SBI Clerk Mains 2025 Preparation Strategy : Crack SBI Clerk Mains 2025 with our expert section-wise preparation strategy. Get topic-wise tips, high-scoring areas, a detailed comparison with Prelims, pros & cons, and FAQs to boost your score.
SBI Clerk Mains 2025 Preparation – Section-wise Strategy for High Scores
Introduction
The State Bank of India (SBI) is one of the most sought-after banks for aspirants preparing for government jobs. After clearing the SBI Clerk Prelims, the next and most crucial stage is the SBI Clerk Mains Examination. Unlike Prelims, Mains is not just about speed but also accuracy, concept clarity, and deep understanding of each section.
In this guide, we will cover:
- The latest SBI Clerk Mains 2025 exam pattern
- Section-wise preparation strategies
- High-scoring topics to focus on
- Time management techniques
- Pros & cons of the exam pattern
- FAQs and last-minute tips to ace the exam
SBI Clerk Mains 2025 – Exam Overview
Before we dive into preparation, let’s quickly understand the structure of the exam.
Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of 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 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Sectional Timing: Yes, you can’t switch between sections.
- Final Selection: Based on Mains score only (Prelims is qualifying).
Comparison – SBI Clerk Prelims vs Mains
| Feature | Prelims | Mains |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Screening | Final Selection |
| Total Questions | 100 | 190 |
| Total Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Sections | English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning | English, Quant, Reasoning + Computer, GK/Financial Awareness |
| Time | 60 mins | 160 mins |
| Difficulty | Easy–Moderate | Moderate–Difficult |
| Weightage in Merit | None | 100% |
Section-wise Preparation Strategy for SBI Clerk Mains 2025
1. General/Financial Awareness (50 Marks)
This section can make or break your score because it requires no calculations—you either know the answer or you don’t.
Key Topics:
- Current Affairs (Last 6 Months)
- Banking Awareness (RBI, NPA, Repo Rate, UPI, Digital Banking)
- Financial Awareness (Budget 2025, Economic Survey, Government Schemes)
- Static GK (Capitals, Currencies, Important Days)
- Recent Appointments, Awards, Sports News
Preparation Tips:
- Dedicate 1 hour daily to reading current affairs.
- Follow monthly banking awareness capsules from reliable sources.
- Maintain a handwritten notebook for revision.
- Give special attention to banking & financial terms.
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2. General English (40 Marks)
This section tests reading comprehension, grammar, and vocabulary.
Key Topics:
- Reading Comprehension (Economy, Banking, Social Issues)
- Cloze Test
- Para Jumbles
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms)
Preparation Tips:
- Read The Hindu or Economic Times editorial daily.
- Maintain a notebook of new words and revise them weekly.
- Practice at least 2 RCs daily focusing on speed and accuracy.
Scoring Strategy:
- Attempt Error Detection & Cloze Test first—they are faster to solve.
- Leave time-consuming RCs for later if needed.
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3. Quantitative Aptitude (50 Marks)
Quant in Mains is more complex than in Prelims. Data Interpretation dominates this section.
Key Topics:
- Data Interpretation (Pie Chart, Table, Line Graph, Caselet)
- Data Sufficiency
- Arithmetic Word Problems (Time, Speed & Distance, Profit & Loss, SI/CI, Ratio & Proportion)
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Probability & Permutation Combination
Preparation Tips:
- Focus on DI Sets—they cover 40–50% of the section.
- Practice Data Sufficiency & Caselet DI regularly.
- Learn calculation shortcuts for faster solving.
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4. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Marks – 60 Marks)
This is the most time-consuming section.
Reasoning Topics:
- Seating Arrangement (Circular, Linear, Box Puzzle)
- Coding-Decoding
- Inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Logical Reasoning (Statement–Assumption–Conclusion)
- Input-Output
Computer Aptitude Topics:
- Basics of Computers (Hardware, Software)
- Networking & Internet
- MS Office Shortcuts
- Cyber Security Basics
Preparation Tips:
- Solve puzzles daily—start with simpler ones, then move to complex puzzles.
- For Computer Aptitude, prepare from IBPS & RBI Computer Awareness PDFs.
- Attempt Inequalities & Coding-Decoding first for quick marks.
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Time Management Tips for SBI Clerk Mains
- GK First – Start with General/Financial Awareness for quick scoring.
- English Second – Attempt grammar-based questions first.
- Quant Third – Solve easy arithmetic before DI sets.
- Reasoning Last – Attempt puzzles after finishing direct reasoning questions.
Pros & Cons of SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
Pros:
- No descriptive test, only objective questions.
- GK section allows quick scoring without much time.
- Fixed sectional timing prevents over-spending time on one section.
Cons:
- Sectional timing can be tricky if you are slow in any section.
- Reasoning + Computer is lengthy.
- High competition due to a large number of applicants.
Last-Minute SBI Clerk Mains Preparation Tips
- Revise banking awareness and current affairs daily.
- Practice 2 full-length Mains mocks every week.
- Avoid guessing—negative marking hurts more in Mains.
- Keep a calm mindset; accuracy is more important than attempting all questions.
FAQs – SBI Clerk Mains Preparation 2025
Q1. How many months of current affairs should I prepare for SBI Clerk Mains?
At least the last 6 months before the exam date.
Q2. Is Computer Aptitude very difficult in SBI Clerk Mains?
No, it’s mostly theory-based and scoring if you prepare basic concepts.
Q3. How many mock tests should I take before Mains?
At least 10–15 full Mains mocks with analysis.
Q4. Does SBI Clerk Mains have sectional cut-off?
No, only overall cut-off, but you must clear each section’s minimum score.
Q5. Can I crack SBI Clerk Mains in 1 month of preparation?
Yes, if you have already cleared Prelims with strong basics and focus on revision + mocks.
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