How Many Attempts Are Allowed for SBI Clerk Exam in 2025?

SBI Clerk is one of the most popular government banking exams in India. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for the position of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) at State Bank of India. This year, SBI Clerk 2025 Exam is being conducted from September 20, 2025.

Candidates appearing in the exam often wonder about the number of attempts allowed. In this article, we will explain everything related to attempts, age limit, eligibility criteria, relaxations, and how you can apply. The information is based on the official notification and guidelines released by SBI.

SBI Clerk Exam 2025: Highlights

The SBI Clerk exam is conducted annually to recruit eligible candidates for various branches of the bank across India. The exam consists of two stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination

Candidates who pass the prelims qualify for the mains, and those who clear the mains are finally selected based on merit and document verification.

The number of attempts, age eligibility, and relaxations play a crucial role in determining how many times a candidate can apply for the exam. Below, we dive deeper into these factors.

Number of Attempts Allowed for SBI Clerk Exam

An attempt is counted only when a candidate appears for the Main examination. Simply appearing for the preliminary stage does not count as an attempt.

Official Attempt Rules

SBI Clerk attempt rules differ across category. Category-wise attempts are presented below:

Important Notes:

• Only mains count toward the attempt limit.
• The count starts from the exam held on 18.04.2010.
• If only one written exam is held in a particular year, that attempt will be counted.

This structure ensures fairness while providing opportunities to reserved category candidates.

Age Limit for SBI Clerk 2025

The age criteria are strict, but also provide relaxations to reserved categories. Here is the official guideline.

Age Eligibility

• Minimum Age: 20 years
• Maximum Age: 28 years as of 01.04.2025

Age Relaxation Table

Note: A General category candidate born on 01.04.1997 is eligible because they will turn 28 on 01.04.2025.

Educational Qualifications for SBI Clerk 2025

To apply for SBI Clerk, candidates must fulfill the following qualification criteria:

Essential Qualification

• Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
• An equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government is also acceptable.

Additional Notes

• Candidates in the final year or semester of graduation can apply provisionally.
• They must provide proof of graduation before the joining date.
• Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate can apply if the date of passing is before the joining date.

This flexibility helps students who are about to complete their degree participate without being left out.

Documents Required at the Time of Joining

Candidates who seek age relaxation or provisional admission must submit the following documents during verification:

• Birth certificate or proof of age
• Graduation certificate or provisional degree certificate
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• Experience or service certificate (for ex-servicemen)

Failure to submit the correct documents will result in disqualification.

How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk Exam 2025?

The application process is simple and fully online. Follow these steps:

1. Visit the official website: https://sbi.co.in/web/careers/current-openings
2. Click on “New Registration” and fill in your details like name, phone number, and email ID.
3. Upload scanned copies of photograph and signature.
4. Fill in personal details, qualifications, and work experience if applicable.
5. Review the form before submitting.
6. Pay the application fee as per your category.
7. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2025 

SBI Clerk 2025 Admit Card has already been realeased. Candidates should refer to the table below to get more information on the exam.

Check: SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025

Who Can Apply for SBI Clerk 2025?

You are eligible to apply if:

• You are a citizen of India.
• Your age falls within the prescribed limits.
• You have completed graduation or are in the final semester.
• You possess the valid documents required for verification.
• You meet the eligibility criteria based on your category.

Who Cannot Apply for SBI Clerk 2025?

You cannot apply if:

• You exceeded the maximum attempts allowed for your category
• You do not have a graduation or an equivalent qualification
• You failed to provide the necessary documents at the time of joining
• You do not meet the age criteria

Always check the official notification before applying.

Check Latest Update on Related Exam: SSC CGL 2025, SSC CHSL

Final Thoughts

The SBI Clerk exam is a golden opportunity for graduates looking for a stable banking career. Understanding the rules regarding attempts, age limit, relaxations, and eligibility is essential for planning your preparation effectively.

• General candidates have 4 attempts,
• OBC candidates have 7 attempts,
• SC/ST candidates have unlimited attempts.

Always refer to the official SBI notification before applying to ensure you meet all eligibility criteria.