The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts a two-stage computer-based competitive examination (Preliminary and Main) followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) to recruit Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales / Clerk). To secure a high score and clear the sectional cut-offs, candidates need a clear understanding of the SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 and detailed exam pattern.
Below is the complete subject-wise syllabus for both Prelims and Mains exams, section-wise weightage, marking scheme, and preparation strategy.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Overview
| Feature | Preliminary Examination | Main Examination |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Type of Questions | Objective MCQs | Objective MCQs |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions | 190 Questions |
| Total Marks | 100 Marks | 200 Marks |
| Duration | 60 Minutes (20 min/section) | 160 Minutes (2 hrs 40 min) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 (1/4th mark deduction) | 0.25 (1/4th mark deduction) |
| Sectional Timing | Yes (Strict timer per section) | Yes (Strict timer per section) |
| Sectional Cut-Off | No minimum sectional qualifying marks | No minimum sectional qualifying marks |
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary stage is a screening test to shortlist candidates for the Main exam. Marks scored in Prelims are not added to the final merit list.
| Subject / Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Duration |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude) | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
Each correct answer awards 1 mark, while an incorrect answer incurs a penalty of 0.25 marks.
SBI Clerk Prelims Subject-Wise Syllabus
1. Numerical Ability Syllabus
This section tests speed and mental calculations:
- High-Scoring Speed Topics: Simplification, Approximation, Missing and Wrong Number Series, Quadratic Equations.
- Arithmetic Topics: Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Pipes & Cisterns, Time Speed & Distance, Trains, Boats & Streams, Mixtures & Alligations, Partnership, Ages, and Basic Mensuration.
- Data Interpretation (DI): Tabular Graph, Line Chart, Bar Diagram, Pie Chart, and Caselet DI.
2. Reasoning Ability Syllabus
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: Linear (Single/Parallel Row), Circular (In/Out), Square/Rectangular, Box Puzzles, Floor & Flat Puzzles, Month & Date Scheduling.
- Logical & Verbal Topics: Syllogism (Only a few / Possibility cases), Inequalities (Direct & Coded), Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction & Distance, Alpha-Numeric-Symbol Series, Order & Ranking.
3. English Language Syllabus
- Comprehension & Passage: Reading Comprehension (Story/Economy based), Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks (Single & Double).
- Grammar & Sentence Structure: Error Detection / Spotting Errors, Sentence Improvement, Phrase Replacement, Para Jumbles / Sentence Rearrangement, Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Misspelt words).
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Main Examination determines final selection and merit rank. It is more comprehensive and includes General/Financial Awareness.
| Test Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allocated |
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 Minutes (2 Hrs 40 Min) |
SBI Clerk Mains Subject-Wise Syllabus
1. General & Financial Awareness (Highest ROI Section)
- Banking & Financial Awareness: RBI Monetary Policy, Banking Terms (CASA, CRR, SLR, Repo Rate, NPA), Payment Systems (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS), Priority Sector Lending (PSL), Basel Norms, Financial Inclusion schemes (PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY).
- Current Affairs: Last 6 months of national and international news, Union Budget, Economic Survey, summits, awards, sports, and major MoUs.
- Static General Knowledge: National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries, Thermal & Nuclear Power Plants, Dams, Capitals & Currencies, Headquarters of International Organizations.
2. Quantitative Aptitude (Mains Level)
- Advanced Data Interpretation & Analysis: Radar DI, Missing DI, Arithmetic-based DI, Caselet DI, Funnel Charts.
- Advanced Problem Solving: Data Sufficiency (2 to 3 statements), Quantity Comparison (Q1 vs Q2), High-Level Arithmetic Word Problems.
3. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
- Advanced Reasoning: High-level Floor/Flat/Variable Puzzles, Matrix Coding, Input-Output Machine Rearrangement, Coded Blood Relations, Coded Direction, Critical/Logical Reasoning (Statement & Assumption, Cause & Effect, Course of Action).
- Computer Aptitude: Basics of Hardware & Software, Operating Systems, Networking & Internet, MS Office shortcuts, Binary to Decimal conversions, Keyboard Shortcuts, Cyber Security basics.
4. General English (Mains Level)
- Complex Reading Comprehension passages based on banking, global economy, and finance.
- Advanced Para-Jumbles, Sentence Connectors, Inference-based questions, Word Swap, and Column Matching.
Phase 3: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Candidates provisionally selected on the basis of the Main examination must appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) before appointment, subject to the following rules:
- Who is EXEMPT? Candidates who produce 10th or 12th standard marksheets/certificates showing they studied the specified local language (e.g., Gujarati for the Gujarat circle) do not need to take this test.
- Who MUST Appear? Candidates who applied for a state without having studied that regional language in Class 10/12 must qualify this test. Failing the test results in disqualification.
📌 Important Clarification for Aspirants: SBI does not publish a separate chapter-wise syllabus in its official notification. The detailed topic breakdown provided here is formulated based on the official exam scheme, previous years’ question patterns, and the official SBI Information Handout booklet.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Important Links
| Resource / Document | Direct Link |
| SBI Junior Associate Recruitment Notification | Check Notification Details |
| Official SBI Career Portal | Visit bank.sbi/careers |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is there any sectional cut-off in the SBI Clerk Exam?
No. State Bank of India does not maintain minimum sectional qualifying marks for Prelims or Mains. Selection is based purely on the total overall aggregate score.
What are the passing marks for SBI Clerk Prelims?
There are no fixed passing marks; the qualifying cut-off varies state-by-state and category-by-category depending on vacancy numbers and question difficulty.
Are marks from the SBI Clerk Prelims counted in the final merit list?
No. The Preliminary examination is strictly qualifying in nature. The final merit list is prepared entirely from marks obtained in the Main Examination (out of 200).
