SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026
SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus (Prelims + Mains): Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus, Exam Pattern & Important Topics
Check SBI Clerk 2026 syllabus for Prelims and Mains with official exam pattern, section-wise topics, important chapters, computer aptitude, GA coverage and FAQs.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 (Prelims + Mains): Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus and Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 is the foundation of preparation for the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) examination. The State Bank of India selection process consists of three stages: Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Local Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable.
The SBI Clerk Prelims syllabus covers English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. The Mains syllabus includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
Official syllabus clarification: SBI’s official notification confirms the section names, questions, marks, sectional timings, negative marking and selection rules. It does not release a separate chapter-wise syllabus. The detailed topics below are a preparation-oriented mapping based on recurring SBI Clerk question papers and the established Junior Associate examination framework.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 Overview
Stage | Sections/Subjects | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
Preliminary Examination | English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability | Qualifying candidates for Mains |
Main Examination | General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | Final merit calculation |
Local Language Test | Reading, writing, speaking and understanding the selected local language | Qualifying stage, where applicable |
There is no interview in SBI Clerk Recruitment. Preliminary Examination marks are not included in the final merit list. Final selection is based on Main Examination marks, subject to qualification in the local-language test and verification of eligibility.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination contains three separately timed sections:
- English Language
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning Ability
SBI Clerk English Language Syllabus for Prelims
The English Language section evaluates reading ability, grammar, vocabulary, contextual understanding and sentence formation.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Factual questions, inference, central idea, tone, title, vocabulary, contextual meaning and statement-based questions |
Cloze Test | Single-word fillers, contextual vocabulary, grammar-based blanks and passage completion |
Error Detection | Subject-verb agreement, tense, preposition, article, pronoun, conjunction and sentence-structure errors |
Sentence Improvement | Identification and correction of grammatically or contextually incorrect parts |
Phrase Replacement | Replacing an incorrect phrase with a grammatically and contextually suitable phrase |
Fill in the Blanks | Single fillers, double fillers, vocabulary-based and grammar-based blanks |
Para Jumbles | Rearranging sentences to create a coherent paragraph |
Sentence Rearrangement | Identifying the correct sequence of words, phrases or sentences |
Word Swap | Interchanging incorrectly placed words to make the sentence meaningful |
Word Usage | Selecting the sentence in which a word has been used correctly |
Vocabulary | Synonyms, antonyms, contextual vocabulary and commonly confused words |
Spelling Errors | Identification of correctly and incorrectly spelt words |
Idioms and Phrases | Meaning and contextual application of common expressions |
Sentence Connectors | Joining two or more statements with suitable connectors |
Column Matching | Matching sentence fragments to form grammatically correct and meaningful sentences |
Most Important English Topics for Prelims
Priority | Topics |
|---|---|
Very High | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection |
High | Fillers, Para Jumbles, Phrase Replacement, Sentence Improvement |
Moderate | Word Swap, Vocabulary, Spelling, Idioms and Column Matching |
SBI Clerk Numerical Ability Syllabus for Prelims
The Numerical Ability section tests calculation speed, arithmetic concepts, numerical interpretation and problem-solving ability.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Simplification | BODMAS, fractions, decimals, square roots, cube roots, percentages and basic operations |
Approximation | Estimation, rounding off and approximate calculation |
Number Series | Missing-number series, wrong-number series and pattern recognition |
Quadratic Equations | Factorisation, comparison of roots and equation-based questions |
Number System | Natural numbers, integers, factors, multiples, divisibility, HCF and LCM |
Percentage | Percentage increase, decrease, successive percentage change and applications |
Ratio and Proportion | Basic ratios, comparison, direct proportion and inverse proportion |
Average | Simple average, weighted average, combined average and replacement-based questions |
Profit, Loss and Discount | Cost price, selling price, marked price, profit/loss percentage and successive discounts |
Simple Interest | Principal, rate, time, amount and comparison-based problems |
Compound Interest | Annual, half-yearly and successive-growth calculations |
Time and Work | Efficiency, work completion, wages and alternate-day work |
Pipes and Cisterns | Filling, emptying, leakage and combined-work questions |
Time, Speed and Distance | Relative speed, average speed and basic movement problems |
Trains | Pole, platform, crossing and relative-speed questions |
Boats and Streams | Upstream, downstream and still-water speed |
Partnership | Investment ratio, duration and profit distribution |
Mixture and Alligation | Mean price, replacement and concentration-based questions |
Ages | Present, past and future age relationships |
Mensuration | Area, perimeter, surface area and volume of basic figures |
Data Interpretation | Table, bar graph, line graph, pie chart and simple caselet DI |
Data Sufficiency | Determining whether the provided statements are sufficient |
Quantity Comparison | Comparing two calculated quantities |
Arithmetic Topics Included in Prelims
Arithmetic Area | Chapters |
|---|---|
Commercial Maths | Percentage, profit and loss, discount, simple interest and compound interest |
Ratio-Based Maths | Ratio, proportion, partnership, mixture and alligation |
Work-Based Maths | Time and work, pipes and cisterns and wages |
Movement-Based Maths | Time-speed-distance, trains and boats and streams |
General Arithmetic | Average, ages, mensuration, HCF, LCM and number system |
Most Important Numerical Ability Topics for Prelims
Priority | Topics |
|---|---|
Very High | Simplification, Approximation, Number Series and Arithmetic |
High | Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Percentage and Ratio |
Moderate | Data Sufficiency, Quantity Comparison and Number System |
SBI Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus for Prelims
The Reasoning Ability section evaluates logical arrangement, relationship analysis, pattern recognition and decision-making ability.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Seating Arrangement | Linear, circular, square, rectangular, parallel-row and uncertain-number arrangements |
Puzzles | Floor, flat, box, day, month, scheduling, designation, comparison and category-based puzzles |
Syllogism | Conclusions, possibility cases and statement-based logical relationships |
Inequality | Direct inequality, coded inequality and comparison-based conclusions |
Coding-Decoding | Traditional coding, conditional coding and new-pattern coding |
Alphanumeric Series | Letter-number-symbol series, position, arrangement and pattern questions |
Blood Relations | Family tree, coded relationships and generation-based questions |
Direction and Distance | Direction sense, turns, coordinates and shortest-distance questions |
Order and Ranking | Position from left/right/top/bottom, comparison and total-person calculation |
Input-Output | Step-based rearrangement of numbers, words or mixed elements |
Pair Formation | Formation of meaningful letter or number pairs |
Word Formation | Creating words from available letters and positional relationships |
Data Sufficiency | Determining whether the given statements are sufficient to answer a reasoning problem |
Logical Sequence | Ordering events, words, positions or activities |
Miscellaneous Reasoning | Odd one out, meaningful word, analogy and basic logical relationships |
Types of Puzzles and Seating Arrangements to Prepare
Category | Important Types |
|---|---|
Linear Arrangement | Single row, double row and uncertain-number arrangement |
Circular Arrangement | Facing centre, facing outside and mixed-direction arrangement |
Floor Puzzle | Floor-only and floor-with-flat puzzles |
Box Puzzle | Vertical and horizontal box arrangements |
Scheduling Puzzle | Day, date, month and time-slot arrangements |
Classification Puzzle | Person-city, person-profession, colour, product and designation combinations |
Comparison Puzzle | Age, height, weight, marks and rank comparison |
Most Important Reasoning Topics for Prelims
Priority | Topics |
|---|---|
Very High | Puzzles and Seating Arrangement |
High | Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding and Alphanumeric Series |
Moderate | Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Ranking and Pair Formation |
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
The Main Examination consists of four sections:
- General/Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
SBI Clerk General and Financial Awareness Syllabus
This section evaluates awareness of recent events, banking operations, financial institutions, monetary policy and the Indian economy.
Area | Detailed Topics |
|---|---|
National Current Affairs | Government decisions, major events, policies, appointments and national developments |
International Current Affairs | International organisations, global events, agreements, summits and diplomatic developments |
Banking Awareness | Banking terminology, types of banks, accounts, deposits, loans, negotiable instruments and banking operations |
RBI and Monetary Policy | RBI functions, Monetary Policy Committee, repo rate, reverse repo, SDF, MSF, CRR, SLR and liquidity tools |
Digital Banking | UPI, IMPS, NEFT, RTGS, mobile banking, internet banking, digital wallets and payment banks |
NPCI Products | UPI, RuPay, Bharat BillPay, AePS, NACH, FASTag and digital-payment initiatives |
Financial Institutions | RBI, NABARD, SIDBI, SEBI, IRDAI, PFRDA, EXIM Bank, NHB, IMF and World Bank |
Financial Awareness | Financial markets, money market, capital market, bonds, shares, mutual funds and financial inclusion |
Banking Regulation | NPA, Basel norms, capital adequacy, priority-sector lending and deposit insurance |
Government Schemes | Financial-inclusion, insurance, pension, employment, agriculture and welfare schemes |
Economy | GDP, inflation, fiscal deficit, monetary policy, economic growth and basic macroeconomic indicators |
Union Budget | Important announcements, allocations, schemes, taxation and fiscal targets |
Economic Survey | Growth estimates, sectoral performance and important economic observations |
Reports and Indexes | Reports released by national and international organisations |
Appointments | Important national, international, banking and financial-sector appointments |
Awards and Honours | National and international awards |
Books and Authors | Recently released books and their authors |
Sports | Major tournaments, winners, venues and records |
Important Days | National and international days, dates and themes |
Static GK | Capitals, currencies, headquarters, national parks, dams and locations connected with current affairs |
Banking Abbreviations | Common abbreviations used in banking, economics and financial markets |
General Awareness Preparation Priority
Priority | Areas |
|---|---|
Very High | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, RBI and Financial Awareness |
High | Government Schemes, Digital Payments, Economy, Reports and Indexes |
Moderate | Static GK, Books, Awards, Sports and Important Days |
SBI Clerk General English Syllabus for Mains
The Mains English section tests deeper comprehension, contextual grammar, vocabulary and advanced sentence usage.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Reading Comprehension | Banking, economy, technology, society and editorial passages |
Inference-Based Questions | Author’s opinion, implication, assumption, conclusion and tone |
Vocabulary in Context | Contextual meaning, synonyms, antonyms and suitable replacement |
Cloze Test | Advanced vocabulary, grammar and context-based passage completion |
Error Detection | Sentence-level, phrase-level and multiple-error questions |
Sentence Improvement | Grammar, context, structure and usage correction |
Phrase Replacement | Advanced contextual and grammatical replacement |
Para Jumbles | Rearranging complex sentences to create a coherent paragraph |
Paragraph Completion | Selecting the most suitable opening, middle or concluding sentence |
Sentence Connectors | Combining statements using appropriate connectors |
Word Swap | Correct placement of multiple words within a sentence |
Fillers | Single, double and multiple fillers |
Column Matching | Matching clauses, phrases and sentence fragments |
Grammar | Tense, voice, narration, subject-verb agreement, modifiers, articles and prepositions |
Idioms and Phrases | Meaning and application in sentences |
Sentence Starters | Selecting suitable opening phrases for combined statements |
Odd Sentence | Identifying a sentence that does not fit the paragraph |
SBI Clerk Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
The Mains Quantitative Aptitude syllabus includes advanced Data Interpretation, arithmetic and analytical numerical questions.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Data Interpretation | Table, bar graph, line graph, pie chart and mixed-chart DI |
Caselet DI | Paragraph-based data requiring calculation and interpretation |
Missing DI | Finding missing values before solving the data set |
Arithmetic DI | Data Interpretation combined with percentage, ratio, average and profit-loss |
Data Sufficiency | Two-statement and three-statement numerical questions |
Quantity Comparison | Comparison of Quantity I and Quantity II |
Number Series | Missing, wrong and pattern-based series |
Quadratic Equations | Root comparison and equation-based problems |
Simplification and Approximation | Advanced calculations, fractions, percentages and roots |
Percentage | Successive change and application-based problems |
Ratio and Proportion | Advanced ratios, distribution and comparison |
Average | Weighted, combined and replacement averages |
Profit, Loss and Discount | Successive discount, dishonest dealer and marked-price problems |
Simple and Compound Interest | Comparison, instalment and growth-based questions |
Time and Work | Efficiency, alternate work, wages and work distribution |
Pipes and Cisterns | Multiple inlets, outlets and leakage |
Time, Speed and Distance | Relative speed, races and meeting-point questions |
Trains | Relative movement, platforms and crossing |
Boats and Streams | Upstream, downstream and variable-speed questions |
Partnership | Investment, duration and changing ratios |
Mixture and Alligation | Replacement, concentration and weighted-average concepts |
Ages | Ratio and equation-based age problems |
Mensuration | Two-dimensional and three-dimensional figures |
Probability | Basic probability and event-based questions |
Permutation and Combination | Arrangements, selections and counting principles |
Number System | Factors, remainders, divisibility and digit-based questions |
SBI Clerk Reasoning Ability Syllabus for Mains
Mains Reasoning contains more complex puzzles, multi-variable arrangements and analytical reasoning.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Advanced Puzzles | Multi-variable floor, box, scheduling, designation and comparison puzzles |
Seating Arrangement | Complex linear, circular, square, rectangular and mixed-direction arrangements |
Input-Output | Word, number, symbol and coded step-based rearrangement |
Coding-Decoding | Conditional, matrix, substitution and new-pattern coding |
Syllogism | Standard, possibility and reverse syllogism |
Inequality | Direct, coded and multiple-statement inequality |
Data Sufficiency | Statement-based reasoning sufficiency |
Blood Relations | Coded, puzzle-based and family-tree questions |
Direction Sense | Coordinate, movement and distance-based questions |
Order and Ranking | Multi-person comparison and position calculation |
Statement and Assumption | Identifying implicit assumptions |
Statement and Conclusion | Testing logical conclusions from given information |
Statement and Argument | Identifying strong and weak arguments |
Cause and Effect | Determining logical causal relationships |
Course of Action | Selecting appropriate action based on a situation |
Inference | Drawing valid conclusions from available information |
Critical Reasoning | Strengthening, weakening and evaluating an argument |
Decision Making | Selecting the most logical response to a given situation |
SBI Clerk Computer Aptitude Syllabus for Mains
SBI combines Computer Aptitude with Reasoning Ability. The notification does not prescribe a fixed number of Computer Aptitude questions within this combined section.
Topic | Detailed Coverage |
|---|---|
Computer Fundamentals | Basic computer concepts, characteristics and generations |
Hardware | CPU, motherboard, processor, ports and peripheral devices |
Software | System software, application software and utility programs |
Input Devices | Keyboard, mouse, scanner, microphone, OCR, OMR and barcode reader |
Output Devices | Monitor, printer, speaker, projector and plotter |
Operating Systems | Windows, Linux, basic OS functions, files and folders |
Memory | RAM, ROM, cache, primary memory and secondary memory |
Storage Devices | Hard disk, SSD, optical storage, pen drive and cloud storage |
MS Word | Formatting, editing, page layout and common shortcuts |
MS Excel | Workbook, worksheet, cells, formulas, functions and shortcuts |
MS PowerPoint | Slides, presentation tools and common commands |
Internet | Browser, search engine, URL, website, email and internet protocols |
Networking | LAN, WAN, MAN, modem, router, switch and network topology |
Database | Basic DBMS concepts, tables, fields, records and keys |
Cybersecurity | Malware, virus, phishing, firewall, antivirus and safe browsing |
Computer Abbreviations | CPU, RAM, ROM, USB, HTTP, HTML, LAN, WAN and other abbreviations |
Keyboard Shortcuts | Common Windows and MS Office shortcuts |
Number System | Binary, decimal and basic conversions |
Digital Banking Security | OTP, PIN, passwords, encryption and authentication |
SBI Clerk Most Important Topics 2026
Section | Highest-Priority Topics |
|---|---|
Prelims English | Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Fillers |
Prelims Numerical Ability | Simplification, Number Series, Arithmetic, Data Interpretation |
Prelims Reasoning | Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality |
Mains General Awareness | Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, RBI and Financial Awareness |
Mains English | Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary and Para Jumbles |
Mains Quantitative Aptitude | Data Interpretation, Arithmetic, Data Sufficiency and Quantity Comparison |
Mains Reasoning | Advanced Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Input-Output and Critical Reasoning |
Computer Aptitude | Fundamentals, MS Office, Networking, Internet and Cybersecurity |
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026
The following examination pattern is officially confirmed in Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
Section | Medium | Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
English Language | English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
Numerical Ability | English/Hindi/applicable regional medium | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Reasoning Ability | English/Hindi/applicable regional medium | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
Total | — | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
SBI Clerk Prelims Marking Scheme
Rule | Official Provision |
|---|---|
Examination mode | Online objective test |
Total duration | 60 minutes |
Sectional timing | Yes, 20 minutes for each section |
Correct answer | Marks assigned to the question |
Wrong answer | One-fourth of the marks assigned to that question deducted |
Unattempted question | No penalty |
Sectional qualifying marks | Not prescribed |
Aggregate qualifying marks | Not prescribed |
Shortlisting | Based on aggregate marks in descending order |
Candidates shortlisted for Mains | Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability |
Prelims marks in final merit | Not counted |
The phrase “section-wise marks will not be maintained” means SBI does not prescribe or use individual sectional qualifying marks for shortlisting. It does not mean the sections have no marks or timing.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Section | Medium | Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
General/Financial Awareness | English/Hindi/applicable regional medium | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
General English | English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
Quantitative Aptitude | English/Hindi/applicable regional medium | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | English/Hindi/applicable regional medium | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
Total | — | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
SBI Clerk Mains Marking Scheme
Rule | Official Provision |
|---|---|
Examination mode | Online objective test |
Total duration | 160 minutes |
Total questions | 190 |
Maximum marks | 200 |
Sectional timing | Yes |
Wrong answer | One-fourth of the marks assigned to the question deducted |
Unattempted question | No penalty |
Sectional qualifying marks | Not prescribed |
Aggregate qualifying marks | Decided by SBI |
Reserved-category relaxation | 5% relaxation in aggregate qualifying marks for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS |
Mains marks in final merit | Counted |
Interview |