SBI Clerk Syllabus 2026 – Prelims & Mains Exam Pattern, Subjects and Preparation

SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026

The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination consists of three sections:

1. English Language
2. Numerical Ability
3. Reasoning Ability

Candidates need to qualify in the Preliminary Examination to become eligible for the next stage of the selection process.

1. English Language

Important topics covered under the English Language section include:

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Fill in the Blanks
• Error Detection
• Sentence Correction
• Para Jumbles
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Phrase Replacement
• Vocabulary
• Synonyms and Antonyms
• Word Usage
• Idioms and Phrases
• Spelling Errors
• Grammar
• Subject-Verb Agreement
• Tenses
• Articles
• Prepositions
• Active and Passive Voice
• Direct and Indirect Speech

Candidates should regularly practise reading comprehension and grammar-based questions to improve their accuracy.

2. Numerical Ability

The Numerical Ability section tests a candidate’s basic mathematical calculation and problem-solving skills.

Important topics include:

• Number System
• Simplification
• Approximation
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Time and Work
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Problems on Ages
• Partnership
• Mixture and Alligation
• Mensuration
• Data Interpretation
• Number Series
• Quadratic Equations
• Probability
• Permutation and Combination

Candidates should focus on calculation speed because the Prelims examination is conducted within a limited time.

3. Reasoning Ability

The Reasoning Ability section evaluates logical and analytical thinking.

Important topics include:

• Puzzles
• Seating Arrangement
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction and Distance
• Alphanumeric Series
• Alphabetical Series
• Ranking and Order
• Input-Output
• Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning
• Statement and Assumption
• Statement and Conclusion
• Analogy
• Classification

Puzzles and seating arrangements are particularly important topics for banking examinations.

SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026

Candidates who qualify for the Preliminary Examination appear for the Main Examination. The SBI Clerk Mains syllabus covers four major sections.

1. General/Financial Awareness

This section tests candidates’ knowledge of current events and financial and banking-related developments.

Important topics include:

• Current Affairs
• National and International News
• Banking Awareness
• Financial Awareness
• Indian Economy
• RBI and its Functions
• Banking Terms
• Monetary Policy
• Financial Institutions
• Government Schemes
• Budget and Economic Survey
• Important Appointments
• Awards and Honours
• Sports
• Important Days
• Books and Authors
• Static General Knowledge
• National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries
• Capitals and Currencies

Candidates should regularly follow current affairs, particularly banking and financial news.

2. General English

The General English section of the Mains examination includes topics related to grammar, vocabulary and comprehension.

Major topics are:

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Error Detection
• Sentence Improvement
• Fill in the Blanks
• Para Jumbles
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Vocabulary
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Idioms and Phrases
• Word Replacement
• Grammar
• Phrase Replacement

Regular reading of newspapers, magazines and quality English articles can help candidates improve vocabulary and comprehension skills.

3. Quantitative Aptitude

The Quantitative Aptitude section includes arithmetic, data interpretation and advanced calculation-based questions.

Important topics include:

• Simplification
• Approximation
• Number Series
• Quadratic Equations
• Percentage
• Ratio and Proportion
• Average
• Profit and Loss
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Time and Work
• Pipes and Cisterns
• Time, Speed and Distance
• Boats and Streams
• Partnership
• Mixture and Alligation
• Probability
• Permutation and Combination
• Data Interpretation
• Data Sufficiency
• Mensuration

Candidates should practise questions regularly and develop shortcuts for calculations wherever possible.

4. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

The Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section covers logical reasoning as well as basic computer knowledge.

Important Reasoning topics include:

• Puzzles
• Seating Arrangement
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Ranking
• Input-Output
• Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning
• Statement and Conclusion
• Statement and Assumption
• Alphanumeric Series

Important Computer Aptitude topics include:

• Basics of Computers
• Computer Hardware
• Computer Software
• Operating Systems
• Internet
• Networking
• MS Office
• Keyboard Shortcuts
• Computer Abbreviations
• Memory
• Input and Output Devices
• Computer Security
• Internet and Email
• Basic Digital Technology

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2026

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern

The Preliminary Examination consists of three sections:

The Preliminary Examination is conducted for a total duration of 1 hour, with separate time allocated to each section.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern

The Main Examination consists of four sections:

The total duration of the SBI Clerk Main Examination is 2 hours 40 minutes.

SBI Clerk Preparation Tips 2026

Candidates preparing for SBI Clerk should follow a consistent study strategy.

Make a Subject-Wise Study Plan

Divide your preparation time among English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning and General/Financial Awareness. Give additional time to subjects in which you are comparatively weak.

Practise Previous Year Papers

Solving previous year question papers helps candidates understand the types of questions generally asked in the examination and improves time management.

Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests are useful for improving speed and accuracy. Candidates should analyse their mistakes after every mock test and work on weak topics.

Focus on Current Affairs

For the Mains examination, candidates should regularly study current affairs, banking awareness and financial news.