The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 is the foundation of preparation for candidates aiming to secure the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the State Bank of India. Since SBI follows a multi-stage selection process, understanding the exact structure, marking scheme, and sectional timing is essential for smart preparation.

The recruitment process consists of three stages:

• Preliminary Examination
• Main Examination
• Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)

Only candidates who qualify each stage move forward in the selection process.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The selection process is structured and transparent:

1. Preliminary Examination (Online)
2. Main Examination (Online)
3. Local Language Proficiency Test

Important:
Marks obtained in the Preliminary Exam do not count toward the final merit list. Only the marks scored in the Mains Examination determine final selection.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test of 100 marks with a total duration of 60 minutes. Sectional timing is strictly followed.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Structure

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

Key Highlights – SBI Clerk Prelims

• Sectional timing is mandatory.
• Negative marking applies.
• 1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer.
• No minimum sectional qualifying marks.
• Candidates are shortlisted based on overall merit.
• Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies are shortlisted state-wise and category-wise.

Accuracy and speed both play a crucial role in clearing the prelims stage.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates qualifying the prelims appear for the Main Examination, which carries 200 marks. The total exam duration is 2 hours 40 minutes, and sectional timing applies here as well.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Structure

Section	No. of Questions	Marks	Duration
General English	40	40	35 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50	60	45 minutes
General/Financial Awareness	50	50	35 minutes
Total	190	200	2 hours 40 minutes

---

Important Points – SBI Clerk Mains

• Separate sectional timing for each section.
• Except General English, all sections are bilingual (Hindi & English).
• Negative marking: 1/4th deduction per incorrect answer.
• Final merit is prepared based on aggregate marks in Mains.
• 5% relaxation in aggregate qualifying marks for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex-servicemen.
• No minimum sectional cut-off prescribed.
• Merit list prepared state-wise and category-wise.

The Mains examination is the deciding stage for final selection.

SBI Clerk Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)

After qualifying the Mains Examination, candidates must appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test if they have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12.

Language Proficiency Test Structure

Test Type	Section	Questions	Marks
Non-Verbal	Objective	15	15
Non-Verbal	Subjective	15	15
Verbal	—	20	—

Candidates must qualify in this test. Failure to pass the LLPT leads to disqualification.

Why Understanding SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 is Important

A clear understanding of the exam pattern helps candidates:

• Plan a section-wise preparation strategy
• Improve time management
• Reduce negative marking
• Focus on scoring areas
• Simulate real exam conditions through mock tests

Since the competition level is high, candidates who align their preparation strictly with the official pattern gain a major advantage.

The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 clearly defines the structure of the recruitment process from Prelims to final selection. While the prelims act as a qualifying stage, the mains examination determines final merit.

Candidates who understand sectional timing, marking scheme, and negative marking rules can prepare more strategically and increase their chances of selection in the State Bank of India as a Junior Associate