SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2025 Expected in November

New Delhi, November 10, 2025: With the Preliminary examination results for the SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment cycle already announced, successful candidates must now shift their entire focus to the final written hurdle: the SBI Clerk Mains Examination 2025. This phase is critical, as the marks obtained here will solely determine a candidate’s placement on the final merit list for the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) post.

Exam Date: Gearing Up for Mid-November

While the State Bank of India (SBI) is yet to release a definitive, official notification for the exact date, sources and past trends strongly suggest that the SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2025 is expected to be held in mid-November 2025, with November 16th or 17th being the highly anticipated dates. Candidates are advised to treat this tentative date as the final deadline for their preparation. The Mains Admit Card is usually released around 7 to 10 days before the scheduled examination, so aspirants should keep a close watch on the official SBI careers portal.

Understanding the Main Examination Pattern

The SBI Clerk Mains examination is a single, computer-based, objective test designed to thoroughly evaluate a candidate’s readiness for a clerical role in the banking sector. The paper is significantly more challenging than the Prelims, featuring greater complexity and a dedicated section for General/Financial Awareness, which is a key differentiator.

The examination structure is segmented into four distinct sections, with separate sectional timings:

S.No.	Section	No. of Questions	Total Marks	Duration
1.	General/Financial Awareness	50	50	35 Minutes
2.	General English	40	40	35 Minutes
3.	Quantitative Aptitude	50	50	45 Minutes
4.	Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude	50	60	45 Minutes
Total		190	200	2 Hours 40 Minutes

Key Pattern Highlights:

• Total Questions and Marks: The exam consists of 190 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) for a total of 200 Marks. Note the disparity in marks for the Reasoning section.
• Duration: The total allotted time is 2 hours and 40 minutes (160 minutes).
• Negative Marking: There is a penalty for incorrect answers. 1/4th (0.25) of the mark assigned to the question will be deducted for every wrong answer. Accuracy will thus be paramount for a high score.
• Sectional Timing: Each of the four sections is strictly time-bound. Candidates cannot navigate back to a previous section once the allotted time is over. This necessitates effective time management and a well-planned attempt strategy.
• Bilingual Format: Except for the General English section, the questions will be available in both English and Hindi

🔍 Section-wise Syllabus Focus for the Mains

Success in the Mains requires a comprehensive approach, particularly in the sections that carry the most weight and new topics.

1. General/Financial Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks)

This is arguably the most crucial section. Preparation must cover:

• Current Affairs: National and International news, including recent agreements, defense, and science.
• Banking & Financial Awareness: Focus on Indian banking history, RBI functions, Monetary Policy, Fiscal Policy, banking terms (e.g., NEFT, RTGS, CRR, SLR), and financial institutions.
• Government Schemes: Detailed knowledge of recent schemes launched by the Central and State Governments.
• Static GK: Countries-Capital-Currency, National Parks, Dams, Important Days, and Headquarters of major organizations.

2. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Questions, 60 Marks)

This section is challenging due to the higher mark allocation. It covers:

• Reasoning: Advanced puzzles, complex seating arrangements (circular, linear, floor-based), Syllogism, Input-Output, Coded Inequalities, Data Sufficiency, and Critical Reasoning.
• Computer Aptitude: Basic knowledge of computer hardware, software, networking, operating systems, and MS Office.

3. Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions, 50 Marks)

Beyond the basics, the focus shifts to advanced problem-solving:

• Data Interpretation (DI): Caselet DI, Radar Charts, Missing Table DI, and combined graph problems.
• Arithmetic: Advanced word problems on Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Ratio & Proportion, and Probability.
• Number System and Algebra: Simplification, Approximation, and Quadratic Equations.

4. General English (40 Questions, 40 Marks)

The emphasis is on application and comprehension:

• Reading Comprehension: Longer, more complex passages.
• Vocabulary & Grammar: Cloze Test, Fillers, Para Jumbles (Paragraph completion), and Error Spotting.

The Road to Final Selection: What Follows Mains?

Clearing the Mains exam is the final written stage. Post-Mains, candidates will be subjected to the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT). This is a qualifying test where a candidate must prove their proficiency in the local language of the state they applied for. Exemption is granted to candidates who have documents proving that they studied the opted local language in Class 10 or 12.

The final merit list for the SBI Clerk post will be based exclusively on the aggregate marks scored in the Mains Examination.

The time for preparation is limited, and every minute counts. Aspirants must dedicate their time to intensive mock tests and targeted revision of complex topics, especially General/Financial Awareness and high-level Puzzles.