SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims & Mains Structure Explained

The SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment process for Prelims and Mains is designed to identify top talent for Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) positions across various State Bank of India branches nationwide.

Banking aspirants aiming to crack the SBI Clerk exam must have a thorough understanding of the official exam pattern mandated by the State Bank of India. Familiarize yourself with the latest SBI Clerk exam structure and SBI Clerk Syllabus, to gain clarity on the selection process and boost your preparation strategy.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026

The comprehensive SBI Clerk selection process comprises two rigorous online examinations (Preliminary and Main) followed by a mandatory local language proficiency test. Below, we break down the detailed exam pattern and structure.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination is a 1-hour online objective-type test totaling 100 marks, which is divided into three core sections.

View SBI Clerk Mains Result 2026 - Check Now

Download SBI Clerk Mains Score Card 2026 - Click Here

Check Official SBI Clerk Mains Cut Off 2026

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026: Important Points

1. Each test will have a separate timing as mentioned above.
2. There will be negative marks for wrong answers in the Objective tests. 1/4th of the mark assigned for the question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
3. No minimum qualifying marks for the individual subjects as well as for aggregate (overall) are prescribed.
4. The adequate number of candidates in each category as decided by the Bank (approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Examination from the list of all candidates arranged in descending order of aggregate marks scored.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The structure of the online objective Main Examination is outlined in the following section:

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026: Important Points

1. Each section within the examination is assigned a specific, fixed duration.

2. Objective questions, excluding the General English section, are provided in both English and Hindi. Please note that there is a negative marking scheme: 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

3. Candidates must achieve the minimum aggregate percentage required for selection, with 5% relaxation granted to SC, ST, OBC, PWD, and XS category candidates.

4. The State Bank of India reserves the authority to determine the minimum qualifying marks on an aggregate basis.

5. There are no sectional minimum qualifying marks for individual subjects.

6. The merit list is prepared on a state-wise and category-wise basis.

7. Candidates who qualify for the Main Examination are ranked in descending order based on their aggregate scores within their respective states and categories.

SBI Clerk: Language Proficiency Test

Provisional candidates who did not study the local language of the applied state during their 10th or 12th standard must pass the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). The test pattern is defined as follows: