The SBI Clerk Mains is the stage where your real preparation skills are put to the test. While the official dates for the 2025 exam have not yet been announced, it is most likely to be held in November, which means October is your final sprint month for preparation. With festivals, social events, and other distractions in full swing, this period can feel busy. But don’t worry, with smart planning, focused revision, and a structured strategy, even first-time aspirants can clear the Mains in their very first attempt. Let’s break down a practical roadmap to help you make the most of this important month.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2025
For every SBI Clerk aspirant, understanding the exam pattern is the first and most important step toward success. The Mains exam is completely online and tests your speed, accuracy, and overall understanding across four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
| Name of Test | Medium | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| General/Financial Awareness | – | 50 | 50 | 35 min |
| General English | English | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | – | 50 | 50 | 45 min |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | – | 50 | 60 | 45 min |
| Total | – | 190 | 200 | 2 hr 40 min |
- Separate timing for each section – Each section has a fixed duration, so managing your time during the exam is important. You can’t use extra time from one section in another.
- Negative marking – For each wrong answer in the objective tests, 1/4th of the mark assigned to that question will be deducted.
Why Mains is Tougher Than Prelims
The Mains exam is trickier because it requires more conceptual clarity and problem-solving skills. Questions are longer, more analytical, and require deeper thinking. Moreover, the introduction of the General/Financial Awareness section adds weightage that can make or break your score. Unlike Prelims, where a few guesses may help, Mains demands accuracy and strategy to maximize marks.
Master General/Financial Awareness
General and Financial Awareness is one of the highest-scoring sections if prepared smartly. The current affairs of the last 6 months are the most important, so for this year, you can focus from May to October. While preparing, the key is to read and recognize quickly: if you know the answer, tick it; if not, skip it. There’s no lengthy calculation or deduction involved, so accuracy and recognition matter more than speed. Along with current affairs, don’t ignore static GK topics like important banks, headquarters, national parks, and awards. Daily reading from trusted sources, paired with weekly revision, ensures the information stays fresh in your mind.
Quantitative Aptitude – Accuracy First
Quantitative Aptitude in Mains is more concept-heavy than Prelims. You should focus on Data Interpretation, Caselets, Arithmetic, and Number Series, as they carry significant weight. Practice is key. Solve DI sets within 6–7 minutes to build speed and accuracy. We are assuming that the basics are almost clear because you have prepared for prelims, but if not, then clear the basics first basics like Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, and Simple & Compound Interest. The goal is not just to attempt more questions but to attempt the right ones accurately.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – Practice Makes Perfect
Reasoning in Mains includes puzzles, seating arrangements, coding-decoding, and logical reasoning, along with miscellaneous reasoning. Practicing a variety of puzzles daily helps you recognize patterns quickly. Try to practice as much as you can, of advanced-level questions. Remember, this section rewards speed and accuracy together, so timed practice is crucial.
General English – Comprehension and Grammar
English is not just about vocabulary. It tests comprehension, grammar, sentence correction, and para jumbles. Make reading a habit; daily editorials improve comprehension and build vocabulary. Learn grammar rules and practice cloze tests. Start with easier questions like grammar or vocabulary before attempting long passages, which ensures you score safe marks quickly.
Mock Tests and Analysis
Mocks are the backbone of Mains preparation. Take full-length tests under exam conditions. After every mock, spend time analyzing mistakes, identifying weak areas, and revising concepts. This is more important than taking the next test. In the last 15–20 days before the exam, focus on revision and mocks only, rather than learning new topics. A strategy of “practice, analyze, improve” is the key to first-attempt success.
Final Words
Clearing SBI Clerk Mains in your first attempt is possible with smart preparation, proper planning, and consistent practice. Focus on General/Financial Awareness for scoring, strengthen quantitative and reasoning skills for accuracy, and refine your English skills for comprehension. Coupled with regular mock tests and strategic revision, this approach will maximize your chances of selection. Remember, the key is not just hard work, but smart, focused work.
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