The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts an exam to select candidates for the position of Junior Associate across its various branches. This is a highly sought-after role for those looking to start their career in banking. The recruitment process is conducted in two phases: the Prelims and Mains. Both phases are designed to test the candidate’s skills and knowledge in different areas, and clearing both is essential to secure a position. The SBI clerk prelims exam analysis is vital for all aspiring candidates to understand the exam in detail.
The Prelims exam is the first step in this process. It is an online test that evaluates candidates’ proficiency in English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability. This phase is crucial as it acts as a filtering stage to shortlist candidates for the Mains exam. To prepare effectively, candidates should analyze the Prelims exam in detail, which will help them understand the type of questions asked, the marking pattern, and time management strategies. This detailed understanding can guide them to focus on the right topics and improve their chances of qualifying.
Once candidates clear the Prelims, they must shift their focus to the Mains exam. The Mains is a more in-depth test that assesses candidates on a broader range of topics. It is important to thoroughly analyze the Mains exam to understand its structure and difficulty level. By preparing for both phases with dedication and a clear strategy, candidates can increase their chances of success and secure the position of Junior Associate at SBI.
This article will discuss the SBI clerk exam analysis 2025 for mains and prelims in detail for a better understanding.
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis for the 2025–26 recruitment cycle highlights a two-stage selection process for the post of Junior Associates, starting with the Preliminary Examination followed by the Main Examination. Key details of the recruitment process are summarized in the table below.
| Organisation | State Bank of India (SBI) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Clerk (Junior Associates) |
| Vacancy | 6589 (5180 Regular & 1409 Backlog) |
| Advt. No. | CRPD/CR/2025-26/06 |
| Category | Govt Jobs |
| Exam Date | 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th September 2025 (Expected) |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Recruitment Process | Prelims – Mains – Language Proficiency Test |
| Education Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years |
| Salary | Rs 46,000 (approx.) |
| Official Website | http://sbi.co.in, https://sbi.co.in/web/careers |
As part of the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, it is important to note that the Preliminary and Main exam dates have been officially announced through the SBI Clerk Notification 2025. The Prelims exam dates are now confirmed, and candidates can check the table below for all key dates related to the recruitment process.
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| SBI Clerk Notification 2025 | 5th August 2025 |
| Apply Online Starts | 6th August 2025 |
| Online Application Closes | 26th August 2025 |
| SBI Clerk PET Call Letter 2025 | 2nd September 2025 |
| Pre Examination Training | September 2025 |
| SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2025 | 7 to 10 days before exam date |
| SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Date | 20th, 21st, 27th, and 28th September 2025 (Expected) |
| SBI Clerk Mains Exam Date | November 2025 (Expected) |
According to the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 4 held on 28 February included three sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. The exam comprised 100 questions to be completed in 60 minutes, assessing candidates’ problem-solving, logical reasoning, and language skills. Overall, the difficulty level was easy to moderate, featuring a mix of straightforward and moderately challenging questions.
The exam was rated easy to moderate in all sections. The Reasoning Ability section included logical puzzles and seating arrangement questions, which were manageable for those well-prepared. The Numerical Ability section focused on basic arithmetic and data interpretation, demanding speed and precision. The English Language section was comparatively easier, featuring questions on grammar and reading comprehension.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
To achieve a high score, candidates needed 76–84 accurate attempts. Strategic time management was essential in the Reasoning and Numerical Ability sections, while the English Language section was comparatively scoring and less time-consuming.
| Section | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| English Language | 23–26 |
| Reasoning Ability | 26–29 |
| Numerical Ability | 24–27 |
| Total | 76–84 |
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 includes three sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. A detailed topic-wise analysis offers useful insights into question trends and difficulty levels, enabling candidates to focus on the most important areas.
This section mainly emphasized Puzzles and Seating Arrangements, which formed a major part of the questions. Additional topics covered included Syllogism, Series, and Direction-based questions.
| Topics | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangement (Square – 4 inside, 4 outside) | 05 |
| Seating Arrangement – Uncertain | 03–04 |
| Linear Seating Arrangement | 05 |
| Puzzle – Month & Date | 05 |
| Comparison Puzzle | 02–03 |
| Series | 05 |
| Syllogism | 03 |
| Direction | 03 |
| Pair Formation | 01 |
| Meaningful Word | 01 |
| Total | 35 |
The Numerical Ability section assessed candidates’ speed and accuracy in problem-solving. It featured questions on Simplification, Arithmetic, and Data Interpretation.
| Topics | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Simplification | 09 |
| Wrong Number Series | 02 |
| Arithmetic | 14 |
| Table Data Interpretation (DI) | 05 |
| Data Interpretation – Double Bar Graph | 05 |
| Total | 35 |
The English section emphasized Reading Comprehension, Grammar, and Vocabulary. Candidates with strong grammar skills found this part relatively easier.
| Topics | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (Story-Based) | 09 |
| Error Detection | 05 |
| Filler | 05 |
| Misspelt Words | 05 |
| Column-Based | 01 |
| Para Jumbles | 05 |
| Total | 30 |
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam held on 28 February 2025 (Shift 3) offers valuable insights into the exam pattern, types of questions asked, and the overall difficulty level. This analysis is useful for candidates to assess their performance and plan for upcoming shifts or future attempts. It highlights key aspects such as section-wise difficulty levels, good attempts, and topic-wise question distribution.
Shift 3 of the SBI Clerk Prelims 2025 was conducted smoothly. Based on candidate feedback, the overall difficulty level was moderate. Good attempts varied depending on the exam’s toughness and the accuracy of responses. The table below provides a section-wise breakdown of difficulty levels and ideal number of good attempts.
| Sections | Difficulty Level | Good Attempts |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | Moderate | 22–24 |
| Numerical Ability | Moderate | 22–25 |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate | 26–30 |
| Overall | Moderate | 72–79 |
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 includes three main sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. A detailed topic-wise analysis offers helpful insights into the question pattern and difficulty level, guiding candidates to focus on important areas.
The Reasoning section was rated easy to moderate by candidates. It featured questions on Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogism, and Inequality. The table below shows the topic-wise distribution of questions.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Square-Based Seating Arrangement | 5 |
| Box-Based Puzzle (8 Boxes) | 5 |
| Flat/Floor Puzzle (2 Flats, 4 Floors) | 5 |
| Uncertain Number of Persons | 3 |
| Mixed Series | 5 |
| Inequality | 3 |
| Direction | 3 |
| Syllogism | 3 |
| Letter Series | 1 |
| Pair Formation | 1 |
| Word-Based | 1 |
| Total | 35 |
The Numerical Ability section was considered moderately difficult. It included questions on Simplification, Data Interpretation, and Arithmetic. The table below outlines the topic-wise distribution.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Simplification | 10 |
| Arithmetic (Boats, Partnership, Ages, Profit & Loss) | 10–12 |
| Tabular Data Interpretation | 5 |
| Line Graph Data Interpretation | 5 |
| Caselet Data Interpretation | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
The English Language section was of moderate difficulty, featuring questions on Reading Comprehension, Error Detection, and Word Swap. A detailed topic-wise analysis is provided in the table below.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (Theme – U.S. Polity) (Vocab) | 9 |
| Error (Sentence Error) | 5 |
| Para Jumble (6 Sentences) | 5 |
| Word Usage (Slice/Pour) | 2 |
| Single Fillers | 5 |
| Word Swap | 4 |
| Total | 30 |
As per the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 2 was conducted smoothly, adhering to the standard exam pattern. Candidates had to answer 100 questions in 60 minutes. The overall difficulty was easy to moderate, with Reasoning Ability and English Language sections being relatively easier, while Numerical Ability posed more challenges due to lengthy calculations.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
The estimated good attempts for Shift 2 range between 73–80 questions, depending on the candidate’s accuracy. Those with higher accuracy had a better chance of qualifying the cutoff.
| Section | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| English Language | 23–27 |
| Reasoning Ability | 27–31 |
| Numerical Ability | 20–23 |
| Total | 73–80 |
Each section included a balanced mix of easy and challenging questions, making effective time management essential for candidates.
The Reasoning Ability section featured questions on Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms, and Blood Relations. The overall difficulty level was rated as easy to moderate.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Parallel Seating Arrangement | 5 |
| Flat/Floor Puzzle | 5 |
| Day-Based Puzzle | 5 |
| Alphabetical Series | 5 |
| Chinese Coding | 5 |
| Syllogism | 3 |
| Blood Relation | 3 |
| Pair Formation | 1 |
| Meaningful Word | 1 |
| Direction and Distance | 2 |
| Total | 35 |
The Numerical Ability section was moderately difficult and required careful time management. Questions based on Data Interpretation (Table, Caselet, and Bar Graphs) were particularly challenging.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Simplification | 10 |
| Arithmetic | 9 |
| Table DI | 5 |
| Bar Graph DI | 5 |
| Caselet DI 1 | 3 |
| Caselet DI 2 | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
The English Language section had questions from Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, and Error Detection.
| Topics | No. of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (Agriculture) | 10 |
| Error Detection | 5 |
| Phrase Replacement | 3 |
| Word Usage | 1 |
| Word Rearrangement | 5 |
| Cloze Test (Global Warming) | 5 |
| Column-Based | 1 |
| Total | 30 |
The SBI Clerk Prelims 2025 comprised three sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. Candidates were required to solve 100 questions in 60 minutes. The overall difficulty level was easy to moderate, with a few tricky questions. While the Reasoning and English sections were relatively manageable, the Numerical Ability section was the most challenging due to lengthy calculations.
The SBI Clerk Shift 1 held on 28 February 2025 had an overall difficulty level ranging from easy to moderate. The Numerical Ability section was more time-consuming due to arithmetic and data interpretation questions.
| Section | Difficulty Level |
|---|---|
| English Language | Easy to Moderate |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | Moderate |
| Overall | Easy to Moderate |
| Section | Good Attempts |
|---|---|
| English Language | 24–27 |
| Reasoning Ability | 26–29 |
| Numerical Ability | 19–22 |
| Total | 71–79 |
Each section included a blend of simple and tricky questions. Candidates who managed their time effectively and maintained accuracy performed better in the exam.
According to the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis, this section was rated easy to moderate, focusing on puzzles, seating arrangements, inequality, and mixed series. Most puzzles were solvable within a reasonable time, while questions on pair formation and coding were relatively simple, allowing candidates to maximize their attempts.
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Circular Seating Arrangement (8 Persons) | 5 |
| Box-Based Puzzle | 5 |
| Month-Based Puzzle (Non-Consecutive) | 5 |
| Comparison Puzzle | 3 |
| Uncertain Line (n=15) | 4 |
| Mix Series | 5 |
| Inequality | 4 |
| Pair Formation | 1 |
| Meaningful Word | 1 |
| Simple Coding | 1 |
| Number-Based Question | 1 |
| Total | 35 |
The Numerical Ability section was considered moderate in difficulty. Data Interpretation (DI) questions required strong analytical skills, while arithmetic topics such as profit & loss, mensuration, and boats & streams tested candidates’ conceptual understanding.
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Simplification | 9 |
| Arithmetic (Boats & Streams, Profit & Loss, Mensuration, CI, etc.) | 11 |
| Table DI (5 Parameters – Boys & Girls) | 5 |
| Line DI (Months: Jan–April) | 5 |
| Caselet DI 1 | 2 |
| Caselet DI 2 | 3 |
| Total | 35 |
The English section was rated easy to moderate, with a majority of questions from Reading Comprehension. Cloze tests and error detection mainly assessed grammar and vocabulary. Word arrangement and word usage questions were fairly straightforward.
| Topic | Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Reading Comprehension (Leadership, Vocabulary-2, Filler-1) | 9 |
| Error Detection (Old Pattern) | 5 |
| Phrase Replacement (Phrasal Verb & Grammar) | 3 |
| Word Arrangement | 5 |
| Word Usage (Hoarding, Alight) | 2 |
| Cloze Test (Topic – Obesity) | 6 |
| Total | 30 |
In conclusion, reviewing the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis is a crucial step for candidates to understand the overall exam pattern and structure. A thorough analysis offers valuable insights into the difficulty level of each section, helping candidates determine the number of correct answers needed to clear the exam successfully. Knowing the marks distribution across sections allows candidates to prioritize areas with higher weightage, enhancing their chances of success.
The analysis of both the Prelims and Mains exams provides detailed information on important topics and question types likely to appear. For the Prelims, understanding the question pattern and difficulty level equips candidates to prepare effectively and approach each section with confidence. Recognizing frequently tested topics and question formats is essential for qualifying for the next stage.
Moreover, analyzing the Mains exam is vital for targeted preparation. The Mains features more complex and in-depth questions, and a clear understanding of its structure helps candidates focus on advanced topics and improve time management. Comprehensive preparation for both Prelims and Mains is key to achieving success. By leveraging the insights from the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis and subsequent Mains analysis, candidates can strategically plan their studies and boost their chances of securing the desired position.
Recommended Reads:
Ans. The SBI Clerk Prelims can be challenging, requiring candidates to cover a wide range of topics. To qualify, it’s essential to focus on answering as many correct questions as possible. A solid understanding of the exam pattern and efficient time management will help improve the chances of success in the Prelims.
Ans. No, the SBI prelims are not easy. Therefore, the candidate has to clear the exam by answering questions based on English, Quantitative, and Reasoning. Moreover, the exam has negative marks for wrong answers. Additionally, there are lakhs of candidates appearing for the exam.
Ans. One mark is awarded for every correct answer. 0.25 marks are deducted for every wrong answer. No marks are awarded for unanswered questions. There are 100 questions, and the total marks are 100.
Ans. Yes, it is possible to clear the SBI Clerk exam in two months with focused preparation and dedication. By following a structured study plan, practicing regularly, and focusing on key topics, candidates can boost their chances of success and perform well in both the Prelims and Mains.
Ans. The SBI Clerk prelims previous year’s cut-off for the General Category ranged from 62 to 80, varying across different states. Candidates had to meet the specific cut-off for their respective state to qualify for the next stage.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
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