• Updated on 13 Sept, 2025 by Kollegeapply
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI Clerk exam once a year to recruit candidates for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales). To succeed in this exam, candidates must have proper knowledge of the syllabus. The complete syllabus includes Reasoning Ability, General/Financial Awareness, General English, Computer Aptitude, and Numerical Ability.
SBI Clerk prelims exam focuses on basic areas such as Puzzles, Reading Comprehension, Simplification, and Number Series. In the SBI Clerk mains exam, candidates are asked to solve questions from advanced topics like Data Interpretation, Banking Awareness, and Computer Knowledge. The selection process includes the Prelims, Mains, and a Local Language Proficiency Test. Therefore, candidates need to perform well in every stage. This article will provide an in-depth knowledge of the SBI Clerk exam syllabus, which can help aspiring candidates.
- SBI Clerk Exam Overview 2025
- SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2025
- SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2025
- SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025
- SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test
- SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Marking Scheme
- SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Recommended Books
- SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Preparation Tips
- SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 FAQs
SBI Clerk Exam Overview 2025
Before diving into the detailed syllabus, it is useful to understand the overall structure of the SBI Clerk exam. The Preliminary stage serves as a qualifying round, assessing candidates on basic reasoning, English, and numerical aptitude. The Main examination is more comprehensive, covering advanced reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English, financial awareness, and computer aptitude, with the marks obtained here forming the basis of the final merit list. Additionally, candidates who have not studied the official local language of their state in school are required to clear a language proficiency test before appointment. The entire examination is conducted in online computer-based mode across more than 150 test cities in India.
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2025
SBI Clerk Prelims exam 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 Exam Pattern 2025
To pick the most important topics from the syllabus, it is crucial to understand the structure of the exam. SBI Clerk exam pattern for prelims and mains 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.
All questions are multiple-choice and conducted through a computer-based format. The question paper is provided in both English and Hindi, except for the English section, which is available only in English. Candidates must complete all sections within a total duration of one hour. This stage of the exam is purely for qualifying purposes, and the marks obtained do not contribute to the final merit score.
There is a penalty for incorrect answers, with 0.25 marks deducted for every wrong response. While there are no minimum qualifying marks for individual sections, overall cutoffs are applied based on the number of vacancies and the performance of all candidates.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
Candidates who qualify through the 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.
This is the only stage that determines the final selection, as there is no interview round for clerical recruitment. Negative marking is applicable, with 0.25 marks deducted for every incorrect response. To qualify, candidates must secure more than the overall cutoff set by SBI, which varies depending on vacancies and competition. Additionally, the Reasoning Ability section in the Mains exam is combined with Computer Aptitude, where candidates are tested on basic computer knowledge alongside reasoning-based questions.
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who can produce their 10th or 12th standard mark sheet or certificate as proof of having studied the specified local language will not be required to appear for the language proficiency test. For all other candidates, the SBI Clerk Local Language Test will be conducted after provisional selection but before the final appointment. Those who fail to clear this test will be disqualified and will not be offered the post.
The structure of the test is as follows:
- Non-Verbal Test: Includes three passages in the objective format with 15 questions for 15 marks, and three passages in the subjective format with 15 questions for 15 marks.
- Verbal Test: Consists of 20 questions to assess a candidate’s command of the local language.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Marking Scheme
Having a clear understanding of the marking scheme is important for smart exam preparation. In both Prelims and Mains, each correct response carries 1 mark, while every incorrect attempt results in a 0.25 mark deduction. This pattern is designed to reward accuracy and minimise random guessing. In case the exam is conducted in multiple shifts, the final scores are normalised to balance out differences in difficulty levels across various question papers.
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Recommended Books
Below is a curated list of expert-recommended books for each section of the SBI Clerk exam:
English Language
- "High School English Grammar and Composition" by Wren & Martin
- "Objective General English" published by Arihant
- "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
Reasoning Ability
- "Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by RS Aggarwal
- "Analytical Reasoning" by MK Pandey
- "A New Approach To Reasoning: Verbal & Non-Verbal" by BS Sijwali & Indu Sijwali
Numerical/Quantitative Aptitude
- "Quantitative Aptitude" by RS Aggarwal
- "Data Interpretation" by Arun Sharma
- "Objective Mathematics for Competitive Exams" by Tarun Goyal
- "Fast Track Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma
General/Financial Awareness
- India Year Book
- Manorama Yearbook
- Lucent’s General Knowledge Book
- "Banking Awareness" from Arihant Publications
Computer Aptitude
- "Banking & Computer Aptitude" by Adda247 Publications
- "Computer Knowledge" by Disha Publication
- "Computer Awareness" by Arihant Publication
- "Objective Computer Knowledge & Literacy" by Kiran Publication
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025: Preparation Tips
A vast number of aspirants participate in the SBI Clerk recruitment, making the competition intense. To achieve success and distinguish themselves, candidates must prepare thoroughly. Below are some effective tips and strategies to help crack the exam:
SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025 FAQs
What are the stages of SBI Clerk recruitment 2025?
SBI Clerk recruitment process in 2025 consists of two main stages: the Preliminary exam and the Main exam. There is no interview round involved. Candidates must qualify in the Preliminary exam to be eligible to appear for the Main exam, which finalises the selection.
Are the Prelims marks added to the final selection marks?
No, the marks obtained in the Preliminary exam are only for qualifying purposes and are not added to the final merit list. The final selection is based solely on the marks scored in the Main exam.
What is the weightage of the General/Financial Awareness section in SBI Clerk Mains?
The General/Financial Awareness section carries significant importance in the Main exam, comprising 50 questions worth 50 marks. This section plays a crucial role in the overall final score, and candidates must prepare it thoroughly to improve their chances of selection.
Is there sectional timing in the SBI Clerk exam?
Yes, both Preliminary and Main exams have fixed sectional time limits. Candidates are required to complete each section within the stipulated time and are not allowed to switch between sections during the exam. Time management for each section is crucial to avoid missing questions.
How many months of Current Affairs should candidates prepare for SBI Clerk?
Candidates should ideally prepare at least 6 months’ worth of current affairs before the exam, with special priority given to the most recent 3 months leading up to the exam date. This ensures updated knowledge of the latest events, schemes, and developments.
What is the difficulty level of SBI Clerk compared to the SBI PO exams?
SBI Clerk exams are generally of moderate difficulty. In comparison, the SBI PO exam is more challenging as it includes additional stages like descriptive tests and group discussions/interviews, making it a tougher overall selection process.
Is Computer Aptitude tested in the Prelims stage of SBI Clerk?
No, Computer Aptitude questions are not part of the Preliminary exam. They are included only in the Main exam stage. Candidates should focus on other core sections like Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and English Language for Prelims.
Is there a sectional cutoff in SBI Clerk 2025?
Yes, candidates must clear not only the overall cutoff but also the sectional cutoffs in both Preliminary and Main exams. Failing to meet sectional cutoff criteria in any section can result in disqualification, regardless of the overall score.
Which sections should beginners prioritize when preparing for SBI Clerk?
Beginners are advised to focus first on Numerical Ability and Reasoning Puzzles, as these sections require more practice and problem-solving skills. Building strong basics early will help improve speed and accuracy.
What is a recommended strategy to ensure success in SBI Clerk 2025?
The best approach is to ensure clearing the cutoff in all sections of the Preliminary exam first. After qualifying, devote focused time to strengthening banking General Knowledge and Computer Awareness for the Main exam. Consistent practice, accuracy, and revision of these areas are key to success.