SBI Clerk 2026 – Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Preparation

State Bank of India recruits Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales), commonly called SBI Clerk, through its own exam. Selection is through a Preliminary exam, a Main exam and a test of the specified local language.

SBI Clerk Syllabus Practice BITS Latest Notifications

Eligibility
Selection process
Exam pattern
Syllabus
Subject-wise preparation
Mock tests
Current affairs & banking awareness
FAQs

SBI Clerk Eligibility

Educational qualification: A graduate degree in any discipline from a recognised university, as specified in the notification.
Local language: Candidates must know the specified local language of the State / UT applied for, as set out in the notification.
Age and other conditions: Age limits, relaxations and the cut-off date are set in each notification.

Check the latest official notification before applying. Eligibility conditions, age limits and relaxations are published in each notification on SBI Careers.

SBI Clerk Selection Process

Preliminary Examination – Online objective test. Qualifying for the Mains.
Main Examination – Online objective test. There is no interview; provisional selection is based on the Main exam score.
Language Proficiency Test – Test of the specified local language of the State / UT applied for, as described in the notification.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern

SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination

SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination pattern
Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Numerical Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	1 hour

SBI Clerk Main Examination

SBI Clerk Main Examination pattern
Subject	Questions	Marks	Duration
General / Financial Awareness	50	50	35 minutes
General English	40	40	35 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50	60	45 minutes
Total	190	200	2 hours 40 minutes

Note: Each test is separately timed. For each wrong answer in the objective tests, one quarter (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.

Exam pattern and selection process may vary by recruitment notification. Candidates should check the latest official notification. This pattern is from the SBI advertisement CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 (August 2026). Sections, question counts and timings are revised from time to time, so confirm the current pattern on SBI Careers before you apply or prepare.

SBI Clerk Syllabus

The syllabus page lists every subject with its chapters and topics, which stage tests it and a preparation tip.

📄 SBI Clerk Syllabus – Prelims & Mains, subject-wise

Subject-wise Preparation for SBI Clerk

Each subject links to its practice BITS, a timed subject mock test and study material where CompeteBits has them.

Reasoning Ability

Prelims & Mains

Tests logical thinking under time pressure. Puzzles and seating arrangements carry the most weight, especially in the Mains.

Practice BITS (50) Mock test Study material Syllabus topics

Numerical Ability

Prelims

The Clerk-level Prelims name for the quantitative section: the same arithmetic, series and DI topics at a slightly easier level.

Practice BITS (11) Mock test Study material Syllabus topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Mains

Arithmetic, number series, quadratic equations and data interpretation. Calculation speed decides most of the score.

Practice BITS (103) Mock test Study material Syllabus topics

English Language

Prelims & Mains

Reading comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. Reading comprehension usually carries the largest share of the section.

Practice BITS (23) Mock test Study material Syllabus topics

General / Financial / Banking Awareness

Mains

A Mains-only section on banking, the economy and current affairs. It needs no calculation, so good preparation saves time for other sections.

Practice BITS (100) Mock test Study material Syllabus topics

Computer Aptitude

Mains (with Reasoning)

Asked together with Reasoning in the Mains. Questions test basic computer awareness rather than programming.

Practice BITS (100) Mock test Syllabus topics

All subjects on one page: SBI Clerk practice questions (bit bank).

SBI Clerk Mock Tests

Free timed tests with instant results. Taking a test needs a free account.

Current Affairs & Banking Awareness

Banking Awareness RBI, banking terms, payments & institutions Current Affairs Monthly news for the General Awareness section Current Affairs Quiz Monthly quiz with instant score Banking Quick Reference Key banking facts on one page Indian Banks Banks by category with head offices

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the SBI Clerk Prelims exam pattern?

As per recent notifications the Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks: English Language 30, Numerical Ability 35 and Reasoning Ability 35, with 20 minutes for each section. Check the latest SBI notification for the current pattern.

What is the SBI Clerk Main exam pattern?

The Main exam has 190 questions for 200 marks: General / Financial Awareness 50, General English 40, Quantitative Aptitude 50 and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 50, in 2 hours 40 minutes.

Is there an interview for SBI Clerk?

No. SBI Clerk selection is through the Prelims, the Mains and a test of the specified local language.

Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk?

Yes. For each wrong answer, one quarter (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.

Other Bank Exams

IBPS PO IBPS Probationary Officer / Management Trainee IBPS Clerk IBPS Clerk (Customer Service Associate) SBI PO SBI Probationary Officer

Disclaimer: CompeteBits is not affiliated with SBI Careers or any bank. Exam details may change; verify the latest information in the official notification.