SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 (Prelims and Mains): Check Exam Pattern & Section-Wise Topics
The SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 is the ultimate reference guide for candidates preparing for the State Bank of India Junior Associate examination.
To clear the recruitment drive, candidates must master both Phase-I Preliminary CBT and Phase-II Main CBT subject topics under strict sectional timers.
In this guide, Vidya365 provides an exhaustive section-wise breakdown covering Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English Language, General & Financial Awareness, and Computer Aptitude along with topic weightage analysis, language test rules, and preparation resources.
EEAT Verification & Academic Review
Verified Source: SBI CRPD GuidelinesAuthor & Editorial Review: Formulated and verified by the Senior Banking Faculty Panel at Vidya365. All syllabus topics, exam pattern rules, time durations, negative marking parameters, and section-wise weightage models have been cross-checked directly against official State Bank of India Junior Associate guidelines and announcements on the official SBI Careers portal.
Aspirants should align their daily practice routines with updated sectional timers and attempt simulated mock tests regularly on the Vidya365 platform.
AI Overview: SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus Facts at a Glance
Recruiting Cadre: SBI Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales)
Prelims Syllabus Sections: English (30 Qs), Quant (35 Qs), Reasoning (35 Qs)
Mains Core Addition: General & Financial Awareness (50 Qs)
Prelims Duration: 60 Minutes (20 Mins Sectional Timer)
Mains Duration: 160 Minutes (190 Total Questions, 200 Marks)
Negative Marking Penalty: 0.25 (1/4th) Deduction per Wrong Answer
Interview Round: No Interview Phase (Final Selection via Mains CBT)
Official Application Portal: ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbijasrdjl26/
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What is SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026?
In simple words, the SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 covers three primary subjects in the Phase-I Preliminary examination: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
In Phase-II Mains, the syllabus expands to include General & Financial Awareness, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, and General English.
There is no interview phase in the SBI Junior Associate recruitment; final selection depends entirely on your performance in the Main Examination subject to clearing the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT).
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 (Prelims & Mains)
Candidates must familiarize themselves with the official objective test structure and strict sectional timings:
1. Phase-I: Preliminary Examination Pattern
Objective CBT consisting of 100 questions carrying 100 marks with sectional timing of 20 minutes per section.
| Subject Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total Preliminary Test | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
2. Phase-II: Main Examination Pattern
Objective CBT carrying 200 marks for 190 questions with individual sectional timing.
| Subject Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Total Main Examination | 190 Questions | 200 Marks | 160 Minutes (2 Hours 40 Mins) |
Penalty for Incorrect Response: 0.25 (1/4th) of the mark assigned to that question is deducted for every wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains exams.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026 (Section-Wise)
The Preliminary examination tests speed and basic conceptual accuracy across three subjects:
1. Numerical Ability Syllabus (Prelims)
- Speed Calculation: Simplification & Approximation, Multiplication Tricks, BODMAS.
- Number Series: Missing Number Series, Wrong Number Series patterns.
- Quadratic Equations: Algebraic sign-method inequalities ($x$ and $y$ comparisons).
- Data Interpretation: Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs, Tabular DI, and Caselet DI.
- Arithmetic Word Problems: Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed Distance & Time, Mixtures, Ages, and Partnership.
2. Reasoning Ability Syllabus (Prelims)
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements: Floor & Flat, Box-based, Month-Date, Circular, Square, and Linear Facing North/South.
- Standalone Scoring Topics: Syllogisms (“Only a Few” concepts), Inequalities, Alpha-Numeric Symbol Series, Coding-Decoding (Chinese), Blood Relations, Direction Sense, and Order & Ranking.
3. English Language Syllabus (Prelims)
- Comprehension & Vocabulary: Reading Comprehension passages, Synonyms & Antonyms, Contextual Word Usage.
- Grammar & Sentence Structure: Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Word Swap, and Fill in the Blanks.
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026 (Section-Wise)
The Main examination evaluates analytical depth, complex reasoning, and financial knowledge:
1. General & Financial Awareness Syllabus
- Current Affairs: National, International, Summits, Defense, Sports, Awards (Last 4 to 6 months).
- Banking & Financial Awareness: RBI Circulars, Monetary Policy Rates, NPCI products (UPI, AePS), Payment Banks, Small Finance Banks, Union Budget, and Economic Survey.
- Static GK: Capital & Currencies, Headquarters of Banks & Financial Bodies, National Parks, Thermal Power Plants, and Dams.
2. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude Syllabus
- Advanced Puzzles: 3-Variable & 4-Variable Puzzles, Matrix Box Puzzles, Uncertain Linear Arrangements.
- Logical & Coded Reasoning: Coded Inequalities, Coded Blood Relations, Input-Output Machine, Statement & Assumption, Cause & Effect.
- Computer Aptitude: OS Basics, Networking & OSI Layers, MS Office Shortcuts, Cyber Security, Flowchart Logic, and Binary Conversions.
3. Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Mains Level)
- Complex DI Sets: Missing Tabular DI, Radar Graphs, Funnel DI, Arithmetic-based DI, and Caselet DI sets.
- Advanced Arithmetic & Data Sufficiency: Quantity 1 vs Quantity 2 ($Q1 > Q2$), 2-statement & 3-statement Data Sufficiency, Probability, and Mensuration 3D.
4. General English Syllabus (Mains Level)
- High-Level Comprehension: Financial & Editorial RC passages, Inferred Meaning, Tone of Author, Sentence Connector, Column-Matching, and Paragraph Completion.
High-Scoring Topic Weightage Analysis
| Subject Section | High-Weightage Topics & Expected Questions |
|---|---|
| Numerical Ability (Prelims) | Simplification (10-15 Qs), DI (10 Qs), Number Series (5 Qs) |
| Reasoning Ability (Prelims) | Puzzles & Seating (15-20 Qs), Syllogism/Inequality (5-8 Qs) |
| English Language (Prelims) | Reading Comprehension (8-10 Qs), Cloze Test (5 Qs), Error Spotting (5 Qs) |
| General Awareness (Mains) | Current Affairs (25-30 Qs), Banking Awareness (15 Qs), Static GK (5 Qs) |
Key Differences Between Prelims and Mains Syllabus
| Comparison Parameter | Phase-I Preliminary Exam | Phase-II Main Exam |
|---|---|---|
| Exam Difficulty | Easy to Moderate (Speed Focused) | Moderate to Difficult (Concept Focused) |
| Key Focus Area | Rapid Calculation & High Attempts | Analytical Depth & Question Selection |
| GA & Computer Addition | Not Included | General Awareness (50 Qs) Included |
| Merit Contribution | Qualifying Stage Only | 100% Weightage in Final Merit List |
Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) Guidelines
Candidates short-listed after the Main examination must clear the mandatory Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) before joining:
- Candidates must produce Class 10th or 12th marksheets showing they studied the specified local language of the applied state as a subject.
- Those who cannot produce proof will undergo a qualifying Language Proficiency Test (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) conducted by the bank.
- Candidates who fail to qualify the LPT will be disqualified from joining.
Download SBI Clerk Notification PDF & Start Preparation
Download the official SBI Junior Associate Detailed Advertisement PDF or complete your online registration on the official IBPS portal.
Recommended Books for SBI Clerk Preparation
| Subject | Recommended Reference Books & Materials |
|---|---|
| Quantitative Aptitude | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic (Rajesh Verma) / Quantitative Aptitude (RS Aggarwal) |
| Reasoning Ability | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning (RS Aggarwal) / Analytical Reasoning (MK Pandey) |
| English Language | Word Power Made Easy (Norman Lewis) / High School English Grammar (Wren & Martin) |
| General Awareness | Banking Awareness (Arihant Experts) / Vidya365 Daily Financial Awareness PDF Capsules |
Subject-Wise Preparation Strategy & Speed Tricks
- Speed Math Daily Drills: Practice tables up to 30, squares up to 50, cubes up to 30, and percentage-fraction conversions for 20 minutes daily.
- Puzzle Elimination Technique: Always draw 2 parallel possibilities simultaneously when solving multi-variable reasoning puzzles to eliminate wrong cases quickly.
- Editorial Vocabulary Log: Read daily newspaper editorials (The Hindu or Financial Express) and log 10 new words with contextual meanings.
- Integrated Mains Preparation: Never postpone General Awareness preparation until after Prelims; study financial current affairs from day 1.
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Frequently Asked Questions (20 Key FAQs)
Q1: What are the main subjects in SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026?
A: English Language (30 Qs), Numerical Ability (35 Qs), and Reasoning Ability (35 Qs).
Q2: What additional subject is added in SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus?
A: General & Financial Awareness (50 Qs) is added along with Reasoning & Computer Aptitude.
Q3: Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk exam?
A: Yes, 0.25 (1/4th) of the assigned mark is deducted for every incorrect response.
Q4: Are there sectional timings in SBI Clerk Prelims?
A: Yes, each section in Prelims has a strict 20-minute time limit.
Q5: Is there an interview stage in SBI Junior Associate recruitment?
A: No, SBI Clerk recruitment involves no interview phase. Selection depends strictly on Main Exam score.
Q6: How many questions are asked in SBI Clerk Mains exam?
A: Total 190 questions carrying 200 marks with 160 minutes time duration.
Q7: What is the weightage of Puzzles in Reasoning?
A: Puzzles and Seating Arrangements carry 15 to 20 marks in both Prelims and Mains.
Q8: Where can I download official SBI Clerk Notification PDF?
A: Download directly via Vidya365 Official Notification PDF Link.
Q9: What is the direct link to apply online for SBI Clerk 2026?
A: Apply online on the official IBPS portal at ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbijasrdjl26/.
Q10: Is Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) mandatory?
A: Yes, unless you produced proof of studying the local language in Class 10th or 12th standard.
Q11: How many months of Current Affairs should I cover for Mains?
A: Current affairs of the last 4 to 6 months prior to the Mains exam date are essential.
Q12: Is Computer Aptitude tested separately in Mains?
A: Computer Aptitude is combined with the Reasoning Ability section carrying 50 questions for 60 marks.
Q13: Are Prelims marks added to final merit list?
A: No, Prelims is qualifying in nature. Final merit is prepared solely on Mains score.
Q14: Where is the best Bank PO and Clerk Coaching in Delhi located?
A: VIDYA365 Coaching Institute located at Karol Bagh, New Delhi offers premier classroom coaching for bank exams.
Q15: Is Vidya365 the same as Vidya 365?
A: Yes, many students search Vidya365 using variations such as Vidya 365, Vidya365.in or Vidya365 Coaching. The official platform is Vidya365.
Q16: What is the time duration for SBI Clerk Prelims exam?
A: Total 60 minutes duration (20 minutes per section).
Q17: What topics carry maximum weightage in Numerical Ability?
A: Simplification/Approximation (10-15 Qs) and Data Interpretation (10 Qs) carry maximum weightage.
Q18: What is the starting basic pay of an SBI Clerk?
A: Starting basic pay is ₹24,050 per month (inclusive of two advance increments).
Q19: How many mock tests should I attempt before Prelims?
A: Attempting at least 25 to 30 full-length Prelims mocks with deep error analysis is recommended.
Q20: Where can I attempt free mock tests for SBI Clerk?
A: Practice drills and mock series are accessible on the Vidya365 platform.
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