Do not skip puzzles, DI, simplification or RC. If time is short, postpone low-frequency topics such as permutation, probability, input-output, data sufficiency and odd-one-out, and return to them once the core is solid.
Think "postpone", not "skip". No topic is guaranteed to be absent, but some appear rarely or only as one or two questions. When time is limited, those come last.
Never skip
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Quant | Simplification, approximation, DI, number series, quadratic equations, core arithmetic |
| Reasoning | Puzzles and seating, inequality, syllogism, alphanumeric series |
| English | Reading comprehension, error detection, fillers, para jumbles, cloze |
Safe to postpone if short on time
- Quant: permutation and combination, probability, mensuration, data sufficiency
- Reasoning: machine input-output, data sufficiency, odd one out, meaningful words
- English: misspelt words, word rearrangement, paragraph completion
These still appear sometimes, so learn the basics of each in one sitting once your main topics are stable. One sitting is often enough to answer the easy versions.
What to skip inside the exam
Skipping in the exam is different from skipping in preparation. In the paper, leave:
- A puzzle that does not settle after two minutes
- A DI set with awkward numbers everywhere
- A question you have re-read twice without a plan
A rule based on time left
| Time to exam | Low-frequency topics |
|---|---|
| More than 8 weeks | Cover all of them at basic level |
| 4-8 weeks | One study session each, easy questions only |
| Under 4 weeks | Leave them; spend the time on mocks and core topics |
Mains is different
Topics you postpone for Prelims may matter more in Mains, where data sufficiency, input-output, logical reasoning and caselet DI appear more often. Plan to learn them in the gap after Prelims if you have not already.
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
More section strategy questions
- How can I improve my calculation speed for SBI Clerk?Memorise tables to 20, squares to 30, cubes to 20 and common fraction-percentage values, then do a timed 15-2…→
- How do I solve puzzles and seating arrangement faster in SBI Clerk?Draw the same table layout every time, place definite clues first, branch into at most two or three cases, an…→
- How can I score 25+ out of 30 in SBI Clerk Prelims English?You need about 26-27 attempts at 90%+ accuracy. Secure the rule-based questions (errors, fillers, cloze) firs…→
- How do I prepare reading comprehension for SBI Clerk?Read one editorial-length passage every day, summarise each paragraph in a few words, and practise separating…→
- How should I handle Data Interpretation in SBI Clerk?Spend 30-40 seconds reading the chart and units before the first question, use fractions and approximation in…→
- What are the best approximation shortcuts for SBI Clerk?Round each number to the nearest easy value, turn percentages into fractions, use the nearest perfect square …→