• Updated on 17 Sept, 2025 by Kollegeapply
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025: SBI Clerk exam is a popular option for all graduates wanting to establish themselves in the Indian banking industry. Every year, the exam attracts a large number of candidates from all across the country. Selection for the Junior Associate (Clerical Cadre) posts in the State Bank of India is structured to ensure fairness, transparency, and a strong merit base. Understanding the process and the significance of each stage is valuable for any candidate who is interested in pursuing the opportunity.
SBI Clerk selection process consists of three main stages - the Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, and the Local Language Proficiency Test. The preliminary exam stage is a screening examination that has moderate to slightly difficult questions and is the first stage of the selection process. Candidates should be aware of the fact that the process not only involves qualifying through the preliminary stage, but also requires good preparation for the mains exam, which examines candidates in greater depth. SBI values attention to detail throughout the entire selection process, as a minor error on the application or at any stage of the process will lead to being disqualified.
One of the significant attractions is the salary and benefits provided to SBI Clerk employees. The pay and benefits offer financial security, while at the same time, growth opportunities for internal promotions. The pay structure provides not only the basic salary, but also allowances, which make the job attractive both for fresh graduates and experienced job seekers.
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025
SBI Clerk selection process starts with the submission of the application form. The selection process includes multiple steps. The detailed selection process for the SBI Clerk is given below.
SBI Clerk Online Registration
The first step is the online application, which needs to be completed within the notified period on the official SBI Careers website. Candidates applying from the General and OBC categories have to pay a fee of 750 INR. In contrast, candidates from SC, ST, PWD, or XS classes do not have to pay the application and examination fees. All entries regarding personal, academic, and employment details should be verified for accuracy before submission, and the ability to make changes is limited to within the application period. The portal only allows corrections made to the application during the application period; no changes can be made after that timeframe has ended.
Issue of SBI Clerk Admit Card
The SBI reserves the right to release the admit cards for the prelims and mains exams strictly in online mode. The admit card can be downloaded from the official SBI website, using either the candidate's registration number or roll number as well as their date of birth or password. No physical admit cards will be sent via post. All candidates must print the admit card and bring it, along with a valid photo ID proof, to the exam center.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam
The preliminary test is the first stage of elimination. It consists of 100 objective-type questions, divided equally among English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is time-bound to 20 minutes, making time management crucial. With a total of 100 marks and a negative marking of 1/4th mark for each incorrect response, accuracy is as important as speed. There are no sectional qualifying marks, and candidates are shortlisted for the mains exam at approximately 10 times the number of vacancies.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam
Candidates who clear the prelims advance to the main exam, which is more comprehensive, featuring four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The exam has 190 questions totaling 200 marks, to be completed in 2 hours and 40 minutes. Negative marking of 1/4th mark for wrong answers applies. Unlike prelims, mains scores alone determine the final merit ranking.
Declaration of SBI Clerk Results
After each exam stage, results are announced on the SBI official website. Candidates must log in using their registration number, roll number, and password or date of birth to access their results. For final selection, only the scores from the mains exam are considered. The merit list is prepared accordingly.
SBI Clerk Local Language Test
This stage applies only to candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12. Those candidates must pass a language proficiency test before joining. It is a crucial stage, as failure to clear the test results in disqualification, even after clearing the mains.
SBI Clerk Provisional Selection
Once all assessments are completed, SBI prepares a state-wise and category-wise merit list based on the marks obtained in the mains exam. Candidates are assigned posts based on their merit and preferences stated in their application. There is a mandatory five-year period during which transfer to another location is generally not permitted.
SBI Clerk Waiting List
To ensure full utilization of available vacancies, SBI prepares a waiting list (up to 50% of posts). The list remains valid for a year from the declaration of the final result and is used to fill vacancies arising due to non-joining or resignations.
SBI Clerk Probation Period
Newly appointed clerks must serve a probation period of six months, during which they need to complete 15 assigned e-lessons to confirm their appointment. If the requirements are not fulfilled, the probation period may be extended. Performance during this period is closely monitored, and confirmation depends on successful completion.
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025: Salary Breakdown
SBI Clerk offers an attractive salary package that combines a progressive pay scale with various allowances. The starting basic pay is INR 17,900, which increases through increments and includes benefits such as dearness allowance, house rent allowance, transport allowance, and special allowance. The take-home salary and perks make this one of the most respected entry-level positions in the Indian banking sector.
SBI Clerk selection process is simple and fair. It includes online registration, prelims, mains, a local language test if required, followed by document verification and probation. Candidates should prepare thoroughly, follow instructions carefully, and meet all deadlines for a smooth selection process. For official updates, check the SBI Careers website regularly.
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025 FAQs
What is the difficulty level of the SBI Clerk exam compared to the SBI PO exam?
SBI Clerk exams are generally of moderate difficulty. In comparison, the SBI PO exam is more challenging, with additional stages like the descriptive test and group discussion/interview, making the overall SBI PO selection process tougher than the SBI Clerk.
What is the SBI Clerk selection process?
The SBI Clerk selection process includes filling the online application form, clearing the prelims exam, qualifying for the mains exam, and then proving proficiency in the specified local language. Final selection for SBI Clerk is based solely on mains exam marks, and additional procedures such as document verification and probation follow after selection.
What is the exam pattern for SBI Clerk prelims and mains?
The SBI Clerk prelims exam has three sections—English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability—with 100 questions and a total duration of 60 minutes. The SBI Clerk mains exam includes four sections—General/Financial Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude—with 190 questions to be completed in 2 hours 40 minutes.
How does the marking scheme work in the SBI Clerk exam?
The SBI Clerk marks scheme includes negative marking: 1/4th of a mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both prelims and mains. There are no sectional qualifying marks in SBI Clerk, and there is no sectional cut-off in the exam.
What is the role of the local language test in SBI Clerk selection?
In the SBI Clerk process, candidates who have studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 are exempted from the test. If not, they must pass a local language proficiency test before joining; failure to clear the test results in disqualification from the SBI Clerk recruitment.
How is the SBI Clerk admit card issued, and what are the exam day guidelines?
SBI Clerk admit cards are released online for both prelims and mains; candidates use their registration or roll numbers and date of birth, or password to download them. For the SBI Clerk exam, printed admit cards and original, valid photo-ID must be carried, along with two passport photos.
What is the SBI Clerk salary structure in 2025?
The starting salary for SBI Clerk is ₹17,900, plus two advance increments for graduates. With allowances like dearness and house rent, the gross SBI Clerk salary is approximately ₹32,088 per month after all benefits.
Is there any interview or group discussion round in the SBI Clerk selection?
There is no interview or group discussion round in the SBI Clerk selection. The final SBI Clerk merit list depends only on marks obtained in the mains exam, which simplifies the process compared to SBI PO.
How does career growth and promotion work for SBI Clerk employees?
SBI Clerk promotions are typically slower than for SBI PO. SBI Clerk starts in the clerical cadre; promotions come through internal exams, but managerial roles and faster advancement are available to SBI PO employees.
Which candidates are exempted from the SBI Clerk application fee?
In the SBI Clerk application process, SC, ST, PWD, and XS candidates are exempt from paying the fee, while General and OBC candidates pay ₹750 for their online application.
How competitive is the SBI Clerk exam compared to other bank clerk exams?
The SBI Clerk exam is considered more competitive than exams like IBPS Clerk, owing to a higher number of applicants, fewer vacancies, and higher cut-offs in many states.
How does the normalisation of marks work in the SBI Clerk exam?
SBI Clerk exams are held in multiple shifts, so the marks are normalised using the equi-percentile method to account for variations in difficulty levels between shifts.
How does the SBI Clerk result declaration happen?
SBI Clerk results are published online separately for prelims and mains on the official site. Candidates must use their login credentials to check both their selection status and their scorecard for the SBI Clerk exam.
Can SBI Clerk employees transfer their posting to another location after joining?
SBI Clerk employees are generally not allowed to transfer to another location for the first 5 years of joining, as per the official guidelines.
What happens during the SBI Clerk probation period?
Selected SBI Clerk candidates serve a 6-month probation period during which they must complete 15 mandatory e-lessons. If a candidate does not complete the required e-lessons, their probation gets extended until compliance.
Is the competition for the SBI Clerk tougher than the IBPS Clerk exam?
The SBI Clerk exam is considered slightly tougher than the IBPS Clerk exam due to its higher cut-offs and a larger applicant pool, though the basic structure of both exams is similar.
What documents are required at the SBI Clerk exam center?
For the SBI Clerk exam, candidates must bring the printed admit card, an original photo-ID proof, and two passport-size photographs. Without these, entry to the SBI Clerk exam is not permitted.
Where can official information and updates about the SBI Clerk be found?
All official notifications, updates, results, and the application process for SBI Clerk are provided exclusively on the SBI Careers portal.
How is the subject difficulty in the SBI Clerk compared to the SBI PO?
Subjects like Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude in SBI Clerk feature straightforward, less time-consuming questions, while SBI PO assesses deeper analytical skills and includes complex data analysis, essay writing, and interviews.