SBI Clerk Exam Preparation
Complete study material, practice tests, and expert guidance for SBI Clerk examination. Access structured learning paths and track your progress.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk 2026 Selection Process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final appointment as a Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).
The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, while the Main Examination plays a crucial role in the final selection. Understanding the latest SBI Clerk Exam Pattern helps candidates prepare effectively and manage their time during the examination.
SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern – Highlights
✔ Selection Stages: Prelims → Mains → Local Language Proficiency Test
✔ Mode of Examination: Online (Computer-Based Test)
✔ Negative Marking: 0.25 Marks for Every Incorrect Answer
✔ Final Merit: Based on Mains Examination
SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination consists of 100 objective-type questions carrying 100 marks. The total duration of the examination is 60 minutes, with 20 minutes allotted to each section. A penalty of 0.25 marks is applicable for every incorrect answer.
| S.No. | Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| 2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes | |
Important: The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in this stage are not considered while preparing the final merit list.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination are eligible to appear for the SBI Clerk Main Examination. The Mains Exam is conducted online and consists entirely of objective-type multiple-choice questions.
The examination carries 190 questions for a total of 200 marks, with an overall duration of 2 Hours 40 Minutes. Each section has a separate time limit, making time management an important factor during the examination.
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
SBI Clerk Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Candidates shortlisted after the Main Examination must appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT), wherever applicable. The purpose of this test is to verify whether the candidate can read, write, and speak the official language of the State or Union Territory for which they have applied.
Candidates who have already studied the specified local language in their 10th or 12th standard and can produce valid proof may be exempted from appearing for the Language Proficiency Test, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
| Test Pattern | Section | No. of Passages | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Verbal Test | Objective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Subjective | 3 | 15 | 15 | |
| Verbal Test | Language Proficiency Assessment | 20 | ||
Preparation Tips
- Build strong fundamentals in English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning.
- Practice sectional and full-length mock tests regularly.
- Improve calculation speed and accuracy to minimize negative marking.
- Stay updated with Banking, Financial, and Current Affairs for the Mains examination.
- If applying for another state, practice reading, writing, and speaking the prescribed local language for the Language Proficiency Test.
Complete Syllabus
Updated 2026SBI Clerk Syllabus
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026
The SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 is divided into two stages: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. The syllabus covers subjects such as English Language, Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness, and Computer Awareness. Candidates should understand both the latest syllabus and exam pattern before beginning their preparation.
The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature, while the marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for preparing the final merit list. Candidates who qualify the Mains examination must also clear the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT), wherever applicable.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Highlights
✔ Selection Stages: Prelims → Mains → Local Language Proficiency Test
✔ Prelims Subjects: English, Quantitative Aptitude & Reasoning
✔ Mains Subjects: English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness
✔ Final Merit: Prepared on the basis of Mains Examination
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: Overview
Before starting preparation, candidates should understand the latest exam pattern, marking scheme, sectional timing, and selection process. The overview below provides the important details of the SBI Clerk Examination.
| Exam Stages | Preliminary Examination and Main Examination |
| Mode of Examination | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Question Type | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Medium of Examination | English Language section in English only. Other sections are available in English and Hindi. |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100 Mains: 190 |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 Mains: 200 |
| Exam Duration | Prelims: 1 Hour Mains: 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 Marks deducted for every incorrect answer |
| Sectional Timing | Yes |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable) |
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026
The SBI Clerk Recruitment process consists of three stages. Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next level of selection.
- Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)
- Stage 2: Main Examination
- Stage 3: Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable)
Note: The Preliminary Examination is only qualifying in nature. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination.
SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination contains three sections with a total of 100 questions carrying 100 marks. The examination is conducted for 60 minutes, and each section has a separate time limit.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
SBI Clerk Main Exam Pattern 2026
The Main Examination is more comprehensive and carries 190 questions for a total of 200 marks. The overall duration of the examination is 2 Hours 40 Minutes. The negative marking remains the same as in the Preliminary Examination.
| Section | Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| B | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| C | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| D | General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes | |
SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF Download
The SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF contains the latest syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main examinations. Candidates are advised to download the syllabus and prepare strictly according to the official topics to avoid spending time on unnecessary subjects.
📄 SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus PDF
⬇ Download SBI Clerk Syllabus PDFSBI Clerk Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Candidates who have studied the specified local language in their 10th or 12th standard and can produce valid proof are generally exempted from appearing in the Language Proficiency Test.
Candidates who are unable to produce the required proof must qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test before final appointment. Failure to clear the test will result in cancellation of candidature.
| Sl. | Test Pattern | Section | No. of Passages | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Non-Verbal Test | Objective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Subjective | 3 | 15 | 15 | ||
| 2 | Verbal Test | Language Proficiency Assessment | 20 | ||
Preparation Tip
Before moving to the subject-wise syllabus, understand the exam pattern thoroughly and prepare according to the sectional timing. Focus on improving both speed and accuracy, as these are the two most important factors in clearing the SBI Clerk Examination.