Take one full 190-question Mains mock a week, add GA and Reasoning-Computer sectionals in between, and plan time per section in advance: 35 minutes GA, 35 English, 45 Quant, 45 Reasoning and Computer.
Mains is longer, harder and decides selection. It is 190 questions for 200 marks in 2 hours 40 minutes, with separate timers for each section. Only the Mains aggregate is used for the merit list, and the bank decides a minimum aggregate; there is no minimum for individual subjects in the 2026 notification.
Section plan
| Section | Questions / marks | Time | Approach |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 / 50 | 35 min | One pass; answer what you know, guess only after eliminating options |
| General English | 40 / 40 | 35 min | Grammar and vocab first, RC after |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 / 50 | 45 min | Arithmetic and easy DI first, caselets last |
| Reasoning and Computer | 50 / 60 | 45 min | Computer questions early, then short reasoning, then puzzles |
Why computer questions early
Computer questions are short facts. Answering them first in the Reasoning-Computer section leaves a clear block of time for long reasoning sets. Each question in this section carries 1.2 marks, so accuracy matters (a wrong answer costs 0.3).
A weekly routine (between Prelims and Mains)
- 1 full Mains mock (Saturday) + analysis (Sunday)
- 2 GA sectionals (25-50 questions each)
- 2 Reasoning-Computer sectionals
- 1 Quant sectional at Mains level
Stamina
The last section of a 160-minute paper is where tired mistakes happen. Practise full-length mocks in one sitting so that your fourth section is as sharp as your first.
After each Mains mock
- Score each section and note the time left or overrun.
- List the GA questions you missed and add the facts to your notes.
- Redo every wrong Quant and Reasoning question without a timer.
- Pick one section to work on before the next mock.
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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