SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims & Mains Paper Pattern

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern for 2025 consists of the Preliminary Exam and the Mains Exam. The Preliminary Exam has three sections, while the Mains Exam includes four. Both exams feature negative markings. Candidates who qualify for the Mains Exam must also take a language skill test. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Mains Exam and the language test.

Latest Updates:

• State Bank of India has announced the SBI Clerk Notification 2025 for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) under its clerical cadre.
• Recruitment is being carried out for 6,589 clerk vacancies in multiple regions
• Any graduate can apply for this role. The evaluation will be done through three steps – Prelims, Mains, and a Language Test

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Format

The SBI Clerk Exam has two phases, Preliminary and Main, computer-based tests with negative markings. Candidates must qualify in each section to be eligible for selection. There is also a language proficiency test (LPT) for candidates who qualify for the Main Exam. Candidates can level up their exam preparation through various exam preparation apps available in the market these days.

SBI Clerk Stages

Aspirants need to clear 2 written exam stages of the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2025 selection process to get recruited for the concerned post. There is also an extra stage, which is a language proficiency test. Details regarding these stages are mentioned below and the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern for prelims and mains are given below.

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Mains Examination
3. Language Proficiently Test*
4. Final Merit List

(There will be a special language proficiency test that will be conducted for students who have not studied the local language in their 10th or 12th standard.)

SBI Clerk Eligibility

Nationality and Education

• You must be an Indian citizen.
• Citizens of Nepal or Bhutan are also eligible.
• Tibetan refugees living in India before January 1, 1962, can apply.
• People of Indian origin who have migrated from Pakistan, Vietnam, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, or certain East African countries are eligible.
• You must have a degree from a recognized university.

Age and Relaxation

• Your age must be between 20 and 28 years.
• Age Relaxation:
• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC: 3 years
• PwD (General): 10 years
• PwD (SC/ST): 15 years
• PwD (OBC): 13 years
• Persons from Jammu & Kashmir: 33 years
• Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen: Years of service + 3 years
• Widows and Divorced Women:
  • General: 7 years
  • OBC: 10 years
  • SC/ST: 12 years

This breakdown makes it easier to understand the eligibility requirements for the SBI Clerk position.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern carries 100 total marks. Candidates must pass all sections to attempt the main exam; negative marking applies. The time duration is one hour.

The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern has three sections:

1. English Language.
2. Numerical Ability.
3. Reasoning Ability.

1. Types of Questions

The SBI Clerk Exam has two parts: preliminary and main. The questions concern ability, numerical ability, English language ability, general awareness, and computer aptitude.

Total number of questions and marks-

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern has two phases:

1. The Preliminary Exam has 100 questions worth 100 marks.
2. The Mains Exam has 190 questions worth 200 marks.

Both exams have negative markings for incorrect answers.

2. Time Duration

The SBI Clerk Exam consists of a one-hour preliminary exam followed by a two-hour and forty-minute main exam. Effective time management is vital to ensure enough time for each section, increasing the chances of scoring well.

3. Explanation of Each Section

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern has the following sections:

1. English Language: assesses the candidate’s English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
2. Numerical Ability: tests the candidate’s mathematical skills.
3. Reasoning Ability: tests the candidate’s logical reasoning and analytical skills.
4. General/Financial Awareness: Tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, banking, and financial awareness.
5. General English: tests the candidate’s skill in the English language.
6. Quantitative Aptitude: tests the candidate’s numerical skills.
7. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: Tests the candidate’s logical reasoning, analytical skills, and computer knowledge.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

1. Number of Sections and Types of Questions

As per the SBI Clerk Mains exam pattern, there are four sections:

• General/Financial Awareness.
• General English.
• Quantitative Aptitude.
• Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.

2. Total Number of Questions and Marks

As per the SBI Clerk main exam pattern, there are 190 questions carrying 200 marks. The exam also has a negative marking scheme, where 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

3. Time Duration

The duration of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam is 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Language Proficiency Test/Local Language Proficiency Test

If candidates qualify for the SBI Clerk position but can’t prove their proficiency in the local language, they must take a Local Language Proficiency Test before they can start the job. If they fail this test, they won’t be eligible for the post. However, candidates who have passed the SBI Clerk 2026 exam and can show certificates or mark sheets indicating that they studied the required local language in their 10th or 12th grade don’t need to take this test.

Final Merit List

Once candidates have completed all the necessary steps, SBI will announce the final cutoff marks based on the number of vacancies for that year. It’s important to note that only the marks obtained in the SBI Clerk Mains examination will be considered for the final selection; the Prelims scores will not be included.

The final merit list for SBI Clerk 2026 will be published on the official SBI website, and successful candidates will receive their Appointment Letters.

Note:

• The final selection of candidates depends on passing the eligibility verification process and the accuracy of the information provided in the online application.
• Candidates may need to take a Local Language Proficiency Test if they haven’t already proven their language skills.
• SBI will also create a state- and category-wise waiting list for up to 50% of the vacancies. This waiting list will be used if any candidates from the current batch do not join or resign.
• Candidates on the waiting list must achieve minimum qualifying marks set by the exam authority.
• The waiting list will remain valid for one year from the date of the final result announcement.

For more detailed information, you can refer to official resources like the SBI website or other educational platforms.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Key Factors

The key features of the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern are:

1. Two phases: Preliminary and Main.
2. Online exam with multiple-choice questions.
3. Negative marking: 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer.
4. Tests skills in English, numerical ability, reasoning ability, and general/financial awareness.
5. Moderate difficulty level.
6. The syllabus and pattern are subject to change.
7. The latest information should be kept in mind by the candidates.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Marks, Questions & Time Limit

1. SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Preliminary Exam

Sno.	Subject/Section	Total Marks	No. of Questions	Time Limit
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

2. SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Main Exam

Sno.	Subject/Section	Total Marks	No. of Questions	Duration
1	General English	40	40	35 minutes
2	Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
3	Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude	60	50	45 minutes
4	General/Financial Awareness	50	50	35 minutes
	Total	200	190	2 hours 40 minutes

SBI Clerk Exam Syllabus

Here’s a structured overview of the key topics covered in the SBI Clerk Exam:

Section	Topics Covered
Reasoning Ability	– Logical Reasoning – Alphanumeric Series – Puzzle – Tabulation – Ranking/Directions/Alphabet Test – Data Sufficiency – Coded Inequalities – Syllogism – Blood Relations – Seating Arrangement – Coding-Decoding – Input-Output
Quantitative Aptitude	– Simplification – Sequence & Series – Profit & Loss – Number Systems – Data Interpretation – Mixtures & Allegations – Time & Distance – Simple Interest & Compound Interest – Surds & Indices – Work & Time – Mensuration – Permutation – Combination & Probability – Ratio & Proportion – Percentage
English Language	– Reading Comprehension – Paragraph Completion – Para Jumbles – Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting – Fill in the Blanks – Cloze Test – Miscellaneous
General Awareness	– Banking Industry – Awards and Honors – Books and Authors – Latest Appointments – Obituaries – Government Schemes – Country-Capital, Country-Currency – Headquarters of Financial Organizations – Constituencies of Ministers – Static Awareness – Banking and Financial Awareness

This table summarizes the essential topics for each section of the SBI Clerk Exam.

SBI Clerk Vacancies

Details	Information
Total Vacancies	6589 positions
Position	Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales)
Notification Release	16th December 2024
Application Start Date	17th December 2024
Preliminary Exam Date	February 2025
Selection Process	Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, Language Proficiency Test

For the latest and most accurate updates, please refer to the official SBI website or the detailed notification upon its release.

SBI Clerk Vacancy Count 2025

Here is the state-wise breakdown for SBI Clerk 2025 vacancies:

Regular Vacancies

State / UT	Total	General	SC	ST	OBC	EWS
Gujarat	218	92	14	34	56	22
Andhra Pradesh	312	125	50	22	84	31
Karnataka	268	111	42	17	71	27
Madhya Pradesh	102	39	16	21	16	10
Chhattisgarh	222	88	27	71	14	22
Odisha	188	77	29	42	21	19
Haryana	136	63	24	—	36	13
Jammu & Kashmir UT	30	14	3	3	8	2
Himachal Pradesh	67	29	18	2	12	6
Ladakh UT	36	18	2	5	8	3
Punjab	180	74	50	—	39	17
Tamil Nadu	382	164	73	4	103	38
Telangana	252	102	39	18	68	25
Rajasthan	258	106	45	32	49	26
West Bengal	272	110	61	14	60	27
A & N Islands	29	16	—	3	7	3
Sikkim	21	10	1	4	4	2
Uttar Pradesh	516	212	108	6	139	51
Maharashtra	474	214	46	41	126	47
Goa	15	9	—	2	3	1
Delhi	170	72	24	13	45	16
Uttarakhand	125	73	21	3	16	12
Arunachal Pradesh	21	8	—	10	—	3
Assam	147	64	11	18	40	14
Manipur	17	7	—	6	3	1
Meghalaya	33	15	—	13	2	3
Mizoram	12	6	—	5	—	1
Nagaland	23	12	—	9	—	2
Tripura	21	11	3	5	—	2
Bihar	261	120	42	3	70	26
Jharkhand	129	53	16	32	15	13
Kerala	249	130	25	2	68	24
Lakshadweep	3	2	—	1	—	—
Total	5180	2250	790	452	1180	508

Backlog Vacancies

State / UT	Total	SC	ST	OBC	PwBD	XS
Andhra Pradesh	6	—	2	—	2	2
Karnataka	227	2	11	—	21	193
Madhya Pradesh	100	9	45	—	9	37
Chhattisgarh	85	—	44	—	10	31
Haryana	7	4	—	—	3	—
Telangana	71	—	—	—	13	58
Rajasthan	44	—	—	—	15	29
West Bengal	17	4	—	3	5	5
A & N Islands	4	—	1	1	1	1
Sikkim	2	—	—	—	1	1
Uttar Pradesh	36	—	3	—	16	17
Maharashtra	243	58	38	71	—	76
Goa	2	—	2	—	—	—
Delhi	45	5	22	—	11	7
Uttarakhand	11	3	1	2	5	—
Arunachal Pradesh	49	—	4	—	10	35
Assam	236	—	32	—	33	171
Manipur	25	1	4	—	4	16
Meghalaya	61	3	—	1	10	47
Mizoram	21	—	—	2	6	13
Nagaland	38	—	—	—	7	31
Tripura	50	—	15	—	8	27
Kerala	26	2	—	7	4	13
Lakshadweep	2	—	1	—	1	—
Total	1410	90	225	86	195	814

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Tips to Maximize Your Score

Here are some helpful tips that you can follow:

A. Preparation Strategies

1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
2. Create a study plan and stick to it.
3. Use shortcut techniques to solve questions faster.

B. Time Management

1. Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly to allocate time for each section accordingly.
2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses to allocate more time for difficult sections.
3. Set a time limit for each question and avoid spending too much time on a single question.

C. Focus on high-weightage topics

• Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude – 60 marks
• General/Financial Awareness – 50 marks
• Quantitative Aptitude – 50 marks
• General English – 40 marks

D. Practice With Mock Tests

1. Get familiar with the exam pattern and format.
2. Analyze your strengths and weaknesses in different sections.
3. Improve your speed and accuracy in solving questions.

E. Explanation of Each Tip and How It Can Benefit

1. Understand exam patterns & syllabus.
2. Make a study plan.
3. Focus on high-weightage topics.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Common Mistakes

1. Neglecting the Importance of Time Management

Neglecting the importance of time management is a common mistake that candidates make while preparing for the SBI Clerk exam.

2. Ignoring High-Weightage Topics

Avoiding heavy exam topics may hurt your final grade.
High-weighted subjects are usually the ones with the most marks or the most questions on the test.

3. Overconfidence

Overconfidence can sometimes be detrimental to exam success. While confidence is necessary for success, overconfidence may lead to laziness and a lack of preparation.

4. Lack of Practice

Candidates often make the error of not preparing enough before the exam. To avoid this, students should complete as many practice tests and mock exams as possible

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Tips

A. Recap of the key insights discussed-

1. Candidates should rehearse solving last year’s papers to improve their speed and accuracy.
2. Building a solid basis by studying the basics is crucial for success in the exam.
3. Regular practice and revision are essential to prepare for the exam.

B. Final thoughts on the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern –

The SBI Clerk Exam has a two-phase pattern: preliminary and mains, followed by a language proficiency test. It tests candidates on their aptitude, reasoning, numerical, language, computer skills, and awareness of current affairs.

Conclusion

Overall, the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern is meticulously structured to evaluate a wide range of skills necessary for effective job performance in the banking sector. The inclusion of negative marking encourages careful consideration of each answer, while the dual-phase approach ensures that only the most capable candidates are selected. Aspiring candidates should familiarize themselves with the exam pattern and tailor their preparation accordingly to maximize their chances of success.

Recommended Reads:

• SBI Clerk
• SBI Clerk Salary
• SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)