The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the details for the Clerk Exam 2026. If you are planning to apply for the Junior Associate position, knowing the exact syllabus is the first step. This guide covers everything you need to know, including the exam pattern, important topics, marking scheme, and preparation tips.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026:
Before starting your preparation, it is helpful to know the basic structure of the exam. The table below gives you a quick snapshot of the SBI Clerk recruitment for 2026.
| Notification Description | Details |
| Exam Name | SBI Clerk Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Question Type | Objective (Multiple Choice Questions) |
| Selection Process | Prelims + Mains + Language Test + Verification |
| Total Marks | Prelims: 100 |
| Duration | Prelims: 1 Hour |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks deducted for wrong answers) |
| Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is divided into two main stages: Prelims and Mains. Both are conducted online.
1. Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary exam is a speed test consisting of 100 questions. You have exactly one hour to complete it.
| Section | No. of Questions | 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 |
2. Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains exam is longer and tests your in-depth knowledge. It includes a section on Financial Awareness.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hrs 40 Min |
Important Notes:
- Negative Marking: For every wrong answer, 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question (0.25) will be deducted.
- Language: The paper is available in English and Hindi (except for the English Language section).
- Sectional Timing: Each section has a fixed time limit. You cannot switch between sections at will.
Subject-Wise SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026
To clear the exam, you need to study specific topics for each subject. Below is the detailed list of topics for both Prelims and Mains.
1. English Language
- Reading Comprehension: Understanding passages and answering questions.
- Grammar: Error detection, sentence improvement, phrase replacement.
- Vocabulary: Cloze test, fill in the blanks, synonyms/antonyms, word swap.
- Structure: Para jumbles (sentence rearrangement), sentence completion, connectors.
2. Quantitative Aptitude
- Calculation: Simplification, approximation, number series (missing & wrong).
- Arithmetic: Percentage, ratio & proportion, average, profit & loss, simple & compound interest.
- Advanced: Time & work, speed, distance & time (boats & streams), mixture & allegation, mensuration.
- Data Interpretation (DI): Bar graphs, line graphs, pie charts, tabular data, caselets.
- Algebra: Quadratic equations.
3. Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles & Seating: Circular, square, linear seating arrangements, floor/box puzzles.
- Logical Reasoning: Syllogism, inequality, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction & distance.
- Verbal Reasoning: Statement and assumption, course of action, cause and effect.
- Order & Ranking: Positioning and arranging items.
- Input-Output: Machine input-output series.
4. General/Financial Awareness (Mains Only)
- Current Affairs: News from the last 6 months (National & International).
- Banking Awareness: RBI guidelines, banking terms, repo rates, types of accounts.
- Static GK: Currencies, capitals, dams, national parks, awards & honors.
- Financial News: Budget, economic surveys, government schemes, summits.
5. Computer Aptitude (Mains Only)
- Basics: History of computers, input/output devices, hardware & software.
- Internet: Networking, protocols, security tools, database management (DBMS).
- Productivity: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), shortcut keys.
- Logic: Binary to decimal conversion, logic gates.
How to Prepare for SBI Clerk 2026
Success in banking exams comes from consistency and smart work. Here is a simple strategy to guide you:
- Know the Basics: Start with the fundamental concepts of math and grammar. If your basics are strong, speed will follow naturally.
- Focus on High-Scoring Topics:
- Math: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation.
- Reasoning: Puzzles and Seating Arrangement.
- English: Reading Comprehension and Grammar rules.
- Read Daily: Make a habit of reading a newspaper or news app daily. This helps with both the English section and General Awareness.
- Practice Mock Tests: Take one full-length mock test every week initially, then increase the frequency. Analyze your mistakes after every test.
- Time Management: Since there is a sectional timer, practice solving questions quickly. Don’t spend too much time on a single tough question; skip it and move on.
- Revise: Keep a small notebook for formulas and current affairs notes. Review this weekly.
Recommended Books for SBI Clerk 2026
Choosing the right study material is important. These books are widely trusted by aspirants:
- English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi.
- Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Math (Quant): Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal or Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma.
- General Awareness: Banking Awareness by Arihant or monthly current affairs magazines.
- Computer: Computer Knowledge by Disha Experts.
FAQs
Q1. Is the SBI Clerk exam difficult?
It is generally considered moderate. The questions are not extremely hard, but the competition is high, and speed is crucial.
Q2. Is there an interview for SBI Clerk?
No, there is no interview for the Junior Associate (Clerk) post. Selection is based on the Mains exam marks and the Local Language Test.
Q3. Can I prepare for SBI Clerk in 3 months?
Yes, 3 to 4 months of dedicated study (4-6 hours a day) is usually sufficient for a serious beginner.
Q4. Is there sectional cut-off in SBI Clerk?
No, SBI recently removed the sectional cut-off. You only need to clear the overall cut-off marks to qualify.
Q5. Where can I download the Syllabus PDF?
You can find the detailed notification and syllabus on the official SBI careers page: sbi.co.in/web/careers
