SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2024 for Prelims & Mains

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2024 has two stages – Preliminary and Mains. Prelims have three sections, while Mains have four. There is a +negative marking in both. Candidates who qualify for Mains must appear for a language skill test. Selection relies on the Main marks and the language test.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Format

The SBI Clerk Exam has two phases, Preliminary and Main, both 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 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.

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.

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.

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

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

3. Time Duration

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

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

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

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 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 have a negative impact on 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.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: FAQs