SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Prelims & Mains Structure

The State Bank of India (SBI), one of the most prestigious banking institutions in India, conducts the SBI Clerk Exam annually to recruit candidates for the position of Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales). As the 2025 recruitment cycle unfolds, aspirants must acquaint themselves with the latest exam patterns to strategize their preparation effectively. The SBI Clerk selection process is a two-tiered examination comprising the Preliminary and Main exams, followed by a Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Understanding the structure, timing, and marking scheme of each phase is crucial for candidates aiming to secure a position in this competitive examination.

Key Highlights

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025

The Preliminary Examination serves as the initial screening phase in the SBI Clerk recruitment process. It is an objective-type online test designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in fundamental areas. The exam comprises three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is allocated a specific time slot, emphasizing the importance of time management.

Structure of Prelims Exam:

• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 100
• Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes per section)
• Sections:
  • English Language: 30 questions (30 marks)
  • Numerical Ability: 35 questions (35 marks)
  • Reasoning Ability: 35 questions (35 marks)
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

Candidates must note that there are no sectional cut-offs; however, the overall performance determines eligibility for the Mains examination. Therefore, a balanced approach across all sections is essential.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025

Upon qualifying the Prelims, candidates advance to the Main Examination, which delves deeper into assessing a candidate’s aptitude and awareness. This phase is also an objective-type online test, encompassing four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

Structure of Mains Exam:

• Total Questions: 190
• Total Marks: 200
• Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Sections:
  • General/Financial Awareness: 50 questions (50 marks) – 35 minutes
  • General English: 40 questions (40 marks) – 35 minutes
  • Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions (50 marks) – 45 minutes
  • Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 questions (60 marks) – 45 minutes
• Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer

It’s important to highlight that, similar to the Prelims, the Mains exam does not have sectional cut-offs. However, the aggregate marks obtained in the Mains are crucial, as they are considered for the final selection. Post the Mains, candidates are required to undergo the Language Proficiency Test (LPT), which is qualifying in nature and ensures the candidate’s proficiency in the local language of the respective state

FAQs

Q1: What is the selection process for the SBI Clerk 2025 exam?

A1: The selection process comprises three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Language Proficiency Test (LPT). Candidates must qualify each stage to progress to the next.

Q2: Is there negative marking in the SBI Clerk exams?

A2: Yes, both Prelims and Mains have a negative marking scheme where 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect answer.

Q3: Are there sectional cut-offs in the SBI Clerk exams?

A3: No, there are no sectional cut-offs in either the Prelims or Mains. However, candidates must achieve the overall cut-off marks to qualify for the subsequent stages.

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