Every year, the State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI Clerk exam to recruit candidates for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales). This exam is one of the most sought-after bank exams in India due to the job’s stability, salary benefits, and growth opportunities.
If you’re planning to appear for the SBI Clerk 2025 Exam, understanding the updated syllabus and exam pattern for both Prelims and Mains is the first step towards a smart and targeted preparation.
In this blog, you’ll find everything you need: detailed syllabus, subject-wise topics, marking scheme, exam pattern, sectional timing, and preparation tips—to help you crack the SBI Clerk exam confidently in 2025.
SBI Clerk 2025: Key Highlights
Particulars |
Details |
Name of Exam |
SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) 2025 |
Conducting Body |
State Bank of India (SBI) |
Post |
Junior Associate (Customer Support) |
Selection Process |
Prelims and Mains |
Exam Mode |
Online (Computer-Based Test) |
Application Mode |
Online |
Job Location |
Across India |
Official Website |
sbi.co.in |
Understand the SBI Clerk Syllabus
The SBI Clerk exam is very competitive. Lakhs of students appear each year, but not many get shortlisted. The key to cracking the exam is to know:
- What are the relevant topics?
- How many questions from each section are asked.
- Which sections have more weightage?
- Time management tricks per section.
That’s why knowing the SBI Clerk 2025 Syllabus and updated exam pattern is crucial for every aspirant.
SBI Clerk 2025 Exam Pattern: Prelims
The SBI Clerk Prelims is the first stage. It is qualifying in nature, meaning its marks are not added to the final merit list but clearing it is essential to move to the Mains stage.
Exam Pattern for Prelims
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Duration |
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 mins |
Numerical Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 mins |
Reasoning Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 mins |
Total |
100 |
100 |
60 mins |
Key Points:
- Each question carries 1 mark.
- There is a negative marking of 0.25 for each wrong answer.
- No sectional cutoff, but you must qualify overall to proceed to Mains.
SBI Clerk 2025 Prelims Syllabus
Here’s the section-wise breakdown of the SBI Clerk Prelims syllabus:
1. English Language
Covers basic comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
- Reading Comprehension (Story/Factual)
- Cloze Test
- Spotting Errors
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms)
Preparation Tip: Build your grammar and reading speed through regular practice of newspapers and mock tests.
2. Numerical Ability
Tests your basic math skills and number aptitude.
- Simplification/Approximation
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (Pie Charts, Bar Graphs, etc.)
- Quadratic Equations
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Speed, Distance and Time
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Average, Ratio & Proportion
- Mixtures & Alligations
Preparation Tip: Master the fundamentals and practice quick calculation tricks to save time.
3. Reasoning Ability
This section tests your logical thinking and pattern recognition.
- Puzzles & Seating Arrangements
- Blood Relations
- Syllogism
- Alphanumeric Series
- Coding-Decoding
- Direction Sense
- Inequalities
- Order and Ranking
Preparation Tip: Focus on solving different types of puzzles regularly. They carry the highest weight.
SBI Clerk 2025 Exam Pattern: Mains
Those who qualify in Prelims are called for Mains, which is merit-deciding and the most important stage.
Exam Pattern for Mains
Section |
No. of Questions |
Marks |
Time( Minutes) |
General/Financial Awareness |
50 |
50 |
35 mins |
General English |
40 |
40 |
35 mins |
Quantitative Aptitude |
50 |
50 |
45 mins |
Reasoning & Computer Apt. |
50 |
60 |
45 mins |
Total |
190 |
200 |
160 mins |
Key Points:
- No sectional cutoff, but sectional timing applies.
- There is 0.25 negative marking for every wrong answer.
- Final merit is prepared based on Mains marks.
SBI Clerk 2025 Mains Syllabus
Here’s a complete subject-wise syllabus breakdown for the Mains exam:
1. General/Financial Awareness
This is the scoring section if prepared well.
- Banking Awareness
- Static GK
- Current Affairs (last 6 months)
- Budget and Economic Survey
- Financial Terms & Abbreviations
- RBI, SEBI, IRDA-related News
Preparation Tip: Read daily current affairs, monthly PDFs, and banking capsules.
2. General English
Tests higher-level English comprehension and grammar.
- Reading Comprehension (Economy, Banking, etc.)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Correction
- Fill in the Blanks
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
Preparation Tip: Consistent reading and grammar exercises are key.
3. Quantitative Aptitude
More advanced than Prelims; requires deep understanding.
- Data Interpretation (Caselet, Radar, Line Graph)
- Arithmetic Word Problems
- Number Series (Missing/Wrong)
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Sufficiency
- Mensuration
- Probability
- Permutation & Combination
Preparation Tip: Focus on DI and Arithmetic; they dominate the paper.
4. Reasoning and Computer Aptitude
This combined section is logical + technical.
Reasoning:
- High-Level Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Square)
- Statement & Assumptions
- Logical Reasoning
- Syllogism, Input-Output
Computer Aptitude:
- Basics of Hardware & Software
- Internet, MS Office, Shortcuts
- Networking, DBMS
- Cybersecurity Basics
Preparation Tip: Practice both reasoning and basic computer concepts daily.
SBI Clerk Exam: Comparison: Prelims vs Mains
Criteria |
Prelims |
Mains |
Purpose |
Qualifying |
Merit-deciding |
Total Questions |
100 |
190 |
Duration |
60 mins |
160 mins |
Subjects |
3 |
4 |
Negative Marking |
Yes (0.25) |
Yes (0.25) |
Expected SBI Clerk 2025 Exam Dates
Event |
Tentative Dates |
Official Notification |
September 2025 |
Online Registration |
September–October 2025 |
Prelims Exam |
November 2025 |
Prelims Result |
December 2025 |
Mains Exam |
January–February 2026 |
Final Selection List |
March–April 2026 |
Tips to Crack SBI Clerk 2025
- Familiarize yourself with the Syllabus: Follow the revised syllabus strictly.
- Create a Study Schedule: Set aside time each day for every section.
- Practice Mock Tests: Practice full-length tests and review them.
- Revise Frequently: Make short notes and revise every week.
- Accuracy and Speed: Don't guess the answers; be precise.
Why Choose PowerMind Institute for SBI Clerk Preparation?
PowerMind Institute knows the temperament of competitive exams such as SBI Clerk, and we teach accordingly. Our online courses are specifically designed to give you the best combination of conceptual clarity, practical problem-solving, and exam-specific strategies.
What makes us special:
- Daily Live Interactive Classes by experienced faculty
- Upgraded Study Material specifically designed as per SBI Clerk Syllabus 2025
- Section-wise Tests & Mock Exams
- Dedicated Doubt Sessions
- PDF Notes, E-books, and Recorded Lectures
- Success Mentorship by Previous Year Toppers
Whether you are a repeater or a fresher, our coaching process is designed to enable you to crack SBI Clerk in your first attempt.
Section-wise Strategy and Time Management for SBI Clerk 2025
With time restrictions in each section in Prelims and Mains too, a well-thought-out strategy is essential to drive accuracy and prevent panic.
- English Language: Begin with this section if you feel comfortable with grammar and understanding. Practice RC, cloze tests, and error spotting. Take 15 minutes and do not spend too much time on a single question.
- Quantitative Aptitude: The quality of the answers is more important than the number. Try the easier questions (DI, simplification, number series) first. Try to complete this section in 20–25 minutes in Mains, 18–20 minutes in Prelims.
- Reasoning Ability: Prioritize seating and puzzle arrangements, as they have maximum weightage. Focus on improving your syllogism, coding-decoding, and inequalities basics. Practice aggressively in mock tests so that you do not take more than 25 minutes.
- General/Financial Awareness (Mains only): It can be a score-booster. Read the current affairs daily, particularly banking, finance, and budget, for the past 6 months. Static GK and budget announcements are also important.
- Computer Aptitude (only in Mains): These are mostly theoretical questions. Concentrate on fundamental computer vocabulary, MS Office, and networking. Give a minimal amount of time (10–12 minutes) as questions are most likely to be simple.
Final Thoughts
SBI Clerk 2025 is a golden opportunity for banking aspirants. With updated knowledge of the exam pattern and syllabus, structured study, and right guidance, you can crack the exam with flying colors.
Start your preparation today with a clear strategy, quality resources, and consistent efforts. Stay updated, stay focused and let success follow!
For personalized coaching, expert mentorship, and complete syllabus coverage, PowerMind Institute is here to guide you every step of the way.