SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026, Exam Pattern for Prelims and Mains, Download PDF

The State Bank of India will soon release the SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment details on its official website. Those who have been preparing for the Junior Associate post in Customer Support and Sales, must check the detailed SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern.

The SBI Clerk or SBI Junior Associate exam consists of Prelims, Mains, and Language Proficiency Test stages with no interview or personality test. The purpose of the examination is to test candidate's knowledge, aptitude, and language proficiency. So, check out the SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus along with exam pattern, recommended books, and important tips.

SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026

The SBI Clerk Syllabus for Prelims and Mains overlaps for the Reasoning, English and Quants section; however, the level of questions is significantly higher. The Mains exam includes advanced reasoning puzzles, complex DIs, computer awareness, and General/Financial Awareness. Candidates should focus on improving accuracy, analytical thinking, and time management while preparing for the Mains stage.

SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus and Exam Pattern - Highlights

Below, you can find the important highlights of the SBI Clerk 2026 syllabus to help you plan your preparation strategically.

SBI Clerk Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
Particulars
Details
Name of the Exam
Mode of Exam
Online
Language of Question
Bilingual except for the English Language
Nature of Questions
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ)
No. of Questions
  1. Preliminary Exam: 100
  2. Mains Exam: 190
Maximum Marks
  1. Preliminary Exam: 100
  2. Mains Exam: 200
Marking Scheme
  1. Correct Answer: +1
  2. Incorrect Answer: –0.25
Duration of Test
  1. SBI Clerk Prelims: 1 Hour
  2. SBI Clerk Mains: 2 Hours 40 Minutes

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The selection process includes Prelims, Mains, and LPT. Prelims is only qualifying in nature and final merit list is prepared based on marks obtained in the Mains exam.

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern for both stages is almost similar. Here, we have discussed the details of the prelims exam pattern for the candidates.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Prelims exam consists of only 3 subjects, and the total number of questions and marks is 100. Each question carries 1 mark, and there is a negative marking of 025 for incorrect answers. The difficulty level is generally easy to moderate, and candidates can score above 80 if they work on speed and accuracy.

Section
No. of Questions
Marks
Duration
English Language
30
30
20 mins
Numerical Ability
35
35
20 mins
Reasoning Ability
35
35
20 mins
Total
100
100
60 mins

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026

The Mains exam pattern is wider than Prelims and the difficulty level is generally moderate or may be slightly leaning towards difficult. The overall marks is 200 and duration is 2 hours 40 minutes for all 4 sections mentioned in the table here. The negative marking criteria is same as Prelims.

Section
Subjects
No. of Questions
Marks
Duration
A
English Language
40
40
35 Minutes
B
Quantitative Aptitude
50
50
45 Minutes
C
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
50
60
45 Minutes
D
General/Financial Awareness
50
50
35 Minutes

Total
190
200
2 Hours 40 Minutes


SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026

The Prelims syllabus includes three major subjects (English, Reasoning, and Quants) that candidates need to prepare for. It is the first stage of the selection process. The questions are generally easy to moderate in difficulty and test a candidate's speed, accuracy, and basic conceptual understanding. Candidates should build strong fundamentals in each subject to qualify for the Mains examination.

Topics Covered in SBI Clerk Prelims Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language sections:

Reasoning Section
Quantitative Aptitude Section
English Language Section
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Linear, Circular, Square, Rectangular, etc.)
Simplification & Approximation
Reading Comprehension
Blood Relation
Number Series
Cloze Test
Direction & Distance
Quadratic Equations
Fill in the Blanks
Coding-Decoding
Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Pie, Tabular)
Error Detection
Syllogism
Data Sufficiency
Sentence Improvement
Inequality
Arithmetic (Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss)
Phrase Replacement
Order & Ranking
Time & Work
Para Jumbles
Alphanumeric Series
Speed, Time & Distance
Odd Sentence Out
Floor & Box-Based Puzzles
Simple & Compound Interest
Sentence Completion
Day, Month & Age-Based Puzzles
Partnership
Sentence Connectors
Miscellaneous Reasoning
Mixture & Allegation
Word Rearrangement
-
Problems on Ages
Word Swap
-
Pipes & Cisterns
Idioms & Phrases
-
Mensuration
Phrasal Verbs
-
Probability
Misspelled Words
-
Permutation & Combination
Column-Based Sentence Completion

SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026

While the Mains syllabus covers many of the same topics as the Prelims exam, the difficulty level is significantly higher. The Mains examination includes lengthy puzzles, advanced data interpretation, analytical reasoning, and additional sections on General/Financial Awareness and Computer Awareness. Candidates should focus on concept clarity, advanced problem-solving techniques, and effective time management to perform well in the Mains exam.

Topics Covered in Mains Reasoning Ability Syllabus

The Reasoning Ability section in the Mains exam focuses on advanced logical reasoning and high-level puzzles. Candidates should practice solving lengthy and complex questions within a limited time.

  • High-Level Puzzles
  • Advanced Seating Arrangement
  • Machine Input-Output 
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Logical Reasoning
  • Statement & Assumption
  • Statement & Conclusion
  • Cause & Effect
  • Argument & Inference
  • Advanced Coding-Decoding
  • Blood Relation
  • Direction Sense
  • Syllogism
  • Inequality
  • Alpha-Numeric Series
  • Order & Ranking
  • Miscellaneous Reasoning

Topics Covered in Mains Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus

​The Quantitative Aptitude section is more calculation-intensive and emphasizes advanced arithmetic concepts and complex Data Interpretation sets:

  • Advanced Data Interpretation (Caselet, Missing DI, Mixed Graphs)
  • Data Sufficiency
  • Simplification & Approximation
  • Quadratic Equations
  • Number Series
  • Quantity Comparison (Quantity I & II)
  • Arithmetic Word Problems
  • Time & Work
  • Speed, Time & Distance
  • Profit & Loss
  • Simple & Compound Interest
  • Ratio & Proportion
  • Partnership
  • Mixture & Alligation
  • Probability
  • Permutation & Combination
  • Mensuration
  • LCM & HCF
  • Volume & Surface Area

Topics Covered in Mains English Language and Comprehension Syllabus

The English Language section in the Mains exam is more comprehension-oriented and tests advanced grammar, vocabulary, and reading skills

  • Advanced Reading Comprehension
  • New Pattern Cloze Test
  • Paragraph Completion
  • Sentence Completion
  • Phrase Replacement
  • Multiple Error Detection
  • Error Correction
  • New Pattern Para Jumbles
  • Odd Sentence Out
  • Word Rearrangement
  • Sentence Connectors
  • Phrasal Verbs
  • Vocabulary-Based Questions
  • Column-Based Sentence Completion

Topics Covered in Mains General Awareness Syllabus

​The General/Financial Awareness section tests candidates' knowledge of current affairs, banking and financial developments, economic updates, and important national and international events

  • National Current Affairs
  • International Current Affairs
  • State Current Affairs
  • Sports News
  • Central Government Schemes
  • Agreements/MoUs
  • Books & Authors
  • Summits & Conferences
  • Defense News
  • Science & Technology News
  • Banking & Insurance News
  • Static General Knowledge
  • Ranks, Reports, and Indexes
  • Business & Economy News
  • Important Days (Direct, Theme, Related Facts/News)
  • Obituaries
  • Key Appointments (National, International, Brand Ambassadors)
  • Important Awards & Honours
  • Union Budget
  • Current Static Information
  • Apps & Portals
  • Static Banking Knowledge
  • Committees & Councils
  • RBI-Related News
  • International Loans
  • Abbreviations

Topics Covered in Mains Computer Awareness Syllabus

Prepare for the Computer Awareness section in the SBI Clerk Mains exam by focusing on the following topics:

  • Fundamentals of Computer
  • Future of Computers
  • Security Tools
  • Networking Software & Hardware
  • History of Computers
  • Basic Knowledge of the Internet
  • Computer Languages
  • Computer Shortcut Keys
  • Database
  • Input and Output Devices
  • MS Office

SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 PDF

The SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF consists of topics that are included in the Prelims and Mains examinations. The syllabus PDF will come in handy while preparing for the exam. Candidates can download and take a printout of these documents and keep it with the other study material to avoid unnecessary misuse of time. Only stick to the topics mentioned in the PDF here and practice accordingly.

SBI Clerk Syllabus PDF - Click to Download

SBI Clerk Language Proficiency Test

Candidates who provide a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet/certificate as proof of studying the required local language will be exempt from the language test.

For other qualified candidates, the SBI Clerk Local Language Test will be held after provisional selection but before joining. Failure to pass this test will lead to disqualification, and the candidate will not be appointed.

Sl.
Test Pattern
Section
No. of Passages
No. of Questions
Max. Marks
1
Non-Verbal Test
Objective
3
15
15
Subjective
3
15
15
2
Verbal Test

20

SBI Clerk Preparation Books

Along with the SBI Clerk Syllabus, the candidates will also need some additional resources to prepare effectively for the examination. Here, we have mentioned the subject-wise SBI Clerk Preparation Books for the reference of the candidates.

General/Financial Awareness
Books
Author/Publication
General/Banking/Financial Awareness with Current Affairs for Bank Exams
Disha Experts
Pratiyogita Darpan
PD Group
Banking and Economics Awareness
Rajesh Kumar
Computer Awareness
Books
Author/Publication
Lucent's Computer
Rani Ahilya
Computer Fundamentals
P.K Sinha
General English
Books
Author/Publication
English Grammar and Composition
Wren and Martin
Word Power Made Easy
Norman Lewis
2nd Edition of Objective General English
S.P Bakshi
Reasoning
Books
Author/Publication
A modern approach to verbal and non-verbal reasoning
R.S Aggarwal
A new approach to reasoning verbal and non-verbal reasoning
Arihant Publication
Quantitative Aptitude
Books
Author/Publication
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams
R.S Aggarwal
Data Interpretation
Arun Sharma

How to Prepare with SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026?

This year, a huge number of candidates are going to appear in the examination, and the competition is going to be high. The candidates must strategize their preparation and focus on completing the syllabus first. Here's how you can start your preparation.

  • The candidates must cover all the topics mentioned in the syllabus to make sure they don't miss out on anything important.
  • After completion of the syllabus, the candidates can start with the mock tests and the previous year's papers. This will increase the speed and accuracy of the candidates.
  • In the last few weeks, start your revision and focus on important sections.
  • Add helpful resources to your revision to strengthen your preparation.
  • Take help of online resources like YouTube to find the solutions or explanations for the topics you need to understand.
  • Stick to the study plan you have created to build consistency and finish the syllabus on time.
Links Related to SBI Clerk Exam
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Where can I get the detailed SBI Clerk Syllabus?
Q: How many stages are there in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Q: Is there a negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam?
Q: What are the subjects in SBI Clerk Mains 2026?
Q: Is the syllabus for SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains the same?
Q: Is Computer Aptitude a separate subject in SBI Clerk?
Q: Which topics are important in Quantitative Aptitude for SBI Clerk?