The SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) 2026-27 exam is conducted in two online stages: Preliminary and Main. The Prelims consist of 100 marks over 60 minutes, while the Mains are 200 marks over 160 minutes, with 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer in both stages.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test designed to screen candidates for the Main Examination. It assesses basic proficiency in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. Marks obtained in this stage are qualifying and not counted for the final selection.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer (1/4th of the mark assigned).
Main Examination
The Main Examination is also an online objective test, more comprehensive than the Prelims. It evaluates a candidate's in-depth knowledge across General/Financial Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The marks secured in this stage are crucial for the final merit list.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer (1/4th of the mark assigned).
Marking & Normalization
Both the Preliminary and Main Examinations have a negative marking of 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. This means that for every four wrong answers, one mark will be deducted. The preliminary exam scores are normalized where applicable, but these marks are not included in the final merit list. The final state-wise and category-wise merit list is prepared solely based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) wherever applicable. There is no interview in the SBI Clerk recruitment process.
Pattern FAQs
Q1: Is there an interview for SBI Clerk?
No, there is no interview in the SBI Clerk recruitment process. Selection is based on the Main Examination marks and qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Q2: Are there sectional cut-offs in the SBI Clerk exam?
For the Main Examination, there are no sectional qualifying marks. However, candidates must secure minimum aggregate marks as decided by the bank for final selection.
Q3: What is the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT)?
The LPT is a qualifying test for candidates who haven't studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12. It assesses proficiency in the local language of the state/UT they applied for and is conducted before joining.
Q4: How many candidates are shortlisted for the Main Examination?
Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on their performance in the Preliminary Examination.