How it's calculated
Unattempted questions score zero. Fractions are kept exact and the total is rounded once, to two decimals.
Estimate only. Official results, marks and eligibility are decided by the State Bank of India. Verify on the official website.
Worked example: SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination
English Language: 24 right, 3 wrong; Numerical Ability: 28 right, 3 wrong; Reasoning Ability: 28 right, 3 wrong. Total: 77.75 out of 100.
SBI Clerk 2026 exam pattern and marking
SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 1 | −1/4 | 30 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 1 | −1/4 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 1 | −1/4 | 35 |
1 hour, each test separately timed (20 minutes each). "1/4th of mark assigned for question will be deducted for each wrong answer." No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for an individual test or in aggregate, and section-wise marks are not maintained.
SBI Clerk Main Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 1 | −1/4 | 50 |
| General English | 40 | 1 | −1/4 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 1 | −1/4 | 50 |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 1.2 | −3/10 | 60 |
2 hours 40 minutes, each test separately timed. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude carries 50 questions for 60 marks, so each question is 1.2 marks and a wrong answer costs 0.3. Only the Main Examination marks count for the final merit list.
Using your score
- Count right and wrong answers from the official answer key for a reliable score.
- Each test is separately timed: 20 minutes per test in the Preliminary exam, and 35 to 45 minutes per test in the Main exam.
- Selected candidates who did not study the local language in class 10 or 12 must also pass a local language proficiency test, which carries no marks here.
Frequently asked questions
What is the negative marking in SBI Clerk 2026?
SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination: +1 for a right answer, −1/4 for a wrong one. SBI Clerk Main Examination: +1 for a right answer, −1/4 for a wrong one; +1.2 for a right answer, −3/10 for a wrong one.
What are the total marks in SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination?
100 marks: English Language (30 questions), Numerical Ability (35 questions), Reasoning Ability (35 questions).
Is an unattempted question marked negatively?
No. Only wrong answers carry a penalty. A question left blank scores zero.
How do I count my right and wrong answers?
Compare your responses with the official answer key published by the exam body. Count only the questions you marked: those matching the key are right, the rest are wrong.
Do SBI Clerk prelims marks count for the final merit list?
No. The advertisement says the Preliminary marks are not added, and only the aggregate marks of the Main exam are used for the final merit list.
Is there a sectional cut-off in SBI Clerk?
No. The advertisement says no minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for an individual test in either phase, and section-wise marks are not maintained. The Main exam has a minimum aggregate percentage decided by the bank, with 5% relaxation for SC, ST, OBC, PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates.
How much is deducted for a wrong answer?
A quarter of the marks assigned to that question. Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude in the Main exam has 50 questions for 60 marks, so each question is worth 1.2 marks and a wrong answer costs 0.3. Every other test is 1 mark a question, costing 0.25.
Sources
- SBI advertisement CRPD/CR/2026-27/17, clause 4 (Selection Procedure), Phase-II, State Bank of India (SBI)