SBI Clerk 2026 Preparation Tips, Study Plan & Strategy

The tips and tricks to score 80 marks in SBI Clerk exam are given below:

• Avoid learning new topics and focus on revising already covered concepts
• Solve previous years' question papers to get familiar with the exam pattern
• Attempt at least one full-length mock test to assess time management
• Read all instructions carefully before attempting the exam
• Stay calm and confident, and attempt easier questions first

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

SBI Clerk study plan for beginners should focus on building strong foundation on the topics given in the syllabus, consistent practice and strategic revision. Candidates must master the core concepts, regular practice, taking the mock tests, identifying the weaknesses and improving the weak areas. Candidates must follow a structure approach, prioritise core subjects and allocate time for different activities. SBI Clerk study plan for beginners is given below:

• Understand the exam structure
• Master the core concepts
• Learn time saving techniques
• Priortise easy questions
• Analyse mock test

 

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.

Check tips below.

• Cover all the topics
• Rrefer to the previous years’ question papers
• Attempt mock tests

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. 

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

Section	No of Questions	Duration
English Language	30	20 Minutes
Numerical Ability	35	20 Minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	20 Minutes
Total	100	1 Hour

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.

The basic salary of SBI Clerk is INR 17,900 with an increment of INR 1000. After three years, the basic SBI Clerk salary will be INR 20,900 with an annual increment of INR 1230. Again, after three years, candidates will get basic pay of INR 24,590 with an increment of INR 1490. The maximum basic salary will reach upto INR 47,920 after certain period. 

The revised payscale of SBI Clerk is INR 17,900-1000/3-20,900-1230/3-24,590-1490/4-30,550-1730/7-42,600-3270/1-45,930-1990/1-47,920. Earlier, the payscale was INR 11,765-655/ 3-13,730-815/ 3-16,175-980/ 4-20,095-1145/7-28,110-2120/ 1-30,230-1310/1-31,450.

There are many books available in the market, however, candidates must choose those books that have covered the entire syllabus. For Quant, candidates can refer to Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Agarwal. For Reasoning, candidates can refer to A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R S Agarwal. For English candidates can refer to English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin. For the General Awareness section, candidates can refer to Banking Awareness by B K Raut and SR Behera.

The total starting emoluments given to the Junior Associates in the metro city such as Mumbai are around INR 29,000 per month, inclusive of DA and other allowances as per the current rate. Besides, two additional increments are given to newly recruited graduate Junior Associates. Earlier, the total starting emoluments for metro cities was INR 26,000. Allowances also vary depending on the place of posting. Candidates are eligible for reimbursement of various perquisites, Provident Fund, Pension under New Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution Benefit), Medical, Leave-Fare, and other facilities as per the requirement of the bank.