SBI Clerk Special Recruitment 2026 Syllabus Quick Overview:
State Bank of India (SBI) prescribes a three-tier selection process for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) backlog vacancies: Phase-I Online Preliminary Examination (100 Marks, 1 Hour), Phase-II Online Main Examination (200 Marks, 2 Hours 40 Mins), and Phase-III Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT, 50 Marks). There is a mandatory 1/4th negative marking for every wrong answer in objective tests. Section-wise timing is applicable to all tests.
1. SBI Clerk Special Recruitment 2026 Syllabus: Highlights & Overview
The selection process for SBI Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) under Special Recruitment Drive 2026 consists of three distinct phases:
| Recruitment Body | State Bank of India (SBI / भारतीय स्टेट बैंक) |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No. | Advt. No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) – SC/ST/OBC Backlog Drive |
| Phase I Examination | Online Preliminary Examination (100 Questions | 100 Marks | 1 Hour) |
| Phase II Examination | Online Main Examination (190 Questions | 200 Marks | 2 Hours 40 Minutes) |
| Phase III Examination | Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) [Mandatory for non-language background candidates] |
| Negative Marking | 1/4th (0.25) Marks deducted per incorrect answer in objective tests |
| Sectional Timing | Applicable – Individual fixed duration for each section |
| Sectional Cutoff | No Individual Sectional Cutoff prescribed by SBI |
| Final Selection Base | Aggregate Marks obtained in Phase II Main Examination only |
2. Phase I: SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination is an objective type online exam of 100 marks divided into three sections. Each section has a dedicated 20-minute timer:
| Subject | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. English Language | English | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| 2. Numerical Ability | As applicable (English, Hindi & Regional) | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| 3. Reasoning Ability | As applicable (English, Hindi & Regional) | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| TOTAL | — | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour (60 Minutes) |
Prelims Key Note: Section-wise marks will not be maintained. The notification states that SBI does not prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual tests or the aggregate score in Prelims. Adequate number of candidates (approx 10 times the number of vacancies) will be shortlisted for the Main Examination. Prelims marks are not added to final merit.
3. Prelims Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
Below is the comprehensive topic-wise syllabus for all three sections of the SBI Clerk 2026 Preliminary Examination:
English Language
- Reading Comprehension (Passages)
- Cloze Test (Paragraph based)
- Spotting Errors & Sentence Correction
- Sentence Improvement & Rearrangement
- Para Jumbles (6-sentence format)
- Fillers (Single & Double Fillers)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms)
- Idioms & Phrases, Word Usage
- Match the Column Sentences
Numerical Ability
- Data Interpretation (Bar, Line, Pie, Caselet)
- Simplification & Approximation
- Number Series (Missing & Wrong)
- Quadratic Equations (x & y relations)
- Data Sufficiency (2 statements)
- Percentage & Average
- Ratio & Proportion, Partnership
- Profit, Loss & Discount
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Time, Work & Pipes/Cisterns
- Time, Speed, Distance & Boats/Streams
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
Reasoning Ability
- Puzzles (Floor, Box, Month, Schedule)
- Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Parallel)
- Syllogism (Only a few / Possibility)
- Inequality (Direct & Coded)
- Coding-Decoding (Modern & Matrix)
- Blood Relations & Family Tree
- Direction & Distance Sense
- Alpha-Numeric & Symbol Series
- Order & Ranking
- Data Sufficiency
4. Phase II: SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Main Examination consists of 190 questions totaling 200 marks with a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. Each subject section has separate timing:
| Subject | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. General/Financial Awareness | As applicable | 50 | 50 | 35 Minutes |
| 2. General English | English | 40 | 40 | 35 Minutes |
| 3. Quantitative Aptitude | As applicable | 50 | 50 | 45 Minutes |
| 4. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | As applicable | 50 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| TOTAL | — | 190 | 200 | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
Final Merit Selection: Marks obtained in Phase-II Main Examination will be considered for final selection. Candidates are required to secure minimum percentage marks in aggregate as decided by SBI. No individual subject qualifying marks are prescribed.
5. Mains Subject-Wise Detailed Syllabus Breakdown
The Main Examination tests higher conceptual depth, analytical ability, financial literacy, and computer aptitude:
- Financial & Banking Awareness: RBI Structure, Functions & Monetary Policy Rates (Repo, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR), History of Indian Banking, Types of Accounts, Cheques, Digital Banking (UPI, NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, CBDC), NPCI Products, Banking Ombudsman, Credit Rating Agencies, Financial Inclusion schemes (PMJDY, APY, PMJJBY, PMSBY).
- Current Affairs: National & International Current Events (last 6 months), Union Budget 2026-27 highlights, Economic Survey, Summits & Conferences, Agreements & MoUs, Awards & Honors, Books & Authors, Sports News, Appointments.
- Static General Knowledge: Indian Constitution & Economic System, Important National Parks & Wildlife Sanctuaries, Power Plants, Capitals & Currencies, International Organizations & Headquarters (IMF, World Bank, UNO, ADB), Important Days & Themes.
- Advanced Reading Comprehension: 2-3 long passages on Financial Economics, Technology, Environment, and Social Issues with Inference-based, Vocabulary-based, and Title-based questions.
- Cloze Test & Paragraph Completion: Advanced multi-contextual paragraphs.
- Connector & Starter Sentences: Combining two statements using appropriate conjunctions or starters.
- Error Spotting & Sentence Improvement: Multi-part error identification and phrase replacement.
- Word Replacement & Swap: Swapping highlighted words to make sentences contextually correct.
- High-Level Data Interpretation (DI): Radar Chart, Funnel DI, Missing Table DI, Arithmetic-based DI (Time & Work / Profit & Loss DI), Caselet DI with Venn Diagrams.
- Data Sufficiency: 2-statement and 3-statement Data Sufficiency questions.
- Quantity Comparison: Quantity 1 vs Quantity 2 vs Quantity 3 comparison problems.
- Advanced Arithmetic: Partnership, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time-Work, Speed-Distance, Mixture & Alligation, Mensuration 2D/3D, Probability & Combinatorics.
- Advanced Puzzles & Seating: Matrix Puzzles, Coded Circular/Linear Seating, Day-Month-Year Puzzles, Variable-based Multi-tier Arrangements.
- Logical & Critical Reasoning: Statement & Assumption, Cause & Effect, Course of Action, Statement & Argument, Drawing Inferences.
- Coded Reasoning: Coded Inequality, Coded Blood Relation, Coded Direction & Distance, Machine Input-Output.
- Computer Aptitude: Basics of Computer Hardware & Software, Operating Systems (Windows, Linux), Internet & Networking Concepts (IP Address, OSI Model, Protocols), Cyber Security & Malware, Keyboard Shortcuts, MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), Database Management Systems (DBMS), Binary to Octal/Hexadecimal Number System Conversions.
6. Phase III: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) Pattern
Candidates provisionally selected for the post who have not studied the specified local language of the State applied for in Class 10th or 12th standard (as evidenced by mark sheet/certificate) are required to clear the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) before final appointment:
| Test Phase | Pattern | Passages | Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Non-Verbal Test (Objective) | Objective Type | 3 Passages | 15 Questions | 15 Marks |
| 2. Non-Verbal Test (Subjective) | Subjective Type | 3 Passages | 15 Questions | 15 Marks |
| 3. Verbal Test | Oral Interaction / Reading / Speaking | — | — | 20 Marks |
| TOTAL LLPT SCORE | — | 6 Passages | 30 Questions | 50 Marks |
LLPT Qualifying Requirement: Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the individual test as decided by SBI. Candidates who fail to qualify the LLPT will not be offered appointment, even if they qualify the Main Examination.
7. Negative Marking Rules & Sectional Cutoff Criteria
- Objective Tests Negative Marking: There is a negative marking of 1/4th (25%) of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main Examination objective tests.
- Unanswered Questions: No marks are deducted for un-attempted or left-blank questions.
- No Sectional Qualifying Marks: SBI notification explicitly states that no minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects, and section-wise marks will not be maintained.
- Aggregate Qualifying Marks: Candidates must secure the minimum percentage marks in aggregate as decided by SBI for final merit list inclusion.
8. Medium of Examination & Opted Local Language Options
Questions in objective tests (except English Language) will be available in English, Hindi, and the specified regional language of the State/UT applied for:
| State / UT Applied For | Specified Opted Local Language | Medium of Written Examination |
|---|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Marathi | English, Hindi, Marathi |
| Karnataka | Kannada | English, Hindi, Kannada, Konkani |
| Odisha | Odia | English, Hindi, Odia |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| West Bengal / Sikkim | Bengali / Nepali | English, Hindi, Bengali, Nepali |
| Gujarat | Gujarati | English, Hindi, Gujarati |
| Punjab | Punjabi | English, Hindi, Punjabi |
| Telangana / Andhra Pradesh | Telugu / Urdu | English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu |
9. Expert Preparation Strategy & Sectional Time Management
Speed & Accuracy in Prelims
With 100 questions in 60 minutes (20 mins per section), target 75+ attempts with 90%+ accuracy. Focus on high-yielding speed math (Simplification, Quadratic, Series) and quick Syllogisms/Inequalities.
Financial Awareness Booster
General Awareness carries 50 marks in Mains. Cover 6 months of banking news, RBI circulars, Union Budget 2026-27, and static financial terms to score 35+ marks easily in 35 minutes.
10. Frequently Asked Questions (10 FAQs)
Prelims consists of 100 objective questions (100 marks) in 3 sections: English Language (30 Qs), Numerical Ability (35 Qs), and Reasoning Ability (35 Qs) with 20 minutes duration for each section.
Yes! There is a 1/4th (0.25) negative marking for every incorrect answer in the objective tests of both Preliminary and Main examinations.
No, SBI does not prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual subjects. Candidates only need to clear the aggregate cutoff score in the Main Examination.
No! The Preliminary Examination is strictly qualifying in nature. Final merit list is prepared based only on marks obtained in the Phase-II Main Examination.
Candidates provisionally selected who have not studied the specified opted local language of the State applied for in 10th or 12th standard (as listed in mark sheet) must appear for and pass the LLPT.
LLPT includes Non-Verbal Objective Test (15 marks), Non-Verbal Subjective Test (15 marks), and Verbal Interaction Test (20 marks), totaling 50 marks.
SBI Clerk Mains consists of 190 questions for 200 marks with a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes (160 minutes).
No, the local language opted at the time of online application is final and cannot be changed later.
This section has 50 questions for 60 marks (45 mins) covering High-level Puzzles, Critical Reasoning, Coded Inequalities, Machine Input-Output, MS Office, Hardware, Software, DBMS, and Networking basics.
You can access the official notification prospectus from SBI's careers portal (sbi.bank.in) or via the direct links provided below.