Public sector banks recruit probationary officers and clerks through IBPS (for participating banks) and SBI (for its own posts). The examinations share a similar structure: an online preliminary paper, an online main paper and, for officer posts, an interview.
What makes banking exams distinct is sectional timing. Each section has its own clock, so you cannot borrow minutes from a strong section to rescue a weak one. Mock tests that enforce sectional timing are essential.
How it works
Stages
- 1
Preliminary examination
Three sections with individual time limits: English language, quantitative aptitude and reasoning ability. Qualifying for the mains.
- 2
Main examination
Longer paper with reasoning and computer aptitude, general and banking awareness, English and data analysis, plus a descriptive letter and essay for officer posts.
- 3
Interview (officer posts)
Final selection weighs main examination marks and the interview, typically in an 80:20 ratio.
At a glance
Paper pattern
| Stage / paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Negative marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Prelims (PO) | English 30 · Quant 35 · Reasoning 35 | 100 | 60 minutes (20 per section) | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
| Mains (PO) | Reasoning & computer 45 · GA 40 · English 35 · Data analysis 35 | 200 + 25 descriptive | 3 hours + 30 minutes | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
| Clerk prelims | English 30 · Numerical 35 · Reasoning 35 | 100 | 60 minutes (20 per section) | 0.25 mark per wrong answer |
IBPS and SBI publish their own notifications each year and the number of questions per section can differ. Confirm against ibps.in or sbi.co.in/careers.
What is tested
Subjects
- Quantitative aptitude and data interpretation
- Reasoning ability
- English language
- General, economic and banking awareness
- Computer aptitude
Strategy
How to prepare with mock tests
- Practise sections against their own clock; an unfinished section cannot be recovered later.
- Data interpretation sets reward calculation speed; drill percentages, ratios and averages daily.
- Keep a running file of banking and economic current affairs for the mains general awareness section.
- Attempt only what you are sure of in the first pass; negative marking at 0.25 adds up over 100 questions.
Questions