Sbi Clerk Papers 2026
SBI Clerk 2026: Complete Exam Guide with Practice Papers
Ultimate preparation resource for State Bank of India Clerk recruitment examination
📋 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
📝 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
📚 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
🧮 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
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
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%
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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%
Question 15
Find the value of: √(1764) + √(4356) - √(2916)
Solution:
- √1764 = 42
- √4356 = 66
- √2916 = 54 Result = 42 + 66 - 54 = 54
🧩 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)
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
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
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
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
Question 6
Arrange the following in meaningful order:
- Job 2. Interview 3. Application 4. Selection 5. Advertisement
Solution: Logical sequence: Advertisement → Application → Interview → Selection → Job Answer: 5, 3, 2, 4, 1
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
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
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
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
🌍 General Knowledge & Current Affairs: 10 Questions
Question 1
Who is the current Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as of 2026?
Question 2
What is the full form of NEFT in banking terms?
Question 3
Which Indian state has the highest number of branches of SBI?
Question 4
What is the current Repo Rate as per RBI's policy in 2026?
Question 5
Who is the current CEO of State Bank of India?
Question 6
Which scheme was launched by the Government of India for financial inclusion?
Question 7
What does SLR stand for in banking?
Question 8
Which city is known as the financial capital of India?
Question 9
What is the minimum paid-up capital required for a Small Finance Bank?
Question 10
In which year was SBI established (as Imperial Bank of India)?
📖 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)
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)
Question 3
Synonym: ABUNDANT
a) Scarce b) Plenty c) Rare d) Meager
Solution: Abundant means existing in large quantities. Answer: b) Plenty
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
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
📊 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.
📅 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 |
📚 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
❓ 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?
🎯 Success Tips
- Consistency is key: Study daily, even if for shorter duration
- Mock tests are crucial: Attempt at least 20-30 full-length mocks before exam
- Time management: Practice with timer; don't spend more than 1 minute per question
- Accuracy over speed: Avoid guesswork due to negative marking
- Stay updated: Read financial news daily; follow RBI announcements
- Revise formulas: Maintain a formula notebook for quick revision
- Practice puzzles: Reasoning puzzles are scoring; master all types
- English reading: Read editorials daily to improve comprehension
Last Updated: March 2026
Good luck with your SBI Clerk 2026 preparation!