SBI Clerical Exam -- Effective Preparation Tips

SBI is the largest and most trusted bank in India. Globally, it is has presence over 34 countries and operates several foreign subsidiaries. Being associated with a brand like SBI is a dream for many Indians. SBI conducts exams to recruit suitable candidates into various positions in the organization. Candidates interested in the Clerical Cadre Exam are looking at a popular and competitive exam written by lakhs of aspirants. If recruited, this job entails a consistent growth in the banking sector with myriad perks like house loan at crash rates, petrol allowance, newspaper allowances, leased accommodation, and medical benefits and so on. SBI’s operations are diverse. They have several associate banks and non-banking subsidiaries. SBI has also made its presence felt in various sectors like Rural and Agricultural Banking, Treasury, Consumer and Corporate Banking, Investment Banking, Private Equity, Asset Management etc. This kind of variety in both alliances and areas provides immense opportunities for recruits to build their career in their zone of interest. Candidates can apply for clerical exams at the SBI’s official website - www.sbi.co.in, as and when vacancies are announced. Eligibility Candidates should be Indian Citizens to apply for this exam.

• Education Qualification: A graduate degree from any university recognized by central and state government. Those who are in final year can also apply subject to the condition that if called for interview they will have to produce the proof of having passed the graduation examination
• Age:Minimum age : 20 years, Maximum age : 28 years

The upper age limit is relaxed for:

No.	Category	Relaxation in years
1.	SC/ST	5
2	OBC	3
3	PWD (Gen)	10
4	PWD(SC/ST)	15
5	PWD(OBC)	13
6	Persons domiciled in Kashmir Division of Jammu & Kashmir State during the periodfrom 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989	5
7	Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen	Actual period of service renderedin defence services + 3 years,(8 years for Disabled Ex-Servicemen belonging to SC/ST)subject to max. age of 50 years
8	Widows, Divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands & who are not remarried	9 years (subject to maximum age limit of 35 years for General,38 years for OBC &40 years for SC ST candidates)

  Exam pattern: The candidates are selected for interview based on their performance at the online objective test. Pattern and test duration of SBI Clerical exam:

No.	Test	Questions	Max Marks
1	General Awareness	40	40
2	General English	40	40
3	Quantitative Aptitude	40	40
4	Reasoning Ability	40	40
5	Marketing Aptitude/ Computer Knowledge	40	40
	Total	200	200

  For every wrong answer there is a negative marking of 1/4^th of a mark. The candidates selected based on the written test will be called for a face to face interview before getting the offer. The minimum marks required to crack the test will be set by SBI. How to crack the clerical exam: A competitive exam like this for over two hours requires careful plan and preparation. It tests not only your aptitude but also strength to persevere and concentrate for the time allotted. Let us see the strategy for a better score.

• Improve your reading: The general awareness section has questions from current affairs. Read a number of newspapers, magazines and books which give you an overview of the events in the country and around the world. Reading also takes you closer to a better performance in the English and essay writing and marketing aptitude sections.
• Get the syllabus right: Even though the pattern of the clerical exam appears very similar to that of PO Exam, the two are not same syllabus wise. The type of questions asked in both exams also varies. Hence, do not assume any information and educate yourself about the correct syllabus from the official SBI website - www.sbi.co.in.
• Practice enough: There are sample questions available at the SBI website and several free online mock tests. Take the tests on a periodic basis to see how your score can be improved progressively.
• Get useful resources: Before you begin the preparation, collect the books and notes and other useful information needed to keep you motivated through the studying. Get your doubts clarified regularly as this can be a hurdle in the preparation. For this, a study group or a coaching class or recorded lessons are recommended.
• Keep enough time to study:  Clerical exam is not something where you can cram for a week or two and get good results. It requires patient preparation over months. Moreover, the earlier you start the easier for you to improve on aspects like speed, accuracy and confidence.
• Answer carefully: Do not guess the answers, there is negative marking. Mark the answer only after you are absolutely sure of the answer. However, if you have a fair idea about the answer and are confused between options then make an informed guess.