SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1538 Junior Associate Posts
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 has been announced for 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) vacancies in the clerical cadre of State Bank of India. This is a special recruitment drive for SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) backlog vacancies across 21 States/UTs, and General/UR and EWS candidates cannot apply under this advertisement.
Eligible graduates can submit their applications online from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026. The selection process includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and, where applicable, a Local Language Proficiency Test.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Cadre | Clerical Cadre |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Eligible Categories | SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 27 August 2026 |
| Job Location | 21 States/UTs, according to the applied State/UT |
| Preliminary Exam | September 2026, tentatively |
| Main Exam | October/November 2026, tentatively |
The vacancies are backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST and OBC candidates. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT, and the merit lists will be prepared State-wise and category-wise.
SBI Junior Associate Vacancy 2026
SBI has notified 1,538 vacancies across 21 States/UTs. The overall category distribution is 207 SC, 1,219 ST and 112 OBC vacancies.
| State/UT | Total Vacancies | Local Language |
|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 88 | Telugu/Urdu |
| Karnataka | 120 | Kannada |
| Madhya Pradesh | 134 | Hindi |
| Chhattisgarh | 26 | As specified by SBI |
| Odisha | 111 | Odia |
| Chandigarh UT | 22 | Hindi/Punjabi |
| Jammu & Kashmir UT | 42 | Urdu/Hindi |
| Himachal Pradesh | 11 | Hindi |
| Punjab | 18 | Punjabi/Hindi |
| Tamil Nadu | 65 | Tamil |
| Telangana | 32 | Telugu/Urdu |
| Rajasthan | 106 | Hindi |
| West Bengal | 55 | Bengali/Nepali |
| Uttar Pradesh | 31 | Hindi/Urdu |
| Maharashtra | 165 | Marathi |
| Delhi | 17 | Hindi |
| Gujarat | 289 | Gujarati |
| Assam | 39 | Assamese/Bengali/Bodo |
| Tripura | 22 | Bengali/Kokborok |
| Bihar | 12 | Hindi/Urdu |
| Jharkhand | 133 | Hindi/Santhali |
| Total | 1,538 | — |
The source states that vacancies are provisional and may change according to SBI’s actual requirements. Candidates should also note that Junior Associates do not normally have an Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer facility, subject to the specific exceptions mentioned in the recruitment details.
Who Can Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
This particular SBI Clerk recruitment is not a general-category recruitment. Only candidates belonging to the SC, ST or OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories can apply against the advertised backlog vacancies, while General/UR and EWS candidates are excluded.
Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Final-year or final-semester students can also apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing by 31 December 2026 if provisionally selected.
Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree must have completed the IDD by 31 December 2026. Certain matriculate Ex-servicemen with the specified Indian Army, Navy or Air Force educational certificate and the required service period are also eligible under the stated conditions.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Restrictions
The source also identifies candidates who cannot apply under this recruitment. Applicants currently working in SBI’s Clerical Cadre and candidates who previously worked in SBI’s clerical cadre and resigned from it are not eligible. OBC candidates belonging to the Creamy Layer are also excluded.
PwBD candidates must apply under their respective SC, ST or OBC parent category because the drive does not have a separate PwBD vacancy column. The source also specifies the disability certificate requirement for candidates seeking applicable concessions.
SBI Clerk Age Limit 2026
Candidates must be 20 to 28 years old as on 1 April 2026. The source provides different age relaxations for eligible categories.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD – OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Actual service period + 3 years, subject to maximum age of 50 years |
| Eligible widows/divorced women/women judicially separated and not remarried | 7 years, subject to the specified maximum ages |
| Trained SBI Apprentices | Category-specific relaxation as prescribed |
Cumulative age relaxation is not permitted, and candidates cannot change their category after registering the online application.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
The application fee applies only to OBC candidates under this drive. SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen candidates do not have to pay the fee.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS | Nil |
| OBC | ₹750 |
The fee is non-refundable and can be paid online through debit card, credit card or internet banking. Any applicable transaction charges are payable by the candidate.
SBI Junior Associate Salary 2026
The Junior Associate post carries the following pay structure:
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | ₹24,050-1,340/3-₹28,070-1,650/3-₹33,020-2,000/4-₹41,020-2,340/7-₹57,400-₹4,400/1-₹61,800-₹2,680/1-₹64,480 |
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹26,730 |
| Starting Emoluments in a Metro City like Mumbai | Approximately ₹46,000 per month |
The starting basic pay includes ₹24,050 plus two advance increments available to graduate Junior Associates. Allowances can vary according to the place of posting, and selected employees are eligible for the benefits specified by SBI.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Fee Payment Begins | 7 August 2026 |
| Online Registration & Fee Payment Ends | 27 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026, tentatively |
| Main Examination | October/November 2026, tentatively |
| Preliminary Exam Call Letter | Tentatively 10 days before the exam |
| Main Exam Call Letter | Tentatively 10 days before the exam |
SBI may change the examination schedule, so candidates should check the official careers website for updates.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 selection process has three stages: the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Local Language Proficiency Test, where applicable. The Preliminary Examination is used for shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination, while only Main Examination marks contribute to the final merit list.
Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination carries 100 marks and lasts 1 hour. It contains English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
There is a 1/4th-mark negative marking for every wrong answer. The source does not prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual sections or the aggregate at this stage.
Main Examination
The Main Examination carries 200 marks and has a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. It covers General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
The Main Examination also carries 1/4th-mark negative marking for incorrect answers. Only Main Examination marks count toward the final merit list.
Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language of their selected State in Class 10 or Class 12 must appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining. Candidates who fail the language test will not receive an appointment.
Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
The special feature of this SBI Clerk recruitment is the State/UT-based application and local-language requirement. Candidates should therefore prepare not only for the banking examination but also confirm that they can demonstrate proficiency in the specified language for their chosen State/UT.
For the Preliminary Examination, preparation should focus on speed across English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning because each section has a fixed 20-minute window. Main Examination preparation needs broader coverage, especially General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude alongside Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning.
Candidates should also practise with the 1/4th negative marking in mind. Since only Main Examination marks contribute to final merit, preparation should gradually shift from basic speed-building to stronger Main-level accuracy and subject coverage.
Applicants choosing Tamil Nadu, for example, should pay particular attention to the Tamil language requirement, while candidates selecting other States/UTs should verify the corresponding language listed for their chosen location.
Exam Centres for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment
SBI has provided a tentative list of examination centres for the Preliminary and Main Examinations. The Bank can cancel, add or reallot centres according to its requirements, and candidates cannot request a change of centre, date or session.
The listed centres include locations across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Delhi NCR, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
Documents Required for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Candidates should keep the documents specific to their category and examination stage ready. The source requires original and self-attested copies of the applicable documents when called for the relevant stage.
- Valid photo identity proof with original and self-attested photocopy
- Authenticated Preliminary Examination call letter and ID proof copy
- Main Examination call letter
- Two additional photographs matching those used on the call letter
- SC/ST caste certificate, where applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate issued within the prescribed period
- Discharge certificate for eligible candidates serving in specified government, PSU, banking or financial institutions
Common Mistakes to Avoid in SBI Clerk Recruitment
- Applying under the wrong category: General/UR and EWS candidates are not eligible for this special backlog drive.
- Choosing more than one State/UT: Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT.
- Ignoring the local language: Check the language requirement before selecting the State/UT.
- Submitting multiple applications: SBI permits only one application under this recruitment.
- Missing the OBC fee: Eligible OBC candidates must pay the ₹750 application fee.
- Expecting corrections after submission: Candidates should verify all details before final submission because corrections are not allowed afterward.
How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Candidates must submit the application online through the prescribed recruitment portal. The process involves registration, document uploads and fee payment for candidates who are required to pay the fee.
- Visit the official SBI careers page.
- Find the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16.
- Read the detailed recruitment advertisement carefully.
- Register online and enter your personal, educational and category details.
- Select only one State/UT and verify its specified local language.
- Upload your photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression and handwritten declaration according to the prescribed specifications.
- Pay the ₹750 fee if you are an eligible OBC candidate.
- Check every detail before final submission.
- Submit the application before 27 August 2026.
- Save or print the system-generated application form for your records.
The source states that only the last valid application will be retained if multiple applications are submitted. No correction is allowed after final submission.
Important Instructions for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment
Candidates can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment and must satisfy the local-language requirement for the State/UT selected. Electronic devices such as mobile phones, smart watches and calculators are not permitted inside the examination premises.
Selected Junior Associates will initially remain on probation for a minimum of 6 months and must complete the prescribed e-lessons for confirmation. The role may also involve customer calls, cross-selling, outdoor travel and flexible working hours or shifts as required.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | SBI Junior Associate Apply Online |
| Official Notification PDF | SBI Junior Associate Notification PDF |
| Official SBI Website | SBI Official Website |
The source identifies the online application portal, detailed notification PDF and SBI website as the key official resources for this recruitment.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 FAQs
What is SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is a Special Recruitment Drive for 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) backlog vacancies in the clerical cadre. The vacancies are reserved for SC, ST and OBC candidates.
Is SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 open to General and EWS candidates?
No. General/UR and EWS candidates are not eligible under this particular Special Recruitment Drive. Only SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates can apply against the advertised backlog vacancies.
How many vacancies are available in SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
There are 1,538 vacancies across 21 States/UTs, comprising 207 SC, 1,219 ST and 112 OBC vacancies.
What are the eligibility criteria for SBI Junior Associate posts?
Candidates need graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Final-year students can apply provisionally subject to the prescribed passing requirement.
What is the age limit for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026, subject to the applicable category-wise relaxations.
What is the SBI Clerk application fee?
OBC candidates must pay ₹750, while SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempt from the fee.
What is the selection process for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Selection includes a 100-mark Preliminary Examination, a 200-mark Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test where applicable. Only Main Examination marks count toward the final merit list.
When is the SBI Clerk exam 2026?
SBI has tentatively scheduled the Preliminary Examination for September 2026 and the Main Examination for October/November 2026.
Conclusion
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 offers 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies through a special backlog recruitment drive for SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates across 21 States/UTs. The State/UT choice, local-language requirement, two-stage online examination and category-specific eligibility make it important for applicants to verify their eligibility and selected language before submitting the application.
Eligible candidates should complete the online registration and fee payment by 27 August 2026 and retain their submitted application and relevant documents for the later stages of the recruitment process.
