SBI Clerk Syllabus: Exam is one of the most popular banking exams in India. This exam is conducted by the State Bank of India. Through this exam, recruitment is done for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales). SBI is the largest bank in India, so getting a job here is a dream for millions of students.
An SBI Clerk job offers a good salary, job security, and excellent growth opportunities. This is why millions of candidates apply for this exam every year. However, the competition is very high, so selection becomes difficult without the right syllabus and a proper strategy.
If you are preparing for the SBI Clerk exam, the first and most important step is to fully understand the SBI Clerk syllabus. Until you know what will be asked in the exam, your preparation cannot proceed in the right direction. This article provides you with complete information about the SBI Clerk syllabus in very simple language, so that you don’t get confused and can start your preparation immediately.
Why is it important to understand the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern?
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial before delving into the SBI Clerk syllabus. The exam pattern tells you how many stages the exam will have, how many questions will be asked from each section, and how much time will be allotted.
The SBI Clerk exam is conducted in two main stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
The Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks are not included in the final merit list. However, passing it is mandatory. Only the score of the Mains Exam is considered for final selection. Understanding the exam pattern helps you with time management.
You can identify your weak subjects and formulate your strategy accordingly. Many students start studying directly without understanding the exam pattern and get confused later. Therefore, understanding the exam pattern along with the syllabus is very important.
Complete Information about the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Syllabus
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The exam has a total of 100 questions and a time limit of 60 minutes. The difficulty level of the Preliminary Exam is easy to moderate, but speed is crucial.
Read Also-Scholarship Scheme 2026: A new beginning that will give wings to students’ dreams.
Accuracy, along with fast calculations and quick thinking, is very important here. The Preliminary Exam only checks whether the candidate is fit for a banking job at a basic level. Therefore, the questions are based on basic concepts. Now let’s understand the syllabus of each section in detail.
English Language Syllabus SBI Clerk Prelims
The English Language section is a source of fear for many students, but with the right approach, this section can become very easy. This section tests your reading, grammar, and vocabulary.
The questions in the English Language section are usually related to daily life, so the English used is not very difficult. If you practice a little every day, this section can become your strength.
The following topics are usually covered in this section Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Rearrangement, Word Usage, and Synonyms and Antonyms. In Reading Comprehension, a passage is given, and questions are asked based on it.
In the Cloze Test, there are blanks in the passage. In Error Detection, you have to find the error in the sentence. If you read newspapers or simple English articles every day, your English will gradually improve. Understanding grammar rules is more important than memorizing them.
Numerical Ability Syllabus SBI Clerk Prelims
The Numerical Ability section tests your calculation speed and basic math concepts. This section is the one that students fear the most, but it depends entirely on practice.
The questions in Numerical Ability are at the school level, but the time allotted is very limited. Therefore, calculations need to be fast.
This section includes the following topics: Simplification, Number Series, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Simple Interest, Compound Interest, Time and Work, Time and Distance, Average, Ratio and Proportion, Data Interpretation.
In Data Interpretation, tables, bar graphs, or pie charts are given. The questions are easy, but the calculations take time. If you practice 20-25 questions daily, Numerical Ability can become your strength. Learning short tricks is also very helpful.
Reasoning Ability Syllabus SBI Clerk Prelims
The Reasoning Ability section tests your logical thinking and problem-solving skills. This section can be greatly improved with practice. The questions in this section are based on logic, so understanding the concepts is more important than memorizing formulas.
The important topics in Reasoning Ability include Seating Arrangement, Puzzle, Syllogism, Inequality, Blood Relation, Direction Sense, Coding Decoding, and Order and Ranking. Seating Arrangement and Puzzle are the most time-consuming topics.
However, if the concepts are clear, they can be solved easily. The most important thing in the Reasoning section is to avoid panicking. If you don’t understand a question, skipping it and moving on is a smart strategy.
Complete Overview of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam Syllabus
The SBI Clerk Mains Exam is very important because the final selection is based on its marks. The level of the Mains Exam is slightly tougher than the Prelims. The Mains Exam has a total of four sections General Awareness, English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning and Computer Aptitude.
This exam also tests your banking knowledge, current affairs, and computer awareness. Therefore, the preparation needs to be more comprehensive. Now let’s understand each section of the Mains exam in detail.
General Awareness Syllabus for SBI Clerk Mains
The General Awareness section is very scoring if you prepare properly. This section does not involve much calculation; instead, it consists of knowledge-based questions. The focus in General Awareness is on:
Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Financial Awareness, and Static General Knowledge. In Current Affairs, important news events from the last 6 months are asked. In Banking Awareness, basic concepts related to banking are asked.
If you spend 20-30 minutes daily reading current affairs, this section can become very easy for you. Monthly PDFs and short notes are very helpful here.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus SBI Clerk Mains
The Quantitative Aptitude section in the Mains exam is slightly more advanced than the Prelims. Both calculation and understanding are crucial here. This section includes topics such as Data Interpretation, Caselet DI, Number Series, Quadratic Equations, Data Sufficiency, Probability, and Permutation and Combination.
Data Interpretation is generally more challenging, and time management is essential. It’s difficult to score well in this section without sufficient practice. If you performed well in the Prelims Quant section, the Mains Quant section won’t seem too difficult.
Reasoning and Computer Aptitude Syllabus
This section combines both Reasoning and Computer Aptitude. The Reasoning section is slightly more challenging, while the Computer section consists of basic questions. Reasoning topics include High-Level Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Logical Reasoning, and Input-Output.
Computer Aptitude covers topics such as Basic Computer Knowledge, Internet, MS Word, MS Excel, Keyboard Shortcuts, and Operating Systems. The Computer section is easy if you already have basic computer knowledge.
English Language Syllabus SBI Clerk Mains
The Mains English section tests your language understanding and writing skills. The level is slightly higher than the Prelims. Topics include Reading Comprehension, Vocabulary-Based Questions, Sentence Improvement, Para Jumbles, and Word Usage. If you have performed well in Prelims English and have a daily reading habit, then Mains English will also be manageable.
SBI Clerk Preparation Strategy and Study Plan
After understanding the syllabus, the most important thing is to create the right strategy. Preparing without a plan leads to more effort and fewer results. First, complete the Prelims syllabus, then focus on the Mains.
Create a daily timetable and allocate time to each subject. Take mock tests regularly, as mock tests improve both speed and accuracy. Analyzing the mock tests is even more important than taking them.
Important Tips related to the SBI Clerk Syllabus
Revise the syllabus repeatedly. Make short notes. Focus more on your weak areas. Follow only one book or source. Collecting too much material increases confusion. Maintain self-confidence. Banking exams require patience and consistency.
How can I prepare for the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam?
To prepare for the SBI Clerk Prelims, focus on practicing questions related to English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Improve your reading and vocabulary skills for English, practice quick calculations for Numerical Ability, and enhance your logical reasoning skills. Taking mock tests daily and analyzing them will also help improve your speed and accuracy.
Is there any negative marking in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Yes, there is negative marking in the SBI Clerk Exam. For every wrong answer, 0.25 marks are deducted. Therefore, it is important to answer only those questions that you are confident about, especially if you’re unsure about a particular question.
Conclusion
A proper plan and understanding are essential for preparing for the SBI Clerk exam. First, prepare for the Prelims exam, then focus on the Mains exam. The Prelims include English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, while the Mains include General Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning & Computer Aptitude. Improve your speed and accuracy through regular practice and mock tests. Focus on your weak subjects and study by creating a daily timetable. Revise the syllabus repeatedly and make notes. Maintain patience and consistency in your preparation.