SBI Apprentice Exam Pattern 2026
The full SBI Apprentice exam pattern for 2026 — 3 stages, with the sections, question count, marks, duration and negative marking for each, as set by State Bank of India Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD). Then take a free SBI Apprentice mock in the real pattern below.
Online Written Test
- Mode
- Online objective test at SBI/IBPS test centres
- Sections
- General/Financial Awareness (25 Q, 25 marks, 15 min) · General English (25 Q, 25 marks, 15 min) · Quantitative Aptitude (25 Q, 25 marks, 15 min) · Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (25 Q, 25 marks, 15 min)
- Questions
- 100 multiple-choice questions
- Marks
- 100 marks total
- Duration
- 60 minutes total (sectional timing of 15 minutes per section — strictly enforced)
- Negative marking
- 0.25 marks deducted per wrong answer; no deduction for unattempted items
Sectional cutoffs apply for each of the four sections AND an overall category cutoff applies. Approximately 3x the notified vacancy is shortlisted state-wise/circle-wise for the Local Language Test. The structure mirrors a compressed version of the SBI Clerk Mains pattern — same four sections, fewer questions and a tighter time window.
Local Language Test (LLT)
- Mode
- Conducted at the time of joining at the allotted state circle
- Sections
- Test of reading, writing, speaking and understanding of the specified local language of the state of allotment (Class X-level proficiency)
- Questions
- Not applicable — qualifying-only assessment
- Marks
- Qualifying (pass/fail)
- Duration
- Conducted offline at the allotment stage, before joining
- Negative marking
- Not applicable
Candidates who studied the specified local language at Class X or above are usually exempt from LLT (proof of Class X mark sheet or transfer certificate showing the language as a subject is required). Candidates failing LLT forfeit selection. Choose your preferred state of recruitment carefully at the application stage.
Apprentice Engagement (3-year contractual)
- Mode
- Branch-based on-the-job training and structured learning modules
- Sections
- Year 1: Branch operations, KYC, account opening, deposit products, cash handling fundamentals. Year 2: Loan products, cross-sell of SBI Life, SBI Mutual Fund and SBI Cards, basic credit appraisal exposure. Year 3: Specialised desk rotation, government scheme channels (PMJDY, PMSBY, PMJJBY, APY, MUDRA), digital banking (YONO) and back-office reconciliation.
- Questions
- Not applicable — supervised on-the-job learning
- Marks
- Periodic performance assessment by the branch manager and circle training centre
- Duration
- Maximum 3 years from the date of engagement; no extension permitted under the Apprentices Act
- Negative marking
- Not applicable
Stipend is paid monthly throughout the 3-year engagement. No leave encashment, NPS contribution, gratuity, LFC or medical reimbursement. NATS certificate is issued by SBI / the Regional Board of Apprenticeship Training at the end of the engagement. The contract ends automatically after 36 months — no auto-absorption into SBI cadre.
You know the pattern — now practise in it.
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