SBI Clerk Shift Timing 2026, Prelims and Mains Shift Time

The SBI Clerk Shift Timing 2026 is an important detail that every candidate must know before appearing for the examination. The State Bank of India conducts the Preliminary Examination in multiple shifts across various exam centres due to the large number of applicants. On the other hand, the Main Examination is usually conducted in a single or a double shift, depending on the number of shortlisted candidates.

SBI Clerk Shift Timing 2026

The SBI Clerk Prelims exam has been successfully conducted in 4 shifts, whereas the Mains exam will be conducted in a single shift or two shifts, depending on the number of shortlisted candidates. Candidates must report to the examination centre well before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card. The reporting time, exam start time, gate closing time, and exam duration are clearly mentioned in the SBI Clerk Admit Card. Reaching the centre late may lead to denial of entry.

SBI has scheduled the Prelims exam for 9766 vacancies on 26th and 27th September 2026 and it will be held in 4 shifts each day.

SBI Clerk Shift Timing: Overview

SBI Clerk Admit card 2026 Out

SBI Clerk Prelims Shift Timing 2026

SBI conducts the Prelims exam across four shifts a day to accommodate the 13+ lakh applicants for this cycle. Your allotted shift is fixed on your admit card, it cannot be changed, and arriving outside your reporting window means no entry. Here’s what to expect in each:

Shift 1: Morning (Reporting 8:00 AM, Exam 9:00–10:00 AM)

The first batch of the day. Reach the centre by 8:00 AM sharp; document checks and biometric verification take time, and gates close strictly at the reporting deadline. Since this is the earliest slot, plan your commute the night before to avoid a rushed start.

Shift 2: Late Morning (Reporting 10:30 AM, Exam 11:30 AM-12:30 PM)

A slightly more relaxed slot than Shift 1, you get a little more time to settle in without the early-morning rush. Traffic near exam centres tends to build up by mid-morning, so still leave earlier than you think you need to.

Shift 3: Afternoon (Reporting 1:00 PM, Exam 2:00–3:00 PM)

Candidates in this shift should watch what they eat beforehand. A heavy lunch right before the exam can slow you down during the 60-minute test; a light meal an hour or two in advance works better for staying alert through all three sections.

Shift 4: Evening (Reporting 3:30 PM, Exam 4:30–5:30 PM)

Arrive well before your reporting time to account for the wait, and carry a bottle of water, a full day of exam-centre movement can be tiring even before you sit for the paper.

SBI Clerk Mains Shift Timing 2026

In the mains examination, there are two shifts only. The candidates who qualify the prelims examination will be able to appear in the mains examination and the admit card for this phase will be released separately.