The notification for the SBI clerk 2021 examination is yet to be released on the official website. This exam is conducted in two main stages, the prelims stage and the mains stage. Being well-versed with the updated SBI clerk exam pattern for prelims and mains stages is necessary for proper preparation.
Prelims Exam Pattern
The prelims exam is computer-based and available in English and Hindi (except for questions in the English section). Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, and English Language are the three sections that are part of the first phase. The Computer Based Test (CBT) will have a maximum of 100 questions, each carrying one mark. Negative marking is applicable. ¼ marks will be reduced for each wrong answer.
Quantitative Aptitude
This section contains 35 questions for a maximum of 35 marks. Candidates are required to complete this section within 20 minutes.
Reasoning Ability
35 logical reasoning-type questions will be asked in this section. Candidates will get a maximum time of 20 minutes to finish this section.
English Language
The English section will have questions based on grammar and vocabulary. It will also test the candidate’s comprehension skills. You will have a total of 20 minutes to complete 30 questions from the English section.
Mains Examination
The mains examination is the final stage and most crucial stage of the selection process. The exam is computer-based. The marks scored in this stage will be considered during the preparation of the merit list. It is highly recommended that candidates don’t wait till they complete prelims exams to start preparing for mains. The mains exam is set at a higher difficulty level and requires more comprehensive preparation.
The exam carries a maximum of 200 marks, and the duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes. Additionally, sectional time is also applicable. The test will be available in English and Hindi.
Candidates should only answer questions they are sure of since ¼ marks will be reduced for every wrong answer. The difficulty level is usually high as per the SBI clerk exam pattern. This phase consists of four sections, namely:
Quantitative Aptitude
Candidates will get around 45 minutes to answer 50 questions. Each question carries one mark.
Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude
This section will have 50 questions that will test the candidate’s reasoning ability and computer knowledge. Candidates must try and attempt as many questions as they can in 45 minutes.
English
This section is relatively easier than other sections and has 40 questions to be answered in 35 minutes.
General and Financial Awareness
This section aims to test the banking-related knowledge of the aspirants and also their grasp on current issues of national and international importance. 50 questions should be answered in 50 minutes.
Language Proficiency Test
A candidate who qualifies for the mains stage will be required to take a local language proficiency test.
SBI Clerk Selection
If you aspire to be an SBI clerk, you must do well in all three of the tests mentioned above. Knowing the exam pattern well and working on your weaknesses will pave the way to success.