SBI Clerk Selection Process 2025

Stage-by-stage process

1. 01

   Phase I: Preliminary Examination

   Candidates take the 100-mark Prelims with three separately timed sections. SBI prescribes no minimum qualifying marks for individual Prelims tests or for the aggregate. Candidates are shortlisted for Mains in descending order of aggregate Prelims marks, generally at about ten times the number of vacancies, subject to availability.

2. 02

   Phase II: Main Examination

   Shortlisted candidates take the Main Examination. Candidates must meet the Bank-decided minimum aggregate qualifying percentage; no individual-subject minimum is prescribed. Preliminary marks are not carried forward. For eligible trained SBI apprentices, the advertisement adds a 5-mark bonus to the Main aggregate to arrive at the final aggregate score.

3. 03

   Local Language Proficiency Test

   Provisionally selected candidates who cannot show Class 10 or Class 12 evidence of having studied the specified opted local language must qualify the language test before joining. Failure to demonstrate proficiency leads to disqualification.

4. 04

   Provisional and final selection

   SBI prepares State-wise and category-wise merit from the final aggregate score, including the trained SBI apprentice bonus where applicable, subject to the applicable local-language requirement and verification of eligibility and application information.

Main Examination pattern

The rows sum to the official Main Examination total: 190 questions, 200 marks and 160 minutes. The separate 5-mark trained SBI apprentice bonus, where applicable, is added after the Main aggregate and does not change the 200-mark exam pattern.