SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: Prelims & Mains Section-wise

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern: The SBI Clerk exam is a crucial step for anyone aiming to join the banking sector. Each year, millions of candidates apply for this competitive test, seeking a chance to build a career in banking. Understanding the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern is essential for effective preparation.

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI Clerk exam to recruit suitable candidates for the role of Clerk. This article breaks down the exam pattern thoroughly to give candidates a clear idea about the SBI Clerk exam.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern

Aspirants planning to apply for the SBI Clerk exam should start their preparation by thoroughly understanding the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern. A clear grasp of the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The exam is divided into three stages: Prelims, Mains, and a Language Proficiency Test.

The exam pattern provides a complete overview of the SBI Clerk exam, including the types of questions, the number of questions, sections covered, total marks, marking scheme, and time duration, among other details. This structure helps candidates plan their study strategy efficiently.

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SBI Clerk Exam Pattern Highlights

Every year, the State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI Clerk exam to hire eligible candidates for the position of Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales) in its branches nationwide. For a quick overview of the SBI Clerk Exam, refer to the highlights in the table below.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 

The SBI Clerk exam will be conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit eligible candidates for the position of Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales). 

The official notification, which will include details on vacancies, eligibility criteria, and the online application process, is expected to be released soon. The selection process for Junior Associates involves three stages:

• Online Preliminary Exam

• Online Mains Exam

• Language Proficiency Test

Candidates must pass both the preliminary and mains exams to move on to the Language Proficiency Test. Those who successfully clear all three stages will receive an appointment letter.

Read More: SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk preliminary exam consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam has a total of 100 questions, each carrying one mark, making the overall score 100 marks. The exam duration is 60 minutes. Below is a detailed breakdown of the SBI Clerk exam pattern.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk mains exam includes four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The exam contains a total of 190 questions, with a maximum score of 200 marks. 

Candidates have 2 hours and 40 minutes to complete the exam, and each section has its own time limit. Below is a detailed overview of the SBI Clerk mains exam pattern.

Check out: Banking exam PYQs Book

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern Language Proficiency

Candidates who qualify for selection and provide a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet or certificate showing they studied the required local language will be exempt from the Language Test. 

For other selected candidates, a local language proficiency test will be conducted after provisional selection but before joining. Those who do not demonstrate proficiency in the chosen local language will be disqualified.

SBI Clerk Marking Scheme

The marking scheme for the SBI Clerk exam is set by the examination authority. Candidates' scores are determined according to this scheme. The following are how the marking works:

• Each correct answer earns one mark.

• For every incorrect answer, 1/4th of a mark is deducted.

• Final scores are calculated based on the total number of correct and incorrect responses.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern Important Points

The following are some key details about the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern for both Prelims and Mains:

• There will be no interview stage in the selection process.

• Candidates must pass each objective test in the online exams.

• Both Prelims and Mains will be conducted online.

• Only candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Exam will be eligible to appear for the Mains Exam.

• The final selection will be based on the Mains Exam results.

• The question papers will be bilingual, available in both Hindi and English.

• The cutoff scores for the Prelims and Mains exams will be determined by SBI.

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

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern FAQs

Q.1. What is the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern for Prelims?

Ans. The SBI Clerk Prelims exam consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, with 100 questions in total and a duration of 1 hour.

Q.2. How many questions are there in the SBI Clerk Mains exam?

Ans. The SBI Clerk Mains exam consists of 190 questions across four sections, with a total score of 200 marks. The exam duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Q.3. Is there a negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam?

Ans. Yes, there is negative marking in both Prelims and Mains. For every wrong answer, 1/4th of a mark is deducted.

Q.4. What happens if I don't qualify the Language Proficiency Test?

Ans. Candidates who fail to demonstrate proficiency in the required local language will be disqualified from the selection process.

Q.5. Can I take the Mains exam without clearing the Prelims?

Ans. No, candidates must clear the SBI Clerk Prelims to be eligible for the Mains exam.