The SBI Clerk examination is held to recruit candidates for the Junior Associate position across State Bank of India branches nationwide. Aspirants targeting the upcoming SBI Clerk 2026 exam must understand the latest exam pattern and syllabus to achieve a competitive score. Below is the comprehensive syllabus for both the Prelims and Mains stages.
SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk syllabus aligns closely with standard banking recruitment assessments. While the Preliminary exam focuses on Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and the English Language, the Mains stage expands to include General Awareness and Computer Aptitude. Candidates are encouraged to thoroughly review the SBI Clerk Syllabus, Exam Pattern, and Selection Process to structure their preparation effectively.
| SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026- Overview | |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| No. of Questions | Prelims- 100 Mains- 190 |
| Exam Duration | Prelims- 1 hour Mains- 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Negative Marking | ¼th mark (0.25 marks) |
| Selection Process | Prelims > Mains > Local Language Proficiency Test |
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026
The State Bank of India utilizes a two-tier selection process for Junior Associate recruitment. To qualify for the post, candidates must succeed in both the Prelims and Mains stages. Following these written tests, a mandatory local language proficiency assessment is conducted. It is important to note that the final selection is determined solely by the marks secured in the Mains examination.
Stage 1- Preliminary Examination: 100 questions totaling 100 marks, to be completed within a 60-minute duration.
Stage 2- Mains Examination: 190 questions totaling 200 marks, to be completed within 2 hours and 40 minutes.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
Before diving into the detailed syllabus, candidates should familiarize themselves with the official exam structure. You can review the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 for both rounds outlined below.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The Prelims exam features three sections comprising 100 questions total: English (30), Numerical Ability (35), and Reasoning (35). Each correct response earns 1 mark, while incorrect answers incur a penalty of 0.25 marks.
| SNo. | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes | |
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains examination consists of 190 questions spanning four sections, with a maximum of 200 marks available. Candidates have 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the test. A negative marking scheme of one-fourth of the allocated marks applies to incorrect answers.
| S No. | Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 2. | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 3. | Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| 4. | General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 minutes | |
Note: A penalty of 0.25 marks applies to every incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Mains examinations.
What is the SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus?
Numerical Ability
- Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Pie, Tabular)
- Data Sufficiency
- Quadratic Equation
- Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
- Approximation
- Missing Number Series
- Simplification
- Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
- Problems on Ages
- Average, Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Speed, Distance & Time
- Permutation & Combination
- Boat & Stream
- Probability
- Partnership
- Mixture & Allegation
Reasoning Syllabus
- Blood Relations
- Input Output
- Data Sufficiency
- Coded Inequalities
- Seating Arrangement (Circular/Triangular/Square/Rectangular)
- Logical Reasoning
- Alphanumeric Series
- Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test
- Puzzle
- Tabulation
- Syllogism
- Meaningful Word
- Odd One Out
- Coding Decoding
- Direction & Distance
- Letter/Digit/Mix Series
- Pair Formation
- Inequality
- Order & Ranking
English Language Syllabus
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para jumbles
- Miscellaneous
- Fill in the blanks/Fillers
- Multiple Meaning
- Paragraph Completion
- Error Detection
- Misspelt
- Word/Sentence Rearrangement
- Single Fillers
- Match the Column
- Para Jumble
- Word Usage
- Word Swap
- Column-Based Sentence
- Phrase Repacements
SBI Clerk Prelims High-Scoring Topics
Based on a detailed analysis of previous years' question papers, the following are the high-priority topics that require focused attention during your study sessions.
| English Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension | 7 to 10 questions |
| Cloze Test | 5 to 6 questions |
| Error Detection | 4 to 5 questions |
| Para Jumbles | 4 to 5 questions |
| Numerical Ability Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Data Interpretation | 5 to 10 questions |
| Number Series | 5 questions |
| Simplification | 10 to 15 questions |
| Arithemetic | 10 to 15 questions |
| Reasoning Ability Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Puzzle & Seating Arrangements | 12-16 questions |
| Syllogism | 3 to 5 questions |
| Coding-Decoding | 4 to 5 questions |
| Direction & Distance | 3 to 5 questions |
What is the SBI Clerk Mains syllabus?
| Quantitative Aptitude | Reasoning Ability | General/Financial Awareness | General English |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Computer Aptitude
|
|
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What topics are most important for SBI Clerk 2026 Mains?
Ans- For Mains, focus on Data Interpretation and Quadratic Equations (Quant), Advanced Puzzles (Reasoning), Reading Comprehension and Cloze Test (English), Banking Awareness and Current Affairs (General Awareness), and MS Office and Networking (Computer Aptitude).
SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF Download
Download the comprehensive SBI Clerk Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF via the link below for your offline preparation. The document contains a detailed breakdown of all topics required for every subject.
SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF Download link
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who pass both the Prelims and Mains but did not study the specific local language of their applied state during their 10th or 12th grade will be required to take the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). This assessment is mandatory and qualifying in nature.
| Test Pattern | Section | No. of Passages | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
| Non- Verbal Test | Objective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| 3 | 15 | 15 | ||
| Verbal Test | Subjective | -- | -- | 20 |
Are marks scored in LLPT counted in final merit list?
Ans- No, LLPT is strictly a qualifying test and does not contribute to the final merit list.
Exam Preparation Tips
Beyond mastering the official syllabus, it is crucial to understand the format of previous exams. To support your preparation, our faculty has developed the SBI Clerk Mock Test 2026, which we highly recommend practicing before the actual examination.
FAQs
The SBI Clerk syllabus encompasses the English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning for the Prelims, while the Mains includes Quantitative Aptitude, General English, General/Financial Awareness, Reasoning Ability, and Computer Awareness.
Yes, the final selection for the SBI Clerk position is determined exclusively by the marks obtained in the Mains examination, as there is no interview process.
Difficulty is subjective based on individual preparation. Historically, the SBI Clerk Prelims exam has ranged from easy to moderate, while the Mains exam is generally categorized as having a moderate difficulty level.
LLPT refers to the Local Language Proficiency Test. It is a mandatory qualifying round for candidates who have not completed their 10th or 12th-grade education in the local language of the state they applied for.
The SBI Clerk Mains exam comprises 190 questions worth a total of 200 marks, with a strict time limit of 2 hours and 40 minutes across four sections.
Yes, both the Preliminary and Mains SBI Clerk examinations enforce strict sectional timings.
A negative marking penalty of 0.25 marks applies for every incorrect response in both the Prelims and Mains exams.
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