Banking Exams 2026 – Complete Guide

SBI, IBPS, RBI – Exam Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation & Career Growth

What are Banking Exams?

Banking Exams are competitive exams conducted for recruitment in public sector banks, regional rural banks, and the Reserve Bank of India. These exams are gateways to highly respected government jobs with stability, salary, and career growth.

✔ Central Government Job
✔ Stable Career & Promotions
✔ Attractive Salary & Allowances
✔ Job Security & Work-life Balance

Popular Banking Exams in India

SBI PO
Probationary Officer, State Bank of India
SBI Clerk
Junior Associate – Customer Support & Sales
IBPS PO
Officer Scale-I, Public Sector Banks
IBPS Clerk
Clerical Cadre, Public Sector Banks
IBPS RRB
Officer & Clerk in Regional Rural Banks
RBI Grade B
Officer, Reserve Bank of India
RBI Assistant
Assistant post in RBI

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university (for Officer posts)
  • 12th pass or equivalent for clerical posts

Age Limit

  • General: 20–30 years
  • OBC: 20–33 years
  • SC/ST: 20–35 years

Banking Exam Pattern

Preliminary Exam (Objective)

  • English Language – 30 Questions
  • Quantitative Aptitude – 35 Questions
  • Reasoning Ability – 35 Questions
  • Total Duration: 1 Hour

Main Exam (Objective + Descriptive)

  • Reasoning & Computer Aptitude – 45 Questions
  • General/Economy/Banking Awareness – 40 Questions
  • English Language – 35 Questions
  • Data Analysis & Interpretation – 35 Questions
  • Descriptive Paper – Letter & Essay Writing
  • Total Duration: 2 Hours

Interview / Language Test

Personal Interview for selected candidates after Main Exam.

Banking Exam Syllabus Overview

  • Quantitative Aptitude: Number System, Ratio, Percentages, Profit & Loss, Time & Work
  • Reasoning: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Coding-Decoding, Syllogism
  • English Language: Reading Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Synonyms/Antonyms
  • General/Banking Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking Terms, Economy, History & Polity
  • Computer Knowledge: Basics, Internet, MS Office, Banking Software
  • Data Interpretation: Tables, Graphs, Charts

Salary & Career Growth

Starting Salary
₹30,000 – ₹55,000
Allowances
DA, HRA, Medical, Pension
Promotions
Branch Manager → AGM → GM
Job Stability
Central Government Service

Preparation Strategy for Banking Exams

  • Clear understanding of syllabus & exam pattern
  • Daily practice with mock tests
  • Improve speed & accuracy for prelims & mains
  • Regularly read current affairs & banking news
  • Revision & solving previous year papers

Banking Exams FAQs

  • Are Banking Jobs secure? – Yes, Central Govt job.
  • Is there negative marking? – Yes, 0.25 mark per wrong answer.
  • Can 12th pass apply? – Yes, for clerk posts.
  • Is coaching necessary? – Not mandatory, but helpful.

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