Is SBI Clerk Exam Tough?

Many students are getting ready for the SBI Clerk exam, and a common question is, “Is the SBI Clerk exam tough?” The answer is not so simple. The SBI Clerk exam is one of the most popular bank exams in India. Every year, a large number of students appear for it, hoping to get a good job in the banking sector. The syllabus is not very hard, and the questions are based on topics taught in school. But since so many people give the exam, the competition becomes tough. To do well, you need to study regularly, practice a lot, and manage your time well. Let’s understand more about how tough this exam really is.

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SBI Clerk Exam Structure

The SBI Clerk exam has two main parts:

• Preliminary exam (first round)

• Main exam (second round)

Both parts test different skills and have different difficulty levels. The SBI Clerk exam is easy or tough, depending on which part you are taking and how well you prepare.

How Tough is SBI Clerk Exam Really?

Based on feedback from students who took the exam in 2025, here's what we found:

Preliminary Exam Difficulty

The preliminary exam is not very hard. Most students find it easy to moderate. This first round has three sections:

• English Language

• Numerical Ability

• Reasoning Ability

Each section gets 20 minutes. Students get 100 questions total. The good news is that students who answer 75 to 83 questions correctly usually pass this round.

Main Exam Challenge Level

The main exam is harder than the preliminary exam. It has four sections with 190 questions total. Students need to work harder and think more deeply for this round. The SBI Clerk exam is tough at this level because it tests your knowledge more deeply.

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Section-Wise Difficulty Breakdown

English Language Section

This section stays easy to moderate in both exams. It includes:

• Reading passages

• Grammar questions

• Sentence correction

• Word meanings

Students who read regularly and know basic grammar rules do well here. You can expect to answer 20-27 questions correctly out of 30.

Numerical Ability Section

This section is moderately difficult. It covers:

• Basic math problems

• Data interpretation from charts and graphs

• Profit and loss calculations

• Time and work problems

The main challenge is doing calculations quickly and correctly. Students typically answer 25-29 questions correctly.

Reasoning Ability Section

This is the hardest section for most students. It includes:

• Puzzles and seating arrangements

• Blood relations

• Coding and decoding

• Logic problems

Puzzle questions take the most time and mental effort. Many students find this section tricky. Good students usually answer 25-30 questions correctly.

Read More: SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025

Why SBI Clerk Exam is Hard?

Several factors affect how tough is SBI Clerk exam for different people:

Individual Preparation Level

Your background matters a lot. Students good at math find the numerical section easier. Students who read a lot do better in English. The exam difficulty depends on your strengths and weaknesses.

Time Management Issues

Each section in the preliminary exam gets only 20 minutes. This time pressure makes even easy questions feel hard. Students who practice time management find the exam much easier.

Lack of Practice

Students who don't practice regularly struggle more. Those who solve mock tests and practice daily find the exam manageable.

Books for SBI Clerk

Books that will help you understand the exam better and practise subject wise with plenty of qustions.

 SBI Clerk Exam 2025 Preparation Tips

Here are proven strategies to make the exam easier:

Start Early and Stay Consistent

Begin your preparation at least 3 months before the exam. Daily practice works better than studying for long hours once in a while.

Focus on Your Weak Areas

Identify which sections are hardest for you. Spend extra time practicing those topics. Don't ignore your strong subjects, but give more attention to weak ones.

Practice Mock Tests Regularly

Take practice tests to get used to the exam format and timing. This helps reduce exam day stress and improves your speed.

Use Quality Study Materials

Get a good SBI Clerk book that covers all topics clearly. Choose books with simple explanations and lots of practice questions.

Study Previous Year Papers

A SBI Clerk previous year question paper book helps you understand the exam pattern. You can see what types of questions appear frequently.

Time Management Practice

Learn to solve questions quickly without making mistakes. Practice answering questions in the given time limits.

Success Statistics and Expectations

Recent data shows that students who prepare well can expect:

• Preliminary exam: 74-80 correct answers out of 100 questions

• Main exam: Competitive scores based on thorough preparation

The exam is designed to select suitable candidates, not to eliminate everyone. With proper preparation, most students can clear it.

Is the SBI Clerk Exam Worth Your Effort?

Yes, the exam is definitely worth preparing for. Here's why:

• The job offers good salary and benefits

• Banking sector provides job security

• Career growth opportunities are excellent

• Work-life balance is generally good

So, is SBI Clerk exam tough? The answer depends on your preparation level and approach. The preliminary exam is manageable for most students. The main exam requires more effort but is still achievable with proper preparation.

The key to success is consistent preparation, regular practice, and smart time management. Students who follow a structured study plan and use good study materials typically find the exam fair and manageable. Remember, thousands of students clear this exam every year. With dedication and the right preparation strategy, you can be one of them. The SBI Clerk exam is tough only if you don't prepare properly. 

 Read More: SBI Clerk 2025 Previous Year's Question Paper PDF with Solutions

 Is SBI Clerk Exam Tough  FAQs

1. Is SBI Clerk exam tough for beginners?

No, the SBI Clerk exam is not too tough for beginners. The preliminary exam is easy to moderate. If you prepare for 3-4 months regularly, you can clear it. Start with basic concepts and gradually move to advanced topics.

2. Which section is hardest in SBI Clerk exam?

The Reasoning Ability section is usually the hardest. It has complex puzzles and seating arrangements that take time to solve. Many students struggle with this section due to time pressure.

3. What is a good score in SBI Clerk preliminary exam?

A good score is 75-83 correct answers out of 100 questions. This usually ensures you qualify for the main exam. The exact cutoff changes each year based on difficulty level and competition.

4. Is negative marking tough to handle in SBI Clerk exam?

Negative marking can be challenging, but it's manageable with smart strategies. Don't guess randomly. Only attempt questions you're confident about. Practice helps you identify which questions to skip.