SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains Exams

The SBI Clerk Syllabus is designed around English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning for Prelims, and General Awareness and Computer Aptitude are introduced in Mains. The trick to acing the exam is to strike a balance between speed in the 100-mark Prelims and the analytical acumen required for the 200-mark Mains.

The State Bank of India (SBI) Junior Associate recruitment process is one of the most coveted entry-level recruitment processes in the banking sector. Unfortunately, many aspirants give up on their dream of becoming an SBI Junior Associate too soon because of a lack of knowledge about the SBI clerk syllabus 2026 prelims and mains. The exam is designed to test not only your knowledge but also your ability to perform under pressure in each subject.

Learning about the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 is the start of a secure future. While the Prelims are a screening test to shortlist candidates, it is the performance in the Mains that will finally get you selected. This article is a comprehensive guide to the subjects and topics that you need to master to perform well in both tests.

Check Out: Banking Books

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: An Overview

The recruitment process consists of two online objective tests. It is important to note that there are no sectional cut-offs in SBI exams; however, sectional timing is strictly enforced.

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination

The SBI clerk prelims syllabus 2026 is designed to test speed and accuracy.

Phase 2: Main Examination

The SBI clerk mains syllabus 2026 is more comprehensive and includes a significantly higher difficulty level.

Note: There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer in both phases.

Detailed SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims stage is all about basic concepts. Your aim should be to make as many attempts as possible in the 20-minute time slot allotted for each section.

Reasoning Ability

This section is all about logical flow and alertness.

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangement: Circular, Linear, Box-based, and Floor-based.

• Inequality: Direct and coded.

• Syllogism: "Only/A few" concepts.

• Direction Sense & Blood Relations: Direct and coded.

• Alphanumeric Series: Number and symbol-based series.

Numerical Ability

Speed is the king in this case. Learn the art of mental calculations for the given SBI clerk prelims topics.

• Simplification & Approximation: 10-15 questions are expected.

• Number Series: Missing and incorrect number series.

• Quadratic Equations: Comparison of variables (x and y).

• Data Interpretation (DI): Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, and Tabular DI.

• Arithmetic: Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio, Average, and Time & Work.

English Language

• Reading Comprehension: Usually 8–10 questions.

• Cloze Test: Vocabulary and grammar-based.

• Error Detection: Finding the grammatically incorrect part of a sentence.

• Sentence Rearrangement: Forming a coherent paragraph from jumbled lines.

Detailed SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026

The Mains exam is the real battleground. The SBI clerk's main topics require deeper analytical thinking and a focus on high-weightage sections like General Awareness.

General & Financial Awareness

This section can be a game-changer. Focus on the last 6 months of current events.

• Current Affairs: National & International news, Summits, and Awards.

• Banking Awareness: RBI functions, Monetary Policy, and Banking terminologies.

• Government Schemes: Recent launches and budget allocations.

• Static GK: Headquarters, Capitals, Currencies, and National Parks.

Quantitative Aptitude (Mains Level)

In Mains, the focus shifts from simple calculation to complex Data Interpretation.

• Advanced DI: Radar Graphs, Caselets, and Missing Data DI.

• Data Sufficiency: Determining if the given statements are enough to solve a problem.

• Arithmetic Word Problems: Higher difficulty level questions on Probability, Mensuration, and Permutation/Combination.

Reasoning & Computer Aptitude

• Reasoning: Critical Reasoning (Statement-Assumption/Conclusion), Input-Output, and complex multi-variable puzzles.

• Computer Aptitude: Basics of Hardware/Software, Networking, Operating Systems, and Internet Protocols. (Direct "Computer Knowledge" questions are rare; they are often integrated with logical coding).

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

Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy

1. For English: Read an editorial every day (like The Hindu or Economic Times) to enhance your Reading Comprehension speed.

2. For Quant: Memorize squares up to 50, cubes up to 20, and fractional parts of percentages to answer Simplification questions in seconds.

3. For Reasoning: Don't get bogged down in a single puzzle. If a seating arrangement puzzle doesn't work out in 2 minutes, move on to "miscellaneous" topics like Syllogism or Coding-Decoding.

4. For GA: Don't wait for the Prelims exam results to begin GA preparation. Allocate at least 1 hour every day to current events from Day 1 of your preparation.

Books for SBI Clerk Preparation 2026

SBI Clerk exam is some of the most competitive in the banking sector and require focused preparation. With the dates approaching, it’s time for aspirants to speed up and revise strategically. PhysicsWallah offers specially designed books for SBI Clerk, covering all essential topics to boost your preparation.

SBI Clerk Books for 2026 Exams	PDF
22 SBI Clerk Prelims & Mains Previous Year Solved Papers	PDF
All in One SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains Exams Book	PDF
KYC Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and English Language Combo Set of 3 Books	PDF

SBI Clerk Syllabus FAQs

Q1: Is there a descriptive paper in the SBI Clerk exam?

No, unlike the SBI PO exam, the sbi clerk syllabus consists entirely of objective-type multiple-choice questions. There is no essay or letter-writing section.

Q2: Are there sectional cut-offs in the SBI Clerk 2026 exam?

No, SBI does not have sectional cut-offs. Selection is based on your overall aggregate score in the Mains exam, though you must still adhere to sectional time limits.

Q3: Does the SBI clerk prelims syllabus 2026 include General Awareness?

No, the General/Financial Awareness section is only part of the Mains examination. The Prelims only cover English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.

Q4: What is the Language Proficiency Test (LPT)?

After clearing the Mains, candidates who did not study the local language in Class 10 or 12 must pass the LPT. It tests your ability to read, write, and speak the official language of the state you applied for.

Q5: Which section has the highest weightage in the SBI Clerk Mains topics?

The Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section has the highest weightage with 60 marks, followed by Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness at 50 marks each.