SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 Exam Day Guidelines
Job highlights
| Organisation | State Bank of India (SBI) |
|---|---|
| Employment type | Other |
SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 is the online preliminary examination for the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) recruitment conducted by the State Bank of India. Candidates scheduled to take the test should check their call letter carefully and prepare their documents and travel plans before exam day.
The examination is scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026, with four shifts on each day. It is a computer-based test lasting 60 minutes, and the candidate’s call letter gives their specific exam date, shift, reporting time and centre. Candidates should arrive before the reporting time and follow the venue instructions; late entry is not allowed.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SBI Clerk Prelims 2026, first exam day | 2026-09-26 |
| SBI Clerk Prelims 2026, second exam day | 2026-09-27 |
Shift Timings
The prelims are arranged in four shifts on both exam days. The schedule below provides the stated reporting and test times, but candidates should treat the timings on their own call letter as authoritative if they differ.
| Shift | Reporting Time | Exam Time | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shift 1 | 8:00 AM | 9:00 AM–10:00 AM | 1 hour |
| Shift 2 | 10:30 AM | 11:30 AM–12:30 PM | 1 hour |
| Shift 3 | 1:00 PM | 2:00 PM–3:00 PM | 1 hour |
| Shift 4 | 3:30 PM | 4:30 PM–5:30 PM | 1 hour |
Documents to Carry
Organise the required documents the night before the examination. The stated items are a printed SBI Clerk call letter, an original valid photo identity document, a clear photocopy of that same ID and two recent passport-size photographs matching the photograph used in the application. Affix a photograph to the call letter if its instructions require it.
| Item | What to bring |
|---|---|
| SBI Clerk call letter | A printed copy, with a photograph affixed if instructed. |
| Photo identity document | The original, valid photo ID. |
| Photocopy of ID | One clear copy of the same identity document. |
| Photographs | Two recent passport-size photographs matching the application photo. |
| Stationery | A ball-point pen only if permitted. The source guidance says a pen will also be provided at the centre. |
Exam Centre Do’s and Don’ts
What to do
- Read the call letter before leaving and confirm the centre, exam date, shift and reporting time.
- Check the route to the venue in advance and plan to arrive before the reporting time.
- Carry the call letter, original photo ID, a photocopy of the same ID and two recent photographs.
- Keep only essential items with you and use the rough sheets supplied at the centre.
- Stay calm and follow the instructions given by the invigilators.
What to avoid
- Do not arrive late; late entry is not allowed.
- Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators or calculator-enabled watches.
- Avoid bringing books, notes, loose papers or unauthorised stationery.
- Do not leave your seat without permission, speak with other candidates during the test or take rough sheets outside the examination hall.
Prelims Exam Pattern
The SBI Clerk Prelims consists of 100 questions carrying 100 marks in total. The full test lasts 60 minutes, with a separate 20-minute limit for each section. Candidates should plan their pace around these fixed section timings.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Official Website
The SBI Preliminary Exam call letter is available through the official SBI Careers website. Use the call letter to confirm the centre and personal shift details, and follow the instructions provided for your examination.
Prepare your documents in advance, allow enough time to reach the venue and follow the directions at the centre. A final check of your call letter and required items can help you avoid preventable delays on exam day.
Important links
- Official SBI Careers website: https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers
Frequently asked questions
When will the SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 exam be held? +
The prelims are scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026. The examination will run in four shifts each day.
How can I confirm my exam shift and reporting time? +
Check your SBI Clerk call letter. It states your exam date, shift, reporting time and centre, and you should follow the timings printed on it.
Which documents should I carry to the exam centre? +
Carry a printed call letter, an original valid photo ID, one clear photocopy of the same ID and two recent passport-size photographs matching your application photo. Affix a photograph to the call letter if instructed.
What items are prohibited or should be left at home? +
Do not bring mobile phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices, calculators, calculator-enabled watches, books, notes, loose papers or unauthorised stationery. The guidance also says not to take rough sheets out of the exam hall.
How many questions are in the SBI Clerk Prelims, and how long is the test? +
The test has 100 questions for 100 marks and lasts 60 minutes. English Language has 30 questions, Numerical Ability has 35 and Reasoning Ability has 35. Each section has a separate 20-minute time limit.
Where can I check my SBI Clerk call letter and centre details? +
The call letter is available through the official SBI Careers website at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers. Check it for your assigned centre and personal reporting instructions.