SBI Clerk Papers 2026

Ultimate preparation resource for State Bank of India Clerk recruitment examination

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📋 Exam Overview

Attribute	Details
Exam Name	SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) Recruitment 2026
Conducting Body	State Bank of India (SBI)
Post Name	Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales)
Job Location	Pan India (State-wise vacancies)
Salary/Pay Scale	₹19,900 - ₹47,920 (Basic + Allowances)
Gross Salary	₹32,000 - ₹38,000 per month (approximate)
Employment Type	Permanent, Full-time
Probation Period	6 months

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification:

• Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university
• Final year students can apply but must produce proof of passing before joining

Age Limit (as of April 2026):

• Minimum Age: 20 years
• Maximum Age: 28 years
• Age Relaxation:
  • SC/ST: 5 years
  • OBC: 3 years
  • PWD (General): 10 years
  • PWD (SC/ST): 15 years
  • PWD (OBC): 13 years
  • Ex-Servicemen: Actual service + 3 years (max 50 years)

Nationality:

• Indian Citizen
• Subject of Nepal/Bhutan
• Tibetan refugee (arrived before 1962)
• Person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries

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📝 Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk 2026 examination consists of two stages:

Stage 1: Preliminary Examination (Online)

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Numerical Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	60 minutes

Key Points:

• Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
• Qualifying in nature (marks not counted for final merit)
• Sectional timing enforced
• Candidates 10 times the vacancies shortlisted for Mains

Stage 2: Main Examination (Online)

Section	Questions	Marks	Duration
General/Financial Awareness	50	50	35 minutes
General English	40	40	35 minutes
Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50	50	45 minutes
Total	190	200	160 minutes

Key Points:

• Negative marking: 0.25 marks per wrong answer
• Final merit list based on Mains marks only
• Sectional cutoffs apply

Stage 3: Language Proficiency Test (LPT)

• Candidates shortlisted state-wise after Mains
• Must prove proficiency in local language of the state applied
• Failure in LPT leads to disqualification

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📚 Complete Syllabus

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

English Language

• Reading Comprehension
• Cloze Test
• Para Jumbles
• Fill in the Blanks
• Error Detection
• Sentence Correction
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Sentence Improvement

Numerical Ability

• Simplification/Approximation
• Number Series
• Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart)
• Quadratic Equations
• Arithmetic: Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Percentage, Partnership, Mixtures & Allegations

Reasoning Ability

• Puzzles & Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Floor-based)
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Coding-Decoding
• Blood Relations
• Direction Sense
• Order & Ranking
• Alpha-Numeric Series

Main Examination Syllabus

General/Financial Awareness

• Current Affairs (National & International)
• Static GK: Countries, Capitals, Currencies
• Banking & Financial Awareness
• Indian Economy
• RBI Functions & Policies
• Banking History & Reforms
• Government Schemes (especially banking/financial)
• Awards & Honors
• Sports News
• Important Days

Quantitative Aptitude

• Data Interpretation (Advanced level)
• Caselet DI
• Missing DI
• Arithmetic (Advanced applications)
• Probability
• Permutation & Combination
• Mensuration
• Number System

Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

• Advanced Puzzles
• Input-Output
• Data Sufficiency
• Logical Reasoning
• Computer Basics
• Computer Terminology
• Hardware & Software
• Operating Systems
• Internet & Networking
• MS Office

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🧮 Quantitative Aptitude: 15 Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1

If 15 men can complete a work in 24 days, how many days will 18 men take to complete the same work?

Solution: Using the work formula: M₁ × D₁ = M₂ × D₂

• 15 × 24 = 18 × D₂
• 360 = 18 × D₂
• D₂ = 360/18 = 20 days

Shortcut: If men increase, days decrease (inverse proportion) Men ratio = 18:15 = 6:5, so Days ratio = 5:6 Days = 24 × (5/6) = 20 days

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Question 2

The simple interest on a sum for 3 years at 12% per annum is ₹4,320. Find the principal amount.

Solution: SI = (P × R × T)/100

• 4320 = (P × 12 × 3)/100
• 4320 = 36P/100
• P = 4320 × 100/36 = ₹12,000

Shortcut: For 12% rate, 3 years SI = 36% of Principal Principal = 4320/0.36 = ₹12,000

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Question 3

A shopkeeper marks his goods 40% above the cost price and allows a discount of 15%. What is his gain percentage?

Solution: Let CP = ₹100

• Marked Price = ₹140
• Selling Price = 140 × 0.85 = ₹119
• Profit = ₹19
• Profit % = 19%

Shortcut Formula: Gain % = MP% - Discount% - (MP% × Discount%)/100 = 40 - 15 - (40 × 15)/100 = 25 - 6 = 19%

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Question 4

Solve: 45% of 240 + 35% of 180 = ?

Solution:

• 45% of 240 = 0.45 × 240 = 108
• 35% of 180 = 0.35 × 180 = 63
• Total = 108 + 63 = 171

Shortcut: 45% of 240 = (40% + 5%) of 240 = 96 + 12 = 108 35% of 180 = (30% + 5%) of 180 = 54 + 9 = 63

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Question 5

Find the next number in the series: 2, 6, 12, 20, 30, ?

Solution: Pattern: n(n+1)

• 1×2 = 2
• 2×3 = 6
• 3×4 = 12
• 4×5 = 20
• 5×6 = 30
• 6×7 = 42

Alternative: Differences are 4, 6, 8, 10, so next difference = 12, thus 30 + 12 = 42

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Question 6

The ratio of ages of A and B is 4:5. After 6 years, the ratio becomes 6:7. Find the present age of A.

Solution: Let present ages be 4x and 5x

• (4x + 6)/(5x + 6) = 6/7
• 7(4x + 6) = 6(5x + 6)
• 28x + 42 = 30x + 36
• 6 = 2x
• x = 3
• A's age = 4 × 3 = 12 years

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Question 7

A train 200m long crosses a platform 300m long in 25 seconds. Find the speed of the train.

Solution: Total distance = 200 + 300 = 500m Speed = Distance/Time = 500/25 = 20 m/s Convert to km/h: 20 × (18/5) = 72 km/h

Shortcut: m/s to km/h multiply by 18/5 km/h to m/s multiply by 5/18

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Question 8

Solve: (3/5) × (4/7) × (35/48) × 1200 = ?

Solution: = (3 × 4 × 35 × 1200)/(5 × 7 × 48) = (12 × 35 × 1200)/(35 × 48) = (12 × 1200)/48 = 14400/48 = 300

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Question 9

The average of 11 numbers is 45. If one number is excluded, the average becomes 43. Find the excluded number.

Solution: Sum of 11 numbers = 11 × 45 = 495 Sum of 10 numbers = 10 × 43 = 430 Excluded number = 495 - 430 = 65

Shortcut: Excluded number = Old Average + (Count - 1) × (Old Average - New Average) = 45 + 10 × (45 - 43) = 45 + 20 = 65

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Question 10

A mixture contains milk and water in the ratio 7:3. If 30 liters of water is added, the ratio becomes 7:5. Find the original quantity of milk.

Solution: Let milk = 7x, water = 3x After adding 30L water: 7x/(3x + 30) = 7/5

• 35x = 7(3x + 30)
• 35x = 21x + 210
• 14x = 210
• x = 15 Milk = 7 × 15 = 105 liters

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Question 11

What is the compound interest on ₹8,000 at 10% per annum for 2 years compounded annually?

Solution: A = P(1 + R/100)ⁿ = 8000(1.10)² = 8000 × 1.21 = ₹9,680 CI = 9680 - 8000 = ₹1,680

Shortcut: For 2 years at 10%: CI = 21% of Principal (10 + 10 + 1) CI = 0.21 × 8000 = ₹1,680

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Question 12

A and B together can complete a work in 12 days. A alone can do it in 20 days. How many days will B alone take?

Solution: (A + B)'s 1 day work = 1/12 A's 1 day work = 1/20 B's 1 day work = 1/12 - 1/20 = (5-3)/60 = 2/60 = 1/30 B alone can complete in 30 days

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Question 13

The difference between compound interest and simple interest on a sum for 2 years at 10% per annum is ₹200. Find the principal.

Solution: Difference = P(R/100)² 200 = P(0.10)² = P × 0.01 P = 200/0.01 = ₹20,000

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Question 14

If the price of rice increases by 20%, by what percentage should a family reduce consumption to maintain the same expenditure?

Solution: Percentage reduction = (Increase%)/(100 + Increase%) × 100 = 20/120 × 100 = 16.67%

Shortcut Formula: For price increase of R%, reduce consumption by R/(100+R) × 100%

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Question 15

Find the value of: √(1764) + √(4356) - √(2916)

Solution:

• √1764 = 42
• √4356 = 66
• √2916 = 54 Result = 42 + 66 - 54 = 54

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🧩 Reasoning Ability: 10 Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1

Find the odd one out: 8, 27, 64, 100, 125

Solution:

• 8 = 2³
• 27 = 3³
• 64 = 4³
• 100 = Not a perfect cube
• 125 = 5³ Answer: 100 (It's a perfect square, not a perfect cube)

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Question 2

Complete the series: BDF, CFI, DHL, ?

Solution: Pattern: Each letter increases by +2, +3, +4 respectively

• B(2) + 2 = D(4) + 2 = F(6)
• C(3) + 3 = F(6) + 3 = I(9)
• D(4) + 4 = H(8) + 4 = L(12)
• E(5) + 5 = J(10) + 5 = O(15) Answer: EJO

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Question 3

If FRIEND is coded as 56, then ENEMY is coded as?

Solution: Sum of alphabetical positions: FRIEND: 6+18+9+5+14+4 = 56 ENEMY: 5+14+5+13+25 = 62

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Question 4

Statement: All pens are books. Some books are pencils. No pencil is a pen. Conclusions: I. Some books are pens II. Some pencils are books

Solution:

• Conclusion I: True (All pens are books → Some books are pens - conversion)
• Conclusion II: True (Some books are pencils → Some pencils are books - conversion) Answer: Both I and II follow

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Question 5

Pointing to a woman, Rahul said, "She is the daughter of my grandfather's only son." How is the woman related to Rahul?

Solution:

• Grandfather's only son = Rahul's father (assuming Rahul is male and has no brother)
• Daughter of Rahul's father = Rahul's sister Answer: Sister

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Question 6

Arrange the following in meaningful order:

1. Job 2. Interview 3. Application 4. Selection 5. Advertisement

Solution: Logical sequence: Advertisement → Application → Interview → Selection → Job Answer: 5, 3, 2, 4, 1

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Question 7

In a row of students, Priya is 15th from the left and 20th from the right. How many students are in the row?

Solution: Total = Position from left + Position from right - 1 = 15 + 20 - 1 = 34 students

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Question 8

If A = 1, B = 2, C = 3, ... then what is the code for "CODE"?

Solution: C = 3, O = 15, D = 4, E = 5 Answer: 3-15-4-5

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Question 9

Complete the analogy: 64 : 8 :: 125 : ?

Solution: 64 = 4³, and 4 × 2 = 8 125 = 5³, and 5 × 2 = 10 (Alternatively: √64 = 8, ∛125 = 5, but 64:8 pattern is 8:1, so 125:?) Better interpretation: 8² = 64, so ?² = 125 → ? = √125 ≈ 11.18 (not integer) So pattern is: Cube root × 2: ∛64 × 2 = 4 × 2 = 8, ∛125 × 2 = 5 × 2 = 10

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Question 10

Six people A, B, C, D, E, F sit in a row. B is to the immediate left of C. A is to the immediate right of F. D is at one of the extreme ends. E is not at any extreme. Who sits at the other extreme end?

Solution:

• D is at one extreme
• E is not at extreme (so E is in middle)
• B-C are together (B left of C)
• F-A are together (A right of F) Possible arrangement: D - B - C - E - F - A or D - F - A - E - B - C Or: A - F - E - C - B - D (but A is right of F, so F-A order) Correct: D - F - A - E - B - C or reverse: A - F - E - C - B - D (but F-A means F before A) From D extreme: D - _ - _ - _ - _ - _ Try: D - F - A - E - B - C Check: B left of C ✓, A right of F ✓, D at extreme ✓, E not at extreme ✓ Answer: C sits at the other extreme end

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🌍 General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 10 Questions

Question 1

Who is the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as of 2026?

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Question 2

What is the full form of NEFT in banking terms?

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Question 3

Which Indian state has the highest number of branches of SBI?

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Question 4

What is the current Repo Rate as per RBI's policy in 2026?

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Question 5

Who is the current CEO of State Bank of India?

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Question 6

Which scheme was launched by the Government of India for financial inclusion?

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Question 7

What does SLR stand for in banking?

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Question 8

Which city is known as the financial capital of India?

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Question 9

What is the minimum paid-up capital required for a Small Finance Bank?

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Question 10

In which year was SBI established (as Imperial Bank of India)?

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📖 English Language: 5 Practice Questions with Solutions

Question 1

Spot the Error: She is more smarter than her brother.

Solution: Error: "more smarter" - double comparative Correction: She is smarter than her brother. (OR "more smart" - though "smarter" is preferred)

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Question 2

Fill in the blank: The committee ______ divided on this issue.

a) are b) is c) were d) have

Solution: "Committee" is a collective noun. In Indian English, it can take plural verb when members act individually. Answer: a) are (or b) is - both acceptable, but 'are' is more common in SBI pattern)

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Question 3

Synonym: ABUNDANT

a) Scarce b) Plenty c) Rare d) Meager

Solution: Abundant means existing in large quantities. Answer: b) Plenty

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Question 4

Rearrange: (P) The bank / (Q) announced / (R) new interest rates / (S) yesterday

Solution: Correct order: The bank announced new interest rates yesterday. Answer: P-Q-R-S

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Question 5

Cloze Test: The banking sector ______ a crucial role in the economic development of a country.

a) plays b) playing c) played d) play

Solution: Subject: banking sector (singular) Present tense required for general statement. Answer: a) plays

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📊 Previous Year Cutoff Marks

SBI Clerk Prelims Cutoff (Category-wise)

Category	2023	2024	2025 (Expected)
General	68.50	70.25	69-72
OBC	65.00	66.50	65-68
SC	58.50	60.00	59-62
ST	52.00	53.75	53-56
EWS	66.00	68.00	67-70

SBI Clerk Mains Cutoff (Category-wise)

Category	2023	2024	2025 (Expected)
General	95.50	98.00	96-100
OBC	90.00	92.50	91-94
SC	82.00	84.50	83-86
ST	75.00	77.50	76-79
EWS	93.00	95.50	94-97

Note: Cutoffs vary by state and are indicative based on past trends.

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📅 3-Month Preparation Strategy

Month 1: Foundation Building

Week 1-2: Prelims Focus

• Complete Quantitative Aptitude basics: Simplification, Number Series, Arithmetic
• Reasoning basics: Seating Arrangement, Puzzles, Syllogism
• English: Grammar rules, Reading Comprehension practice

Week 3-4: Main Examination Foundation

• Start Financial Awareness: Banking terms, RBI policies
• Advanced DI practice
• Computer basics

Month 2: Intensive Practice

Week 5-6: Section-wise Mocks

• Daily 2-3 sectional tests
• Analyze weak areas
• Build speed and accuracy

Week 7-8: Full-length Mocks

• 3-4 full Prelims mocks per week
• Start with Mains-level questions
• Current Affairs daily revision

Month 3: Revision & Exam Simulation

Week 9-10: Revision Mode

• Formula sheets revision
• Previous year papers (last 5 years)
• Error log analysis

Week 11-12: Final Sprint

• Daily 1 full mock (alternating Prelims/Mains)
• Current Affairs last 6 months revision
• Time management strategies

Daily Study Schedule (6-8 hours)

Time	Activity
2 hours	Quantitative Aptitude practice
2 hours	Reasoning Ability practice
1 hour	English Language
1 hour	General/Financial Awareness
1-2 hours	Mock tests & analysis

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📚 Best Books and Online Resources

Recommended Books

Quantitative Aptitude:

• "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal
• "Fast Track Objective Arithmetic" by Rajesh Verma
• "Quantum CAT" by Sarvesh K. Verma (for advanced level)

Reasoning Ability:

• "A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning" by R.S. Aggarwal
• "Analytical Reasoning" by M.K. Pandey

English Language:

• "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
• "Word Power Made Easy" by Norman Lewis
• "Plinth to Paramount" by Neetu Singh

General Awareness:

• "Banking Awareness" by Arihant Publications
• "Lucent's General Knowledge"
• Monthly magazines: Banking Services Chronicle (BSC), Pratiyogita Darpan

Online Resources

Websites:

• RBI official website (rbi.org.in) for circulars
• SBI official website (sbi.co.in)
• AffairsCloud, Gradeup, Adda247 for daily quizzes

YouTube Channels:

• Adda247
• Study IQ Education
• BankersAdda
• Mahendras

Mock Test Platforms:

• Oliveboard
• PracticeMock
• Testbook
• Gradeup
• Adda247

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can final year students apply for SBI Clerk 2026?

Q2: Is there any interview for SBI Clerk?

Q3: Can I apply for multiple states in SBI Clerk?

Q4: What is the in-hand salary of an SBI Clerk?

Q5: Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk exam?

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🎯 Success Tips

1. Consistency is key: Study daily, even if for shorter duration
2. Mock tests are crucial: Attempt at least 20-30 full-length mocks before exam
3. Time management: Practice with timer; don't spend more than 1 minute per question
4. Accuracy over speed: Avoid guesswork due to negative marking
5. Stay updated: Read financial news daily; follow RBI announcements
6. Revise formulas: Maintain a formula notebook for quick revision
7. Practice puzzles: Reasoning puzzles are scoring; master all types
8. English reading: Read editorials daily to improve comprehension

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Last Updated: March 2026

Good luck with your SBI Clerk 2026 preparation!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the expected salary for SBI Clerk 2026, and what benefits can candidates expect?

For SBI Clerk 2026, the starting pay is typically around ₹19,900 per month (basic pay) under the Junior Associate pay scale, with allowances as per SBI rules. In addition to salary, candidates generally receive benefits like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) where applicable, and other standard government-bank perks.

What is the eligibility criteria for SBI Clerk 2026 (age, education, and other requirements)?

Eligibility usually includes an age limit (as per SBI notification) and a graduation degree from a recognized university. Candidates must also meet any category-wise age relaxations and ensure they have valid documents for verification during the recruitment process.

How difficult is the SBI Clerk 2026 exam, and what makes it challenging?

The exam is considered moderately difficult because it tests both speed and accuracy across multiple sections like Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, and General/Banking Awareness. The difficulty often comes from time management and the need to solve a high number of questions correctly within the sectional and overall time limits.

What are the best preparation tips to score well in SBI Clerk 2026?

Start with a structured plan covering all sections daily, and prioritize high-weight topics such as number series, simplification, data interpretation basics, and grammar/reading for English. Use practice papers and sectional tests regularly to identify weak areas, and revise formulas/short tricks frequently to improve accuracy under time pressure.

What are the interview rounds for SBI Clerk 2026, and is there an interview?

SBI Clerk recruitment is primarily based on an online written exam (Prelims-style structure is not applicable here; it is a single main online exam). Typically, there is no traditional interview round for SBI Clerk; selection is based on marks obtained in the online exam and subsequent document verification.

Which topics are most commonly asked in SBI Clerk 2026, especially in Reasoning, Quant, and English?

Common Reasoning topics include puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogisms, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning. Quantitative Aptitude frequently covers simplification, percentage, profit & loss, ratio, time & work, time-speed-distance, and basic algebra/geometry; English commonly includes reading comprehension, error spotting, sentence improvement, and grammar-based questions.

How can candidates apply for SBI Clerk 2026, and what is the usual application process?

Candidates must apply through the official SBI recruitment website during the notification window. The process generally includes filling the online application form, uploading required documents (as specified), paying the application fee, and submitting the form before the deadline.

What is the selection rate for SBI Clerk 2026, and how is the final selection decided?

The selection rate varies each year based on the number of vacancies, exam difficulty, and the number of applicants, so there is no fixed percentage. Final selection is typically based on the candidate’s performance in the online exam (with category-wise cutoffs), followed by document verification and meeting all eligibility conditions.