The SBI Clerk Exam 2025 is one of the most sought-after banking exams in India, offering a stable career with the State Bank of India (SBI). If you’re aiming to crack it, understanding the exam pattern, marking scheme, and time limits is crucial. Unlike other exams, SBI Clerk has a two-tier selection process—Prelims and Mains—with sectional timing and negative marking.
This guide breaks down the SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025, including total marks, duration, and key strategies to avoid losing marks. We’ll also share real-life success stories, expert tips, and data-backed insights to help you prepare smarter.
Key Highlights of SBI Clerk 2025 🚀
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Stages | Prelims → Mains → Language Test |
| Total Marks (Prelims) | 100 |
| Total Marks (Mains) | 200 |
| Negative Marking | -0.25 for each wrong answer |
| Time Duration (Prelims) | 60 minutes |
| Time Duration (Mains) | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Official Website | www.sbi.co.in |
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2025: Stage-Wise Breakdown 📊
1. SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam is a filtering round—only those who clear it move to Mains. Here’s the structure:
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
🔹 Key Notes:
- No sectional cutoffs (but overall cutoff applies).
- Speed matters! You can’t switch sections once time ends.
- Avoid guesswork—wrong answers cost 0.25 marks.
2. SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains Exam is tougher and decides your final rank. Check the pattern:
| Section | No. of Qs | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hrs 40 mins |
🔹 Key Notes:
- Computer Awareness is merged with Reasoning.
- Current Affairs (Banking & Economy) dominate General Awareness.
- Bonus Marks: SBI apprentices get +5 marks in Mains.
Negative Marking & Time Management Tips ⏳
How Negative Marking Works ❌
- Prelims & Mains: -0.25 marks per wrong answer.
- Blank answers: No penalty.
🔹 Expert Tip (Rahul Mehta, Bank Coach):
“If unsure, skip! Better to leave 2-3 questions than lose marks. Focus on accuracy over attempts.”
Time Management Strategies ⏱️
| Section | Recommended Time | Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| English | 15-17 mins | RC, Cloze Test, Grammar |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 18-20 mins | DI, Simplification, Series |
| Reasoning | 18-20 mins | Puzzles, Syllogism, Coding |
| General Awareness | 20-25 mins | Banking News, Static GK |
🔹 Real-Life Example:
Priya, a 2024 qualifier, says: “I practiced with sectional timers daily. In Mains, I solved GA first—it boosted my confidence!”
Section-Wise Syllabus & Weightage 📚
1. English Language (High-Scoring Section)
- Top Topics: Reading Comprehension, Para Jumbles, Error Detection.
- Weightage: 30-40% in Prelims, 20% in Mains.
2. Quantitative Aptitude (Tricky but Scoring)
- Top Topics: Data Interpretation, Number Series, Profit & Loss.
- Weightage: 35% in Prelims, 25% in Mains.
3. Reasoning (Most Time-Consuming)
- Top Topics: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations.
- Weightage: 35% in Prelims, 30% in Mains.
4. General Awareness (Static + Current Affairs)
- Top Topics: Banking Schemes, RBI News, Awards.
- Weightage: 25% in Mains (only).
Final Preparation Tips from Toppers 🏆
- Mock Tests Daily: Simulate real-exam pressure.
- Revise Static GK Monthly: Banking terms, govt schemes.
- Avoid Last-Minute Guessing: Stick to known questions.
🔹 Expert Insight (Neha Gupta, Mentor):
“Most aspirants lose marks in GA due to outdated sources. Follow RBI updates & Economic Surveys for accuracy.”
Next Steps? Start with Prelims-focused prep, then shift to Mains. Use official SBI mock tests for the best practice! 🚀
Would you like a 30-day study plan? Let us know in the comments! 👇
Siddharth Patel is a career counselor and content creator focusing on recruitment notifications. He holds a degree in Management and has 7+ years of experience. Siddharth enjoys playing badminton and reading self-help books.
Related Posts:
