SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026: Best Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains, Download PDF
Quick Overview
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SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 is an important guide for candidates preparing for the State Bank of India Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) recruitment. SBI has released the current Junior Associate recruitment notification under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.
According to the official SBI notification, online registration of applications and payment of fees will remain open from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.
Candidates preparing for the examination should understand the official SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026, SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026, SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026, sectional timing, marking rules and Local Language Proficiency Test requirements.
The official SBI 2026 notification specifies the names of the tests/sections, number of questions, maximum marks, duration, negative-marking rules and selection procedure. However, the notification does not provide a chapter-by-chapter syllabus containing individual topics such as puzzles, number series, data interpretation or cloze test. Therefore, candidates should not treat any unofficial chapter-wise topic list as an SBI-issued syllabus.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 Overview
The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 consists of an online Preliminary Examination, an online Main Examination and a test of the specified opted local language, wherever applicable.
| Particular | Official Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | State Bank of India |
| Post | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 |
| Application & Fee Payment Dates | 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| Selection Procedure | Online Preliminary Examination + Online Main Examination + Test of Specified Opted Local Language |
| Preliminary Examination | Tentatively September 2026 |
| Main Examination | Tentatively November 2026 |
| Prelims Questions | 100 |
| Prelims Maximum Marks | 100 |
| Prelims Duration | 1 Hour |
| Mains Questions | 190 |
| Mains Maximum Marks | 200 |
| Mains Duration | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
| SBI Clerk Negative Marking | 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer in objective tests |
| Interview | Interview is not included as a selection stage in the official Junior Associate selection procedure |
caption, description bhi doSBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 with Prelims and Mains exam pattern, section-wise subjects, 100 Prelims questions, 190 Mains questions, negative marking and LLPT details.
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026
The official selection procedure for SBI Clerk 2026 consists of the following stages:
- Phase I – Preliminary Examination
- Phase II – Main Examination
- Phase III – Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), wherever applicable
Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added for final selection. Only the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for preparation of the final merit list. Final selection is also subject to verification of eligibility and qualification in the specified opted local language test, wherever applicable.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability.
The online Preliminary Examination consists of objective tests for 100 marks. The total duration is 1 hour, with a separate time limit for each section.
| Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
Important SBI Clerk Prelims Rules
- Each test has a separate timing.
- SBI Clerk Negative Marking is applicable for wrong answers in the objective tests.
- 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
- No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual tests.
- No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for the aggregate Prelims score.
- Section-wise marks will not be maintained.
- An adequate number of candidates in each category, approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability, will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The official SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026, to the extent specified in the notification, consists of the following three tests:
- English Language
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning Ability
Candidates searching for a detailed SBI Clerk Section Wise Syllabus should note that the official advertisement does not list individual chapters under these subjects. Detailed chapter-wise preparation topics published by coaching or educational websites should therefore be treated as preparation guidance rather than an official SBI-issued syllabus.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026 consists of four tests. A total of 190 questions are asked for a maximum of 200 marks. The total duration is 2 hours 40 minutes.
| Name of Test | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
Candidates should not assume that every question in the Main Examination carries one mark. The Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section has 50 questions for 60 maximum marks. SBI states that for a wrong answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
Important SBI Clerk Mains Rules
- Each test has a separate timing.
- SBI Clerk Negative Marking applies to wrong answers in objective tests.
- For each wrong answer, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
- Candidates are required to score a minimum percentage of marks on aggregate.
- For SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates, 5% relaxation is available in the prescribed aggregate qualifying marks.
- The minimum qualifying aggregate marks will be decided by SBI.
- No minimum qualifying marks for individual subjects are prescribed.
- Section-wise marks will not be maintained.
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The official SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026, as specified through the test names in the notification, consists of:
- General / Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
The official notification does not provide individual chapter names under these four tests. Therefore, a chapter-wise SBI Clerk Section Wise Syllabus available on preparation websites should not be described as a chapter list officially published by SBI.
SBI Clerk Negative Marking 2026
SBI Clerk Negative Marking is applicable in the objective tests. SBI clearly states that 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Do not describe SBI Clerk negative marking as a universal deduction of “0.25 marks” for every Main Exam question. The official rule is one-fourth of the marks assigned to the particular question.
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test 2026
The official notification includes a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) as Phase III of the selection procedure.
Provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the State/UT applied for in Class 10 or Class 12 will have to appear in the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Candidates who qualify for selection and produce a Class 10 or Class 12 mark sheet/certificate showing that they studied the specified opted local language will not be subjected to the language test.
SBI Clerk LLPT Pattern 2026
| Test | Section | No. of Passages | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Verbal Test | Objective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Subjective | 3 | 15 | 15 | |
| Verbal Test | Verbal | — | — | 20 |
| Total Maximum Marks | 50 | |||
Candidates are required to score minimum qualifying marks as decided by SBI in the individual tests. For SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates, 5% relaxation is available.
SBI Clerk Final Merit List 2026
The official notification states that marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be added for selection.
Only the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination will be considered for preparation of the final merit list.
The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise, and candidates qualified in the Main Examination will be placed in descending order of their aggregate marks in the respective States and categories.
Final selection is subject to:
- Verification of eligibility for the post and information furnished in the online application.
- Qualifying the test of the specified opted local language, wherever applicable.
SBI Clerk Wait List 2026
The official notification provides for a wait list of up to 50% of vacancies on a State-category-wise basis.
Candidates may be released from the wait list on a quarterly basis against non-joining and resignation from the current batch, subject to securing the minimum qualifying marks stipulated by SBI for selection.
The wait list will remain valid for one year from the date of declaration of the final result.
SBI Clerk Apprentice Bonus Marks 2026
The SBI Clerk 2026 notification provides specific weightage for eligible trained apprentices of SBI.
The benefit is subject to the candidate meeting SBI’s prescribed apprenticeship conditions, including the applicable engagement start date, successful completion of one year of specified branch experience and successful completion of the required apprenticeship evaluation/certification.
SBI Clerk Prelims vs Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Particular | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Tests | 3 | 4 |
| No. of Questions | 100 | 190 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Duration | 1 Hour | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Separate Sectional Timing | Yes | Yes |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th of marks assigned to the question | 1/4th of marks assigned to the question |
| Minimum Individual Test Qualifying Marks | No | No |
| Minimum Aggregate Qualifying Marks | No minimum prescribed | Yes, as decided by SBI |
| Marks Used for Final Merit | No | Yes |
SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF
Candidates searching for the SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF should note an important distinction. The SBI Junior Associate 2026 official notification contains the official examination structure, subjects/tests, question distribution, marks, sectional timing, negative marking, Local Language Proficiency Test pattern and selection procedure.
However, the notification does not contain a separate chapter-wise syllabus listing all individual preparation topics under Reasoning, Numerical Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, English or General/Financial Awareness.
Therefore, the official SBI recruitment notification should be used as the primary source for the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026 and SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026.
Check SBI Clerk 2026 Official Notification
Conclusion
The official SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 confirms that Prelims consists of 100 questions for 100 marks in 1 hour, while Mains consists of 190 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours 40 minutes.
Candidates should also remember that Prelims marks are not added for final selection. Final merit is prepared on the basis of aggregate Main Examination marks, subject to eligibility verification and qualifying the specified opted local language test wherever applicable.
For accuracy, students should distinguish between the official examination subjects mentioned by SBI and unofficial chapter-wise preparation lists published by coaching or educational platforms.
Related SBI Clerk 2026 Guides
- SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026: 7 Important Rules You Must Know
- SBI Clerk Exam Date 2026: Prelims & Mains Schedule
- SBI Clerk Local Language 2026: 7 Critical Rules You Must Know
- SBI Clerk Backlog Vacancy 2026: Important Eligibility Rules
- SBI Clerk SC ST Age Relaxation 2026: Maximum Age Limit & Important Rules
- SBI Clerk Cut Off 2026: State & Category Wise Prelims, Mains Marks
Important Official SBI Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 for Prelims and Mains?
The SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 covers English Language, Numerical/Quantitative Ability and Reasoning Ability in Prelims. The Mains exam includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
What is the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026?
According to the latest official SBI Junior Associate pattern, the Prelims exam contains 100 questions for 100 marks and has a total duration of 1 hour. English Language has 30 questions, Numerical Ability has 35 questions, and Reasoning Ability has 35 questions. Each section has a separate duration of 20 minutes.
What is the SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026?
The SBI Clerk Mains exam consists of 190 questions carrying 200 marks with a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. It includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
How many questions are asked in SBI Clerk Prelims 2026?
The SBI Clerk Prelims exam has 100 questions in total: 30 questions from English Language, 35 from Numerical Ability, and 35 from Reasoning Ability
How many questions are asked in SBI Clerk Mains 2026?
The SBI Clerk Mains exam has 190 questions for a maximum of 200 marks. General/Financial Awareness has 50 questions, General English 40 questions, Quantitative Aptitude 50 questions, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 50 questions.
Is there negative marking in the SBI Clerk Exam 2026?
Yes. In the latest official SBI Clerk exam pattern, one-fourth (1/4) of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer in the objective tests. This rule applies to both Prelims and Mains.
Is there a sectional time limit in SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains?
Yes. SBI provides separate sectional timings. In Prelims, each of the three sections has 20 minutes. In Mains, General/Financial Awareness and General English have 35 minutes each, while Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude have 45 minutes each.
Are SBI Clerk Prelims marks included in the final merit list?
No. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final selection score. The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to other applicable eligibility and local-language requirements
Is there a sectional cut-off in the SBI Clerk Exam?
According to the latest official SBI notification, there are no minimum qualifying marks prescribed for individual subjects. For Mains, candidates must secure the minimum aggregate qualifying marks decided by SBI.
Where can I download the SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF?
Candidates should check the official SBI Careers website for the latest Junior Associate notification and exam details. The official notification contains the Prelims and Mains exam structure, marking scheme, sectional timings and selection procedure.
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