SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 and the detailed exam pattern have been thoroughly explained in this article to help candidates understand every stage of the recruitment process.
Like every year, in 2025, the State Bank of India (SBI) is conducting the SBI Clerk Exam to recruit 6589 Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) across its branches nationwide. The exam will be held in three stages: Prelims, Mains, and the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT).
The application process began on 6th August 2025, and a large number of candidates are expected to apply for these posts. This article provides a complete overview of the exam pattern, section-wise syllabus, and useful preparation insights to help candidates strategize their approach effectively.
SBI Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025: Key Highlights
Before we dive into the details, here are the important points you must note:
| Detail | Info |
| Bank Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Name | SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Prelims Exam Date | 20th, 21st, 27th and 28th September 2025 |
| Mains Exam Date | 15th and 16th November 2025 |
| Total Questions | Prelims: 100, Mains: 190 |
| Duration | Prelims: 1 hour, Mains: 2 hrs 40 mins |
| Negative Marking | Yes, 0.25 marks per wrong answer |
| Selection Process | 1. Prelims ↓ 2. Mains ↓ 3. Local Language Test |
| Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process: Stage-Wise Overview
The SBI Clerk recruitment process consists of three main stages:
1. Preliminary Examination
This is the initial stage of the selection process. It is qualifying in nature, meaning the marks obtained are not considered for the final merit list. However, candidates must clear this stage to proceed to the Mains exam.
- 100 questions to be attempted in 60 minutes
- Sections include English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability
2. Mains Examination
This is the decisive stage of the selection process, as the marks scored here are considered for final selection.
- 190 questions to be attempted in 2 hours and 40 minutes
- Includes Quantitative Aptitude, English Language, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness
3. Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Candidates who have not studied the local language of the state applied for in their 10th or 12th standard must appear for this qualifying test. The test may be oral or written and is conducted to assess basic proficiency in the local language.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates aiming to secure a position as a Junior Associate (Clerk) in the State Bank of India must first understand the examination structure. The SBI Clerk 2025 selection process consists of two primary stages: Preliminary Examination and Main Examination. Both are conducted in an online, multiple-choice format and assess the candidate’s proficiency in key subjects such as Reasoning, English Language, and Numerical Ability.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
The Preliminary Examination serves as a qualifying round. It carries a total of 100 marks and is designed to test the candidate’s speed, accuracy, and basic aptitude under a strict time constraint. Only those who perform well in the prelims are shortlisted for the Main Examination.
This is your first hurdle. Here’s how it’s structured:
| 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 |
Note: Each correct answer gets 1 mark, and each wrong answer deducts 0.25 marks.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
The Main Examination, which is more comprehensive, is valued at 200 marks and includes additional sections such as General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude, along with core subjects. This stage plays a decisive role in the final selection, as there is no interview or group discussion in the SBI Clerk recruitment process. The final merit list is prepared solely based on the performance in the Main Examination.
This is the main exam for merit preparation. Here’s the format:
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Time |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning + Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hrs 40 min |
Note: Just like Prelims, here too, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025
To crack the SBI Clerk 2025 exam, candidates must have a clear understanding of the complete syllabus prescribed by the State Bank of India. The syllabus is designed to assess a candidate’s proficiency in various subjects essential for the role of a Junior Associate. It is divided into two stages: Preliminary and Main, each with its specific set of topics.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 Prelims Exam
The SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2025 focuses on evaluating the basic aptitude and problem-solving skills required for a Junior Associate role. This stage consists of three core sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is timed and carries equal weight, making speed and accuracy crucial for success.
Let’s break down what to study for each section in the Prelims:
| SBI Clerk Syllabus for Prelims Exam 2025 – Subject-wise Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Topic | Important Subtopics Covered |
| English Language | • Reading Comprehension • Cloze Test • Para Jumbles • Fill in the Blanks • Multiple Meaning/Usage • Paragraph Completion • Error Spotting • Sentence/Word Rearrangement • Spelling Errors • Word Swap • Odd One Out • Single Fillers |
| Reasoning Ability | • Puzzles • Seating Arrangement • Alphanumeric Series • Coding-Decoding • Blood Relations • Direction Sense • Syllogism • Inequality • Input-Output • Tabulation • Logical Reasoning • Pair Formation • Letter/Digit Series • Odd One Out |
| Numerical Ability | • Simplification • Approximation • Data Interpretation • Number Series • Profit & Loss • SI & CI • Time, Speed & Distance • Time & Work • Mensuration (Cone, Sphere, Cylinder) • Ratio & Proportion • Percentages • Mixture & Allegations • Permutation & Combination • Probability |
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 Mains Exam
The SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2025 is more comprehensive and tests your in-depth understanding across multiple subjects. It includes General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and Computer Aptitude. Unlike the Prelims, this stage has a higher level of difficulty and plays a key role in final selection.
Now comes the advanced syllabus for Mains. This includes more detailed topics and general awareness.
| SBI Clerk Syllabus for Mains Exam 2025 – Subject-wise Breakdown | |
|---|---|
| Subject | Important Subtopics Covered |
| Quantitative Aptitude | • Simplification • Number Series • Data Interpretation • Quadratic Equations • Time & Work • Time, Speed & Distance • Profit & Loss • Partnership • Mixture & Allegation • Ratio & Proportion • Averages & Percentages • Simple & Compound Interest • Mensuration (Cylinder, Cone, Sphere) • Data Sufficiency • Permutation, Combination & Probability |
| General English | • Reading Comprehension (Synonyms/Antonyms) • Para Jumbles • Sentence Improvement • Cloze Test • Fill in the Blanks • Error Spotting • Sentence Rearrangement • Vocabulary Usage • Spell Checks • Match the Column • Word Usage • Word Swap • One Word Substitution |
| General/Financial Awareness | • Current Affairs • Banking & Financial News • Latest Government Schemes • Static GK • Awards & Honours • Appointments & Resignations • Obituaries • Books & Authors • Sports & Summits • Important Days • Financial Terms • Headquarters of Banks • Budget & Economic Survey |
| Reasoning Ability | • Puzzles & Seating Arrangement • Coding-Decoding • Syllogism • Inequality • Blood Relations • Direction Sense • Input-Output • Logical Reasoning • Ranking & Order • Statement–Assumption • Statement–Conclusion • Alphanumeric Series • Tabulation • Letter/Digit Series |
| Computer Aptitude | • Basics of Computers • MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) • Internet & Networking • Input-Output Devices • DBMS Basics • Operating Systems • Memory & Storage • Important Abbreviations • Computer Shortcuts • Email & Web Browsers • Cyber Security • Computer Terminology |
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Candidates who qualify in the final merit list must undergo the Local Language Proficiency Test before their final selection. This test is crucial to ensure that the candidate can effectively communicate in the local/regional language of the state/UT for which they’ve applied. The test is divided into two sections: Non-Verbal (Objective) and Verbal (Subjective).
Below is the detailed pattern of the SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test, which candidates must qualify for to confirm their final selection:
| Test Type | Mode | Section Type | Passages | Questions | Total Marks |
| Non-Verbal Test | Objective | Comprehension | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Verbal Test | Subjective | Descriptive/Writing | – | – | 20 |
Note: It’s only qualifying in nature. Marks not added to final score.
Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk 2025
Here are some smart strategies you can follow:
1. Know the SBI Clerk Syllabus & Pattern 2025: Start by understanding the updated exam structure and focusing on important topics from past years’ trends.
2. Follow a Study Plan: Create a realistic study schedule. Allocate more time to weaker subjects and revise regularly.
3. Practice Mock Tests: Attempt full-length mock tests weekly to build exam temperament. Analyze mistakes after every test.
4. Focus on Accuracy: With negative marking in place, guessing can hurt. Work on improving accuracy and time management simultaneously.
5. Stay Updated: For the Mains, regularly read newspapers or use current affairs apps to stay up to date with banking and financial news.
6. Revise Often: Regular revision ensures concepts stay fresh. Keep short notes for formulas and tricks to revise before the exam.
7. Stay Confident: Consistent effort, proper guidance, and the right strategy will help you crack the SBI Clerk exam. Believe in your preparation.
Recommended Books for SBI Clerk 2025
To crack the SBI Clerk 2025 exam with good preparation, candidates should study from the right set of books. Below is a subject-wise list of recommended books and mock test platforms. These resources help build strong basics, increase speed, and improve overall exam performance.
- English: Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
- Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Quant: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal
- General Awareness: Banking Awareness by Arihant / Lucent GK
- Mock Tests: Practice from Oliveboard, Testbook, Adda247, etc.
FAQs on SBI Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern 2025
1. What is the selection process for the SBI Clerk 2025 exam?
The SBI Clerk 2025 selection process involves three stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
- Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
There is no interview round for this recruitment.
2. Is there any negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in both Prelims and Mains. 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect answer.
3. Are marks scored in the Preliminary Exam considered for final selection?
No. The Preliminary Exam is only qualifying in nature. Only the Mains Exam marks are considered for final merit.
4. How many questions are there in the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains?
- Prelims: 100 questions
- Mains: 190 questions
5. What is the duration of the SBI Clerk exams?
- Prelims: 60 minutes (1 hour)
- Mains: 160 minutes (2 hours 40 minutes)
6. What subjects are covered in the SBI Clerk Mains syllabus?
The Mains syllabus includes:
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
- General/Financial Awareness
7. Is Computer Knowledge required for the SBI Clerk exam?
Yes. Basic computer aptitude is tested as part of the Reasoning & Computer Aptitude section in the Mains exam.
