SBI Clerk Backlog Exam Pattern & Selection Process 2026

The Online Preliminary Examination consists of Objective Tests for 100 marks. It is of 1-hour duration and comprises 3 Sections: English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. Each test has a separate timing as detailed in the table below.

• There will be negative marking for wrong answers in the objective tests — 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual tests OR for the aggregate score.
• Section-wise marks will not be maintained.
• Adequate number of candidates in each category, as decided by the Bank (approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability), will be shortlisted for the Main Exam from the list of all candidates arranged in descending order of aggregate marks scored.
• The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.

The Online Main Examination consists of Objective Tests for 200 marks (190 questions) across 4 sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. It is of 2 hours 40 minutes duration, with each test having a separate timing as shown below.

• There will be negative marking for wrong answers in the objective tests — 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for each wrong answer.
• Candidates are required to score a minimum percentage of marks on aggregate. The minimum qualifying marks on aggregate will be as decided by the Bank.
• No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects. Section-wise marks will not be maintained.
• Trained apprentices of SBI are given weightage in the Main Examination by awarding 2.5% of the maximum marks (5 marks out of 200) as bonus marks, subject to the apprentice's engagement start date being on or after 01.01.2022 and having completed the specified branch experience of one year successfully in SBI on or before the last date of registration (27.08.2026), with satisfactory conduct and performance during the training period.
• Merit list will be drawn State-wise, category-wise. Candidates qualified in the Main Examination will be placed according to their aggregate marks in descending order in respective States and categories.
• The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for October/November 2026.

Provisionally selected candidates not having studied (in class 10th or 12th) any of the specified local language of the State applied, will have to appear in the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). The test is conducted after provisional selection but before joining the Bank. Candidates who fail to qualify this test will not be offered appointment, and candidates not found proficient in the specified opted local language would be disqualified.

Candidates are required to score minimum qualifying marks as decided by the Bank in the individual test.

As per the official notification, General English in the Main Examination and the English Language test in the Preliminary Examination are conducted only in English. The remaining sections (Numerical Ability, Reasoning Ability, General/Financial Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude) can be attempted in the medium of examination applicable to the State/UT the candidate has applied for, as listed below.