If you are preparing for the bank SBI Clerk exam, one most common question that might have crossed your mind is – “Is the SBI Clerk Bank exam really tough to crack?”

This is one of the most common doubts among many SBI Clerk banking applicants. Because of this, several myths and misconceptions have developed around the exam from its difficulty level to eligibility, preparation style, and even luck factor.

But the truth is simple – SBI Clerk is not about intelligence; it’s about strategy, consistency, and discipline.

Common Myths About SBI Clerk Bank Exam – And the Reality Behind them 

Let’s dive into myths that are often creating confusion among students.

Myth 1: The SBI Clerk Exam is Extremely Tough 

This is perhaps the most common myth. A number of aspirants believe that the SBI Clerk bank exam is very difficult to crack due to high competition level and conducted by India’s largest and most reputed bank. 

Reality:

No doubt SBI Clerk bank exam is competitive, but not impossible. What makes it appear tough is the large number of applicants, not the difficulty level of the questions.

Toughest Bank Exam in India: Which One is the Hardest to Crack?

The SBI Clerk Exam primarily tests students:

• Logical and analytical ability (Reasoning)
• Grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary (English Language)
• Numerical accuracy and calculations speeds and accuracy (Quant)

All these skills can be learned and improved with regular practice.

Preparation Tip to Crack SBI Clerk: 

Start with basic concepts, move to easy questions first, and then step by step excel all the topics from easy to tough. 

Get Free Download Handwritten Notes PDF to revise Tough Topics into Easy Language

Myth 2: Only Highly Educated Candidates Can Clear the Exam

SBI Clerk applicants believe that only those candidates who have high academic qualifications like MBA, B.Tech, or CA can succeed.

Reality: 

The SBI Clerk bank exam evaluates aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness, not specialized academic knowledge. Aspirants from any educational background can succeed if they:

• Understand the exam pattern and syllabus
• Focus on a regular practice 
• Use best books and study material
• Follow a disciplined preparation study plan 

Preparation Tip to Crack SBI Clerk:

Students have to concentrate on practice and conceptual clarity, not on degree. Skill and consistency matters more than study background in reality.

Here you can Share your Doubts and Get Free Response from Experts

Myth 3: Prelims Exam is Not Important 

Some aspirants underestimate the Prelims stage, thinking it’s just a formality.

In Reality:

A smart performance in prelims boosts confidence of students and improves the chance of cracking mains in the first attempt.

Preparation Tip to Crack SBI Clerk:

Students have to seriously prepare for the prelims section. They must focus on accuracy, speed, and strategic study plan and attempt mocks regularly to stimulate exam conditions.

SBI Clerk Preparation Tips to Score 90+ in Prelims

Myth 4: You Need to Study 10-12 Hours per Day

Many students think clearing bank SBI Clerk exam requires long hours of study. 

Reality:

Quality matters more than just quantity. Even 4-5 focused study hours daily are sufficient if your preparation is in a strategic manner.

Example: 

A student studying 5 hours daily, dividing time between English, Reasoning, Quant, GA and mock tests cracked the SBI Clerk exam in the first attempt, while on the other side a student who invested 10+ hours on study without any strategic preparation failed.

Time Management Tips for Bank Exam Aspirants Using Mock Test Series

Preparation Tip:

Break your study time into focused sessions:

• 1–1.5 hours for English 
• 1-1.5 hours for Quant 
• 1-1.5 hours for Reasoning
• 1 hour for practice tests/revision

Consistent practice plays a vital role than long hours of study to crack the SBI Clerk bank exam.

Get Structured Study Plans and Experts Guidance to Crack SBI Clerk in First Attempt

Myth 5: Luck Determines Success

The number of applicants thinks that luck plays a major role in cracking the SBI Clerk exam.

Reality:

SBI Clerk is a merit based exam. Preparation, speed, and accuracy determine success. While luck may influence minor aspects, your efforts are the key factor. Using mock tests, doubt solving support, and guidance from online communities ensures candidates rely on skill rather than luck.

Explore Full length and sectional mocks to analyse to track your performance.

Myth 6: The Syllabus is too Vast to Cover

Many applicants feel overwhelmed by the SBI Clerk bank exam syllabus.

Reality:

The syllabus of the SBI Clerk is manageable, especially when broken down into sub sections. Using topic wise study notes, updated resources, weekly quizzes and practice questions helps aspirants to the entire syllabus effectively.

Preparation Tip:

• Divide syllabus into weekly targets
• Revise daily, weekly, and monthly with concise notes 
• Practice by using mock test series and sectional tests.

Master Time Management for SBI Clerk Prelims – Strategy Inside!

Myth 7: English Section is Unpredictable 

Many aspirants fear the SBI Clerk English Section, thinking it’s hard to score good marks in English.

Reality:

English is a scoring section once students understand the pattern of questions asked. Most questions test:

• Reading Compression 
• Grammar 
• Vocabulary
• Error Detection

Preparation Tips:

• Learn 10-15 new words every day

• Read newspapers/editorials daily 
• Practice English mock tests, quizzes, and comprehension exercises
• Solve English MCQs/Practice questions  for tricky grammar for tricky grammar and vocabulary questions

Top Reading Sources to Improve English for Bank Exams

Myth 8: Coaching is Mandatory

Some aspirants believe joining a coaching institute is essential.

Top Coaching vs. Self-Study for IBPS PO: Which is better?

Reality:

Structured preparation resources, free study notes, online test series, doubt – solving support, and student communities make coaching optional. Aspirants can prepare successfully using these study resources while maintaining flexibility and self paced study.

Preparation Tip:

Combine mock tests, free notes, and peer discussions for a complete preparation strategy without spending on conventional coaching.

Why Bhagya Achievers Is More Than a Coaching Institute – It’s a Mission

Final Thoughts 

The SBI Clerk bank exam is not inherently tough – it’s competitive. Success depends on:

• Smart strategy
• Consistent practice
• Focused and disciplined preparation
• Confidence and time management 

With structured mocks, updated study resources, doubt solving support, and free download notes available on Bhagya Achievers helps to approach the SBI Clerk exam with confidence and clarity.

FAQ’s

Q1: Is the SBI Clerk bank exam very tough to crack in the first attempt?

Ans: No, the SBI Clerk bank exam is competitive but not impossible to clear. With consistent practice, strategic study plan, mock test practice and by the use of free study notes students can easily crack SBI Clerk bank exam.

Q2: How many hours of study are sufficient for SBI Clerk preparation?

Ans: Every 4-5 focused hours per day can be sufficient when you strategically prepare for the SBI Clerk bank exam. 

Q3: Which section is most important in the bank SBI Clerk exam?

Ans: High weightage sections include Quant, English and reasoning. For SBI Clerk mains general awareness also plays a significant role.

Q4: How can mock tests help in SBI Clerk preparation?

Ans: Mock tests simulate real exam conditions; improve speed and accuracy along with help to track strengths and weaknesses. 

Q5: Are previous year question papers important to clear SBI Clerk bank exam?

Ans: Analyzing previous year question papers helps to understand exam pattern, difficulty level, and frequently asked questions.

Q6: Can arts and commerce graduates clear SBI Clerk?

Ans: Absolutely, the SBI Clerk exam mainly focuses on aptitude, English, reasoning and general awareness, not requiring specialized knowledge.

Also Check: 

Top Reading Sources to Improve English for Bank Exams

• SBI Clerk vs. SBI PO: Key Differences and How to Choose Your Path
• SBI Clerk Exam 2025 Preparation Tips: Score 90+ in Prelims
• SBI Clerk Last Month Preparation Strategy
• Comprehensive SBI Clerk Preparation Strategy 2025: Subject-Wise Tips for Success
• SBI Clerk vs IBPS Clerk: Which Exam is Tougher?
• Toughest Bank Exam in India: Which One is the Hardest to Crack?
• How Posting is decided for the Bank Exams? Full Guide for IBPS, SBI, & RRB Bank Exams
• How Many Attempts Are Allowed For Bank Exams?