SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 (Prelims & Mains): Questions, Marks, Time, Negative Marking
Check SBI Clerk exam pattern 2026 for Prelims and Mains with section-wise questions, marks, duration, negative marking, local language test and FAQs.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 (Prelims & Mains)
The SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026 is the first thing every serious aspirant must understand before starting preparation. The State Bank of India conducts the Junior Associate exam in two written stages — Prelims and Mains — followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test for applicable candidates. There is no interview for SBI Clerk.
What is the SBI Clerk exam pattern 2026?
The SBI Clerk selection process has:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who do not have valid proof of studying the opted local language in Class 10 or 12. There is no interview.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
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 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
There is negative marking of 1/4th mark for every wrong answer in the objective tests.
SBI Clerk 2026 Selection Process
The official recruitment structure for Junior Associates consists of:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Exam
This is the screening stage. Candidates who qualify prelims are shortlisted for mains. Prelims marks are not added to the final merit list.
Stage 2 – Main Exam
This is the decisive written stage for final selection. Final merit is prepared using mains marks only, subject to qualifying the local language requirement where applicable.
Stage 3 – Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who cannot produce evidence of having studied the opted local language in Class 10 or 12 must appear in this test. Those who fail it are not appointed.
Is there interview in SBI Clerk?
No. SBI Clerk does not have an interview stage.