SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026: Detailed Prelims and Mains Exam Pattern

Posted: Jun 09, 2026 05:01 PM IST
Updated: Jul 22, 2026 04:45 PM IST
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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 ExamOnline
No. of QuestionsPrelims- 100
Mains- 190
Exam DurationPrelims- 1 hour 
Mains- 2 hours 40 minutes
Negative Marking¼th mark (0.25 marks)
Selection ProcessPrelims > 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.SectionNo. of QuestionsTotal MarksDuration
1English Language303020 minutes
2Numerical Ability353520 minutes
3Reasoning353520 minutes
Total10010060 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.SectionNo. of QuestionsTotal MarksDuration
1.General English404035 minutes
2.Quantitative Aptitude505045 minutes
3.Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude506045 minutes
4.General/Financial Awareness505035 minutes
Total1902002 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

  1. Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Pie, Tabular)
  2. Data Sufficiency
  3. Quadratic Equation
  4. Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere
  5. Approximation
  6. Missing Number Series
  7. Simplification
  8. Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns
  9. Problems on Ages
  10. Average, Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss
  11. Simple Interest & Compound Interest
  12. Speed, Distance & Time
  13. Permutation & Combination
  14. Boat & Stream
  15. Probability
  16. Partnership
  17. Mixture & Allegation

Reasoning Syllabus

  1. Blood Relations
  2. Input Output
  3. Data Sufficiency
  4. Coded Inequalities
  5. Seating Arrangement (Circular/Triangular/Square/Rectangular)
  6. Logical Reasoning
  7. Alphanumeric Series
  8. Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test
  9. Puzzle
  10. Tabulation
  11. Syllogism
  12. Meaningful Word
  13. Odd One Out
  14. Coding Decoding
  15. Direction & Distance
  16. Letter/Digit/Mix Series
  17. Pair Formation
  18. Inequality
  19. Order & Ranking

English Language Syllabus

  1. Reading Comprehension
  2. Cloze Test
  3. Para jumbles
  4. Miscellaneous
  5. Fill in the blanks/Fillers
  6. Multiple Meaning
  7. Paragraph Completion
  8. Error Detection
  9. Misspelt
  10. Word/Sentence Rearrangement
  11. Single Fillers
  12. Match the Column
  13. Para Jumble
  14. Word Usage
  15. Word Swap
  16. Column-Based Sentence
  17. 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 TopicsNo. of Questions
Reading Comprehension7 to 10 questions
Cloze Test5 to 6 questions
Error Detection4 to 5 questions
Para Jumbles4 to 5 questions
Numerical Ability TopicsNo. of Questions
Data Interpretation5 to 10 questions
Number Series5 questions
Simplification10 to 15 questions
Arithemetic10 to 15 questions
Reasoning Ability TopicsNo. of Questions
Puzzle & Seating Arrangements12-16 questions
Syllogism3 to 5 questions
Coding-Decoding4 to 5 questions
Direction & Distance3 to 5 questions

What is the SBI Clerk Mains syllabus?

Quantitative AptitudeReasoning AbilityGeneral/Financial AwarenessGeneral English
  1. Simplification
  2. Number Series
  3. Data Sufficiency
  4. Data Interpretation
  5. Quadratic Equation
  6. Time & Distance, Work
  7. Partnership
  8. Profit & Loss
  9. Simple and Compound Interest
  10. Mixture and Allegations
  11. Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Percentages
  1. Internet
  2. Machine Input/Output
  3. Syllogism
  4. Blood Relation
  5. Direction Sense
  6. Inequalities
  7. Puzzles
  8. Coding-Decoding
  9. Ranking
  10. Statement and Assumptions

 

Computer Aptitude

  1. Basics of Computer: Hardware, Software, Generation of Computers
  2. DBMS
  3. Networking
  4. Internet
  5. MS Office
  6. Input-Output Devices
  7. Important Abbreviations
  1. Current Affairs
  2. News on the banking industry
  3. Awards and honours
  4. Books and authors
  5. Latest appointments
  6. Obituaries
  7. New schemes of central and state governments
  8. Sports, etc.
  9. Banking/Financial terms
  10. Static Awareness
  11. Banking and Financial Awareness

Static GK 

  1. Country-capital
  2. Country-currency
  3. Headquarters of financial organizations (of insurance companies)
  4. Constituencies of ministers
  5. Dance forms
  6. Nuclear and thermal power stations, etc.
  1. Reading comprehension including Synonyms and Antonyms
  2. Sentence rearrangement
  3. Para jumbles
  4. Sentence Correction
  5. Error Finding
  6. Spell Checks
  7. Fillers
  8. Cloze Test

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 PatternSection No. of PassagesNo. of QuestionsTotal Marks
Non- Verbal
Test 
Objective31515
31515
 Verbal TestSubjective----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. 

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