Both, at different stages. Sectional tests build each 20-minute section during the learning phase; full mocks train stamina and switching between sections in the last 4-6 weeks. A 2:1 ratio of sectional to full works well early on.
SBI Clerk Prelims is three separately timed 20-minute sections. That makes sectional tests unusually close to the real thing. Full mocks add something sectional tests cannot: switching between subjects under pressure, and holding focus for an hour (or 2 hours 40 minutes in Mains).
When to use each
| Phase | Sectional tests | Full mocks |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1-4 (learning) | 3-4 a week, in the section you studied | None, or one baseline mock |
| Weeks 5-8 (building) | 3 a week, weakest section first | 2 a week |
| Last 3-4 weeks | 1-2 a week for a weak section | 4-6 a week |
| After Prelims (for Mains) | GA and Reasoning-Computer sectionals | 1-2 Mains mocks a week |
What sectional tests are best for
- Testing a new attempt order inside one section
- Fixing one weak section without spending an hour on a full mock
- Practising on days when you have only 30-40 minutes
What full mocks are best for
- Recovering after a bad section and still doing well in the next
- Seeing your total score against a realistic target
- Building stamina for the 190-question Mains
Analyse sectional tests too
A sectional test needs only 10-15 minutes of analysis: mark each question right, wrong, skipped-but-doable or too hard, and note where the time went. For single topics, a short custom test (for example 15 questions of arithmetic in 12 minutes) is a good bridge between topic practice and full sections.
A simple rule
If your problem is one section, use sectional tests. If your problem is timing, nerves or the total score, use full mocks. Most candidates need both in the last month.
- SBI: Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026, detailed advertisement (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)
- SBI: Junior Associates 2026 Prelims information handout (Acquaint Yourself)
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
More mocks & practice questions
- How do I analyse a mock test properly for SBI Clerk?Spend as long on analysis as on the mock. Sort every question into right, wrong, skipped-but-doable and too h…→
- What is a good score in an SBI Clerk Prelims mock test?A good mock score is one clearly above the past Prelims cut-off for your state and category, achieved consist…→
- Why are my SBI Clerk mock scores stuck at the same level?Usually because you take mocks without fixing what they show, your accuracy is too low, or one section is hol…→
- Should I focus on accuracy or number of attempts in SBI Clerk mocks?Accuracy first. Get every section to about 85-90% accuracy at whatever attempts you manage, then raise attemp…→
- How do I maintain a mistake book for SBI Clerk?Record every wrong or guessed question with the topic, the reason you got it wrong and the correct method in …→
- How many mock tests should I take for SBI Clerk?Around 25-40 full Prelims mocks and 10-15 Mains mocks is a common, workable range, spread over the last 6-8 w…→