SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis: Candidates preparing for the SBI Clerk Prelims exam must be aware of the exam pattern and the types of questions frequently asked over the years. By analyzing the trends from 2019 to 2023, aspirants can develop a strategic approach to their preparation. This article presents a detailed breakdown of the exam pattern across three key sections: Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Analysis- Section-Wise Trends
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam follows a consistent pattern each year, with a total of 100 questions divided among the three sections. Below is an in-depth analysis of the trend observed in each section.
SBI Clerk Reasoning Ability Trends
The Reasoning section remains one of the most dynamic parts of the exam, with Puzzles and Seating Arrangements consistently holding the highest weightage. In recent years, Coding-Decoding and Alphanumeric Series have also become crucial topics.
The Great Indian Exam Fest is Here! 51% OFF on Banking Super Elite Pro! Use Code: “EXAM“: Click Here
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement | 18 | 19 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
Direction Sense | – | 1 | 3 | 5 | – |
Numeric Series | – | – | – | 5 | 1 |
Syllogism | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Inequality | – | 3 | 4 | 3 | 5 |
Alphabet-Based Series | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 5 |
Blood Relation | 3 | 3 | 2 | – | 4 |
Coding-Decoding | 5 | – | 1 | – | – |
Meaningful Word | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – |
Word Pairing | 1 | 1 | 1 | – | – |
Total | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Key Takeaways:
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements consistently form a major part of the section.
- Coding-Decoding and Alphabet-Based Series are gaining prominence.
- Direction Sense and Blood Relation questions appear occasionally but should not be ignored.
SBI Clerk Numerical Ability Trends
The Quantitative section consistently features Arithmetic Word Problems, Simplification, and Data Interpretation as dominant topics. Over the years, Missing and Wrong Number Series questions have also been included intermittently.
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Missing Number Series | – | – | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Wrong Number Series | 5 | 5 | – | – | – |
Data Interpretation | 5 | 5 | 10 | 5 | 7 |
Quadratic Equations | – | – | 0 | 5 | 5 |
Simplification | 15 | 15 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
Arithmetic Word Problems | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 8 |
Total | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 | 35 |
Key Takeaways:
- Simplification remains a crucial topic, consistently making up a significant portion of the section.
- Data Interpretation is always present, often with questions on tabular and pie chart representations.
- Arithmetic topics such as Percentage, Average, and Time & Work are highly relevant.
SBI Clerk English Language Trends
In the English Language section, Reading Comprehension has been the dominant topic, appearing consistently every year. Sentence Rearrangement and Error Detection are also frequently tested.
Topics | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2019 |
Reading Comprehension | 9 | 9 | 7 | 10 | 10 |
Sentence Correction | – | – | – | 5 | 5 |
Word Correction | – | – | – | 5 | – |
Cloze Test | 5 | – | 8 | 5 | 5 |
Misspelled & Inappropriate Words | 4 | – | – | – | – |
Sentence Rearrangement | 5 | 5 | – | 5 | 5 |
Single Fillers (word) | 2 | 4 | – | – | 5 |
Phrase Replacement | – | 2 | 5 | – | – |
Error Detection | 5 | 5 | 5 | – | – |
Word Rearrangement | – | 5 | 5 | – | – |
Total | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Key Takeaways:
- Reading Comprehension consistently carries the highest weightage.
- Sentence Rearrangement and Error Detection appear frequently.
- Cloze Test is an important topic that has appeared in multiple years.
SBI Clerk Exam Analysis Conclusion
Analyzing the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam trends over the past five years provides valuable insights into the most frequently tested topics. Candidates should focus on:
- Mastering Puzzles & Seating Arrangements in Reasoning.
- Strengthening Arithmetic and Simplification in Numerical Ability.
- Improving Reading Comprehension skills in English.
By identifying these patterns, aspirants can prioritize their preparation and maximize their scores in the exam.
FAQs
Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Simplification, Data Interpretation, and Reading Comprehension are the most frequently asked topics.
Practice mental calculations, learn shortcut techniques, and solve previous years’ papers under a time limit.
Start with fixed positions, use diagrams for visualization, and practice different puzzle types like box-based and circular arrangements.
Improve reading skills, focus on Reading Comprehension and Error Detection, and build a strong vocabulary.
Attempt easy questions first, avoid spending too much time on one question, and take regular mock tests for better time management.
- SBI Clerk Cut Off 2025, Expected Prelims Cut Off
- SBI PO Admit Card 2025 Out, Download Prelims Call Letter
- SBI Clerk Exam Analysis 2025, 27th February, All Shifts
- SBI Clerk Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 3, 27th February – Difficulty Level
- SBI Clerk Exam Analysis 2025, Shift 2, 27th February
- SBI Clerk Exam Analysis 2025, 1st Shift, 27th February

The most comprehensive online preparation portal for MBA, Banking and Government exams. Explore a range of mock tests and study material at www.oliveboard.in
Oliveboard Live Courses & Mock Test Series
- Download IRDAI Assistant Manager PYQs
- Monthly Current Affairs 2024
- Download RBI Grade B PYQ PDF
- Download IFSCA Grade A PYQs
- Download SEBI Grade A PYQs
- Attempt Free SSC CGL Mock Test 2024
- Attempt Free IBPS Mock Test 2024
- Attempt Free SSC CHSL Mock Test 2024
- Download Oliveboard App
- Follow Us on Google News for Latest Update
- Join Telegram Group for Latest Govt Jobs Update
The Great Indian Exam Fest is Here! 51% OFF on Banking Super Elite Pro! Use Code: “EXAM“: Click Here