Banking & Insurance · SBI · Updated 19 October 2026
SBI Clerk 2026Exam Date, Eligibility, Pattern, Syllabus, Cut-Off and Free Mock Test
SBI Junior Associate (Clerk)
Conducted by the State Bank of India, the SBI Junior Associate examination is the country's largest single-bank clerical recruitment drive for front-desk customer operations and retail sales. Selection is based entirely on performance in the Phase II Mains CBT after clearing the qualifying Phase I Preliminary exam and local language test.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- SBI
Start for free with SBI Clerk syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
SBI Clerk exam overview and highlights
About SBI Clerk
SBI Clerk, officially called Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales), is the clerical cadre recruitment of the State Bank of India. SBI conducts it directly through an online Prelims and an online Mains, with no interview. Candidates apply for a state or circle and are expected to know the specified local language, which is tested before joining.
The examination process for SBI Clerk comprises 3 stages: Prelims, followed by Mains, followed by Local language test. The official syllabus tests candidates across 5 core areas — English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, General and Financial Awareness — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone; provisionally selected candidates must pass a test in the local language of the state unless they studied it at school.
Key subjects
- English Language
- Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Computer Aptitude
- General and Financial Awareness
What clearing SBI Clerk leads to
- Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) in State Bank of India
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Junior Associate pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹26,000 plus allowances
- Central / Institutional appointment through State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
- All-India or zonal ministry, department, PSU, or public sector field and headquarters postings
- Deputation opportunities to central autonomous bodies, ministries, regulatory authorities, and international assignments
Quick facts
- Full name
- SBI Junior Associate (Clerk)
- Conducting body
- State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department
- Frequency
- Usually once a year
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (7 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer
- Official website
- sbi.co.in/web/careers
SBI Clerk — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of SBI Clerk conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SBI Clerk — SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department |
| Exam Category | Banking & Insurance |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Usually once a year |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Timing varies by cycle; for 2026-27 the notification came in August, Prelims was planned for September and Mains for November |
| Mode of Application | Online on the SBI careers page, choosing one state or circle |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (7 Papers Total): Prelims → Mains → Local language test |
| Negative Marking | One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer |
| Selection / Merit Process | Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone; provisionally selected candidates must pass a test in the local language of the state unless they studied it at school. |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Junior Associate pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹26,000 plus allowances |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | Many lakh applicants for several thousand posts, with state-wise cut-offs |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in/web/careers |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
SBI Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales) 2026-27 (Advt. No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17): important dates, vacancy and application process
Last verified on 19 October 2026 against the official notification. Always confirm dates on the official website before you apply.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Online registration and fee payment | 11 to 31 Aug 2026 | Done |
| Prelims | Sep 2026 | Done |
| Mains | Nov 2026 | Expected |
- Vacancies
- 7,680 regular vacancies plus 287 backlog vacancies for SC, ST and OBC
- Salary
- Starting basic pay ₹26,730 (₹24,050 plus two advance increments for graduates) in the scale ₹24,050-1,340/3-28,070-1,650/3-33,020-2,000/4-41,020-2,340/7-57,400-4,400/1-61,800-2,680/1-64,480; total starting emoluments about ₹46,000 a month in a metro such as Mumbai
- Application fee
- ₹750 for General, OBC and EWS candidates; nil for SC, ST, PwBD, XS and DXS candidates
Latest updates
- Aug 2026: SBI notified Junior Associate recruitment; candidates may apply for one state or UT only and can take the test only once in this round.
- Sep 2026: Prelims call letters and the Acquaint Yourself booklet were released on the SBI careers page.
- Final merit uses Mains marks only; Prelims marks are not added.
- Trained SBI apprentices whose engagement began on or after 1 Jan 2022 can get 5 bonus marks out of 200 in Mains, subject to the stated conditions.
- SBI is separately running a special drive for SC, ST and OBC backlog Junior Associate posts (Advt. No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16), with Mains call letters out.
The advertisement gives Prelims as September 2026 and Mains as November 2026, both tentative. SBI had not posted a Prelims result or a fixed Mains date as of 19 Oct 2026.
Sources: SBI Junior Associates 2026 detailed advertisement (English), SBI Junior Associates Prelims Acquaint Yourself booklet (English), SBI careers: current openings
How to apply online for SBI Clerk
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit sbi.co.in/web/careers and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on the SBI careers page, choosing one state or circle.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the SBI Clerk application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English and Hindi, with some sections also available in regional languages as notified), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final SBI Clerk Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
SBI Clerk eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for SBI Clerk must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by SBI.
Educational qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification.
Age limit & relaxations
20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Citizen of India, or other categories permitted under the notification.
Other conditions & standards
Proficiency in the specified local language of the state is required and may be tested before joining.
SBI Clerk — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
SBI Clerk selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer. Selection & Merit Weightage: Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone; provisionally selected candidates must pass a test in the local language of the state unless they studied it at school.
Stage 1: Prelims
Online (computer-based test) • 3 Papers (English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability) • 100 Questions • 100 Total Marks • Duration: 20 minutes • A one-hour qualifying test of 100 questions with sectional timing.
A one-hour qualifying test of 100 questions with sectional timing. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration English Language 30 30 20 minutes Numerical Ability 35 35 20 minutes Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes Stage 2: Mains
Online (computer-based test) • 4 Papers (General and Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude + 1 more) • 190 Questions • 200 Total Marks • Duration: 35 minutes • An objective test of 190 questions for 200 marks over 2 hours 40 minutes.
An objective test of 190 questions for 200 marks over 2 hours 40 minutes. The final merit list is prepared from Mains marks alone.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration General and Financial Awareness 50 50 35 minutes General English 40 40 35 minutes Quantitative Aptitude 50 50 45 minutes Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude 50 60 45 minutes Stage 3: Local language test
Online (computer-based test) • Provisionally selected candidates who did not study the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 must pass a language test before joining.
Provisionally selected candidates who did not study the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 must pass a language test before joining.
Stage 4: Document Verification, Medical Fitness & Final Cadre/Post Allotment
In-person verification by State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department • Original academic, age, category & domicile certificates • Medical fitness examination & final merit allocation
Candidates shortlisted in the final merit list undergo thorough verification of original educational, age, category and domicile certificates followed by a prescribed medical fitness examination before appointment letters and cadre/department allotments are issued.
SBI Clerk subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
English Language — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Cloze test
- Error spotting
- Para jumbles
English Language — Part II (Fill in the blanks)
- Fill in the blanks
- Vocabulary
- Sentence improvement
Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude — Part I (Simplification and approximation)
- Simplification and approximation
- Number series
- Data interpretation
- Percentage, profit and loss
- Ratio and average
Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude — Part II (Time, work, speed and distance)
- Time, work, speed and distance
- Simple and compound interest
- Mensuration
- Quadratic equations
Reasoning Ability — Part I (Seating arrangement and puzzles)
- Seating arrangement and puzzles
- Syllogism
- Inequalities
- Coding and decoding
Reasoning Ability — Part II (Blood relations and direction sense)
- Blood relations and direction sense
- Alphanumeric series
- Order and ranking
- Input-output
Computer Aptitude: Computer fundamentals & Operating systems
- Computer fundamentals
- Operating systems
- MS Office
- Internet and networking
- Computer security
- Abbreviations and shortcuts
General and Financial Awareness: Current affairs & Banking terms and abbreviations
- Current affairs
- Banking terms and abbreviations
- RBI and monetary policy
- Government schemes
- SBI history and facts
- Static GK
SBI Clerk salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Junior Associate pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹26,000 plus allowances. Appointments under State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Junior Associate pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹26,000 plus allowances.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department)
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
SBI Clerk cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department releases stage-wise and category-wise SBI Clerk cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
SBI Clerk — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When SBI Clerk is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer, maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining SBI Clerk Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the SBI Clerk cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
SBI Clerk admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
SBI Clerk Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official SBI Clerk Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on sbi.co.in/web/careers. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the SBI Clerk e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
SBI Clerk Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on sbi.co.in/web/careers. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
SBI Clerk Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department declares the SBI Clerk result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on sbi.co.in/web/careers. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official SBI Clerk Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
SBI Clerk mock tests
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SBI Clerk Full Mock Test 1
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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SBI Clerk Full Mock Test 2
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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SBI Clerk Full Mock Test 3
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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SBI Clerk Full Mock Test 4
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
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SBI Clerk Full Mock Test 5
Prelims · 30 questions · 20 minutes
SBI Clerk previous year papers
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Predicted questions for SBI Clerk
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for SBI Clerk
- Prelims cut-offs for SBI Clerk are high, so practice until you can attempt 70 or more questions with good accuracy in 60 minutes.
- Mains alone decides selection, and General and Financial Awareness is 50 marks in 35 minutes, so revise current affairs and banking terms every week.
- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude carries 60 marks; practice puzzles and the flowchart-style computer aptitude questions SBI sometimes asks.
- Apply for a state whose local language you can read and write, since the language test is mandatory for those without school certificates.
- Take full-length mocks with the exact sectional timings of Mains to manage the 2 hour 40 minute paper.
- Read the official SBI Clerk notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
SBI Clerk FAQs
Is there an interview for SBI Clerk?
No. Selection is based on Mains marks, followed by a local language test for candidates who need it.
What is the age limit for SBI Clerk?
The usual age range is 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
Is local language compulsory for SBI Clerk?
Yes. Candidates must know the specified local language of the state applied for. Those who did not study it in Class 10 or 12 must pass a language test before joining.
What is the SBI Clerk Mains exam pattern?
190 questions for 200 marks over 2 hours 40 minutes: General and Financial Awareness (50), General English (40), Quantitative Aptitude (50) and Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (60 marks).
Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in both Prelims and Mains.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for SBI Clerk?
SBI Clerk is conducted by State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment and Promotion Department across 3 stages: Prelims → Mains → Local language test. Prelims is qualifying only. Final merit is based on Mains marks alone; provisionally selected candidates must pass a test in the local language of the state unless they studied it at school.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for SBI Clerk?
Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university; final year students may apply subject to producing proof of passing by the date in the notification. Age Limit: 20 to 28 years, with relaxation for reserved categories as per government rules.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing SBI Clerk?
Junior Associate pay with a starting basic pay of roughly ₹26,000 plus allowances.
When is the SBI Clerk notification released and how can I apply online?
SBI Clerk is held usually once a year (Timing varies by cycle; for 2026-27 the notification came in August, Prelims was planned for September and Mains for November). Online on the SBI careers page, choosing one state or circle.
Where can I practice free SBI Clerk mock tests and solved previous year papers?
Select SBI Clerk as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SBI Clerk pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.
How can I prepare for SBI Clerk on SmartRank?
Select SBI Clerk as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering English Language, Numerical Ability and Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact SBI Clerk pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.