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Should I choose English, Hindi or my regional language as the SBI Clerk exam medium?

ComparisonsUpdated 2026-10-23
Short answer

Choose the language you read fastest and understand best for maths and reasoning wording. The English Language section is always in English, and the 2026 handout says questions appear in English along with the chosen language.

The medium affects every section except English Language. Pick the one in which you read a long reasoning puzzle or a word problem fastest without missing details.

What the 2026 notification and handout say

  • The medium options depend on the state you apply for. Every listed state offered English and Hindi; many also offered a regional language, such as Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Gujarati, Bengali, Odia, Assamese, Konkani, Manipuri or Urdu.
  • The English Language test (Prelims) and General English (Mains) are in English only.
  • According to the Prelims handout, questions appear in English and the selected language, and the English version prevails in case of any difference.

How to decide

If you...Choose
Studied in English medium and read English comfortablyEnglish
Studied in Hindi medium and think in HindiHindi
Studied in a regional language that your state offersThat language, but test it in practice first

A quick test

Solve 10 reasoning puzzles and 10 word problems in each language you are considering, with a timer. Choose the one where you are faster without losing accuracy.

Terms you should know in English anyway

GA and computer terms such as "repo rate", "NPA", "operating system" or "firewall" are often easier to recognise in English. Since the English text appears alongside the translation, knowing these terms helps whichever medium you choose.

Practise in the medium you choose

Once you decide, take your mocks in the same medium. Translated questions can use formal words you do not use every day, and you want to meet them in practice, not first in the exam. Keep a short list of maths and reasoning terms in both languages.

The medium list changes with each notification and state. Check the medium table for your state, and choose carefully in the application form.

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