SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process: Understand the complete SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process step-by-step including Prelims, Mains, and Local Language Test. Know eligibility, exam pattern, marking scheme, and final selection criteria.
SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process – Step-by-Step Guide

Introduction
The State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the most trusted and prestigious employers in India, and the SBI Clerk (Junior Associates) exam is among the most sought-after opportunities for banking aspirants. Every year, lakhs of candidates apply for this recruitment, making the competition extremely tough.
If you are targeting SBI Clerk 2025, it’s crucial to understand how the selection process works, what stages you must clear, and how the final merit list is prepared. This detailed guide will walk you through the SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process step-by-step, from application to final appointment, with exam pattern, marking scheme, comparison tables, and preparation tips.
SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process – Overview
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2025 involves three major stages:
Preliminary Examination (Prelims) – Qualifying in nature.
Main Examination (Mains) – Marks considered for final merit.
Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) – Only for candidates without proof of studying the local language in 10th/12th.
Note: There is no interview stage in SBI Clerk recruitment, unlike some other banking exams.
Step-by-Step SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process
Step 1: Online Application & Fee Payment
Candidates must apply online at the official SBI website within the given dates.
Application fee:
General/OBC/EWS – ₹750/-
SC/ST/PWD/XS – Exempted
Keep scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and documents ready.
Step 2: Preliminary Examination (Prelims)
Purpose: Screening candidates for the Main Examination.
Nature: Objective test, qualifying only (marks not counted for final merit).
Duration: 60 minutes (20 minutes per section).
Total Marks: 100.
Prelims Exam Pattern:
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
Total | 100 | 100 | 60 mins |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer.
Sectional Timing: Yes (20 minutes each).
Cut-off: Decided based on vacancies, performance, and difficulty level.
Step 3: Main Examination (Mains)
Purpose: Final merit preparation.
Nature: Objective test with four sections.
Duration: 160 minutes (sectional timing applied).
Total Marks: 200.
Mains Exam Pattern:
Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
---|---|---|---|
General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
General English | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
Total | 190 | 200 | 160 mins |
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for wrong answers.
Merit List: Based on Mains marks only.
Step 4: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Conducted after Mains for candidates who do not have proof of studying the local language in their 10th/12th standard.
Candidates must read, write, and speak the local language of the state applied for.
This is qualifying in nature; failure results in disqualification.
Step 5: Document Verification
Candidates must provide original documents to verify eligibility:
Educational certificates
Identity proof
Caste/Category certificate (if applicable)
Local language proof (if applicable)
Step 6: Final Selection & Appointment
The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in Mains only.
Selected candidates receive appointment letters for their respective SBI branches.
SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process – Comparison Table
Stage | Purpose | Marks Counted for Merit | Qualifying Nature | Duration | Negative Marking |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Preliminary Exam | Screening | No | Yes | 60 mins | Yes (0.25) |
Main Exam | Merit Calculation | Yes | No | 160 mins | Yes (0.25) |
Local Language Test | Language Proficiency Check | No | Yes | – | No |
Important Points to Remember
Prelims is just a screening test – Focus on accuracy and clearing the cut-off.
Mains is the real game-changer – Marks here decide your selection.
No Interview – SBI Clerk is a direct recruitment post.
LLPT can’t be ignored – Failing it will cancel your candidature.
Sectional timing in both Prelims & Mains means balanced preparation is key.
SBI Clerk Eligibility 2025– Age, Qualification, Attempts & Complete Guide
SBI Clerk Prelims vs Mains – Key Differences
SBI Junior Associates Clerk Syllabus 2025 – Detailed Exam Pattern & Topic-Wise Guide
SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025: Apply for 5,180 Vacancies (August 6–26)
Tips for Each Stage
For Prelims
Practice speed-based mock tests.
Focus on strong areas to maximize score quickly.
Avoid too many guesses to reduce negative marking.
For Mains
Strengthen General/Financial Awareness (high-scoring with less time).
Practice high-level reasoning puzzles and DI sets.
Revise computer aptitude basics.
For LLPT
Practice reading and writing in the local language if you’re not fluent.
Focus on basic grammar and vocabulary.
Step-by-Step SBI Clerk 2025 Timeline
Release of Notification – Apply online within given dates.
Prelims Exam – Objective, qualifying stage.
Prelims Result & Mains Admit Card – Usually within 20–30 days.
Mains Exam – Objective, marks considered for final merit.
Mains Result – Shortlist for LLPT/Document verification.
Local Language Test – If required.
Final Merit List – Based on Mains marks.
Appointment – Joining letter issued.
FAQs – SBI Clerk 2025 Selection Process
Q1. How many stages are there in SBI Clerk selection process?
There are three stages – Prelims, Mains, and Local Language Test (if applicable).
Q2. Is there an interview in SBI Clerk recruitment?
No, there is no interview for the SBI Clerk post.
Q3. Are Prelims marks counted in the final merit?
No, only Mains marks are considered for the final merit list.
Q4. Is the Local Language Test compulsory?
Only for candidates who do not have proof of studying the local language in 10th/12th.
Q5. How is the final merit list prepared in SBI Clerk 2025?
It is based solely on marks obtained in the Mains exam.
Q6. Is there any sectional cut-off in SBI Clerk 2025?
No, there is no sectional cut-off; only overall cut-off applies.
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