SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: The SBI Clerk Prelims exam is an important stage, which is conducted to recruit candidates for the post. This exam mainly consists of three subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The total marks and number of questions for each subject have been specifically determined so that the structure of the exam is clear.
Each subject has the following distribution of questions and marks: English Language consists of 30 questions, which are for 30 marks; Number Ability also consists of 35 questions, which are for a total of 35 marks; and Reasoning Ability consists of 35 questions, which are for a total of 35 marks. Thus, there are a total of 100 questions, which are for a total of 100 marks.
The time limit is 60 minutes, which means that candidates have about 36 seconds for each question. This is a challenging time limit, so candidates need to develop their time management abilities.
This pattern of the SBI Clerk Prelims exam not only helps in developing a plan but also gives rise to the need to prepare a strategy for the distribution of time. Candidates should make the right balance for all the subjects, which will help them score the best marks. The right study plan and regular practice are essential to pass this exam.
Thus, the SBI Clerk Prelims exam pattern provides a well-organized structure, with a clear distribution of topics and time limits. By preparing wisely, candidates can increase their chances of success.
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum 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 |
Negative marking: 1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer.
Highlights of SBI Clerk Recruitment 2025
Feature | Details |
Recruiting Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) |
Post Name | Clerk (Junior Associate) |
Total Vacancies | 14,191 |
Application Mode | Online |
Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam |
Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
Age Limit | 20–28 years (Age relaxation as per category) |
Application Fees | – ₹750 (General/OBC/EWS) – Nil (SC/ST/PwBD) |
Prelims Exam Pattern | – Total Questions: 100 – Duration: 1 hour – Subjects: English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability |
Main Exam Pattern | – Total Questions: 190 – Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes – Subjects: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude |
Work Location | Pan-India |
Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Syllabus
The SBI Clerk Prelims exam syllabus focuses specifically on four major topics: Mathematics, General Awareness, English Language, and Computer Knowledge. Each of these topics is important for preparing for the required questions in the exam.
First of all, Mathematics includes numerical accrual, quantitative accrual, data interpretation, and number systems. Under this, important concepts like simple and compound interest, ratio and proportion equations, and percentages are in the syllabus. Candidates should develop the ability to solve problems in mathematics with speed and accuracy.
Second, there is the General Awareness subject, where knowledge about contemporary events in India and the world is required. It covers important aspects of the Indian Constitution, Indian history, geography, and current affairs. Candidates should keep their general knowledge updated using newspapers, magazines, and online resources.
The third important subject is the English Language. It is based on grammar, vocabulary, and text comprehension. Questions include spelling, sentence structure, and analysis of synonymous phrases. Strong English skills can help candidates to scale high in the exam.
Finally, the Computer Knowledge subject is also important. It includes topics like computer system basics, software, hardware, and digital marketing. Candidates should develop skills that help them answer technical questions accurately. By paying full attention to these four topics, candidates can achieve success in the SBI Clerk Prelims exam.
Section | Topics Covered |
English Language | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary. |
Numerical Ability | Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Time and Work, Averages, Simple and Compound Interest. |
Reasoning Ability | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series, Direction Sense, Inequalities. |
SBI Clerk Main Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk Main exam is conducted primarily in two stages: a written test and a local language test. The written test consists of four main sections: General English, Mathematical Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness. The aim of this test is to evaluate the overall aptitude and various skills of the candidate.
The total number of questions is 190, and the time given to complete the test is 2 hours 40 minutes. The number of questions in each section varies; for example, General English consists of 40 questions, while Mathematical Aptitude and Reasoning consist of 50 and 35 questions respectively. The General Awareness section is conducted with 50 questions. Thus, the number of objective questions for each section is fixed.
These questions are primarily multiple-choice, with a certain number of marks being awarded for every correct answer. However, negative marking is also taken into account; i.e., marks are deducted for each wrong answer. This forces candidates to think to answer with accuracy. The level of the exam is also designed keeping in mind maximum competition.
Finally, the SBI Clerk Mains exam pattern provides candidates with a solid framework to keep their preparation in mind. With the right strategy and proper time management, candidates can ace these sections. By focusing on different sections, they can improve their weaknesses and perform better in the exam.
Section | No. of Questions | Maximum 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 | 160 minutes |
Negative marking: 1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Syllabus
The State Bank of India (SBI) Clerk Mains exam syllabus covers various important topics that help evaluate the abilities of the candidates. There are a total of five major subjects in this exam: General Knowledge, Financial Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English Language. The importance of each subject is due to their specific aspects and all these subjects provide a balanced assessment.
General Awareness is an essential subject in the competition where candidates face questions related to contemporary events, history, geography, Indian politics, and culture. This section measures the overall knowledge and awareness of the candidates regarding social issues.
Talking about financial awareness, it is imperative for the candidates to have knowledge of the latest developments in the banking sector, financial policy, and awards. This section is also full of banking-related questions that develop an understanding of the responsibilities of the clerk post.
Quantitative Aptitude is the section that tests the ability to solve problems using arithmetic, statistics, and reasoning. For example, the questions include number series, averages, ratios, percentages, etc.
Apart from this, the Reasoning section covers topics like logical reasoning, god-love questions, and data interpretation, which are important to make the candidates proficient in problem-solving. Lastly, the inclusion of the English language ensures that the language comprehension and communication skills of the candidate are also properly tested. In-depth study and preparation of all these topics is the key to success in the SBI Clerk Exam.
Section | Topics Covered |
General/Financial Awareness | Banking Awareness, Current Affairs (last 6 months), Indian Economy, Budget, Government Schemes, Sports, Static GK. |
General English | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Spotting Errors, Sentence Correction, Fill in the Blanks, Vocabulary. |
Quantitative Aptitude | Simplification, Data Interpretation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Mensuration, Probability, Permutation and Combination. |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Machine Input-Output, Computer Basics, Internet, MS Office, Keyboard Shortcuts. |