Are you planning to take the SBI Clerk exam? It’s important to have a clear understanding of the exam syllabus and pattern to succeed in the exam. In this article, we’ll provide you with a complete guide on the SBI Clerk syllabus and exam pattern.
Sure, I can assist you with that. In this article, we will provide you with a detailed overview of the SBI Clerk syllabus and exam pattern. The SBI Clerk exam is considered to be one of the most prestigious bank exams in India.
The exam is conducted every year to select suitable candidates for the Junior Associates post. To be eligible for this position, candidates are required to qualify both the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains exams. Successful candidates will be placed at various branches of State Bank of India across India.
If you are planning to apply for the post of Junior Assistant, it is recommended that you start your preparation for the upcoming bank exams. The number of candidates appearing for this exam has increased significantly over the years, which has led to an increase in competition.
The SBI Clerk Syllabus is the same as the syllabus for other private sector banks. However, the SBI Clerk Syllabus is very comprehensive and exhaustive.
SBI Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk exam pattern comprises two stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
The SBI Clerk syllabus for both the stages is almost the same. An extra section of General Awareness is added to the SBI clerk syllabus for the mains exam.
Given below is the SBI clerk exam pattern 2022 in detail:
| SBI Clerk Exam Pattern | ||||
| SBI Clerk Exam | Subjects | Number of Questions | Marks | Duration |
| Preliminary Exam | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes | |
| Mains Examination | English Language | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | |
| Reasoning Ability | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes | |
| General Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes | |
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus
The SBI Clerk prelims syllabus comprises three sections:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- English Language
Given below is the section-wise SBI Clerk Syllabus for prelims exams:
SBI Clerk Syllabus: Quantitative Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude is considered to be one of the most challenging sections of the bank exam. This section tests the numerical ability and accuracy of candidates in mathematical calculations. The questions in this section cover a wide range of topics, from arithmetic reasoning to purely numeric calculations, equations and algebra, percentage analysis, quantitative analysis, and categorisation.
The Quantitative Aptitude section carries 35 marks with 35 questions. The sectional duration allotted to this section is 20 minutes, and there is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each wrong question attempted by the candidate. Compared to the other two sections of the SBI Clerk exam, the syllabus for the quantitative aptitude section is the most extensive.
Listed below are the major topics included in the SBI Clerk Prelims Quantitative Syllabus along with the expected number of questions from each section:
- Simplification/Approximation (5-10 questions)
- Number Series (3-5 questions)
- Data Interpretation (5-15 questions)
- Quadratic Equations (5 questions)
- Miscellaneous Arithmetic Problems (10-15 questions)
Candidates must have a strong grasp of mathematical concepts and be proficient in solving problems related to these topics to excel in the Quantitative Aptitude section of the SBI Clerk exam.
| SBI Clerk Syllabus | |
| SBI Clerk Prelims Quantitative Syllabus | Expected number of Questions |
| Equation and Algebra | 3 |
| Data Interpretation | 15 |
| Work and Time | 2 |
| Volume & Surface area | 3 |
| Upstream and Downstream | 1-2 |
| Time & Distance | 2 |
| Simplification | 5 |
| Surds & Indices | 1-2 |
| Stock & Shares | 1-2 |
| Simple Interest and Compound Interest | 1-2 |
| Sequence & Series | 5 |
| Ratio & Proportion, Percentage | 3 |
| Profit and Loss | 2 |
| Probability | 5 |
| Permutation and Combination | 5 |
| Averages | 2 |
| Partnership | 1-2 |
| Number Systems | 2-3 |
| Mixtures and Alligations | 1-2 |
| Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere | 1-2 |
Quantitative Aptitude is a high-scoring section in which candidates can score well if they are well-prepared. The questions in this section are generally considered to be more challenging than those in other sections. To excel in this section and meet the required cut-off, candidates need to practice a large number of questions on quantitative aptitude.
Regular practice of mock tests, practice papers, and previous year question papers is essential for candidates to score well in the actual bank exam. The Quantitative Aptitude section is the most scoring section in the exam, and candidates must prepare themselves well for the SBI Clerk Prelims Quantitative Syllabus to score well in the final exam.
SBI Clerk Syllabus: Reasoning Ability
The reasoning section of the SBI Clerk exam is designed to test the knowledge of candidates and their ability to solve general ability problems using their intelligence. The reasoning ability section comprises two parts:
- Logical Reasoning
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
The reasoning section of the SBI Clerk Prelims exam can be time-consuming. Candidates preparing for the Reasoning syllabus of the SBI Clerk exam must understand that extensive practice is necessary to excel in this section. During the examination, candidates should carefully attempt the easy and short questions first and then gradually move on to the more difficult ones.
The table below provides a detailed breakdown of the SBI Clerk Prelims reasoning syllabus, along with the number of questions that can be expected in the final SBI Clerk exam:
| Topic | Expected Number of Questions |
|---|---|
| Seating Arrangement | 5-10 |
| Puzzles | 5-10 |
| Inequality | 3-5 |
| Syllogism | 3-5 |
| Coding-Decoding | 3-5 |
| Blood Relation | 2-3 |
| Order and Ranking | 2-3 |
| Direction Sense Test | 2-3 |
| Alphanumeric Series | 2-3 |
| Input-Output | 0-5 |
| Miscellaneous | 5-10 |
Candidates must have a solid understanding of these topics and be able to solve problems related to them to perform well in the reasoning section of the SBI Clerk exam.
The reasoning section of the SBI Clerk Prelims exam can take up a lot of time. Therefore, candidates preparing for the Reasoning syllabus of the SBI Clerk exam should keep in mind that extensive practice is necessary to excel in this section. During the examination, candidates should be cautious and attempt the easy and short questions first before moving on to the tougher ones gradually.
It is crucial to manage time effectively during the SBI Clerk exam, and candidates must allocate their time accordingly to each section to ensure that they attempt all questions within the given time frame. In the reasoning section, it is essential to stay calm and composed and not get stuck on a single question for too long, as this can impact their performance in other questions. Candidates must remember that accuracy is equally important, and they should attempt only those questions which they are sure about, to avoid negative marking.
SBI Clerk Syllabus: English Language
The SBI Clerk syllabus for the English language section is not very extensive, but candidates tend to make the maximum mistakes in this section. However, candidates should note that the English language section can be the most scoring section as there are no calculations or solutions required to answer questions in this section.
Candidates must prepare themselves well for this section of the exam and go through the list of all the topics included in the English Language section of the clerical cadre exam, which can be found on the Verbal Ability page.
The number of questions in the English section of the SBI Clerk exam is relatively low. Nevertheless, candidates must still allocate adequate time for this section during the examination and attempt all questions carefully. The table below gives a detailed SBI Clerk Prelims English syllabus with the expected number of questions in the prelims exam:
| SBI Clerk Syllabus | |
| SBI Clerk Prelims English Syllabus | Expected Number of Questions |
| Reading Comprehension | 10-15 |
| Fill in the Blanks | 5-10 |
| Synonyms and Antonyms | 4-5 |
| Sentence Rearrangement | 5 |
| Sentence Correction | 5-10 |
| Cloze Test | 5-7 |
| Idioms and Phrases | 1-2 |
| Vocabulary | 1-2 |
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus
The SBI Clerk Mains exam is the second stage of the selection process for the Junior Associate post in SBI. The SBI Clerk Mains syllabus is more comprehensive than the prelims syllabus and covers four major sections, namely:
- General/Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude
Each section of the SBI Clerk Mains exam has a different number of questions and allotted time. The detailed SBI Clerk Mains syllabus is given below:
- General/Financial Awareness: This section aims to test the knowledge of the candidates on current affairs, banking and financial awareness. The questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of the latest events happening in India and the world.
- General English: This section aims to test the candidate’s proficiency in English language and comprehension. The questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s understanding of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills.
- Quantitative Aptitude: This section aims to test the numerical ability and accuracy of the candidates in mathematical calculations. The questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of arithmetic reasoning, numeric calculations, equations and algebra, percentage analysis, quantitative analysis, and categorisation.
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude: This section aims to test the candidate’s analytical and logical reasoning skills. The questions are designed to evaluate the candidate’s knowledge of computer fundamentals, computer terminology, and analytical reasoning.
The SBI Clerk Mains exam has a total of 190 questions, and the total duration of the exam is 160 minutes. Candidates must score above the cutoff marks in each section to be eligible for the next stage of the selection process.
SBI Clerk Exam Preparation and Booklist
Preparing for the SBI Clerk exam requires a systematic approach and consistent practice. Here are some tips and book recommendations for SBI Clerk exam preparation:
- Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus: Start by understanding the exam pattern and syllabus of the SBI Clerk exam. This will help you to know what topics to study and how to manage your time during the exam.
- Create a Study Plan: Make a study plan and divide your time effectively among different sections. Allocate more time for the sections that you find difficult and less time for the sections that you are comfortable with.
- Practice Regularly: Regular practice is key to success in the SBI Clerk exam. Practice as many mock tests, previous year question papers and sample papers as possible.
- Improve your Time Management Skills: In order to succeed in the SBI Clerk exam, you need to manage your time effectively. Practice solving questions within the given time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Stay updated with the latest news and current affairs to score well in the General Awareness section.
- Recommended Books: Some recommended books for SBI Clerk exam preparation are:
- Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. Aggarwal
- Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma
- A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
- Analytical Reasoning by M.K. Pandey
- English for General Competitions by Neetu Singh
- Lucent’s General Knowledge
By following these tips and referring to these books, candidates can prepare effectively for the SBI Clerk exam and increase their chances of success.
| SBI Clerk Syllabus Booklist | |
| Quantitative Aptitude Books | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R.S. AgarwalShortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Disha ExpertsFast Track Objective Arithmetic by Arihant PublicationsQuantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams by Abhijit Guha |
| Reasoning Ability Books | A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S AgarwalAnalytical Reasoning by M.K. PandeyHow To Prepare For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning by Arun SharmaHow to prepare for Logical Reasoning by Arun Sharma |
| English Langauge Books | Objective General English by R.S. AgarwalEnglish Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin |
| General Awareness Books | India Year Book by Publications Department, Government of IndiaBanking Awareness by B.K.Raut and S.R. BeheraDaily Newspaper for current affairs |
Preparing for the SBI Clerk exam takes a lot of hard work, patience and determination. You can refer to BYJU’S study materials which are extensive in nature and help you to understand the core concepts easily.
Frequently Asked Questions On SBI Clerk Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- What is the selection process for the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: The selection process for the SBI Clerk Exam consists of two stages: Preliminary Exam and Mains Exam. Candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam are eligible to appear for the Mains Exam. The final selection is based on the marks scored in the Mains Exam. - What is the duration of the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam?
Ans: The duration of the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam is 1 hour, with 20 minutes for each section – English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability. - What is the duration of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam?
Ans: The duration of the SBI Clerk Mains Exam is 2 hours 40 minutes, with 35 minutes for the General/Financial Awareness section, and 45 minutes for each of the other sections – General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude. - Is there negative marking in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer in both the SBI Clerk Preliminary and Mains Exam. - What is the syllabus for the Quantitative Aptitude section in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: The Quantitative Aptitude section in the SBI Clerk Exam includes topics such as Number System, Simplification, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Time and Work, Speed, Distance and Time, Data Interpretation, and Quadratic Equation. - What is the syllabus for the Reasoning Ability section in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: The Reasoning Ability section in the SBI Clerk Exam includes topics such as Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Blood Relations, Directions and Distances, Order and Ranking, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism, and Inequalities. - What is the syllabus for the English Language section in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: The English Language section in the SBI Clerk Exam includes topics such as Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Spotting Errors, and Fill in the Blanks. - How can I prepare for the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: To prepare for the SBI Clerk Exam, you should follow a structured study plan and focus on each section of the exam. Practice mock tests and previous year papers to improve your speed and accuracy. Some recommended books for the exam are “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal, “A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal, and “Objective General English” by S.P. Bakshi. - Can I use a calculator in the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: No, the use of a calculator is not allowed in the SBI Clerk Exam. - What is the minimum age requirement for the SBI Clerk Exam?
Ans: The minimum age requirement for the SBI Clerk Exam is 20 years, and the maximum age limit is 28 years. However, there are age relaxations for candidates belonging to reserved categories.