision is sufficient to qualify DBF comfortably.

Q5: Can I qualify DBF in 30 days?

A: Yes, you can qualify DBF in 30 days by following a fast-track crash strategy focusing 70% of your time on the Exam Prepp MCQ PDF Bundle, summary notes, and full-length mock tests.

Q6: Which DBF subject should I study first?

A: Beginners are advised to start with Indian Economy & Indian Financial System (IE&IFS) or Principles and Practices of Banking (PPB) as they build basic banking awareness before tackling Accounting (AFM).

Q7: How many MCQs should I practice daily for DBF?

A: Practicing 40 to 50 MCQs daily per paper is recommended to improve concept application, speed, and accuracy for the IIBF exam format.

Q8: Are free YouTube classes enough for DBF?

A: Free YouTube classes provide valuable basic guidance. However, for structured syllabus coverage, organized notes, test series, and direct mentoring, joining the Exam Prepp Paid Course is highly recommended.

Q9: Where can I watch free DBF classes?

A: You can watch free DBF video classes on the official Exam Prepp YouTube Playlist.

Q10: Is DBF test series important?

A: Yes, test series are crucial. They help evaluate your time management, highlight weak areas, and familiarize you with the actual IIBF online exam interface.

Q11: What is DBF MCQ PDF bundle?

A: The Exam Prepp MCQ PDF Bundle is a curated collection of 5,000+ module-wise practice questions, numerical solutions, and high-probability MCQs tailored for rapid revision.

Q12: Are Exam Prepp notes useful for DBF?

A: Absolutely. Exam Prepp PDF notes simplify complex financial theory into short, easy-to-read bullet points and formula summary sheets ideal for busy aspirants.

Q13: What is the best DBF course for 2026?

A: The Exam Prepp DBF Paid Course is considered the complete solution because it integrates video lectures, PDF notes, MCQ batches, Prime Test Series, and direct mentorship from Sunderpal Dahiya Sir.

Q14: Does Exam Prepp provide one-to-one mentoring?

A: Yes, Exam Prepp provides personalized one-to-one mentoring, study plan customization, and direct call discussions for students enrolled in paid programs.

Q15: Can I talk directly to Sunderpal Dahiya Sir?

A: Yes, paid course students can request direct call sessions with Sunderpal Dahiya Sir for career guidance, study doubt clearing, and revision strategy.

Q16: Does Exam Prepp provide career guidance?

A: Yes, Exam Prepp offers free career counselling explaining how DBF certification accelerates private/public bank hiring, RBI Grade B preparation, and JAIIB benefits.

Q17: Is DBF useful for banking jobs?

A: Yes, DBF is widely recognized by banks and financial institutions. Having a DBF certificate demonstrates financial literacy and gives candidates a major advantage during job interviews.

Q18: Is DBF useful for RBI Grade B preparation?

A: Yes, the DBF syllabus covers core concepts of the Indian financial system, economics, and banking management, which directly align with Phase 1 & Phase 2 of RBI Grade B.

Q19: Is Exam Prepp the same as Exam Prep or ExamPrepp?

A: Yes, many students search for Exam Prepp using different spellings such as Exam Prep, ExamPrep or ExamPrepp. The official learning platform is Exam Prepp, guided by Sunderpal Dahiya Sir.

Q20: Where can I join DBF Telegram group?

A: You can join the official DBF Telegram discussion community directly by visiting telegram.me/DBF_EXAM_PREPP.

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