SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk Prelims exam is a key step in the selection process. It includes three subjects: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam has a total of 100 questions for 100 marks, with a 60-minute time limit.
Exam Pattern:
- English Language – 30 questions (30 marks)
- Numerical Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
- Reasoning Ability – 35 questions (35 marks)
Time Management:
Candidates get about 36 seconds per question, making time management essential. A well-planned strategy can improve accuracy and speed.
Preparation Tips:
- Focus equally on all subjects.
- Practice regularly to improve speed and accuracy.
- Use mock tests to understand the exam pattern.
A structured approach and smart preparation can boost success in the SBI Clerk Prelims exam.
| 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 covers four key subjects: Mathematics, General Awareness, English Language, and Computer Knowledge. Each subject is essential for scoring well in the exam.
Mathematics includes numerical ability, data interpretation, and number systems. Important topics like percentages, ratio and proportion, and simple and compound interest are part of the syllabus. Candidates should focus on solving problems quickly and accurately.
General Awareness requires knowledge of current events in India and worldwide. It includes the Indian Constitution, history, geography, and current affairs. Reading newspapers, magazines, and online sources regularly helps in staying updated.
The third key subject is English Language, covering grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Questions test spelling, sentence structure, and synonyms. Strong English skills improve exam performance.
Computer Knowledge is also important, including basics of systems, software, hardware, and digital marketing. Candidates must focus on accuracy in technical questions.
Mastering these subjects increases 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 Mains exam has two stages: a written test and a local language test. The written test includes four sections: General English, Mathematical Aptitude, Reasoning, and General Awareness. This exam checks the candidate’s overall skills and knowledge.
The test has 190 multiple-choice questions to be completed in 2 hours 40 minutes. The section-wise distribution is:
- General English: 40 questions
- Mathematical Aptitude: 50 questions
- Reasoning: 35 questions
- General Awareness: 50 questions
Each correct answer earns marks, but wrong answers lead to negative marking. This makes accuracy important. The exam is designed to be competitive.
A clear understanding of the pattern helps candidates prepare effectively. With the right strategy and time management, they can improve weak areas and boost their scores.
| 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 SBI Clerk Mains Exam tests candidates on five key subjects: General Awareness, Financial Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, and English Language. Each subject plays a crucial role in assessing different skills.
General Awareness
This section includes current affairs, history, geography, politics, and culture. It checks how well candidates understand social and national issues.
Financial Awareness
Candidates must know about banking updates, financial policies, and recent awards. This section focuses on banking-related knowledge essential for the clerk role.
Quantitative Aptitude
It tests problem-solving skills through arithmetic, statistics, and logic-based questions like number series, averages, and percentages.
Reasoning Ability
This section includes logical reasoning, puzzles, and data interpretation to evaluate analytical thinking and decision-making skills.
English Language
It assesses reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary to ensure candidates have strong communication skills.
Success in the SBI Clerk Exam requires a well-planned study strategy covering all these topics thoroughly.
| 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. |