The State Bank of India (SBI) invites applications for the Junior Associate Recruitment 2024-25, offering aspiring candidates an opportunity to work in one of India’s largest public-sector banks. Understanding the exam pattern is essential for applicants to strategize their preparation effectively. Below, we break down the detailed exam structure for the Preliminary and Main Examinations, along with the selection process for the SBI Clerk/Junior Associate Recruitment 2024-25.
Selection Process Overview
The SBI Junior Associate selection process consists of three main stages:
- Preliminary Examination (Phase-I): A qualifying online objective test.
- Main Examination (Phase-II): The primary selection stage, with scores determining the final merit list.
- Test of Specified Opted Local Language: Conducted after provisional selection (if applicable).
Only candidates who qualify the Preliminary Exam will be eligible for the Main Exam. The final selection will depend on the candidate’s performance in the Main Exam, along with the local language test (if applicable).
1. Preliminary Examination (Phase-I)
The Preliminary Examination is an online test consisting of Objective-Type Questions for a total of 100 marks. This test serves as a screening process to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. It is 1 hour long and comprises three sections as follows:
| Preliminary Examination (Phase-I): Exam Pattern 2024-25 | |
|---|---|
| English Language | Medium of Exam: English Number of Questions: 30 questions Maximum Marks: 35 marks Duration: 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | Number of Questions: 35 questions Maximum Marks: 35 marks Duration: 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | Number of Questions: 35 questions Maximum Marks: 35 marks Duration: 20 minutes |
| Total Number of Questions: 100 questions Total Maximum Marks: 100 marks Total Duration: 1 hour | |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks (1/4th of the assigned mark) are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Section-wise Qualifying: No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual sections or the overall score.
- Selection for Main Exam: There are no minimum qualifying marks prescribed for individual tests or the aggregate score in the prelims. Candidates will be shortlisted based on the aggregate marks scored in the Preliminary Exam. Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies (subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Exam.
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2. Main Examination (Phase-II)
This is the main selection stage, and the scores obtained here will be used to create the final merit list. This is also an online objective test. The Main Examination is more comprehensive, with four sections totaling 200 marks and a duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes. The structure is as follows:
| Main Examination (Phase-II): Exam Pattern 2024-25 | |
|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | Number of Questions: 50 questions Maximum Marks: 50 marks Duration: 35 minutes |
| General English | Medium of Exam: English Number of Questions: 40 questions Maximum Marks: 40 marks Duration: 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Number of Questions: 50 questions Maximum Marks: 50 marks Duration: 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | Number of Questions: 50 questions Maximum Marks: 60 marks Duration: 45 minutes |
| Total Number of Questions: 190 questions Total Maximum Marks: 200 marks Total Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes | |
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks (1/4th of the assigned mark) are deducted for each wrong answer.
- Minimum Aggregate Marks: Candidates are required to score a minimum percentage on aggregate (5% relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates). The bank will determine the minimum qualifying marks on aggregate. There are no minimum qualifying marks for individual subjects, and section-wise marks are not maintained.
- SBI Trained Apprenticeship Bonus: Apprentices who have completed the apprenticeship training in SBI successfully (by 30.11.2024) will be awarded bonus marks (2.5% of the total marks, i.e., 5 marks out of 200).
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3. Test of Specified Opted Local Language
- For Candidates with Local Language Knowledge: Candidates who qualify for selection and provide 10th or 12th standard mark sheets/certificates as evidence of having studied the opted local language will be exempt from this test.
- For Other Candidates: Other qualified candidates will be required to take this test after provisional selection but before joining. Candidates must qualify this test to be considered for appointment.
Provisional and Final Selection
- Provisional Selection:
- Preliminary Examination scores are not considered for the final merit list.
- Based on performance in the Main Exam (Phase-II), candidates will be provisionally selected.
- Final Selection Criteria:
- Verification of eligibility and details provided in the online application.
- Qualifying the specified opted local language test (if applicable).
- Final merit list will be prepared based on the aggregate marks in the Main Exam, and the list will be drawn state-wise and category-wise.
Candidates will be notified of their results and provisional selection via the Bank’s website.
🔗 Important Links
- Official Notification: Download PDF
- Apply Online: Direct Link
- SBI Official Website: sbi.co.in
❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQs Exam Pattern: SBI Clerk / Junior Associate Recruitment 2024-25
1. What are the stages of the SBI Junior Associate selection process?
A: The selection process consists of a Preliminary Examination (Phase-I), a Main Examination (Phase-II), and a Test of Specified Opted Local Language (if applicable).
2. Is there an interview for the SBI Junior Associate post?
A: No, there is no interview. Final selection is based on the Main Examination and the local language test (if applicable).
3. Are the Preliminary Exam scores counted towards the final merit list?
A: No, the Preliminary Exam is only a qualifying stage to shortlist candidates for the Main Exam. Only the Main Exam scores are considered for the final merit list.
4. Is there negative marking in the SBI Junior Associate Exams?
A: Yes, there is a negative marking of 0.25 marks (1/4th of the assigned mark) for each incorrect answer in both the Preliminary Exam and the Main Exam.
5. How is the final merit list prepared for SBI Junior Associate Exams?
A: The final merit list for SBI Junior Associate Exams is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination, arranged in descending order, state-wise and category-wise.
6. Are there any minimum qualifying marks in the Main Exam?
A: Candidates are required to score a minimum percentage on aggregate (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates). The bank will determine the minimum qualifying marks. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.
7. What bonus marks are given to SBI trained apprentices?
A: Candidates who have successfully completed an apprenticeship with SBI by 30.11.2024 may receive 2.5% bonus marks (5 marks out of 200), subject to satisfactory conduct during the apprenticeship.
8. Who needs to take the local language test?
A: Candidates who qualify for selection but do not have 10th/12th standard mark sheets/certificates as proof of studying the opted local language will need to take the test.
9. When is the local language test conducted?
A: The local language test is conducted after provisional selection but before joining.
10. What happens if I fail the local language test?
A: Candidates who fail to qualify in the local language test will not be offered an appointment.