SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims & Mains Marking Scheme

State Bank of India Clerk Exam 2025 ( SBI Clerk )

DeskCalelnderExam On - 15 Nov '25 - 16 Nov '25

Anangsha Patra
Updated on Sep 14, 2025 08:39 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: The State Bank of India (SBI) prescribes SBI Clerk 2025 mains exam pattern for prelims and mains. Candidates preparing for the SBI Clerk exam should be thorough with the exam pattern as it helps them to understand the overall structure of the exam. SBI Clerk exam pattern highlights total marks, marking scheme, sectional timings, overall timings, number of sections, number of subjects, etc.

SBI Clerk prelims exam comprises questions from English, Reasoning, and Quantitative Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The prelims exam is qualifying in nature and the marks obtained in this stage are not counted for the final merit list. 

SBI Clerk mains exam pattern is such that it comprises questions from General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the mains exam are 200. The marks obtained in this stage are counted for the final merit list.

SBI Clerk syllabus comprises the topics and sub-topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. Read below for more details on SBI Clerk exam pattern. 

Q:   How many questions are there in each section of the SBI Clerk preliminary exam?
A: 

A total of 100 questions are asked in SBI Clerk prelims exam. The distribution of questions in SBI Clerk prelims exam is given below.

SectionNo of QuestionsDuration

English Language

30

20 Minutes

Numerical Ability

35

20 Minutes

Reasoning Ability

35

20 Minutes

Total

100

1 Hour

Q:   Is pattern of questions different from state to state in SBI Clerk exam?
A: 
No, SBI follows a similar SBI Clerk exam pattern for different states. SBI Clerk exam pattern is such that it comprises prelims exam, Mains exam and language proficiency test. The prelims and Mains exams are conducted online. The prelims exam carries three sections-English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The Mains exam is conducted for the qualified candidates of the prelims exam. The Mains exam carries four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The total marks allotted to the test are 200. Candidates qualifying the Mains exam are called for language proficiency. It is mandatory to clear the language proficiency test.
Table of content
  • SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
  • SBI Clerk Marking Scheme
  • SBI Clerk Syllabus
  • SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
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SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025

SBI Clerk aspirants who are going to apply for the exam must begin their preparation with the detailed exam pattern. SBI Clerk exam pattern will help candidates to prepare well for the exam. SBI Clerk exam pattern is such that it is divided into prelims, mains and language proficiency test. The exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the SBI Clerk 2025 such as types of questions, number of questions, number of sections, total marks, marking scheme, time duration and many more.

Also Read:

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The preliminary exam of SBI Clerk comprises three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The test paper carries a total of 100 questions. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The duration of the exam is one hour. Candidates can check below the detailed SBI Clerk exam pattern. 

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


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SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025

The exam pattern of SBI Clerk mains exam consists of four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The test paper will have a total of 190 questions. The total marks for the test are 200. Candidates are given 2 hours 40 minutes to solve the question paper. There are sectional timings for each section. Candidates can check below the SBI Clerk exam pattern 2026 for the mains exam. 

Name of test No of Questions 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

Test of Specified Local Language

All candidates who get provisionally selected after clearing Preliminary and Main exams need to appear for a test of specified opted local language. Any candidate who fails to clear the test will be disqualified from the recruitment. The official website informs, "It may be noted that candidates who get provisionally selected and produce marksheets of Classes 11 and 12 or certificate evidencing having studied the opted local language will be exempted from giving the test." 

Download SBI Clerk Syllabus - Click Here
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   In which mode SBI Clerk exam is conducted?
A: 
The prelims and Mains exams of SBI Clerk are conducted online. The prelims and Mains exams are conducted in multiple shifts. The prelims exam is conducted in four shifts whereas the Mains exam is conducted in two shifts. The shift timings are given below: Prelims Exam Shift 1- 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM Shift 2- 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM Shift 3: 12:30 PM to 12:30 PM Shift 4: 04:30 PM to 04:30 PM Mains Exam Shift 1: 9 AM to 11.40 AM Shift 2: 2.30 PM to 5.10 PM The exam pattern of SBI Clerk is divided into prelims and Mains exams. The marks obtained in the Mains exam are not counted for the final merit list. The prelims exam of SBI Clerk carries 100 questions whereas the Mains exam carries 190 questions.
Q:   How is SBI Clerk mock test useful?
A: 

SBI Clerk is a highly competitive exam conducted by SBI. To crack the exam, candidates need to prepare well. SBI Clerk mock test provides a realistic exam-like environment and help candidates gauge their strengths and weaknesses. The mock tests are designed by experienced subject matter experts and are based on the latest SBI Clerk exam pattern and syllabus. By attempting these tests, candidates can identify their areas of improvement and work on them to enhance their performance.

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SBI Clerk Marking Scheme

SBI Clerk marking scheme is prescribed by the examination authority. The scores of candidates are calculated as per the marking scheme. The marking scheme is given below:

  1. For correct answers, candidates score one mark
  2. 1/4th marks are deducted for wrong answers
  3. The marks are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers
Also Read:
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is SBI Clerk negative marking?
A: 

There is a negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam. 1/4th mark assigned to a particular question is deducted as a penalty for wrong answers. For correct answers in the exam, candidates score one mark. The total marks of candidates are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers. The corrected scores obtained by each candidate in different sessions of the exam are normalised using the equi-percentile method. Scores upto two decimal points are taken for the purpose of calculations. The marks of candidates are calculated as per marking scheme. Candidates should attempt maximum number of questions to secure the desired score in the exam.

Q:   What is the language of SBI Clerk question paper?
A: 

SBI Clerk question paper is framed in the following languages:

Sr.State/UTMedium of Exam

1

Andaman & Nicobar

English, Hindi

2

Arunachal Pradesh

English, Hindi

3

Assam

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali

4

Chhattisgarh

English, Hindi

5

Daman & Diu

English, Hindi, Gujarati

6

Delhi

English, Hindi

7

Goa

English, Hindi, Konkani

8

Gujarat

English, Hindi, Gujarati

9

Haryana

English, Hindi, Punjabi

10

Himachal Pradesh

English, Hindi

11

Jammu & Kashmir

English, Hindi, Urdu

12

Karnataka

English, Hindi, Kannada

13

Kerala

English, Hindi, Malayalam

14

Lakshadweep

English, Hindi, Malayalam

15

Madhya Pradesh

English, Hindi

16

Maharashtra

English, Hindi, Marathi

17

Manipur

English, Hindi, Manipuri

18

Meghalaya

English, Hindi

19

Mizoram

English, Hindi

20

Nagaland

English, Hindi

21

Odisha

English, Hindi, Odia

22

Pondicherry

English, Hindi, Tamil

23

Punjab

English, Hindi, Punjabi

24

Rajasthan

English, Hindi

25

Sikkim

English, Hindi

26

Tamil Nadu

English, Hindi, Tamil

27

Telangana

English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu

28

Tripura

English, Hindi

29

Uttar Pradesh

English, Hindi, Urdu

30

Uttarakhand

English, Hindi

31

West Bengal

English, Hindi, Bengali

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SBI Clerk Syllabus

The syllabus outlines the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. Check below SBI Clerk syllabus.

SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 
Subjects Topics
Reasoning Logical Reasoning, Alphanumeric Series, Data Sufficiency, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, etc
Numerical Ability  Simplification, Profit & Loss, SI & CI, Time & Distance, Work & Time, Data Interpretation, Ratio, Proportion, Percentage, Number System, etc
English Language Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fill in the blanks, etc

SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus

Subjects

Topics

Quantitative Aptitude

Simplification, Number Series, Data Sufficiency, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equation, Time & Distance, Work, Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Averages, Percentages, etc

English

Reading Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Para Jumbles, Cloze Test

General/Financial Awareness

Current Affairs, Static GK, Banking/Financial terms, etc

Reasoning Ability 

Machine Input/Output, Syllogism, Blood Relation, Inequalities, Puzzles, Coding-Decoding, etc

Computer Awareness 

Basics of Computer: Hardware, Software, Generation of Computers, DBMS, Networking, MS Office, Important Abbreviations, etc

Also Read:
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difference between the syllabus of an SBI Clerk and SBI PO?
A: 

SBI Clerk exam is conducted for recruitment of candidates for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales). SBI PO exam is conducted for the recruitment of probationary officers. SBI Clerk syllabus is divided into prelims and Mains exams. SBI PO syllabus is divided into prelims exam, Mains exam, psychometric test, group exercises and interview. The difficulty level of SBI PO is easier than SBI Clerk.

Q:   Can I complete the SBI Clerk syllabus in two months?
A: 

Check tips below.

  • Cover all the topics
  • Rrefer to the previous years’ question papers
  • Attempt mock tests
View Syllabus
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SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs

Candidates can check below SBI Clerk exam pattern FAQs.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the qualifying score in SBI Clerk Mains exam?
A: 

Candidates are required to score a minimum percentage marks on aggregate (For SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates, 5% relaxation available thereon). Minimum qualifying marks on aggregate will be as decided by the bank. No minimum qualifying marks for individual subject are prescribed. Section wise marks will not be maintained.

Q:   Is knowledge of Computers required for SBI Clerk exam?
A: 

Yes, knowledge of computers is required for SBI Clerk exam. This subject appears in the Mains exam of SBI Clerk along with Reasoning. Questions from this section are asked from Basics of Computer: Hardware, Software, Generation of Computers, DBMS, Networking, Internet, MS Office, Input-Output Devices and Important Abbreviations. 

 

Q:   How do I prepare for SBI Clerk exam as per experts?
A: 

SBI Clerk preparation tips by experts are the epitome of importance for the aspirants. These tips will help candidates to put their steps in the right direction. Accurate preparation strategies help candidates to score good marks in the exam. Some tips and tricks to crack SBI Clerk are given below:

  • The first and foremost requirement to start SBI Clerk exam preparation is proper knowledge of the exam pattern and detailed syllabus
  • Knowing the syllabus helps candidates figure out the section-wise weightage of different topics
  • Analyze strengths and weaknesses for different sections
  • Attempt mock tests to solve questions with accuracy and speed
  • Analyse the performance of the mock test
  • Keep practising the previous years' question papers to track the level of preparation 
Q:   Are three months enough for SBI Clerk preparation?
A: 

The time required to crack SBI Clerk exam depend upon the level of preparation and familiarity with the study materials. It is not easy to crack SBI Clerk exam in three months. However, with hard work and dedication candidates attain success in the exam. SBI Clerk preparation requires reviewing the syllabus, practicing sample questions, staying up-to-date with the latest exam pattern and format. It is also important to take regular mock tests to analyse the performance inorder to identify areas that need improvement. The tips and tricks to prepare for SBI Clerk exam in three months are given below: Divide or break down the study plan in a way that candidates can cover each and every topic given in the SBI Clerk syllabus. Candidates should make the segregation based on the prelims and mains exams Candidates need to create a realistic timetable as per the latest SBI Clerk Exam syllabus. Moreover, stick to the timetable and make suitable changes if needed After going through the SBI Clerk syllabus, candidates can easily find out their strong and weak areas Candidates can enhance their speed and accuracy by attempting mock tests Candidates should also practice previous years question papers

Q:   Why is SBI Clerk exam tough than IBPS Clerk?
A: 

SBI Clerk exam is little tougher than IBPS Clerk. The syllabus and pattern for both the exams are same. The level of questions asked in SBI Clerk exam is high.

Q:   Is the SBI Clerk exam bilingual?
A: 

Besides English and Hindi, SBI Clerk question paper appears in the regional languages. The languages of SBI Clerk question paper are given below.

Sr.State/UTMedium of Exam

1

Andaman & Nicobar

English, Hindi

2

Arunachal Pradesh

English, Hindi

3

Assam

English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali

4

Chhattisgarh

English, Hindi

5

Daman & Diu

English, Hindi, Gujarati

6

Delhi

English, Hindi

7

Goa

English, Hindi, Konkani

8

Gujarat

English, Hindi, Gujarati

9

Haryana

English, Hindi, Punjabi

10

Himachal Pradesh

English, Hindi

11

Jammu & Kashmir

English, Hindi, Urdu

12

Karnataka

English, Hindi, Kannada

13

Kerala

English, Hindi, Malayalam

14

Lakshadweep

English, Hindi, Malayalam

15

Madhya Pradesh

English, Hindi

16

Maharashtra

English, Hindi, Marathi

17

Manipur

English, Hindi, Manipuri

18

Meghalaya

English, Hindi

19

Mizoram

English, Hindi

20

Nagaland

English, Hindi

21

Odisha

English, Hindi, Odia

22

Pondicherry

English, Hindi, Tamil

23

Punjab

English, Hindi, Punjabi

24

Rajasthan

English, Hindi

25

Sikkim

English, Hindi

26

Tamil Nadu

English, Hindi, Tamil

27

Telangana

English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu

28

Tripura

English, Hindi

29

Uttar Pradesh

English, Hindi, Urdu

30

Uttarakhand

English, Hindi

31

West Bengal

English, Hindi, Bengali

Q:   How many rounds are there in SBI Clerk exam?
A: 

SBI Clerk exam comprises prelims and Mains exams. The prelims exam comprises three sections-English, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude. A total of 100 questions are asked in the exam. The total marks allotted to the test are 100. The marks obtained in the prelims exam are not counted for the final merit list. Candidates qualifying the prelims exam are called for the Mains exam. The Mains exam comprises four sections: General/ Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The test paper will have a total of 190 questions. The total marks for the test are 200. The marks obtained in the Mains exam are counted for the final merit list. 

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SBI Clerk Exam

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a month ago

The prelims exam was conducted on September 20, 21, 27, 2025. The Mains exam will be conducted on November 15 and 16, 2025. 

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

Few important points related to SBI Clerk exam centres are given below:

  • Candidates are required to choose the name of the SBI Clerk exam centre where they want to appear in the exam 
  • SBI reserves the right to cancel any of the exam centres or add some other centres at its discretion, depending upon th

...Read more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates who are in their final year/semester of graduation can apply provisionally as per SBI Clerk qualification. They need to produce proof of having passed the examination on or before the joining date.

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

There are no definite percentage criteria defined by SBI to apply for SBI Clerk. Candidates within the prescribed SBI Clerk age limit can apply for the exam. Candidates must be well-versed in official and local languages.

R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

Yes, final year degree candidates can apply for SBI Clerk provisionally as per SBI Clerk qualification. Such candidates should note that if selected for the exam, they should provide proof of having passed the Graduation.

S

Sumridhi Singh

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The relaxation in the upper SBI Clerk age limit provided to SC/ST candidates is five years. This means candidates belonging to this category can apply for the exam till the age of 33 years.

I

Indrani Thakur

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

The relaxation in the upper SBI Clerk age limit 2024 provided to the OBC candidates is three years. Candidates belonging to reserved categories are given relaxation in the upper age limit as per government rule.

B

Bhumika Arora

Contributor-Level 7

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