SBI Clerk Syllabus – Section-wise Topics, Exam Pattern, Marks Weightage

State Bank of India (SBI) defines the SBI Clerk syllabus for Prelims and Mains exams separately. The syllabus for SBI Clerk exam (Prelims & Mains) contains the name of topics to be prepared for each section.   

SBI Clerk Prelims question paper consists of three sections – Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Computer Aptitude and English Language. On the other hand, the SBI Clerk Mains exam has four sections, namely:

  1. Finance & General Awareness 
  2. Quantitative Aptitude 
  3. General English 
  4. General Reasoning & Computer Aptitude 

Hence, applicants must get a hang of the section-wise SBI Clerk syllabus to inch closer towards success. As the competition is cutthroat, candidates should gear up with an effective SBI Clerk preparation plan to get an edge over their counterparts. Go through the exam pattern and complete SBI Clerk syllabus for Prelims and Mains in this article.

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SBI Clerk Syllabus 2022 – Major Highlights

  1. SBI Clerk 2022 recruitment process is segregated into three phases – Prelims, Mains and Local Language Test (if applicable)
  2. The SBI Clerk Prelims exam includes 100 MCQs (Multiple Choice Questions) which the candidates need to answer in 60 minutes  
  3. The SBI Clerk Mains question paper is divided into four sections and consists of 190 MCQs, which are to be solved in 160 minutes   
  4. Both Prelims and Mains exams are held online 
  5. Local language Test is mandatory for those candidates who qualify Mains exam but are unable to provide a local language proficiency proof (testifying that they have studied their local/regional language at class 10th level)

Read More : SBI Clerk Exam Pattern – Prelims & Mains Paper Pattern, Syllabus

SBI Clerk Syllabus – Preliminary Exam

Section wise syllabus of SBI Clerk Prelims is mentioned below:

SBI Clerk Syllabus for Prelims

Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability English Language
Equation and Algebra Puzzle Reading Comprehension
Data Interpretation Seating Arrangement Fill in the Blanks
Work and Time Blood Relations Synonyms and Antonyms
Volume & Surface area Direction Test Sentence Rearrangement
Upstream and Downstream Syllogism Sentence Correction
Time & Distance Coding-Decoding Cloze Test
Simplification Input-Output Idioms and Phrases
Surds & Indices Order and Ranking Vocabulary
Stock & Shares Statement and Assumptions  
Simple Interest and Compound Interest Inequalities  
Sequence & Series Alphanumeric Series  
Ratio & Proportion, Percentage Data Sufficiency  
Profit and Loss    
Probability    
Permutation and Combination    
Averages    
Partnership    
Number Systems    
Mixtures and Alligations    
Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere    

SBI Clerk Syllabus – Mains Exam

Go through the below-given table to get a hang of section-wise SBI Clerk Mains syllabus:

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SBI Clerk Syllabus for Mains

General English Quantitative Aptitude Reasoning Ability Finance and General Awareness
Reading Comprehension Data Interpretation Puzzle Current Affairs 
Synonyms and Antonyms Data Sufficiency Machine Output Static General Awareness
Sentence Rearrangement Profit and Loss Syllogism Banking and Financial Terms
Sentence Correction Mensuration Direction Test Important Abbreviations
Fillers Simple and Compound Interest Blood Relation Banking Awareness
Cloze Test Mixtures and Allegations Coding and Decoding Fiscal and Monetary Policy
Idioms and Phrases Permutation and Combination Statement and Assumptions Important Government schemes
Vocabulary Work, Time and Distance Order and Ranking Awards and Honours
Miscellaneous Number series Linear Arrangement Indian Constitution

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern 2022

SBI Clerk exam pattern basically explains the mode of test, type and number of questions in the exam, test duration, section-wise marks distribution, total marks, negative marking, time allotted for each section, etc. The structure of Prelims and Mains exams is different. Check out the tables below to understand the exam layout of SBI Clerk Prelims & Mains:

SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern (Section-wise Questions, Marks and Time Allotted)

Subjects Number of Questions Marks Allotted Sectional Time Limit (in minutes)
English Language 30 30 20 
Quantitative Aptitude 35 35 20 
Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 
Total 100 100 60

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern (Section-wise Questions, Marks and Time Allotted)

Subjects Number of Questions Marks Allotted *Sectional Time Limit (in minutes)
Reasoning Ability 50 60 45
Quantitative Aptitude 50 50 45 
General Awareness 50 50 35 
English Language 40 40 35
Total 190 200 160 

*There is no sectional time limit applicable in SBI Mains. The time duration for each section mentioned in the table above is based on expert opinion.

SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus – Expected Number of Questions per Topic

As per the expert recommendations, certain anticipated topics and number of questions in SBI Clerk Prelims exam are highlighted in the below given tables that contain section wise data:

Topic-wise Weightage of Questions in Reasoning Ability

Reasoning Section- Topics Expected Number of Questions
Puzzle 10
Seating Arrangement 5 to 10
Blood Relations 2
Direction Test 2 to 3
Syllogism 3 to 4
Coding-Decoding 1 to 2
Input-Output 0 to 5
Order and Ranking 1 to 2
Statement and Assumptions 2 to 3
Inequalities 1 to 2
Alphanumeric Series 2 to 3
Data Sufficiency 1 to 3

Topic-wise Weightage of Questions in Quantitative Aptitude 

Quantitative Aptitude Section – Topics Expected Number of Questions
Equation and Algebra 3
Data Interpretation 15
Work and Time 2
Volume & Surface area 3
Upstream and Downstream 1 to 2
Time & Distance 2
Simplification 5
Surds & Indices 1 to 2
Stock & Shares 1 to 2
Simple Interest and Compound Interest 1 to 2
Sequence & Series 5
Ratio & Proportion, Percentage 3
Profit and Loss 2
Probability 5
Permutation and Combination 5
Averages 2
Partnership 1 to 2
Number Systems 2 to 3
Mixtures and Alligations 1 to 2
Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere 1 to 2


Topic-wise Weightage of Questions in English Language

English Section – Topics Expected Number of Questions
Reading Comprehension 10 to 15
Fill in the Blanks 5 to 10
Synonyms and Antonyms 4 to 5
Sentence Rearrangement 5
Sentence Correction 5 to 10
Cloze Test 5 to 7
Idioms and Phrases 1 to 2
Vocabulary 1 to 2

General Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Exam

SBI Clerk is one of the most competitive bank examinations in the country, and to stand out in the competition, candidates need to follow certain tricks and tips as mentioned below:

  1. Go through the SBI Clerk syllabus and paper pattern for Prelims and Mains exam to devise a holistic preparation plan
  2. Solve mock tests to understand the nature of questions and UI (User Interface) of SBI Clerk Exam
  3. Work on your time management skills through speed tests and sample papers and try to root out your weak points
  4. Make a proper time table and strategize the preparation plan for each section systematically
  5. Identify your strengths and weakness while solving the mock tests and work on them
  6. Revise the important topics on a frequent basis

Recommended Books for SBI Clerk Exam Preparation

Candidates can refer to the below given books for SBI Clerk exam preparation:

SBI Clerk Preparation Books for Reasoning Ability

Name of Book Publisher/Author
A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning  R.S Agarwal
How To Prepare For Data Interpretation and Logical Reasoning  Arun Sharma
Analytical Reasoning M.K. Pandey
How to prepare for Logical Reasoning  Arun Sharma


SBI Clerk Preparation Books for English Language

Name of Book Publisher/Author
Objective General English R.S Agarwal
English Grammar and Composition Wren and Martin


SBI Clerk Preparation Books for Quantitative Aptitude

Name of Book Publisher/Author
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations R.S Agarwal
Shortcuts in Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams Disha Experts
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic  Arihant Publications
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams Abhijit Guha


SBI Clerk Preparation Books for General Awareness

Name of Book Publisher/Author
India Year Book by Publications Department, Government of India
Banking Awareness  B.K Raut and S.R. Behera
Daily Newspaper for current affairs

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SBI Clerk Syllabus – Frequently Asked Questions or FAQs

✔️ How many sections do I need to prepare for as per the SBI Clerk syllabus for Prelims?

As per the SBI Clerk syllabus, Prelims exam includes three sections namely English Language, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability.

✔️ What is the marking scheme of SBI Clerk Mains exam?

As per the marking scheme of SBI Clerk Mains exam, every question carries a different weightage of marks. Simply speaking, for each wrong answer, 1/4th of the total marks of question will be deducted. No penalty is there for unattempted questions.

✔️ What are the important topics in the Reasoning Ability section of the SBI Clerk Prelims exam?

As suggested by the experts, some important topics in Reasoning Ability section of SBI Clerk Prelims exam include Puzzle, Seating Arrangement, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, Input-Output, Inequalities, Statement and Assumptions, Order and Ranking, Data Sufficiency and Alphanumeric Series.

✔️ What are the recommended books for the General Awareness section of the SBI Clerk exam?

To effectively prepare the SBI Clerk syllabus for the General Awareness section, candidates must read reputable newspapers and watch national news channels to remain up-to-date with the current happenings. Moreover, books like Banking Awareness by B.K Raut and S.R. Behera and India Year Book by the Publications Department, Government of India are recommended for the preparation of General Awareness section in SBI Clerk exam.

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