SBI Clerk exam is conducted once every year by State Bank of India to recruit Junior Associates pan India. The exam is conducted in two stages and a local language test after qualifying the mains. You need a minimum educational qualification of Graduation to meet SBI Clerk Eligibility criteria. The exam pattern and syllabus are such that you must have accuracy and speed in order to ace the exam. Both prelims and mains are conducted online and hence, basic computer aptitude is elemental for this exam.
Latest Update:
Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the SBI Clerk Mains 2020 have been indefinitely postponed from April 19, 2020.
There are a total of 8653 vacancies all over India which will be filled through the SBI Clerk 2020 recruits.
Particulars |
Details |
---|---|
Mode of Exam |
Online |
Stages in SBI Clerk exam |
2: Preliminary, Mains |
Sections |
Preliminary Exam – 3 Mains Exam – 4 |
Total Questions |
Preliminary – 100 Mains – 190 |
Maximum Marks |
Preliminary – 100 Mains – 200 |
Marking Scheme |
Correct Answer: +1 Wrong Answer: -0.25 |
Duration of Test |
Preliminary – 1 Hour Mains – 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
There are 3 sections in the exam – Reasoning Ability, English Language and Numerical Ability. The time span of all the sections is 20 minutes each. The marks obtained in the preliminary exam are just the qualifying marks for the main exam, it does not offer any type of employment.
Section |
Number of Question |
Marks |
Duration |
---|---|---|---|
Numerical Ability |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
English Language |
30 |
30 |
20 Minutes |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude |
35 |
35 |
20 Minutes |
Total time offered: 1 hour
Correct Answer: +1 mark
Incorrect Answer: -0.25 mark
The preliminary exam for SBI Clerk is divided into 3 major sections. The time duration for all the 3 sections are the same but the weightage of questions and marks is different.
Analogy |
Coding & Decoding |
Blood Relations |
---|---|---|
Sitting Arrangements |
Series Completion |
Syllogism |
Decision Making |
Statement Reasoning |
Analogy |
Series Completion |
Classification |
- |
Description
Syllogism is deductive reasoning where there is one output that is deduced from two propositions. Example: All dogs are animals; all animals have 4 legs therefore, all dogs have 4 legs. The examinee needs to understand the relation between the propositions to reach a conclusion.
Coding-Decoding questions comprise sentences written in code, the examinee needs to decode the codes and answer the questions based on it.
Seating arrangements and puzzles have various types such as puzzles such as box puzzle, floor puzzle, tabular and circular arrangements and more. These questions have different levels of difficulty – easy, moderate and difficult.
Inequality questions consist of the relationship between two or more elements, questions are asked based on the relationship. The examinee needs to understand the relationship and choose the correct answer.
Further, the miscellaneous questions act on a wider scale, they may contain questions from diverse fields.
Vocabulary |
Synonyms |
Antonyms |
---|---|---|
Word Formation |
Sentence Completion |
Comprehension |
Theme Detection |
Deriving Conclusions |
Passage Completion |
Error Detection |
Passage Correction |
Spelling |
Grammar |
Idioms |
Phrases |
Description
Reading Comprehension comprises one or more episode(s) in different paragraphs where the reader needs to understand and integrate what one already knows. The questions could be based on understanding, vocabulary, and references.
Sentence Improvement tests require understanding a sentence and creating a better concise and precise form of the same. Examinee needs to select an option that describes the original form, the best.
Para Jumbles are jumbled paragraphs where the examinee needs to understand the situation and arrange the sentences in an understanding manner.
Cloze Test comprises paragraphs where some words are omitted, the examinee needs to make use of the best option for a perfect sense of the sentence.
Number system |
Simplification |
Roots & Averages |
Surds & Indices |
Percentages |
Profit & Loss |
Ratio & Proportion |
Partnership |
Chain rule |
Time & Work |
Pipes & Cisterns |
Time & Distance |
Problems on trains |
Boats & Streams |
Allegations & Mixtures |
Simple Interest |
Compound Interest |
Stocks & shares |
Clocks & Algorithms |
Mensuration |
Volume & surface area |
Permutation & Combination |
Heights & Distances |
Data Interpretation |
Line Graph |
Bar Graph |
Pie charts |
Tabulations |
- |
- |
Data Interpretation questions test the ability of the examinee to extract the correct data through the given resources. Such questions are suitable for decision-making purposes, DI is the most suitable option for judging the managers’ ability.
Sequence and Series comprise questions based on completion of the series. In math, arithmetic progressions are one such concept taught in the schools.
Book name |
Publisher |
ISBN/ ASNI |
---|---|---|
A modern approach to Verbal and Non Verbal Reasoning |
S.Chand |
9352832167 |
State Bank of India & Associates Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam |
Arihant |
9350751534 |
IBPS Bank Clerk (CWE VII) Prelims Study Books & Model Solved Question Papers Guide Paperback (English) |
Surya’s |
9788172544997 |
Word Power Made Easy |
Penguin India |
9780143424680 |
Objective General English |
Arihant |
9351768449 |
IBPS-VII Bank Clerk Preliminary Examination 2017 |
Arihant |
9311130842 |
Topic-wise Solved Papers for IBPS/SBI Bank PO/Clerk Prelim & Mains (2010-16) Quantitative Aptitude |
Disha |
9386320169 |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations |
S. Chand |
9352534026 |
Magical Book on Quicker Mathematics |
Bsc |
8190458922 |
SBI Clerk Mains have a similar pattern like SBI Clerk Prelims but the difficulty level is usually higher for the second stage. There are four topics, namely- Finance and General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, General English and General Reasoning and Computer Aptitude. The syllabus is primarily based on 10+2 level subjects. Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, the SBI Clerk Mains have been indefinitely postponed, giving candidates more time and scope to cover the syllabus. Earlier, it was scheduled for April 19, 2020.
The following are few crucial points regarding the SBI Clerk Mains exam which you must keep in mind in order to make the most of the preparation time as well as the exam duration.
The exam duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes
There are a total of 190 questions that have to be solved within the allotted time. There are section-wise time duration as well for the Mains.
The total marks is 200. For each wrong answer there will be a negative marking of 0.25 marks.
Unlike SBI Clerk Prelims, the Mains have four topics for evaluating the candidates. The syllabus for each topic is provided in the table format and as follows:
Marketing Aptitude |
Economy |
Banking & Finance |
News from RBI, SBI, ICICI, HDFC, Monetary Policy |
Demonetization |
- |
The questions from these sections are primarily based on current affairs and recent financial news but you will also get conceptual questions from economics, and history of banking and finance. Hence staying updated with the concepts related to the latest financial measures is a wise way to strategically approach Preparation for SBI Clerk Mains 2020. There will be 40 questions to be completed in 35 minutes, from this section.
There is no well-defined syllabus for the main examination. But, according to the observation few topics have been listed. The following are the important topics for English language section:
Comprehension
Cloze test
Sentence improvement
Spotting error
Sentence re-arrangement
You will get 50 questions and 45 minutes to solve them. The key to acing this section is very clear grammatical conception and constantly practicing different comprehensions. Specifically choose passages based on banking and finance. Also, make it a habit to read regularly and learn new words.
Number system |
Simplification |
Roots & Averages |
---|---|---|
Surds &Indices |
Percentages |
Profit & Loss |
Ratio & Proportion |
Partnership |
Chain rule |
Time & work |
Pipes & Cisterns |
Time & Distance |
Problems on trains |
Boats & Streams |
Allegations & Mixtures |
Simple Interest |
Compound Interest |
Stocks & shares |
Clocks & algorithms |
Mensuration |
Volume & surface area |
Permutation & combination |
Heights & Distances |
Data Interpretation |
Line Graph |
Bar Graph |
Pie charts |
Tabulations |
- |
- |
Simplification comprises questions in a complex mathematical form, the examinee needs to simplify and select the most appropriate option.
Quadratic Equations that comprises the equation with at least one of the figures is in squared form. The examinee needs to solve the problem and select the correct option.
Data Sufficiency questions have a few sentences with data. One needs to find whether the data provided is enough for the correct answer or not or which sentences provide complete information. It is not calculative.
You will have to solve 50 questions in 45 minutes which calls for extreme accuracy and speed in problem solving.
For Reasoning |
For Computer Aptitude |
---|---|
Analogy |
Fundamentals of Computer |
Coding & decoding |
History of Computer |
Blood relations |
Internet |
Sitting arrangements |
MS Office- Word, MS PowerPoint |
Series completion |
MS Excel |
Syllogism |
Memory |
Decision making |
Input/ Output device |
Statement reasoning |
- |
Classification |
- |
Puzzle based questions are way too tricky. One needs to keep a few things in mind to select the correct path and analyze it. Number of parameters, number of positive statements, independent statements and pattern of question.
There are 50 questions and 45 minutes is allotted for solving them.
Needless to say, your SBI Clerk prelims books will not be of much use for preparing for the Mains, except for English. The following are few reference books specifically for the mains which you can consult:
Book name |
Publisher |
ISBN |
---|---|---|
Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams |
Disha |
9387421821 |
New Pattern IBPS Bank PO/MT 20 Practice Sets for Preliminary & Main Exam with 7 Online Tests |
Disha |
9386629607 |
20 Practice Sets IBPS Bank PO/MT Main Exam 2017 |
Arihant |
9312140981 |
State Bank of India & Associates Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam |
Arihant |
9351768759 |
Ultimate Guide for SBI and Associates Bank Clerk Prelim and Main Exam |
Disha |
9789385846670 |
101 Speed Tests for SBI Clerk Preliminary & Mains Exam with 5 Practice Sets |
Disha |
9385846817 |
State Bank of India & Associates Clerical Cadre Recruitment Exam |
Arihant |
9350751534 |
Financial Awareness for Competitive Exams |
Disha |
9386146975 |
Banking Awareness for SBI & IBPS Bank Clerk/ PO/ RRB/ RBI Exams |
Disha |
9386323494 |
Besides the books, also subscribe for National level newspapers like “The Hindu”, “The Statesman” etc. to brush up your vocabulary in English as well as stay updated with the latest news.
SBI Clerk Mains have four sections that should be prepared. If you are aware of the topic-wise marks weightage for all these sections, the preparation becomes much easier. The following are the tables depicting the marks weightage that you can expect for certain topics, and plan the preparation schedule accordingly.
Financial and general awareness questions generally are based on the relevant events that have happened over the past three to four months. You should be prepared with the current affairs till date but the news at least 1- 1.5 months before the exam is extremely important.
Important Topic |
Number of questions |
---|---|
Syllogism |
5 |
Inequality |
3 |
Seating Arrangement (Circular – Inward Outward) |
5 |
Linear Arrangement (North-South) |
5 |
Puzzle – Floor based |
5 |
Coding-Decoding |
3- 5 |
Miscellaneous Qs |
2 – 3 |
Data Sufficiency |
3- 4 |
Important Topic |
Questions/Sets |
Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|
Number series |
5 |
Moderate |
Data Interpretation (Tabular /Bar Graph / Pie Chart / Missing DI) |
2 (10 questions in each set) |
Easy to Moderate |
Simplification |
10 |
Easy to Moderate |
Quadratic Equation |
5 |
Easy |
Data Sufficiency |
5 |
Easy |
Miscellaneous Questions |
15 |
Moderate |
Important Topic |
Questions/ Sets |
Difficulty Level |
---|---|---|
Reading Comprehension |
1 set (10 questions in each set) |
Moderate |
Cloze Test |
10 |
Moderate |
Para jumbles |
5 |
Moderate |
Sentence Improvement |
5 |
Easy |
Spotting Error |
5 |
Moderate |
Fill ups |
5 |
Easy to Moderate |
The local language test is conducted for candidates who have qualified the Mains. It is based on the local language you have chosen during SBI Clerk Application and registration. However, the exam is only mandatory if you are unable to produce your class 10 mark sheet or have not appeared for it. Those who have the mark sheet and the required marks can skip the exam. If you are unable to qualify the local language test, you will be disqualified from the recruitment process.
SBI might arrange pre-examination training for SC/ST/XS/Religious Minority Community at different centers. The guidelines for the same will be decided by the Government of India. If the candidates belonging to the mentioned category are ready to apply for the training at their own cost, they may apply under the relevant column while applying online at the official website.
Question: Is the SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus very different from Prelims?
Ans. No, there is not a vast difference in the syllabus, but SBI Clerk Mains questions are more advanced and hence, you will need to have a much more in-depth knowledge about the topics. Furthermore, for the mains exam, you have to prepare for computer aptitude as well.
Question: Can I crack SBI Clerk mains with two months preparation?
Ans. If a regular study routine is maintained, you can crack the SBI Clerk mains with a 2-month Preparation plan. However, you will have to maintain an average study time table of 10+ hours every day.
Question: Is there a minimum percentage required in Graduation to be eligible for SBI Clerk exam?
Ans. The candidates must have at least 50% aggregate in their graduation subject to be eligible for the SBI Clerk Exam.
Question: Do the candidates have to sign a bond or contract to be recruited through the SBI Clerk exam?
Ans. No, there is no bond for candidates qualifying through SBI Clerk exam.
Question: Which topics have the most weightage in the reasoning ability section?
Ans. There are at least 10-15 questions from puzzles section hence, it has the maximum marks weightage.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, please refer the official website of the exam.