The SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) exam is one of the most sought-after banking exams conducted by the State Bank of India (SBI) for the recruitment of clerical cadre in its branches across India. With thousands of candidates applying every year, it is crucial to have a strong understanding of the SBI Clerk syllabus to effectively prepare for the exam.
In this blog, we will guide you through the complete SBI Clerk syllabus, highlight important topics for each section of the exam, and provide valuable tips to help you prepare efficiently.
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk exam consists of two stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Mains Exam
Both stages have different patterns, and it’s essential to understand each stage to plan your preparation effectively.
1. Preliminary Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Exam tests your basic aptitude and reasoning skills. It consists of three sections:
- English Language
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability
- Duration: 1 hour
- Total Marks: 100
- Sectional Distribution:
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks
2. Mains Exam Pattern
The Mains Exam is more comprehensive and consists of the following sections:
- General/Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
- Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Total Marks: 200
- Sectional Distribution:
- General/Financial Awareness: 50 questions, 50 marks
- General English: 40 questions, 40 marks
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions, 50 marks
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 questions, 60 marks
SBI Clerk Syllabus for Preliminary Exam
The Preliminary Exam is designed to test your general knowledge and basic skills. The syllabus includes three major sections:
1. English Language
This section assesses your proficiency in the English language. Important topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Spotting
- Sentence Improvement
- Sentence Correction
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Synonyms and Antonyms
2. Quantitative Aptitude
This section tests your mathematical and analytical skills. Key topics include:
- Number Series
- Data Interpretation (Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs)
- Simplification
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Average
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Speed, Distance, and Time
- Probability
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Mixture and Alligation
3. Reasoning Ability
This section evaluates your logical reasoning skills. Key topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Coding and Decoding
- Direction Sense Test
- Inequality
- Syllogism
- Data Sufficiency
- Input-Output
- Statement and Assumption
SBI Clerk Syllabus for Mains Exam
The Mains Exam is more detailed and includes four sections that test your proficiency in different areas.
1. General/Financial Awareness
This section assesses your knowledge of current events, banking awareness, and financial terminology. Key topics include:
- Current Affairs (National and International)
- Banking and Financial Awareness
- RBI and its Functions
- Government Schemes and Policies
- Financial Institutions and Terminologies
- Budget and Economic Policies
- Awards and Honors
- Sports and Major Events
2. General English
This section focuses on assessing your English language skills in a more advanced manner. Key topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Sentence Correction
- Error Spotting
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Fill in the Blanks
3. Quantitative Aptitude
The Quantitative Aptitude section in the Mains Exam is similar to the Prelims, but it is more complex. Key topics include:
- Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Line Graphs, Pie Charts)
- Number Series
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Averages
- Probability
- Mensuration
4. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
This section tests your logical reasoning and computer knowledge. Key topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Blood Relations
- Coding-Decoding
- Input-Output
- Direction Sense Test
- Syllogism
- Data Sufficiency
- Computer Terminology
- Basics of Computer Applications
- Operating Systems
- Internet and Networking
Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Exam
- Understand the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the complete syllabus to identify the areas where you need more practice.
- Practice Mock Tests: Regularly practice mock tests to improve speed and accuracy, especially for time-bound sections.
- Stay Updated with Current Affairs: Read newspapers and magazines to stay updated with the latest events, government schemes, and banking reforms.
- Use Quality Study Material: Choose the right books and online resources that cover the entire syllabus and offer practice questions and previous year papers.
- Time Management: Learn to manage time efficiently by setting a fixed time for each section during your practice sessions.
- Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak sections and work on improving them with extra practice.
Conclusion
The SBI Clerk syllabus covers a wide range of topics from reasoning, quantitative aptitude, and English to general and financial awareness. With consistent practice, proper time management, and the right study materials, you can crack the SBI Clerk exam and secure a position in one of India’s leading banks.
Stay focused on the syllabus, follow a structured study plan, and practice diligently. Best of luck with your preparations!