The SBI Clerk syllabus encompasses Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language for both Prelims and Mains exams. The Mains phase also includes General Awareness and Computer Aptitude. Aspiring candidates for the SBI Clerk 2026 exam should master these topics, the exam pattern, and the marking scheme to build a competitive edge.
SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the SBI Clerk syllabus, including the updated exam structure, section-wise weightage, expert preparation strategies, and a downloadable syllabus PDF. Thorough knowledge of the exam pattern is essential for every serious aspirant.
| 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 follows a two-stage selection process for the Junior Associate (Clerk) position. Selection is based on performance in the online Prelims and Mains examinations, followed by the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), which is mandatory but qualifying in nature. Your final merit is determined solely by your marks in the Mains examination.
- Stage 1- Preliminary Exam
- Stage 2- Mains Exam
- Stage 3- Local Language Proficiency Test (Qualifying)
Are LLPT marks counted in the final merit list?
Ans- No, the Local Language Proficiency Test is strictly qualifying, and its marks are not included in the final selection merit list.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
Before diving into the detailed syllabus, it is crucial to understand the marking scheme. You can review the complete SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 for both Prelims and Mains rounds outlined below.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Prelims exam features 100 questions across 3 sections: English (30), Numerical Ability (35), and Reasoning (35). Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while each incorrect response incurs a penalty of 0.25 marks.
| SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| 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 2026
The Mains exam consists of 190 questions spanning 4 sections, totaling 200 marks with a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Note that a negative marking scheme of 1/4th (0.25) marks applies to every incorrect answer.
| SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 | ||||
| S No. | Section | No. of Question | 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 for every incorrect answer applies to both the Prelims and Mains examinations.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI Clerk Preliminary exam tests your proficiency in Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. Consistent practice across these sections is key to clearing the cutoff for the Mains. Review the detailed syllabus below:
SBI Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus
- 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
SBI Clerk 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
SBI Clerk 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 an extensive analysis of previous years' papers, we have highlighted the high-yield topics that demand your primary focus during preparation.
| English Language | |
| 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 |
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The SBI Clerk Mains 2026 syllabus is divided into 4 core sections: Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, General English, and General/Financial Awareness. Find the detailed breakdown below:
| Quantitative Aptitude | General English |
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| General/Financial Awareness | Reasoning Ability | Computer Aptitude |
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What are the most important topics for SBI Clerk 2026 Mains?
Ans- High-priority topics include Data Interpretation and Quadratic Equations (Quant), Advanced Puzzles (Reasoning), Reading Comprehension (English), Banking Awareness & Current Affairs (General Awareness), and Computer Networking (Computer Aptitude).
SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF Download
Download the official SBI Clerk Prelims & Mains Syllabus PDF via the link below. Print it to keep your preparation organized and on track.
Download SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who haven't studied the local language of their applied state in 10th or 12th grade must pass the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). This is a mandatory qualifying exam designed to ensure linguistic competence.
| 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 |
Exam Preparation Tips
Beyond mastering the syllabus, it is vital to familiarize yourself with the question styles from past exams. Our experts have curated the SBI Clerk Mock Test 2026 to help you simulate the real exam environment.
Attempt SBI Clerk Mock Test 2026
FAQs
The SBI Clerk Syllabus for Prelims includes English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning; the Mains syllabus expands to include Quantitative Aptitude, General/Financial Awareness, and Computer Awareness.
Final selection for the SBI Clerk post is based solely on the scores obtained in the Mains examination, as there is no interview round.
Difficulty is subjective and depends on your preparation. Historically, Prelims are easy-to-moderate, while the Mains examination is typically moderate in difficulty.
LLPT stands for Local Language Proficiency Test. It is a qualifying assessment for candidates who did not study the regional language of their applied state during their secondary education.
The SBI Clerk Mains exam comprises 190 questions totaling 200 marks, with a time limit of 2 hours and 40 minutes.