SBI Clerk Mains 2026 is an objective-type examination consisting of 190 questions worth 200 marks, to be completed within 160 minutes. The exam evaluates candidates across four sections: General and Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability with Computer Aptitude.
Overview
The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Clerk Mains examination as the second stage in the recruitment process for Junior Associate (Clerk) positions. The mains phase follows the preliminary exam and precedes the Local Language Test and Document Verification. Candidates who clear this examination progress to the subsequent stages of the selection process.
Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
Exam Type: Objective (Multiple Choice)
Language: English and Hindi (Bilingual)
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
Vacancy Details
Post Name: Clerk (Junior Associate)
Total Vacancies: Check official notification on sbi.co.in for current vacancy details
Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 190 | 200 | 160 Minutes |
Detailed Syllabus
General and Financial Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks, 35 Minutes)
This section tests knowledge of banking concepts, financial news, economic indicators, and current affairs relevant to the Indian banking sector. Candidates should stay informed about government policies, interest rates, inflation, and major economic developments. Awareness of social security schemes, labor laws, and regulatory frameworks is also important.
General English (40 Questions, 40 Marks, 35 Minutes)
The English section assesses language proficiency through reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and writing skills. Typical topics include sentence correction, fill-in-the-blanks, spot the error, sentence rearrangement, and comprehension passages. Strong command of standard English grammar and vocabulary is essential.
Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions, 50 Marks, 45 Minutes)
This section evaluates mathematical ability and includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry, percentages, profit and loss, time and work, simple and compound interest, probability, and data interpretation. Speed and accuracy in calculations are critical for success in this section.
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Questions, 60 Marks, 45 Minutes)
The highest-scoring section combines logical reasoning with computer knowledge. Topics include syllogism, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction sense, data sufficiency, data interpretation, and basic computer concepts such as operating systems, databases, and internet basics. Both analytical thinking and technical understanding are necessary.
Recommended Study Materials
| Subject | Recommended Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R.S. Aggarwal |
| General English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| General/Financial Awareness | Banking Awareness + Current Affairs | Arihant |
Selection Process
The complete SBI Clerk recruitment process includes the following stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination (Mains)
3. Local Language Test
4. Document Verification and Shortlisting
Candidates advancing through the Mains phase must appear for the Local Language Test in their respective regional language. Final selection depends on merit across all stages.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the total marks for SBI Clerk Mains 2026?
The SBI Clerk Mains examination carries a total of 200 marks across four sections.
How many questions are in the SBI Clerk Mains exam?
There are 190 objective-type questions to be answered within the stipulated time.
What is the duration of the SBI Clerk Mains exam?
Candidates are given 160 minutes (2 hours and 40 minutes) to complete the entire examination.
Is negative marking applied in SBI Clerk Mains?
Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. Unmarked questions do not carry any penalty.
Which section has the highest marks in SBI Clerk Mains?
The Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude section carries 60 marks, which is the highest among all four sections.
What books should I refer for SBI Clerk Mains preparation?
Refer to the recommended study materials listed above. Focus on standard publications by established authors for comprehensive coverage of all topics.
Candidates must verify all syllabus details, exam dates, and eligibility criteria on the official SBI website (sbi.co.in) before appearing for the examination.