SBI Clerk: Notification, Pattern, Syllabus, Salary & Cut-Offs
State Bank of India conducts the SBI Clerk Exam every year to recruit candidates as Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) across its nationwide branches. This highly competitive exam, one of India’s most popular banking recruitment drives, features a two-stage selection—Prelims and Mains—followed by Language Proficiency Test (LPT).
The exam offers graduates a stable, rewarding career path in SBI. Lakhs of aspirants apply annually for these entry-level positions that guarantee job security and growth opportunities within India’s largest public sector bank.
What is the SBI Clerk Exam?
The SBI Clerk Exam serves as the State Bank of India’s primary recruitment drive to select thousands of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) annually, filling essential front-line roles like cashiers, depositors, and customer-facing positions that represent individual branches. These clerks manage critical daily operations, including customer transactions, deposits, withdrawals, fund transfers, account queries, and smooth branch functioning, while serving as the primary point of client interaction.
Unlike officer-level exams, selection relies solely on performance across Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, and Language Proficiency Test (LPT)—no interview required—making early, strategic preparation essential to compete successfully for these highly sought-after permanent banking positions with strong job security.
SBI Clerk 2026 Notification
State Bank of India (SBI) will issue the official SBI Clerk 2026 Notification this year, announcing recruitment for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) positions across its nationwide branches. Candidates should monitor the official SBI website from early June for the 2026 notification.
SBI Clerk 2026 – Exam Overview
State Bank of India (SBI) recruits Junior Associates (Clerks) through a streamlined two-stage online selection process—Preliminary Exam followed by Mains Exam and Language Proficiency Test (LPT). The 2026-27 recruitment cycle will announce substantial vacancies across SBI branches nationwide, offering graduates stable banking careers with competitive compensation.
| Parameter | Details |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post | Junior Associate (Clerk) |
| Vacancies | To be announced |
| Advertisement No. | To be notified |
| Exam Category | Government Banking Jobs |
| Selection Stages | Prelims → Mains → Language Proficiency Test |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Educational Requirement | Graduation from a recognized university |
| Age Eligibility | 20-28 years |
| Approximate Salary | ₹46,000 per month |
| Official Websites | www.sbi.co.in | sbi.co.in/web/careers |
SBI Clerk 2026 Important Dates
State Bank of India will officially confirm all SBI Clerk 2026 dates alongside the release of the notification. Below is the projected calendar based on historical patterns, compared with 2025’s confirmed schedule for reference.
SBI Clerk 2026 Expected Timeline (vs Actual 2025 Dates)
| Events | SBI Clerk 2025 (Actual) | SBI Clerk 2026 (Expected) |
| Notification Release | 5th August 2025 | July/August 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 6th August 2025 | August 2026 |
| Application Deadline | 26th August 2025 | Late August 2026 |
| Pre-Examination Training | September 2025 | September/October 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card | 7-10 days before the exam | 7-10 days before the exam |
| Prelims Exam Date | 20th, 21st, 27th Sept 2025 | 27th Sept, 3rd Oct 2026 |
| Prelims Result | 4th November 2025 | October/November 2026 |
| Mains Admit Card | 14th November 2025 | November 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 21st November 2025 | 7th November 2026 |
Note: Monitor www.sbi.co.in/careers for official 2026 updates, typically announced 2-3 months before Prelims.
SBI Clerk 2026 – Vacancy Details
State Bank of India will announce 2026 Junior Associate (Clerk) vacancies through the official notification. Last year (2025), SBI declared 6,589 total vacancies nationwide, including 5,180 regular and 1,409 backlog vacancies distributed across states/UTs.
SBI Clerk 2025 Vacancy Distribution (Regular + Backlog)
| State/UT | Regular | Backlog | Total |
| Andhra Pradesh | 310 | 5 | 315 |
| Karnataka | 270 | 229 | 499 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 100 | 99 | 199 |
| Chhattisgarh | 220 | 86 | 306 |
| Odisha | 190 | – | 190 |
| Haryana | 138 | 8 | 146 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 29 | – | 29 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 68 | – | 68 |
| Ladakh | 37 | – | 37 |
| Punjab | 178 | – | 178 |
| Tamil Nadu | 380 | – | 380 |
| Telangana | 250 | 70 | 320 |
| Rajasthan | 260 | 43 | 303 |
| West Bengal | 270 | 16 | 286 |
| A & N Islands | 30 | 5 | 35 |
| Sikkim | 20 | 1 | 21 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 514 | 37 | 551 |
| Maharashtra | 476 | 242 | 718 |
| Goa | 14 | 3 | 17 |
| Delhi | 169 | 44 | 213 |
| Uttarakhand | 127 | 12 | 139 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 20 | 48 | 68 |
| Assam | 145 | 235 | 380 |
| Manipur | 16 | 26 | 42 |
| Meghalaya | 32 | 60 | 92 |
| Mizoram | 13 | 22 | 35 |
| Nagaland | 22 | 39 | 61 |
| Tripura | 22 | 51 | 73 |
| Bihar | 260 | – | 260 |
| Jharkhand | 130 | – | 130 |
| Kerala | 247 | 25 | 272 |
| Lakshadweep | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| Gujarat | 220 | – | 220 |
| Total | 5,180 | 1,409 | 6,589 |
Key Highlights: Maharashtra (718), UP (551), and Karnataka (499) led 2025 vacancies. Backlog vacancies focused heavily on the North-East states and Maharashtra.
SBI Clerk 2026 Application Process
Candidates must complete SBI Clerk 2026 registration exclusively through the official portal at www.sbi.co.in. The process involves filling out the online form, uploading required documents (photo, signature, handwritten declaration), entering educational details, and completing fee payment digitally.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide:
- Navigate to www.sbi.co.in → “Careers” → “Current Openings” → “Junior Associates Recruitment” → “Apply Online”
- Click “New Registration” (or login for existing users)
- Enter personal details (name, DOB, contact info, category)
- Upload photo, signature, and handwritten declaration in the specified format/size
- Fill educational qualifications and upload relevant certificates
- Complete application fee payment using Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
- Preview, submit, and download the confirmation page for records
Tip: Verify all details before final submission—corrections won’t be possible after payment. Keep the registration number/password safe for the admit card download.
SBI Clerk 2026 Application Fee Details
Application fees vary by category as per the SBI Clerk notification guidelines. Fees paid are non-refundable and cannot be transferred to other exams or reserved for future use. Payment must be completed online only.
| S.No. | Category | Fee Amount |
| 1 | SC/ST/PwD | NIL |
| 2 | General/OBC/EWS | ₹750/- (inclusive of intimation charges) |
Payment Methods: Credit Card, Debit Card, Net Banking, or UPI during online registration. Verify transaction status before final submission.
SBI Clerk 2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet these essential requirements to apply for Junior Associate (Clerk) positions through SBI Clerk 2026:
1. Educational Qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government
- Final-year/semester students can apply provisionally, but must submit degree proof before joining
- Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) holders must verify passing date matches the notification
- Ex-servicemen with 15+ years of service and specific certificates qualify
- Basic computer literacy required
2. Age Limit (as on specified date)
- Minimum: 20 years
- Maximum: 28 years
- Birth range: 02-04-1997 to 01-04-2005 (both dates inclusive)
3. Age Relaxation Table
| S.No. | Eligible Category | Applicable Age Relaxation |
| 1 | OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years (maximum permissible age reaches 31 years) |
| 2 | Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (SC/ST) | 5 years (maximum permissible age reaches 33 years) |
| 3 | Persons with Disability (PwD) – General/EWS | 10 years (maximum permissible age reaches 38 years) |
| 4 | Persons with Disability (PwD) – OBC | 13 years (maximum permissible age reaches 41 years) |
| 5 | Persons with Disability (PwD) – SC/ST | 15 years (maximum permissible age reaches 43 years) |
| 6 | Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Actual defence service duration + 3 years (8 years for SC/ST disabled ex-servicemen), maximum age cap of 50 years |
| 7 | Widows, Divorced Women (not remarried) | 7 years, subject to maximum limits of 35 years (General/EWS), 38 years (OBC), 40 years (SC/ST) |
| 8 | Trained Apprentices of SBI | General/EWS: 1 year; OBC: 4 years; SC/ST: 6 years; PwD (Gen/EWS): 11 years; PwD (OBC): 14 years; PwD (SC/ST): 16 years |
4. Nationality/Citizenship
- Indian citizens required
- Eligible: Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan refugees (pre-1962), select PIOs from specific countries (Persons of Indian Origin) with an eligibility certificate
Important: Eligibility verification occurs at the document submission stage. Provisional admission doesn’t guarantee final selection.
SBI Clerk 2026 Recruitment Overview
Candidates aspiring for Clerical Cadre positions through the SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) 2026 examination undergo a structured three-phase selection methodology designed by the State Bank of India.
Key Selection Highlights
Phase I: Preliminary Exam – Online objective screening test to shortlist candidates for Mains
Phase II: Main Exam – Comprehensive online test evaluating subject knowledge and aptitude
Phase III: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) – Mandatory qualifying test verifying regional language proficiency relevant to posting location.
Important Transfer Policy
State Bank of India maintains a strict no-transfer policy for newly recruited Junior Associates. Selected candidates receive postings within specific circles/states and remain ineligible for Inter-Circle Transfer or Inter-State Transfer throughout their initial service tenure.
Special Provision for SBI Trained Apprentices
Candidates currently serving as trained apprentices with the State Bank of India qualify for preferential treatment during the Main Examination evaluation. Such candidates receive bonus marks equivalent to 2.5% of the total Mains marks (translating to 5 bonus marks out of 200 maximum marks), providing them a competitive advantage in the merit calculation process.
SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern
Understanding the precise structure of the SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) 2026 examination proves essential for an effective preparation strategy. The selection process comprises three distinct phases: Preliminary Exam (qualifying stage), Main Exam (merit-determining stage), and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). State Bank of India explicitly confirms no sectional cut-offs or minimum qualifying marks per subject—overall performance governs advancement.
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect response across both Prelims and Mains.
Phase I: SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026
| S.No. | Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| 1 | English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| 2 | Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| 3 | Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Key Features: Online objective test; no sectional timing switch allowed.
Phase II: SBI Clerk Main Exam Pattern 2026
Exam Mode: Computer-based objective test (MCQs)
| S.No. | Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
| 1 | General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| 2 | General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| 3 | Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| 4 | Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hr 40 min |
Total Scoring: 200 marks; sectional time limits strictly enforced.
Phase III: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Qualifying Nature: Mandatory for final selection; failure disqualifies candidates regardless of exam scores.
| Test Type | Format | Passages | Questions | Max Marks |
| Non-Verbal | Objective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Non-Verbal | Subjective | 3 | 15 | 15 |
| Verbal | 20 | |||
- Purpose: Validates proficiency in posting the state’s local/regional language.
- Special Note: SBI Trained Apprentices receive 5 bonus marks (2.5% of Mains total) in the Main Exam evaluation.
- Pro Tip: Master sectional time management—Prelims demands 36 seconds/question; Mains varies 30-54 seconds/section-wise.
SBI Clerk Attempt Limits
State Bank of India imposes no restrictions on the number of attempts candidates can make for the SBI Clerk examination. Aspirants remain free to participate in the exam multiple times until they either qualify for selection or exhaust their age eligibility as prescribed in the notification.
Key Eligibility Rules:
General Category: Must fall within the 20-28 years age bracket
Reserved Categories: Receive applicable age relaxation per government norms
No attempt counting: Unlike officer-level exams (SBI PO), the Clerk exam tracks only age compliance
This unlimited attempt policy enables graduates to strategically improve scores across exam cycles while maintaining eligibility, making SBI Clerk one of the most accessible entry-level banking opportunities available annually.
SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus
SBI Clerk Preliminary and Main examinations share identical syllabus coverage across Reasoning Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, and English Language sections. However, Mains questions feature significantly higher difficulty levels with advanced application, compared to Prelims questions.
No sectional cut-offs apply—overall performance determines progression from Prelims (qualifying) to Mains (merit-based).
Complete SBI Clerk Syllabus with Topic Importance
| Reasoning | Quantitative Aptitude | English Language |
| Logical Reasoning (Medium) | Simplification (High) | Reading Comprehension (High) |
| Alphanumeric Series (High) | Profit and Loss (High) | Cloze Test (High) |
| Ranking/Direction/Alphabet Test (Medium) | Mixtures and Alligations (Medium) | Para Jumbles (High) |
| Data Sufficiency (Medium) | Simple & Compound Interest (Medium) | Fill in the Blanks (Medium) |
| Coded Inequalities (High) | Surds & Indices (Low) | Multiple Meaning/Error Spotting (High) |
| Seating Arrangement (High) | Work and Time (Medium) | Paragraph Completion (Medium) |
| Puzzle (High) | Time & Distance (Medium) | |
| Tabulation (Medium) | Mensuration – Cylinder, Cone, Sphere (Medium) | |
| Syllogism (High) | Data Interpretation (High) | |
| Blood Relations (Medium) | Ratio & Proportion, Percentage (High) | |
| Input Output (Medium) | Number Systems (Medium) | |
| Coding Decoding (High) | Sequence & Series (Medium) | |
| Permutation, Combination & Probability (Low) |
SBI Clerk 2026 Admit Card & Call Letter
- Preliminary Examination Call Letters: Candidates must download both their call letter and the “Acquaint Yourself” booklet directly from the State Bank of India’s official website. Use your registration number and password (or date of birth) for access. These become available approximately 10 days before the scheduled Prelims exam date.
- Main Examination Call Letters: Only candidates who qualify in the Preliminary stage can download their Mains call letter from the bank’s website. Follow the on-screen instructions provided during the download process. Availability starts tentatively 10 days before the Main exam date.
- Documents Required at Main Exam: During the Main examination, candidates need to present their duly authenticated Preliminary exam call letter (including an authenticated copy of valid ID proof), along with the Main examination call letter and any other required documents. All these must be submitted to the exam authorities on the day of the Main exam.
- Photograph Requirements: Carry two additional passport-size photographs that exactly match the one already pasted on your call letter. Refer to the “Acquaint Yourself” booklet and call letter for complete document details. Candidates without a photo pasted on the call letter OR without these two extra identical photos will be denied entry to the examination hall.
State Bank of India sends NO physical copies of Preliminary/Main call letters or “Acquaint Yourself” booklets through postal mail.
SBI Clerk Pre-Examination Training 2026
- Eligibility: State Bank of India organizes free pre-exam training specifically for SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen/PwBD category candidates, following Government of India guidelines.
- Training Mode: Conducted entirely online through the bank’s official website.
- Application Process: Eligible candidates must select the relevant option during online application submission to express interest.
- Access Details: Registered candidates log in using their registration number + date of birth from the bank’s website to attend sessions.
- Communication: Training schedule and details sent via registered email + SMS only—no physical documents mailed.
SBI Clerk Preparation
SBI Clerk Previous Year Papers
SBI Clerk Previous Year Question Papers serve as essential study materials for exam candidates. These resources reveal the actual exam structure, question varieties, and varying difficulty across the Prelims and Mains stages.
Regular practice with these memory-based PDFs—from 2025 shifts down to 2016—enhances time management, speed, and accuracy while exposing recurring topics and common pitfalls. Candidates gain confidence, pinpoint weaknesses, and simulate real exam pressure, achieving the 90-100% accuracy needed to clear both phases.
SBI Clerk Mock Tests and Online Tests
Live mock tests rank among the top resources for SBI Clerk 2026 preparation, alongside online classes. Greater practice volume directly correlates with higher scores by building exam readiness.
Platforms like LearnTheta offer SBI Clerk mocks covering Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language—essential for both Prelims and Mains syllabus mastery.
SBI Clerk 2026 Result
State Bank of India publishes category-wise cut-offs and separate merit lists for both Prelims and Mains exams on sbi.co.in —candidates must clear overall sectional thresholds to qualify for the next stage. SBI Clerk 2026 Prelims results appear online as downloadable PDFs, with stage-wise declarations ensuring transparency throughout the selection process.
SBI Clerk 2026 Salary
SBI Clerks receive a starting basic pay of ₹26,730 per month (₹24,050 base + 2 advance increments for graduates), with total initial emoluments of around ₹46,000 per month, including Dearness Allowance (DA) and other allowances at prevailing rates.
Complete Pay 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.
Probation Details: New recruits serve a 6-month probation period where performance is evaluated. Substandard performance may lead to probation extension.
SBI Clerk 2026 Cut-Off
Analyzing previous year cut-offs provides reliable benchmarks for predicting SBI Clerk qualification marks. Below are the 2024 Prelims General category state-wise cut-offs:
| State/UT | General Cut-Off |
| Andhra Pradesh | 68.75 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 68.75 |
| Assam | 60.75 |
| Bihar | 47.25 |
| Chhattisgarh | 29.5 |
| Chandigarh | 65.25 |
| Delhi | 67 |
| Gujarat | 47 |
| Haryana | 64 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 68.50 |
| Jammu | 66.50 |
| Jharkhand | 42.25 |
| Karnataka | 72.5 |
| Kerala | 64 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 49.25 |
| Maharashtra | 44.75 |
| Meghalaya | 54.75 |
| Manipur | 37 |
| Odisha | 64.25 |
| Punjab | 60.25 |
| Rajasthan | 59.5 |
| Sikkim | 39.75 |
| Tamil Nadu | 55.50 |
| Telangana | 60 |
| Tripura | 64 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 61.75 |
| Uttarakhand | 64.75 |
| West Bengal | 61.25 |
Note: Cut-offs vary by state due to vacancy distribution and competition—Karnataka recorded the highest (72.5) while Manipur recorded the lowest (37) among the General category.
SBI Clerk: State-wise Exam Language Options
SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) exams offer a medium of exam choices based on the state applied for—typically English + the official state language.
| Sr. No. | State/UT | Medium of Exam |
| 1 | Andaman & Nicobar | English, Hindi |
| 2 | Andhra Pradesh | English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu |
| 3 | Arunachal Pradesh | English, Hindi |
| 4 | Assam | English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali |
| 5 | Bihar | English, Hindi, Urdu |
| 6 | Chhattisgarh | English, Hindi |
| 7 | Delhi | English, Hindi |
| 8 | Goa | English, Hindi, Konkani |
| 9 | Gujarat | English, Hindi, Gujarati |
| 10 | Haryana | English, Hindi, Punjabi |
| 11 | Himachal Pradesh | English, Hindi |
| 12 | Jammu & Kashmir | English, Hindi, Urdu |
| 13 | Jharkhand | English, Hindi |
| 14 | Karnataka | English, Hindi, Kannada |
| 15 | Kerala | English, Hindi, Malayalam |
| 16 | Ladakh | English, Hindi, Urdu |
| 17 | Lakshadweep | English, Hindi, Malayalam |
| 18 | Madhya Pradesh | English, Hindi |
| 19 | Maharashtra | English, Hindi, Marathi |
| 20 | Manipur | English, Hindi, Manipuri |
| 21 | Meghalaya | English, Hindi |
| 22 | Mizoram | English, Hindi |
| 23 | Nagaland | English, Hindi |
| 24 | Odisha | English, Hindi, Odia |
| 25 | Punjab | English, Hindi, Punjabi |
| 26 | Rajasthan | English, Hindi |
| 27 | Sikkim | English, Hindi |
| 28 | Tamil Nadu | English, Hindi, Tamil |
| 29 | Telangana | English, Hindi, Telugu, Urdu |
| 30 | Tripura | English, Hindi, Bengali |
| 31 | Uttar Pradesh | English, Hindi, Urdu |
| 32 | Uttarakhand | English, Hindi |
| 33 | West Bengal | English, Hindi, Bengali |
Key Note: Select language at application stage—matches Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) requirement for posting state
SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test Requirement
Candidates producing valid 10th or 12th standard marksheets/certificates that demonstrate they studied the specified local language of their chosen state during selection automatically qualify for exemption from the Language Proficiency Test (LLPT).
For all other candidates who qualify provisionally for appointment, the Local Language Proficiency Test becomes mandatory. This assessment occurs after provisional selection but before final joining at the posting location.
Failure to demonstrate proficiency in the opted state’s local language during this test leads to immediate disqualification. Such candidates receive no appointment offer from the State Bank of India, regardless of their exam performance in the Prelims and Mains stages.
SBI Clerk Job Perks & Benefits
SBI Clerk positions provide comprehensive remuneration packages that combine competitive salary structures with extensive welfare benefits, ensuring long-term financial security and professional growth.
Financial Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Approximately 18% of basic pay, revised periodically to offset inflation.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Provided based on posting location classification.
- Transport Allowance: ₹850+ per month, with higher amounts in metro cities.
- Special Allowance & Pay: ₹7,000+ Special Allowance and ₹1,200 Special Pay for clerical duties.
- Provident Fund & National Pension System (NPS): Mandatory employer contributions for retirement corpus.
- Medical Insurance: Full coverage for employee, spouse, and dependent children.
Work-Life Balance Benefits
- Job Security: Permanent employment under the Government of India guidelines with no risk of termination.
- Generous Leave Policy: Privilege leave, casual leave, and medical leave with encashment facilities.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Subsidized travel allowances for family vacations every two years.
- Pension & Post-Retirement Benefits: Lifetime medical facilities and pensioner housing support.
Career Progression Opportunities
- Structured Promotions: Progress from Trainee Assistant to Senior Assistant (10 years), Special Assistant (20 years), reaching ₹64,480 basic pay.
- Work Hours: Standard 10 AM-5 PM shifts across six days, with state/circle-bound transfers only.
- Professional Development: Access to SBI Learning Centres for regular training programs.
These structured benefits position the SBI Clerk role as a premier choice for graduates prioritizing stability, welfare provisions, and predictable career advancement within India’s largest public sector bank.
SBI Clerk FAQs
Q. When will the Official SBI Clerk 2026 Notification be released?
A: State Bank of India typically publishes the complete SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) 2026 Recruitment Notification during July or August 2026 on their official careers portal at www.sbi.co.in. This document contains vital details, including exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, and selection stages for all states/UTs.
Q. Is any Minimum Graduation Percentage Required for the SBI Clerk 2026 Exam?
A: No minimum percentage requirement exists for graduation. Candidates simply need to hold a bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a UGC-recognized university with a passing status. This makes the exam accessible to all graduates regardless of their academic percentage.
Q. Can I Apply for SBI Clerk 2026 from a Different State than My Residence?
A: Yes, candidates can apply for any state/UT regardless of residential address. However, you must demonstrate proficiency in the local/regional language of the chosen state during the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) stage, as postings occur only within the applied state.
Q. Is the SBI Clerk Exam Conducted in a Bilingual Format?
A: Yes, all question papers for SBI Clerk 2026 (Prelims and Mains) appear in bilingual format—English and Hindi by default. Additionally, state-specific regional languages (like Telugu, Tamil, Bengali, etc.) are available based on the state applied for, as per the medium selection during application.
Q. Does Negative Marking Apply in the SBI Clerk Exam?
A: Yes, negative marking exists in both Preliminary and Main examinations. For each incorrect answer, one-fourth (1/4th or 0.25 marks) gets deducted from the total score. No penalty applies for unanswered questions, making strategic attempt selection crucial for maximizing scores.
Q. Are There Provisions for Extra Marks for SBI Apprentices in SBI Clerk 2026?
A: Yes, trained SBI apprentices receive special consideration. They qualify for 5 bonus marks (equivalent to 2.5% of the 200-mark Mains total) added directly to their Main exam score. This weightage rewards prior SBI service and boosts their final merit ranking.
Q. Is There a Limit on the Number of Attempts for the SBI Clerk 2026 Exam?
A: No restrictions on attempts—unlike officer-level exams (SBI PO). Eligible candidates can appear unlimited times across multiple years, provided they satisfy the age criteria (20-28 years for the General category, with relaxations) and other eligibility conditions during each application cycle.