SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2026 Syllabus

SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2026: Overview

The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the Clerk (Junior Associate) recruitment exam every year to fill clerical cadre posts across its branches in India. The Mains stage is the second step of the selection process and carries far more weight than the Prelims because its marks decide the final merit list. The total number of vacancies is announced in the official notification for each cycle, so candidates should check the notification for the exact count for 2026.

Exam Pattern

The Mains exam is conducted online. The objective paper has 190 questions for 200 marks, and a separate descriptive English test is held for qualification.

Check the official notification for the latest timing and section details, as these can change between cycles.

Subject-Wise Syllabus

Reasoning and Computer Aptitude

• Puzzles and seating arrangement (linear, circular, multi-floor)
• Syllogism, inequalities and blood relations
• Direction sense, order and ranking
• Data sufficiency and logical reasoning
• Input-output and machine input-output
• Computer fundamentals, hardware and software basics
• MS Office, internet, networking and cyber security basics
• Keyboard shortcuts and common computer abbreviations

General, Economy and Banking Awareness

• History: ancient, medieval and modern Indian history, freedom movement
• Geography: physical geography of India and world, rivers, climate, resources
• Polity: Constitution, fundamental rights, parliament, judiciary, constitutional bodies
• Economy: budget, banking sector, monetary policy, five-year plans, GDP, inflation
• Science: physics, chemistry and biology concepts applied to daily life
• Banking: RBI functions, SBI products, digital banking, payment systems
• Current Affairs: national and international events, awards, appointments, sports and government schemes from the last 6 to 12 months

English Language

• Reading comprehension and passage-based questions
• Cloze test and fill in the blanks
• Error spotting and sentence improvement
• Para jumbles and sentence rearrangement
• Synonyms, antonyms and word usage
• Idioms, phrases and one-word substitution
• Descriptive English: formal letter writing and essay writing (25 marks)

Quantitative Aptitude

• Simplification and approximation
• Number series and quadratic equations
• Percentage, profit and loss, simple and compound interest
• Ratio, proportion, partnership and averages
• Time and work, time and distance, speed and boats
• Data interpretation: tables, bar graphs, pie charts, line graphs, caselets
• Mensuration, probability and permutation combination

Previous Year Cut-Off Trends

SBI does not publish a fixed cut-off, and it changes with every batch, exam difficulty and number of vacancies. In recent cycles, general category candidates have generally needed a total Mains score in the broad range of about 100 to 130 out of 200, with sectional minimums applied. Reserved categories typically have lower cut-offs. Treat these figures as rough guidance only and verify them against the official result or merit list published after your exam.

Recommended Books

• Quantitative Aptitude: Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal, and Quantitative Aptitude by Arun Sharma
• Reasoning: A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
• English: High School English Grammar and Composition by Wren and Martin, and Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
• Indian Polity: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth
• Indian Economy: Indian Economy by Ramesh Singh
• History: Modern India by Bipan Chandra, and Ancient India by R.S. Sharma
• Geography: Certificate Physical and Human Geography by G.C. Leong
• Banking Awareness: Banking Awareness by Arihant Experts, or a current SBI-focused banking guide
• Current Affairs: a monthly magazine such as Yojana or Pratiyogita Darpan

Preparation Strategy

Most candidates who already have Prelims experience need about 3 to 4 months of focused preparation for the Mains. Beginners should plan for 5 to 6 months. Study 5 to 6 hours a day on weekdays and 7 to 8 hours on weekends. Prioritise Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation because they carry the highest marks and need regular practice. Spend the first month on concepts, the second and third months on sectional practice, and the final month on full-length mocks.

Follow a mock test schedule of one sectional test daily, two full mocks each week in the last two months, and a detailed review of every mock. Analyse your errors, time loss and accuracy after each test. Keep a weekly current affairs revision session of at least 45 minutes, and practise descriptive writing twice a week to prepare for the letter and essay.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

• Ignoring negative marking: guess only when you can eliminate at least two options.
• Spending too long on one question: set a time limit of about 1 to 1.5 minutes per question and move on.
• Neglecting computer aptitude: it is a scoring section, so cover it fully in the last few weeks.
• Skipping the descriptive test: practise writing within 30 minutes to avoid losing the qualifying mark.
• Studying without mocks: reading alone does not build exam speed or accuracy, so attempt timed tests regularly.
• Outdated current affairs: focus on the last 6 to 12 months and revise monthly.
• Poor sectional balance: check your score in each section and strengthen weak areas before the exam.