SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026: Prelims & Mains Syllabus, Marking Scheme

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026

The SBI Clerk selection process is divided into three distinct stages: Preliminary Examination, Mains Examination, and the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). While the Preliminary stage serves as a qualifying screening, the scores obtained in the Mains Examination are the sole criteria for final merit-based selection.

Candidates who successfully clear the Main Examination are required to pass the LPT. Understanding the precise distribution of questions, marking criteria, negative marking, and sectional time limits is vital for creating an effective and focused study plan. 

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern – Highlights

• Online Preliminary Exam,
• Online Mains Exam and
• Language Proficiency

Prelims Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk Prelims is a screening stage designed to filter candidates for the Main examination. The paper includes sectional timing across three core areas: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. To qualify, candidates must meet both the sectional and overall cutoff marks. Detailed exam patterns can be reviewed in the table below.

Mains Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk Mains exam is the merit-deciding phase of the selection process. It features sectional timing for General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. Final selections are based exclusively on the performance in this stage. Refer to the table below for the comprehensive Mains exam pattern.

Important Note:

1. Penalty for Wrong Answers (Applicable to both – Online Preliminary and Online Main examinations). There will be a penalty for wrong answers marked in the Objective Tests. For each wrong answer one-fourth or 0.25 of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty to arrive at a corrected score. If a question is left blank, i.e. no answer is marked by the candidate, there will be no penalty for that question.
2. The questions in objective tests, except for the test of General English, will be bilingual i.e., English & Hindi.

Candidates who clear the SBI Clerk Mains examination will be invited to appear for the Language Proficiency Test (LPT). The state-wise required languages are detailed below.

SBI Clerk Language Proficiency

The Local Language Proficiency Test occurs after the Mains exam. Candidates who have studied the specified local language in their 10th or 12th-grade curriculum are exempt from this test upon providing valid mark sheets. For others, the test is mandatory post-provisional selection. Failure to demonstrate proficiency in the local language results in disqualification.

SBI Clerk Exam Medium

To ensure inclusivity, both Prelims and Mains examinations are conducted in English, Hindi, and various regional languages, depending on the state or Union Territory requirements.

Important Points

Review the following key takeaways regarding the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains exam structure.

1. There will be no Interview.
2. Candidates will have to pass each of the objective tests of the online examinations.
3. Both the Prelims and Mains exams will be conducted online.
4. A candidate has to qualify in the Preliminary Examination to appear in the Main Examination.
5. The main exam will be conducted for the final selection.
6. The question paper will be bilingual i.e. available in Hindi as well as English language.
7. The Cutoff of the SBI Clerk of prelims and mains exam will be decided by SBI.