Dreaming of a banking career with State Bank of India (SBI)? The SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment is your gateway to a stable job with great perks. But cracking this exam isn’t just about hard work—it’s about smart preparation.
In this guide, we’ll break down the SBI Clerk selection process, from Prelims to Mains and the final Language Proficiency Test (LPT). You’ll get real-life success tips, expert insights, and a clear roadmap to ace each stage. Let’s dive in!
Key Highlights of SBI Clerk 2025 🚀
| Key Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Selection Stages | Prelims → Mains → Language Test |
| Total Vacancies | 13,785 (Tentative) |
| Prelims Exam Date | Feb 22 – Mar 1, 2025 (Concluded) |
| Mains Exam Date | April 10 & 12, 2025 🗓 |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks per wrong answer) |
| Salary (Starting Pay) | ₹26,730/month (with allowances) |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in |
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025: The 3-Stage Journey 🏆
The SBI Clerk recruitment follows a three-step elimination process:
- Preliminary Exam (Prelims) – Screening test
- Mains Exam – Main selection round
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT) – Final hurdle
Let’s explore each stage in detail.
1. SBI Clerk Prelims 2025: Your First Hurdle 📋
The Prelims is a 60-minute online test with 100 questions (100 marks). It’s qualifying only—marks don’t count in the final selection.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
🔹 Key Insights:
- No sectional cut-off, but aim for 70+ marks (General category) .
- Speed matters! Each section has a strict 20-minute limit .
- Negative marking (0.25 per wrong answer)—avoid blind guessing .
💡 Expert Tip:
“Focus on speed and accuracy in Prelims. Practice sectional mock tests daily to improve timing.” – Banking Coach, Career Power .
2. SBI Clerk Mains 2025: The Decider 🎯
Only 10x the vacancies clear Prelims and move to Mains . This is where the real competition begins.
Mains Exam Pattern
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Reasoning + Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hrs 40 mins |
🔹 Key Insights:
- No individual cut-off, but overall cutoff applies .
- Computer Aptitude is merged with Reasoning (higher weightage) .
- Current Affairs (last 6 months) dominate the GA section .
📌 Real-Life Example:
Rahul, a 2024 qualifier, scored 160/200 in Mains by focusing on Financial Awareness (RBI news, banking terms) and Computer Basics (shortcuts, networking).
3. Language Proficiency Test (LPT): The Final Check ✅
After Mains, you must prove fluency in the local language of your applied state.
🔹 Exemption Rule:
- If you studied the language in Class 10/12, submit your marksheet—no test needed .
🔹 Test Format:
- Basic reading, writing, speaking (e.g., translating a paragraph) .
⚠️ Warning: Failing LPT = Disqualification, even if you clear Mains .
SBI Clerk 2025: Important Dates & Preparation Tips 📅
Key Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Prelims Result | March 2025 (Out) |
| Mains Admit Card | April 2, 2025 |
| Mains Exam | April 10 & 12, 2025 |
| Final Result | May 2025 (Expected) |
Last-Minute Mains Prep Tips
✅ Revise Banking Terms (Repo Rate, NPA, KYC) .
✅ Practice Data Interpretation (Pie/Bar Charts) .
✅ Take Full-Length Mocks (Time yourself strictly) .
💬 Final Thought:
“The SBI Clerk exam rewards consistent effort. Stick to a plan, and you’ll crack it!” – Topper’s Strategy, BankersAdda .
Need more details? Check the official SBI website for updates! 🚀
Rishabh Singh is a content creator focusing on recruitment notifications and admit cards. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has 4+ years of experience. Rishabh enjoys simplifying job application processes and is a fitness enthusiast.
