SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern — Prelims, Mains & Selection Process
The SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern follows a two-stage process: Prelims (screening) and Mains (merit). There is no interview for clerical cadre.
Prelims
100 questions, 100 marks, 60 minutes with sectional time limits. English Language: 30Q, 30M, 20min. Numerical Ability: 35Q, 35M, 20min. Reasoning Ability: 35Q, 35M, 20min. Negative marking of 0.25. Sectional cutoffs apply. Screening test only.
Mains
190 questions, 200 marks, 160 minutes. General/Financial Awareness: 50Q, 50M, 35min. General English: 40Q, 40M, 35min. Quantitative Aptitude: 50Q, 50M, 45min. Reasoning & Computer Aptitude: 50Q, 60M, 45min. Negative marking 0.25. Sectional cutoffs apply. Merit is based on Mains score.
Local Language Test
Candidates who haven't studied the local language of their applied state in school/college may need to pass a language proficiency test. This is qualifying in nature.
State-wise Allotment
SBI Clerk follows circle-wise (state-wise) recruitment. Separate merit lists are prepared for each circle, and candidates are posted within their chosen circle.
SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern
Prelims
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Mains
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes | 0.25 per wrong answer |
| Total | 190 | 200 |
