Do’s and Don’ts for SBI Clerk Prelims Exam

The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam 2025 is scheduled to be held on 20th, 21st, and 27th September 2025, and thousands of candidates are gearing up for the big day. To maximize your performance, it is important to follow certain strategies and avoid common mistakes. Knowing the do’s and don’ts for the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam can help you attempt the paper with confidence, save time, and avoid errors that may cost you valuable marks.

Do’s and Don’ts for SBI Clerk Prelims Exam

Below is the list of do’s and don’ts for the SBI Clerk 2025 Prelims Exam. Following these tips will help you stay confident and perform your best. Remember, consistent preparation, regular practice, and staying positive are the keys to success in this examination.

Do’s for SBI Clerk Prelims Exam

Here is a simple list of dos for the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam. Following these steps will help you stay focused and perform better.

• Make a solid Plan
  Create a realistic study plan and stick to it. Focus on the syllabus topics like English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Allocate sufficient time for each subject daily.
• Practice Mock Tests
  Regularly attempt mock tests and previous year’s question papers. This will help you understand the exam pattern, improve speed, and identify your weak areas.
• Keep on revising the topics
  Ensure you revise all the important concepts, formulas, and rules, especially in grammar, quantitative calculations, and logical reasoning.
• Time Management
  Practice solving questions within a set time limit. During the exam, prioritize easy questions first to maximize your score.
• Keep Necessary Documents Ready
  Carry your admit card, a valid photo ID, and a recent photograph to the exam centre. Double-check these items the night before.
• Follow Guidelines
  Read the instructions on your admit card carefully and adhere to them. Reach the exam centre well before the reporting time.
• Stay Calm and Confident
  A calm mind helps you perform better in the exam. Avoid distractions and be focused.

Don’ts for SBI Clerk Prelims Exam

Below is a simple list of don’ts for the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam. Avoid these mistakes to ensure you stay focused and prepared:

• Don’t Skip Topics
  Avoid leaving any topic from the syllabus unprepared. Each section contributes to your overall score.
• Don’t Ignore Accuracy
  Focus on accuracy rather than attempting all questions. Remember, there is a negative marking for wrong answers.
• Don’t Waste Time
  Avoid spending too much time on a single question during the exam. Move ahead if you find a question too difficult.
• Don’t Rely on Guesswork
  Random guessing can reduce your score due to negative marking. Attempt questions only if you are confident about the answer.
• Don’t Panic
  If you find the paper difficult, stay composed. Remember, the exam is competitive; if the exam is difficult for you, it might be difficult for everyone, so don’t overthink.

Time Management Tips for Each Section

Managing time wisely in the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam is crucial since you have to attempt 100 questions in just 60 minutes. Each section: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability, has a dedicated time limit of 20 minutes, making speed and accuracy equally important. Candidates must practice mock tests and learn to prioritise easy questions first to secure maximum marks without losing time. Tips for Time Management:

• Avoid spending more than 30–40 seconds on a single question.
• Divide your time smartly, keeping the sectional time limit in mind.
• Use shortcuts, mental calculations, and elimination methods to answer faster.
• Attempt a sufficient number of questions to clear the sectional as well as the overall cut-off.

Handling Negative Marking in SBI Clerk Prelims

Since the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam follows a penalty of 0.25 marks for every wrong answer, accuracy is just as important as speed. Random guessing can lower your score and affect your chances of clearing the cut-off. Candidates should carefully attempt questions only when they are reasonably confident of the answer. Tips to Handle Negative Marking:

• Do not make blind guesses just to increase the number of attempts.
• Use the elimination technique to improve your chances of selecting the right option.
• Skip questions that seem too tricky or time-consuming.
• Focus on accuracy in your strong areas to minimise errors.
• Maintain a balance between attempts and precision to maximize your overall score.