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SBI Clerk Exam Pattern - The State Bank of India (SBI) conducts the SBI Clerk exam to recruit candidates for the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) position across its branches in India. The exam process consists of two stages: the Preliminary Exam and the Main Exam. Here, we’ll break down the exam pattern, syllabus, and provide tips for effective preparation.
SBI Clerk Selection Procedure
The SBI Clerk selection process includes:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Test of Specified Local Language
Candidates need to clear both online exams (Prelims and Mains) to be eligible for the next stage, which involves a local language proficiency test.
Phase-I: SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Exam is the first hurdle for aspirants and tests their basic understanding in three sections:
| Sl. No. | Name of Test | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English Language | English | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | English / Hindi | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | English / Hindi | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Total | * | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
- Exam Duration: The Preliminary Exam is a 1-hour online test with separate time limits for each section.
- Scoring & Negative Marking: There is a penalty of 0.25 marks for each incorrect answer, which means accuracy is crucial. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed.
- Shortlisting: Candidates approximately 10 times the number of vacancies are selected based on their scores and invited to the Main Exam.
Tips for Prelims Preparation
- Time Management: Practice completing each section within the stipulated time. The Preliminary Exam demands speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Basics: Cover basic grammar for English, elementary math concepts for Numerical Ability, and logical puzzles for Reasoning.
- Mock Tests: Regular mock tests will help you adapt to the timing constraints and improve your accuracy under exam conditions.
Phase-II: SBI Clerk Main Examination
The Main Exam is more comprehensive and includes four sections, with a total duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. The focus shifts to a more in-depth understanding and application of skills.
| Sl. No. | Name of Test | Medium of Exam | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | General/ Financial Awareness | * | 50 | 50 | 35 min |
| 2 | General English | English | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | * | 50 | 50 | 45 min |
| 4 | Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | * | 50 | 60 | 45 min |
| Total | * | 190 | 200 | 2 Hr. 40 min |
- Exam Duration: 2 hours and 40 minutes, with each section timed separately.
- Negative Marking: Similar to the Prelims, there is a 1/4th mark penalty for incorrect answers.
- Section-Wise Marks: Each section carries distinct marks, with Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude weighted higher at 60 marks.
Tips for Mains Preparation
- Focus on Current Affairs and Financial Knowledge: For General/Financial Awareness, read daily news, especially on banking and finance topics, and stay updated on current affairs.
- Strengthen Quantitative Aptitude: This section requires both speed and accuracy. Focus on mastering topics like data interpretation, simplifications, and arithmetic problems.
- Advanced Reasoning & Computer Knowledge: Expect complex puzzles and computer-related questions in the Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section. Familiarize yourself with basic computer terminology.
- Practice English Comprehension: This section demands a good command of English, especially reading comprehension and grammar.
Test of Local Language
Once candidates clear the Mains, they must pass a local language proficiency test (if they did not study the specified language in school). This test ensures that candidates can effectively communicate in the local language of the state they’re applying to.
General Preparation Tips
- Daily Study Routine: Consistent study is key to covering the syllabus efficiently.
- Practice and Revise: Regular practice of mock tests, previous year papers, and section-wise quizzes is crucial for familiarizing yourself with the exam pattern.
- Time Management: Develop time management skills by practicing under timed conditions to handle the pressure of sectional timing.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and work on weak sections regularly to improve overall performance.
- Stay Updated: For the General Awareness section, follow reliable news sources daily, focusing on financial and economic news.
SBI Clerk Exam Syllabus Overview
English Language
- Topics: Reading comprehension, error detection, cloze test, fill-in-the-blanks, sentence correction, synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary.
- Preparation: Build vocabulary and grammar, and practice comprehension passages daily.
Numerical Ability
- Topics: Simplification, arithmetic (percentage, ratio and proportion, averages), data interpretation, quadratic equations, and number series.
- Preparation: Strengthen calculation skills and focus on mastering arithmetic fundamentals.
Reasoning Ability
- Topics: Puzzles, seating arrangement, inequality, syllogism, coding-decoding, blood relations, and direction sense.
- Preparation: Solve puzzles and practice logical reasoning questions regularly.
General/Financial Awareness
- Topics: Current events, banking awareness, Indian economy, budget, fiscal policies, and financial news.
- Preparation: Read newspapers, follow banking and financial updates, and study recent government schemes.
Computer Aptitude
- Topics: Basics of computers, operating systems, internet, keyboard shortcuts, and basic software knowledge.
- Preparation: Gain basic familiarity with computer operations and applications.
The SBI Clerk exam requires a balanced approach, emphasizing both speed and accuracy. Understanding the exam pattern and syllabus in detail is essential for targeted preparation. By following a structured study plan, practicing regularly, and staying updated with current affairs, candidates can boost their chances of success. Remember to take care of your health and manage stress levels during preparation—consistency and confidence are your best allies in cracking the SBI Clerk exam.
Good luck with your preparation!
frequently asked questions (FAQs) for the SBI Clerk exam, covering essential details candidates often inquire about:
1. What is the selection process for the SBI Clerk exam?
- The SBI Clerk selection process includes two online exams: the Preliminary Exam and the Main Exam. Candidates who clear both exams are then required to pass a local language proficiency test if they haven’t studied the specified language in school.
2. What is the exam pattern for the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam?
- The Preliminary Exam consists of three sections: English Language (30 questions, 20 minutes), Numerical Ability (35 questions, 20 minutes), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions, 20 minutes), with a total duration of 1 hour.
3. Is there a negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam?
- Yes, there is a negative marking in both the Preliminary and Main Exams. For each incorrect answer, 1/4th of the mark assigned to the question is deducted.
4. How many vacancies are usually filled through the SBI Clerk exam?
- The number of vacancies varies each year. SBI releases the exact number of vacancies along with the official notification for the exam.
5. What topics should I focus on for the General/Financial Awareness section in the Main Exam?
- Focus on current affairs, banking awareness, the Indian economy, budget, government schemes, fiscal policies, and other financial news. Reading newspapers daily and following reliable news sources can be helpful.
6. Can I appear for the SBI Clerk exam in my regional language?
- Yes, the SBI Clerk exam is conducted in both English and Hindi, along with other regional languages. Candidates can select their preferred language at the time of application.
7. How many times can I attempt the SBI Clerk exam?
- SBI does not have a restriction on the number of attempts for the Clerk exam. However, candidates must adhere to the age and eligibility criteria specified for the exam.
8. What are the age and educational eligibility criteria for the SBI Clerk exam?
- Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age and should have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Age relaxation is provided for reserved categories as per government guidelines.
9. Is there any interview in the SBI Clerk selection process?
- No, there is no interview for the SBI Clerk position. The selection process includes only the Preliminary and Main Exams, followed by a local language test (if required).
10. How can I prepare for the Reasoning and Computer Aptitude section in the Main Exam?
- For Reasoning, practice puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning questions. For Computer Aptitude, focus on basics like operating systems, the internet, keyboard shortcuts, and basic software applications. Regular practice of mock tests and sectional quizzes can enhance your skills.
all the best
this year there is SBI Clerk Notification ? or next year ?
thanks for this please suggest good mock test papers online
when next sbi clerk notification released ? please