Exam pattern at a glance
SBI Clerk 2026 is an online, fully objective exam held in two phases, followed by a local language test for those who need it. Prelims only screens; Main exam marks build the merit list, drawn state-wise and category-wise.
Prelims exam pattern
Three objective tests, each with its own 20-minute timer — 100 questions for 100 marks in one hour. SBI prescribes no minimum qualifying marks for any test or for the aggregate. About 10 times the vacancies in each category (as the bank decides, subject to availability) are shortlisted for mains, in descending order of aggregate marks.
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min | English |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min | English, Hindi + state language* |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min | English, Hindi + state language* |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour | −¼ of marks per wrong answer |
*The advertisement lists the medium for each state/UT — for example English and Hindi for Rajasthan or Madhya Pradesh, English, Hindi and Odia for Odisha, and English, Hindi, Telugu and Urdu for Telangana. Each prelims question has five options, calculators are not allowed, and the “Acquaint Yourself” booklet says you cannot submit before the full test time is over. Section-wise marks are not maintained.
Mains exam pattern
Mains is the stage that counts. You need a minimum percentage on aggregate, set by SBI (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates). No minimum is prescribed for individual tests, and section-wise marks are not maintained.
| Stage | Taken by | Questions | Marks | Counts for merit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims | All candidates who applied | 100 | 100 | No — screening only |
| Mains | Candidates shortlisted from prelims | 190 | 200 | Yes — the only stage that does |
| Local Language Proficiency Test | Provisionally selected candidates who did not study the language in Class 10 or 12 | 30 + verbal test | 30 + 20 | No — qualifying |
Mains — test-wise breakdown
Each test is timed separately, and the Main exam runs 2 hours 40 minutes in all. Bring your stamped prelims call letter and ID-proof copy along with the mains call letter — SBI collects them at the Main exam.
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time | Medium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 min | English, Hindi + state language* |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 min | English |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 min | English, Hindi + state language* |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 min | English, Hindi + state language* |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 h 40 min | All objective |
Final merit & the language test
There is no interview in SBI Clerk. Clearing mains leads to two steps before you can join SBI.
Merit list & provisional selection
Only the Main exam aggregate counts — prelims marks are not added. Qualified candidates are ranked by aggregate marks within their state and category. Eligible SBI trained apprentices get 5 bonus marks (2.5% of 200) added to their aggregate. Final selection is subject to verification of eligibility and to qualifying the language test where it applies.
Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
You opt for one language of your state/UT while applying. If you did not study it in Class 10 or 12, you take the LLPT after provisional selection and before joining: a non-verbal test (objective — 3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks; subjective — 3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks) and a verbal test (20 marks). You need SBI’s minimum in each test, with 5% relaxation for reserved categories. It is held at a centre in your state, at your own expense. Failing it means no appointment.
Negative marking, stage by stage
SBI uses one rule for every objective test: a wrong answer costs one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question. Leave a question blank and there’s no penalty.
| Exam stage | Penalty per wrong answer |
|---|---|
| Prelims (all three tests) | ¼ of the question’s marks |
| Mains (all four tests) | ¼ of the question’s marks |
| Unattempted questions | No penalty |
Prelims marks are used only to shortlist for mains. Only the Main exam aggregate counts for the final merit, drawn state-wise and category-wise. SBI also compares each candidate’s responses with other candidates’ to detect patterns of similarity, and may cancel the candidature if answers appear to have been shared.
Crack SBI Clerk with your own daily plan
Daily targets, PYQ practice sets & timed mocks — built around the SBI Clerk pattern.
Rehearse the exam pattern
Knowing the pattern is step one. JobSafal lets you practise it in timed tests, so separately timed sections feel familiar on exam day.
Timed mocks
Full-length SBI Clerk mocks in a timed test interface.
Negative-marking analysis
See how your accuracy versus attempts affects your net score, question by question.
Section-wise practice
Drill one section at a time to fix the weak links the pattern exposes.
PYQ practice sets
Six timed sets to check your speed and accuracy before the real exam.
