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IBPS Clerk vs SBI Clerk: how the 2026 patterns differ

By the PrepMatic team · Updated 9 Oct 2026 · 4 min read

IBPS Clerk is now officially the Customer Service Associate (CSA) and SBI Clerk is the Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales). Their prelims are identical in shape: 30 English, 35 Numerical Ability and 35 Reasoning questions in 60 minutes. The mains differ. IBPS CSA-XVI has 160 questions in 125 minutes with no Computer Aptitude section, and SBI's Junior Associate mains still has 190 questions in 160 minutes with Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude together. Neither has an interview.

IBPS Clerk and SBI Clerk side by side (2026 cycle)

The SBI advertisement adds that a candidate can sit the test only once under this recruitment project, and a bonus of 5 marks out of 200 in Mains for eligible SBI trained apprentices. IBPS applications for clerical posts also require computer literacy, which you can show through a certificate, a diploma, a degree or having studied computers as a subject.

The prelims: same sections, different rules

Both prelims have English (30 questions, 20 minutes), Numerical Ability (35, 20 minutes) and Reasoning (35, 20 minutes), each timed separately. The difference is the cut-off. IBPS applies a sectional cut-off, so a weak section can end your attempt. SBI sets no minimum for any test, and shortlists on total marks. If one section is a worry for you, SBI's prelims is more forgiving. See the IBPS Clerk pattern and SBI Clerk pattern for the sections in depth.

The mains: where the work differs

IBPS gives you less time and fewer questions (160 questions in 125 minutes), and drops Computer Aptitude from the mains. SBI gives 190 questions across 160 minutes, and its Reasoning section includes computer questions, which carry 60 marks together. So a candidate preparing only for IBPS will under-prepare for SBI's computer questions, and a candidate preparing for SBI covers the sections IBPS asks. Do not mix up the two when you read older material: the old IBPS clerk mains (190 questions with computer aptitude) no longer matches the 2026 IBPS pattern.

The local language test and the state you pick

You pick one State or UT in both. In Tamil Nadu, questions come in English, Hindi and Tamil. The Local Language Proficiency Test is waived if your mark sheet shows you studied the language: IBPS accepts Class 10 or a higher class, and SBI accepts Class 10 or 12. If you did not study Tamil in school, plan for the test, which is qualifying: failing it means no appointment. SBI states that transfers between circles or states are not allowed before 5 years of service.

Who should choose which

• Apply to both if you qualify. They fall in different months and share most skills.
• Lean IBPS if you are strong in English and Reasoning and weaker in Computers, since IBPS removes that section in mains.
• Lean SBI if you dislike sectional cut-offs in prelims, or you are a final-year student, as SBI takes provisional applications.
• Choose your state with care. Vacancies are state-wise, and your local-language status decides whether you must sit a language test.

Preparing for both

Practise the shared prelims with a clock on each section. For mains, add computer awareness only if you apply to SBI. The IBPS Clerk preparation strategy lays out a plan, and the bank PO vs clerk guide helps if you are weighing a clerk post against an officer post.

PrepMatic's free assessment, about 15 untimed multiple-choice questions, shows your weakest subjects among English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning. Full-length mocks follow the real paper pattern and shorter custom mocks can be focused on your weak subjects.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an interview for IBPS Clerk or SBI Clerk?

No. Both go from Prelims to Mains and then the language test if needed. Final merit is on Mains marks only.

Does the SBI Clerk mains have a computer section?

Yes, inside Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (50 questions, 60 marks). IBPS CSA-XVI has no separate computer section in its mains.

Do the two clerk posts pay the same?

Both advertisements print the same basic scale, ₹24,050 to ₹64,480. SBI states a starting basic of ₹26,730 for graduates, and allowances depend on the bank and the place of posting.

Official sources

• IBPS CRP CSA-XVI notification
• SBI Junior Associate 2026 advertisement
• SBI current openings
• IBPS tentative calendar 2026-27

These details are from the 2026 cycle. Check the next notification before you rely on them.

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