SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern
SBI Clerk Exam is conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) to recruit candidates for the post of Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales) in its different branches across the country. SBI Clerk Exam facilitates the recruitment for the post of Junior Associates (JA). The Recruitment process is done in three stages namely SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination, SBI Clerk Mains Examination, and Language proficiency test. Candidates who qualify these stages will be hired as SBI Junior Associates (JA)/SBI Clerk. Every year Lakhs of candidates wait for SBI Clerk notification to begin their career in the banking sector. SBI is an India’s largest and most prestigious bank providing lucrative salaries and job security to its employees. With a large number of candidates applying for this exam, therefore it’s likely to see a cut-throat competition. Hence, it’s important for candidates know all the information about the SBI Clerk including exam pattern and syllabus, along with it you should also have information regarding selection process, salary, eligibility criteria. We have also covered the preparation tips to pass the SBI Clerk exams as bonus so that you can follow the guidelines and clear the SBI Clerk exam.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern
The exam is held in two phases – Preliminary and Main Exam, followed by a local language proficiency test for certain candidates. Let’s delve into the details of the exam pattern for each stage.
SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the selection process. It’s an objective test conducted online and consists of three sections:
Sr. No. | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Time |
1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour | |
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam is of totals 100 marks conducted for a duration of 60 minutes. Each correct answer awards one mark, while each incorrect answer incurs a 0.25-mark deduction as a penalty. Candidates who qualify for the SBI Clerk Prelims are eligible for the Mains Exam.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerks Main Exam is also an online objective test covering more comprehensive difficult topics:
Sr. No. | Name of Tests | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Total Time |
1 | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
2 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
3 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
4. | General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Min | |
The Main Exam totals 200 marks held for a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. Negative marking applies with a deduction of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer. The marks obtained in the Main Exam are crucial for the final merit list.
Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language in school must pass a local language test. This ensures that they can interact with customers in the region they are assigned.
The candidates must attempt the sections in the same order and within the allotted time fixed by the examining body. The candidate can’t leave the existing section before the time allotted. The next section can only be attempted after the current section is completed. There is a negative marking with a deduction of 0.25 marks for every mistake.
Section-wise details of SBI Clerk Exam Pattern
- Penalty for Wrong Answers:
A penalty for every incorrect answer will be marked in the Objective Tests of both Preliminary and Mains exams. Every wrong answer will be penalized by deducting 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question. There will be no penalty for leaving a question blank, i.e. in case, no answer is marked by the candidate.
- Final Score Calculation for SBI Clerk Exam:
There are certain important points on the basis of which the final score for the SBI Clerk exam is calculated:
- Marks scored in the Preliminary Exam will not be considered in the final score. These are only taken into account to qualify Mains Exam.
- Candidates need to qualify Phase-2
- The aggregate of 100 marks is used for the final merit list for each category. Candidates with high merit rank in each category are finally selected.
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT) Procedure:
Those who qualify for selection and produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheet/ certificate evidencing having studied the specified opted local language will not be subjected to any Language test. In the case of others (qualified for selection), specified opted local language test will be conducted after provisional selection but before joining. Candidates not found proficient in specified opted local language would be disqualified.
SBI Clerk Syllabus
Knowing the SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern is crucial to succeed in this exam. The syllabus for the SBI Clerk Exam covers multiple areas across reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and language skills. Below is a breakdown of the core topics for each subject:
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Syllabus.
This comprises of Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language.
Preliminary Examination Syllabus | ||
Reasoning Ability | Numerical Ability | English Language |
Logical Reasoning | Simplification | Reading Comprehension |
Alphanumeric Series | Profit & Loss | Cloze Test |
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet | Mixtures &Allegations | Para jumbles |
Data Sufficiency | Simple Interest & Compound | Multiple Meaning |
Coded Inequalities | Work & Time | Fill in the blanks |
Seating Arrangement | Time & Distance | Miscellaneous |
Puzzle | Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, | Paragraph Completion |
Tabulation | Data Interpretation | Error Spotting |
Syllogism | Ratio & Proportion, | |
Blood Relations | Number Systems | |
Input-Output | Sequence & Series | |
Coding-Decoding | Permutation, Combination &Probability | |
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Syllabus
This comprises of Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language. Banking and Computer Awareness
Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language | General /Economy/ | Computer Awareness |
Logical Reasoning | Simplification | Reading Comprehension | Financial Awareness | Internet |
Alphanumeric Series | Profit & Loss | Grammar | Current Affairs | Memory |
Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test | Mixtures & Alligations | Vocabulary | General Knowledge | Keyboard Shortcuts |
Data Sufficiency | Simple Interest & | Verbal Ability | Static Awareness | Computer Abbreviation |
Coded Inequalities | Work & Time | Word Association | Banking and Financial Awareness | Microsoft Office |
Seating Arrangement | Time & Distance | Sentence Improvement | Computer Hardware | |
Puzzle | Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, | Para Jumbles | Computer Software | |
Tabulation | Data Interpretation | Cloze Test | Operating System | |
Syllogism | Ratio & Proportion, | Error Spotting | Networking | |
Blood Relations | Number Systems | Fill in the blanks | Computer Fundamentals /Terminologies | |
Input Output | Sequence & Series | |||
Coding-Decoding | Permutation, Combination |
Important topics in SBI Clerk Syllabus
The syllabus for the SBI Clerk Exam covers multiple areas across reasoning, quantitative aptitude, general awareness, and language skills. But there are certain topics that aspirants have to emphasize more. Below is a breakdown of the core topics for each subject:
Core Syllabus for Preliminary Exam
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting, and Fill in the Blanks.
- Numerical Ability: Simplification, Data Interpretation, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, and Arithmetic Word Problems.
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzle and Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, and Direction Sense.
Main Exam Important Topics
- General/Financial Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Static General Knowledge, Important Government Schemes, and Financial Terms.
- General English: Advanced Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Error Detection, Vocabulary, and Grammar.
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data Analysis and Interpretation, Advanced Arithmetic, Probability, Permutation and Combination, and Mensuration.
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: Advanced Puzzles, Statement and Assumptions, Logical Reasoning, Internet, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Operating Systems.
SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria of the SBI Clerk exam is:
Educational Qualification for SBI Clerk
Graduation Degree: The aspirant for the SBI Clerk exam should be a graduation degree in any of the streams such as BA, B. Com, BSc, B. Tech, etc., from a university recognized by the Government of India. A candidate who possesses the same qualification from the university recognized by the Central Government is also eligible to apply for this exam. Candidates having integrated dual degree (IDD) certificates should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before the dates mentioned in the SBI Clerk Notification.
Those who are in the final year/semester of their Graduation may also apply provisionally subject to the condition that, if provisionally selected, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination.
Candidates should have a valid Mark-sheet/Degree:
A certificate that supports that they are graduates on the day they were registered for the exam. The percentage of marks obtained in Graduation should be mentioned at the time of registration for the SBI Bank-Clerk examination.
Computer Literacy
Knowledge of computer operation is a must as the SBI Clerk exam is conducted online.
Language Proficiency
Candidates should have verbal and written proficiency in the official language of the State/UT. The candidate should be able to read, write and speak the language.
Nationality/Citizenship of Applicant for SBI Clerk
Candidates applying for SBI Clerk Examination should be one of the following:
Citizen of India
The subject of Nepal or Bhutan
Tibetan Refugee who came to India before 1st January 1962 with the intention of permanent settlement
Person of Indian Origin (PIO) who has migrated from Burma, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Vietnam or East African countries of Zaire, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, Ethiopia, Malawi, with the intention of permanent settlement in India
Candidates belonging to the category 2, 3, 4 must have a certificate of eligibility issued by the Govt of India in their favor.
Age Criteria for SBI Clerk
The age limit is generally 20 to 28 years, with age relaxations applicable for reserved categories as per government rules. For instance, OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation, while SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation.
Besides this, there is age relaxation relevant to category-wise candidates as per the government rules:
Relaxation of Upper age Limit:
S. No | Category | Age Relaxation |
1 | SC/ST | 5 Years |
2 | OBC | 3 Years |
3 | PWD (General) | 10 Years |
4 | PWD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
5 | PWD (OBC) | 13 Years |
6 | Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen | The actual period of service rendered in defense services + 3 years, (8 years for disabled Ex-servicemen belonging to SC/ST) subject to a max. age of 50 years. |
7 | Widows, Divorced, Women (No Married) | women judicially separated from their husbands & who are not remarried 7 years (subject to maximum age limit of 35 years for General/ EWS, 38 years for OBC & 40 years for SC/ST candidates) |
Recruitment Process for SBI Clerk Exam
The SBI Clerk Recruitment Process is a multi-stage process designed to select candidates who demonstrate proficiency in banking-related skills. Here’s an overview of the process:
- Online Application: Candidates submit applications online, including necessary personal and educational information, and pay the application fee.
- Preliminary Exam: This screening stage assesses candidates’ basic knowledge in English, reasoning, and numerical abilities.
- Main Exam: Candidates who clear the Prelims move on to the Main Exam, where they are tested on more in-depth banking knowledge, general awareness, and computer aptitude.
- Local Language Test: If required, candidates undergo a local language proficiency test.
- Document Verification: Candidates shortlisted in the Main Exam undergo document verification to ensure they meet the eligibility criteria.
- Final Selection: The final selection is based on the Main Exam score and the language test (where applicable). Selected candidates receive an appointment based on their performance in the Main Exam and preference for posting location.
SBI Clerk Salary Structure
The salary for SBI Clerks is competitive and includes various benefits. Here’s an overview:
- Basic Pay: The starting basic pay for an SBI Clerk is ₹19,900 (₹17,900 plus two advance increments).
- Gross Salary: Including allowances such as DA, HRA, and other benefits, the gross monthly salary ranges between ₹26,000 and ₹30,000 depending on the location.
- Perks and Benefits: SBI Clerks enjoy additional benefits like medical insurance, provident fund, pension, and other employee welfare schemes. The job also offers opportunities for professional growth and internal promotions.
The salary structure makes this role attractive for candidates, combining stability with career advancement potential.
SBI Clerk Pre-Exam Training
Stepwise Tips to Download SBI Clerk Pre-Exam Training Admit Card
Step 1. Firstly, visit SBI’s official website www.sbi.co.in
Step 2. Then at the login column enter your registration number and password/date of birth (in dd-mm-yy format) as mentioned in the application form.
Step 3. Carefully check the captcha code and enter in the desired box given along it.
Step 4. Press the login button and you will reach your profile of SBI Junior Assistant Exam.
Step 5. Go the link of admit card and your admit card will be generated once you press the button. The moment it is generated you can download the admit card.
Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Exam
Preparing for the SBI Clerk Exam requires a strategic approach and disciplined study to tackle its competitive nature. Some of the essential tips that will help you prepare effectively and increase your chances of success are:
- Understand the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Start by familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern and syllabus for both the Preliminary and Main exams. This will help you focus on topics that have high weightage.
- Recognize the importance of each section of exam like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General/Financial Awareness, and Computer Aptitude. Understanding how marks are distributed so that you can allocate study time accordingly.
- Make a Study Plan
- Prepare a study schedule based on your strengths and weaknesses. Allocate more time to challenging areas but ensure consistent practice in all subjects.
- Divide your daily study hours between learning new topics, practicing questions, and reviewing previous material. A balanced study plan will help you in a systematic and comprehensive preparation.
- Practice with SBI Clerk Mock Tests and Previous Years Papers
- Taking mock tests and working through previous years’ papers is crucial for understanding question trends and improving speed and accuracy. Try Rankers Hub SBI Clerk Mock test, where we are providing update exams as per current trends.
- Taking these tests to simulate real exam conditions at the same time this practice enhances your time management skills and builds confidence for the actual exam day.
- After each test, spend time analyzing mistakes to identify areas needing improvement. Aim to minimize errors in subsequent tests.
- Master the Basics First
- Focus on clarifying fundamental concepts in all subjects before moving to advanced topics. A strong foundation is essential for tackling questions accurately. Rankers Hub online coaching for SBI Clerk will help you building strong concepts.
- For Quantitative Aptitude, start with basic arithmetic operations, percentages, averages, and practice data interpretation sets. Speed and accuracy are essential in this section.
- For Reasoning Ability, master common question types such as puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and syllogisms. Regular practice will enhance your logical thinking.
- Work on English Language Skills Daily
- Improving your English language skills requires regular practice. Focus on vocabulary, reading comprehension, grammar, and error spotting.
- Daily read English newspapers or magazines can enhance your vocabulary and understanding of grammar in context. This practice will also help in mastering reading comprehension.
- Note down unfamiliar words and revise them frequently. For practicing English MCQs visit Rankers Hub General English MCQ Page for building vocabulary.
- Stay Updated on General Awareness and Financial News
- General/Financial Awareness is crucial in the SBI Clerk Main Exam. Regularly follow news related to banking, economy, and important national and international events.
- Reading newspapers like Hindu or Economic times will be very helpful.
- Make a habit of noting down key points or headlines daily for easy revision before the exam.
- Build Computer Knowledge
- For the SBI Clerk Main Exam, basic Computer Aptitude knowledge is essential. Cover topics such as hardware, software basics, operating systems, keyboard shortcuts, and MS Office.
- Develop Time Management Skills
- Time management is crucial for the SBI Clerk Exam since each section is timed. Practice to manage your time effectively in each section.
- In the SBI Clerk mock tests, identify which sections is consuming more time and work on it to increasing your speed. Focus on solving easy questions first and come back to challenging ones if time permits.
- Practice using shortcuts, especially for the quantitative section, to solve questions faster without compromising accuracy.
- Regular Revision
- Frequent revision helps in retention of what you’ve studied. Make revision notes or summaries for important topics, formulas, vocabulary, and current affairs.
- Schedule weekly revision sessions in your study schedule to revisit topics you’ve already covered, especially for sections like General Awareness and Quantitative Aptitude.
- Stay Consistent and Motivated
- Consistency is the key to success. Stay dedicated to your daily goals, even if progress seems slow.
- Keep yourself motivated by setting achievable milestones and rewarding yourself when you reach them. Positive reinforcement will keep you going through the challenging days.
We hope the detailed overview of the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Eligibility, Salary, and Recruitment Process along with Preparation Tips are very helpful. With thorough preparation, aspiring candidates can secure a rewarding position in SBI which is India’s largest and most respected banking institutions. Join our courses by downloading Rankers Hub App and start preparing for SBI Clerk Exam.
