Prelims is almost identical (100 questions, 60 minutes). The big differences are in Mains: SBI's is 190 questions in 160 minutes and includes Computer Aptitude, while IBPS's 2026 Mains is 160 questions in 125 minutes. IBPS also has sectional cut-offs; SBI Prelims does not.
Both exams recruit clerks, but for different employers. SBI Clerk (Junior Associate, Customer Support and Sales) is only for State Bank of India. IBPS Clerk (Customer Service Associate) is a common process for several public sector banks, with provisional allotment to a bank after the result.
2026 cycle side by side
| SBI JA 2026 | IBPS CSA-XVI | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 20-28 as on 01.04.2026 | 20-28 as on 01.08.2026 |
| Prelims | English 30, Numerical 35, Reasoning 35; 20 min each | Same structure |
| Prelims cut-off | No minimum marks prescribed for individual tests or aggregate; shortlisting by merit | Must qualify in each of the three tests |
| Mains | 190 Q, 200 marks, 2 h 40 min | 160 Q, 200 marks, 125 min |
| Mains sections | GA 50, English 40, Quant 50, Reasoning and Computer 50 (60 marks) | GA 40 (50 marks), English 40, Reasoning 40 (60 marks), Quant 40 (50 marks) |
| Mains qualifying | Minimum aggregate set by the bank; no subject minimum | Minimum in each test and in total |
| Negative marking | 1/4 of the question's marks | 1/4 of the question's marks |
| Interview | None | None |
| Local language | Test if you did not study it in Class 10 or 12 | Local language proficiency test applies |
What this means for preparation
- Prelims preparation is the same for both. Prepare once, apply to both.
- SBI Mains needs Computer Aptitude; the IBPS CSA-XVI Mains table does not list a separate computer section.
- IBPS Mains gives less time per question and has sectional minimums, so a weak section is riskier in IBPS.
- In SBI Prelims, a strong total can cover a weaker section, because no sectional cut-off is prescribed.
Timing in 2026
SBI's notification gave Prelims tentatively in September and Mains in November 2026. IBPS's schedule listed Prelims in October 2026, Mains in December 2026 and provisional allotment in March 2027.
- SBI: Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026, detailed advertisement (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)
- IBPS: CRP CSA-XVI (Clerks) notification
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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