CBE entrance exam: the 2026 guide for graduate trainees

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) recruits fresh graduates through a centralised written exam followed by an interview. This guide explains the exam structure as it has been administered for the most recent cycles, the topics that appear, the realistic pass marks, and how to prepare in the 30 days before the test.

At a glance

• Exam format: paper-based, multiple choice plus short essay.
• Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes.
• Sections: Quantitative reasoning, English language, Banking and economics general knowledge, Logical reasoning.
• Pass mark: typically 60 percent overall, with no section below 40 percent (subject to CBE's published cut score per cycle).
• Frequency: annual, usually March to May, aligned with university graduation.

The four sections, in order

1. Quantitative reasoning

Percentage calculations, ratio and proportion, interest (simple and compound), basic algebra, data interpretation from small tables. The level is end-of-first-year-university maths, but under time pressure. Practice with timed drills more than depth.

2. English language

Reading comprehension on a banking or economics passage, sentence completion, error spotting, vocabulary in context. The trick is pacing, not vocabulary range. Read the questions before the passage.

3. Banking and economics general knowledge

National Bank of Ethiopia's role, types of banks operating in Ethiopia, basic monetary policy concepts, deposit and loan products, the difference between commercial and microfinance institutions, current banking sector reforms. The exam rewards candidates who have read the NBE annual report or the most recent banking-sector overview from Capital Ethiopia or Addis Fortune.

4. Logical reasoning

Pattern questions, basic syllogisms, seating arrangements, simple data sufficiency. Closest in style to general aptitude tests used by Ethiopian Airlines or Ethio Telecom, not GMAT.

Realistic timeline

• 6 weeks out: gather past-pattern questions, do one full diagnostic test.
• 4 weeks out: focus on the weakest section, daily 90-minute practice.
• 2 weeks out: alternate full-length mock exams every two days, review mistakes daily.
• Last week: light revision, sleep, no new material.

Common mistakes

• Treating it like a degree exam (it is not; speed beats depth).
• Skipping the general-knowledge section assuming "I will pick it up." You will not; this section often decides borderline candidates.
• Practicing without a clock. Time pressure is half the exam.

What to do next

• See the Credit Analyst role page and the Customer Service Officer page to choose your entry track.
• See open CBE positions once they are announced this cycle.