Preparing for the SBI Clerk Mains exam involves mastering multiple sections, and among them, Financial Awareness stands out as a game-changer. This section is not only scoring but also helps aspirants gain a deeper understanding of how the banking and economic systems function in real life. With smart planning and focused study, candidates can significantly improve their overall exam performance.
What Is SBI Clerk Financial Awareness Preparation?
SBI Clerk Financial Awareness Preparation refers to systematically studying important topics related to the Indian financial system, economy, banking reforms, and current financial developments. It is designed to test how well candidates understand the latest trends and updates in finance, banking, and government initiatives.
This section evaluates both static financial knowledge and dynamic current affairs—making it essential for candidates to stay informed about recent events and their economic impact. A well-prepared candidate not only scores high but also gains confidence to handle real-world banking scenarios effectively.
Topics Under SBI Clerk Financial Awareness Preparation
While the syllabus may seem vast, focusing on the right topics can help you cover maximum ground in minimal time. Below are the most relevant areas to target:
1. RBI and Monetary Policies
Understand the role and structure of the Reserve Bank of India, its monetary tools like Repo Rate, Reverse Repo Rate, CRR, and SLR, and recent policy changes.
2. Government Financial Schemes
Study popular schemes such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Fasal Bima Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana, and other welfare programs that have financial implications.
3. Union Budget and Economic Survey
Go through the latest budget highlights, taxation policies, and economic growth measures introduced by the government. Focus on new allocations and schemes for the financial year.
4. Financial Institutions and Markets
Understand the functioning of SEBI, NABARD, SIDBI, EXIM Bank, and the role of primary and secondary markets in India’s economy.
5. Digital Banking and Fintech Developments
Stay updated with modern financial technologies like UPI, Digital Rupee, AI in banking, and the emergence of neo-banks.
6. Insurance and Pension Awareness
Learn about IRDAI, LIC, and major insurance and pension schemes that influence the financial landscape.
7. Economic Terms and Concepts
Get familiar with key economic indicators such as GDP, Inflation, Deflation, Balance of Payments, and Fiscal Deficit.
8. Current Financial Affairs
Review the last 6 months’ financial and economic news, including RBI announcements, international financial trends, and major mergers or policy reforms.
How to Prepare Effectively for Financial Awareness?
Create a study calendar focusing on one financial theme each day — for example, Monday for government schemes, Tuesday for RBI updates, Wednesday for fintech, and so on. This rotation method ensures you cover all key areas without burnout and stay consistent until the exam
- Read Daily Financial News: Follow reputed sources to stay informed about current banking and economic events.
- Use Monthly Compilations: Rely on monthly banking and financial current affairs PDFs for consolidated preparation.
- Make Concise Notes: Maintain short notes for quick revision before the exam.
- Revise Budget and Economic Survey Summaries: They provide direct insights into frequently asked questions.
- Attempt Quizzes and Mock Tests: Regular practice through topic-wise quizzes improves speed and accuracy.
- Analyze Previous Year Papers: Understand question patterns, difficulty level, and recurring topics.
Benefits of Mastering Financial Awareness
Financial Awareness preparation not only helps you in SBI Clerk but also proves valuable for other competitive exams like IBPS Clerk, RBI Assistant, and NABARD Grade A. The concepts and current affairs you master here create a foundation for long-term success in the banking sector.
- Quick scoring section compared to Quant and Reasoning
- Enhances understanding of real banking operations
- Strengthens performance in interviews and professional discussions
- Builds awareness of India’s evolving financial ecosystem
Important Financial Awareness Questions for SBI Clerk Mains
Q1. What is the current Repo Rate as per the latest RBI Monetary Policy?
Ans: 5.50%
Q2. Who is the present Governor of the Reserve Bank of India?
Ans: Sanjay Malhotra
Q3. Under which scheme did the government launch financial inclusion for all households?
Ans: Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)
Q4. What is the full form of CRR and what does it represent?
Ans: CRR stands for Cash Reserve Ratio. It is the percentage of a bank’s total deposits that must be kept with the RBI in the form of cash reserves.
Q5. Name the app launched by NPCI for digital payments using UPI.
Ans: BHIM (Bharat Interface for Money)
Q6. Which organization regulates insurance companies in India?
Ans: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
Q7. What is the difference between Fiscal Deficit and Revenue Deficit?
Ans: Fiscal Deficit is the difference between total expenditure and total receipts excluding borrowings, while Revenue Deficit is the excess of revenue expenditure over revenue receipts.
Q8. When was the Digital Rupee introduced by the RBI?
Ans: The pilot for the retail Digital Rupee (e₹-R) began on 1st December 2022.
Q9. Which ministry is responsible for preparing the Union Budget?
Ans: The Ministry of Finance, Government of India.
Q10. What is the headquarters location of NABARD?
Ans: Mumbai, Maharashtra.
Q11. Define “Non-Performing Asset (NPA)” in banking.
Ans: A loan or advance is classified as an NPA if the borrower fails to pay interest or principal for 90 days or more.
Q12. What is the maximum limit of insurance coverage provided by DICGC on bank deposits?
Ans: ₹5 lakh per depositor per bank.
Q13. Which government initiative promotes start-ups in India?
Ans: Startup India initiative.
Q14. What does SEBI stand for, and what is its main function?
Ans: SEBI stands for Securities and Exchange Board of India. It regulates the securities market and protects investors’ interests.
Q15. Name one key highlight from the latest Economic Survey.
Ans: India’s GDP growth forecast for FY 2025–26 is projected at 6.8%.
Q16. Which bank recently launched a women-focused digital savings account?
Ans: The latest update can vary; candidates should check the most recent banking news before the exam.
Q17. What is the current rate of inflation as per the latest CPI report?
Ans: The latest CPI inflation rate should be checked from the most recent government release before the exam.
Q18. What is the purpose of the PM Kisan Credit Card Scheme?
Ans: To provide short-term credit to farmers for crop production and allied agricultural activities at affordable interest rates.
Q19. Who presents the Economic Survey in Parliament every year?
Ans: The Finance Minister of India.
Q20. Which Act governs the functioning of scheduled commercial banks in India?
Ans: The Banking Regulation Act, 1949.
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