• Updated on 15 Sept, 2025 by Kollegeapply
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: State Bank of India conducts the SBI Clerk exam to recruit eligible candidates to the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) at SBI. It is one of the biggest recruitment events in banking; therefore, the competition is high. Without proper preparation, it is hard to crack the exam. With strategic planning and disciplined implementation, candidates can increase their chances of success. Preparing systematically for both Prelims and Mains, while keeping in mind the exam pattern and syllabus, is the key to cracking the SBI Clerk 2025 exam.
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SBI Clerk Preparation 2025
SBI Clerk exam includes the prelims and mains exams. Prelims include General English, Reasoning Ability, and Numeric Ability. The mains exam syllabus is more detailed. Here, some preparation strategies for both exams are elaborated.
SBI Clerk Prelims Preparation 2025
A detailed preparation strategy for each section is given below. This preparation strategy will help candidates prepare in less time with maximum accuracy.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Reasoning Ability
The Reasoning Ability section is comparatively easier than the mains. Some of the most important topics and preparation tips are given below.
Important Topics: Direction Sense, Syllogisms, Blood Relations, Puzzles (linear, circular, floor-based, box-based), Inequalities, Coding-Decoding
Tips to Prepare:
- Start with non-puzzle questions like syllogisms and inequalities to secure quick marks.
- Move to puzzles after warming up to manage time.
- Practice 3–4 puzzles daily from past exams.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Numerical Ability
The Numerical Ability section requires both speed and conceptual clarity. Thus time management plays an important role here. Below are the preparation strategy for this section.
Important Topics: Arithmetic (Profit & Loss, Averages, Mensuration, Time-Speed-Distance), Simplification/Approximation (5–10 Qs), Number Series (5 Qs), Percentages, Interest, Quadratic Equations, Data Interpretation (10 Qs).
Tips to Prepare:
- Attempt simplification and number series first in the exam for accuracy.
- Revise multiplication tables, squares, and cubes for faster calculation.
- Practice daily DI sets of different types.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: General English
The General English section in SBI Clerk prelims exam tests vocabulary, reading, and grammar. Good command over grammar is important for this section. Below are some tips that can help candidates to perform well in this section.
Important Topics: Para Jumbles, Synonyms/Antonyms, Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection.
Tips to Prepare:
- Read English newspapers daily (editorial sections help with RC).
- Revise grammar rules (subject-verb agreement, prepositions, articles, tenses).
- Focus on vocabulary through word lists and flashcards.
SBI Clerk Mains Preparation 2025
The SBI Clerk mains exam is harder than the prelims, and this stage determines the final selection. Therefore, only good preparation and time management can help candidates to crack this exam. The detailed preparation strategy is given below.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
Important Topics from Reasoning Ability: Advanced puzzles, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Critical Reasoning, Decision Making, Coding-Decoding.
Important Topics from Computer Awareness: Basics of MS Office, Internet, Networking, Operating Systems, DBMS.
Preparaation Tips:
- Spend extra time on mixed puzzles and evaluate mistakes.
- For Computers, prepare through short notes, focusing on keyboard shortcuts and the latest digital banking terms.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Quantitative Aptitude
Important Topics: Advanced DI sets (Caselets, Tabular DI, Radar Graphs), Arithmetic word problems, Probability, Permutation & Combination, Time-Speed-Distance, Mensuration.
Preparation Tips:
- Keep formula notebooks handy.
- Practice high-level DI questions from mock tests.
- Time your calculations in sectional quizzes.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: General English
Important Topics: Same as Prelims but tougher with twisted grammar and inference-based RCs. Includes Para Odd One Out, Phrase Replacement, and Advanced Cloze Tests.
Preparation Tips:
- Work on inference and tone-based RC practice.
- Revise advanced grammar and idioms/phrases.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: General/Financial Awareness
Important Topics: Banking & Economy (Monetary Policy, RBI circulars, NPA, Digital Banking), Current Affairs (last 6–8 months), Government Schemes, Important Reports, Static GK.
Preparation Tips:
- Dedicate 1 hour daily to current affairs.
- Read monthly magazines like RBI bulletins, Banking Capsules.
- Revise important government policies and update financial terms.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Mock Tests
Mock tests play an important role in SBI Clerk preparation. Practicing mock tests can help candidates with time management skills and understand the question pattern. Here are some useful techniques to take mock tests.
- Attempt at least 2–3 mocks per week initially, increase to daily mocks 2 months before the exam.
- Analyze mistakes, track improvement, and avoid repeating the same errors.
- Maintain accuracy above speed initially, then work on both together.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Revision Strategy
Candidates must revise all the lessons they have been taught. Revision is the main key to retaining all the lessons for a long time. Without any revision, a candidate can't recall all the lessons during the exam. Here are some revision tips:
- Revise daily: formulas, grammar rules, computer shortcuts, and important schemes.
- Keep short notes for a quick last-minute look.
- Revise current affairs monthly to avoid bulk revision at the end.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025: Exam Pattern
Candidates can prepare properly only when they are aware of the whole syllabus. Thus, the SBI Clerk exam pattern is discussed below.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2025
SBI Clerk prelims exam is the first stage and is qualifying in nature. Candidates must secure the sectional as well as the overall cut-off to proceed to the Mains. Each section of the exam has a fixed time limit, and candidates are not allowed to switch between sections during the test.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates who qualify through Prelims appear for the Mains examination. This stage determines the final selection. SBI Clerk Mains exam has sectional timing, which makes effective time management crucial for candidates. The test is conducted online, consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, and is available in both English and Hindi, except for the General English section.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2025
SBI Clerk Prelims exam syllabus consists of three sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language. The complete section-wise syllabus is given below.
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2025
The Quantitative Aptitude syllabus for SBI Clerk Mains is largely the same as Prelims but includes tougher questions along with a few extra topics. The complete syllabus for the SBI Clerk Mains 2025 is given below.
SBI Clerk Preparation 2025 FAQs
How important are mock tests for SBI Clerk?
Mock tests simulate the real exam. They help manage time, identify weak areas, and build accuracy – making them essential for success.
How should I prepare for Computers in SBI Clerk Mains?
Focus on the basics of MS Word, Excel, Internet, Networking, Memory, Operating Systems, and short keys. 10–12 questions are usually simple and scoreable.
Can I prepare for the SBI Clerk along with a job or college?
Yes, with proper planning. Dedicate 2–3 hours daily on weekdays and 6–7 hours on weekends. Smart planning is key.
How long should I prepare for SBI Clerk 2025?
A serious preparation of 4–6 months with daily study of 6–7 hours is usually enough, depending on your current level.
Which section is toughest in the SBI Clerk exam?
In Prelims, Numerical Ability is often challenging due to time pressure. In Mains, Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude are considered tougher.
How can I improve my speed for the SBI Clerk?
Here are some useful tips:
Is English a scoring subject in the SBI Clerk?
Yes. With regular reading and grammar practice, English can fetch direct marks, especially in RCs and Cloze Tests.
Is a sectional cut-off present in the SBI Clerk exam?
SBI Clerk does not have sectional cut-offs in recent years, but candidates need to clear the overall cut-off for both Prelims and Mains.
How should I balance Prelims and Mains preparation?
While preparing for Prelims, also practice higher-level questions for Mains in parallel. After Prelims, focus full-time on Mains-oriented preparation within 4–6 weeks.