SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Recruitment 2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 1538 Posts

State Bank of India (SBI) has released Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 for recruitment of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre, popularly searched as SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026. This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies only – it is not open to General/Unreserved or EWS candidates. A total of 1538 vacancies (SC: 207, ST: 1219, OBC: 112) are available across 21 states/UTs. Graduates aged 20 to 28 years (as on 01.04.2026) belonging to SC, ST, or OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories can apply online between 07.08.2026 and 27.08.2026. Selection involves an online Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test where applicable. The Preliminary Exam is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, and the Main Exam for October/November 2026.

SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Recruitment 2026 Overview

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details

SBI has notified 1538 backlog vacancies across 21 states/UTs, reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates only. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT, and merit lists will be drawn State-wise and category-wise. Candidates applying for a particular State/UT must be proficient in that State’s specified local language, mentioned against each row below.

^$ Candidates applying for Maharashtra (Maharashtra Circle/Mumbai Metro Circle) or Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Circle) should verify operational areas via SBI’s Branch Locator on its official website. Vacancy for the entire Uttar Pradesh state is under Lucknow Circle only.

Vacancies are provisional and may vary based on the Bank’s actual requirement. There is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer for Junior Associates, except Intra-State transfer between Delhi Circle and Lucknow Circle (within Uttar Pradesh) and between Mumbai Metro Circle and Maharashtra Circle (within Maharashtra), subject to the Bank’s extant guidelines. PwBD and Ex-servicemen/Disabled ex-servicemen candidates can apply under their respective parent category (SC/ST/OBC), as there is no separate PwBD vacancy column in this drive.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Eligibility

Who Can Apply

This drive is open only to candidates belonging to the SC, ST, and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories against backlog vacancies. General/UR and EWS category candidates are not eligible to apply under this specific advertisement.

Educational Qualification (As on 31.12.2026)

• Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
• Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate must ensure the date of passing the IDD is on or before 31.12.2026.
• Candidates in their final year/semester of graduation may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of having passed by 31.12.2026, if provisionally selected.
• Matriculate Ex-servicemen who have obtained the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or equivalent Navy/Air Force certificate), after completing at least 15 years of service, are also eligible.

Who Is NOT Eligible

• Candidates currently working in SBI’s Clerical cadre.
• Candidates previously employed in SBI who resigned while in the clerical cadre.
• Candidates against whom there is an adverse report regarding character, antecedents, or moral turpitude.
• OBC candidates falling under the “Creamy Layer.”

PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities)

The post is identified as suitable for candidates with Blindness/Low Vision, Deafness/Hard of Hearing, specified locomotor disabilities (One/Both Arms or Legs, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity/Injury without associated neurological dysfunction), Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild), Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness, and Multiple Disabilities involving the above. PwBD candidates apply under their respective parent category (SC/ST/OBC) as there is no horizontal PwBD reservation in this drive; a valid Disability Certificate on the prescribed format, dated on or before the last date of registration, is required to avail concessions such as scribe facility and compensatory time.

Ex-Servicemen (XS)

Candidates must meet the definition of Ex-Serviceman as per Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs Notification No. 36034/5/85/Estt(SCT) dated 27th October 1986 (as amended). Disabled Ex-Servicemen, dependents of servicemen killed in action, and Territorial Army Personnel (w.e.f. 15.11.1986) are covered under specific conditions detailed in the official notification, including submission of the applicable Proforma (A, B, C, or D) as relevant to their service status.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Age Limit

Candidates must be not below 20 years and not above 28 years as on 01.04.2026 – i.e., born not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 (both days inclusive).

Cumulative age relaxation is not available either within the above categories or in combination with any other item. No change in category is permitted after registration of the online application.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Application Fee

Fee/intimation charges, once paid, will not be refunded on any account, nor can they be held in reserve for any other exam or selection. Fee can be paid online via debit card, credit card, or internet banking; transaction charges, if any, are borne by the candidate.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Salary

The Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) post carries the following pay structure:

Allowances may vary depending on the place of posting. Selected candidates will be eligible for reimbursement of various perquisites, provident fund, pension under the New Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution Benefit), medical benefits, leave-fare concession, and other facilities as per the Bank’s instructions issued from time to time.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Any change in dates will be intimated through the official SBI careers website, so candidates are advised to check it regularly.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Selection Process

Selection consists of an online test (Preliminary and Main Examination) followed by a test of specified opted local language, where applicable.

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (100 Marks, 1 Hour)

There is negative marking of 1/4th mark for each wrong answer. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual sections or aggregate score. Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each category (subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Exam based on descending aggregate marks.

Phase-II: Main Examination (200 Marks, 2 Hours 40 Minutes)

Negative marking of 1/4th mark applies for each wrong answer. Candidates must score a minimum percentage of aggregate marks as decided by the Bank; no individual-subject qualifying marks are prescribed. Only Main Exam marks (not Preliminary Exam marks) count towards the final merit list.

Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)

Provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the applied State in Class 10th or 12th must appear for the LLPT before joining.

Candidates who fail to qualify the LLPT will not be offered appointment. Trained apprentices of SBI (whose engagement started on or after 01.01.2022 and who completed one year of branch experience by 27.08.2026 satisfactorily) are given 2.5% bonus marks (5 out of 200) in the Main Examination.

Wait List: A wait list of up to 50% of vacancies (State-category wise) will be maintained, valid for one year from the date of declaration of the final result, and released quarterly against non-joining/resignation from the current batch, subject to candidates meeting minimum qualifying marks.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Exam Centres

A tentative list of exam centres for the Preliminary and Main Examination is given below. SBI reserves the right to cancel, add, or reallot centres at its discretion, and no request for change of centre, date, or session will be entertained.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Required Documents

• One photo identity proof (passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, driving license, voter’s card, bank passbook with photograph, or a duly attested school/college ID) – original plus self-attested photocopy.
• Authenticated Preliminary Exam call letter (with authenticated copy of ID proof) and Main Exam call letter, to be presented at the time of the Main Examination.
• Two additional photographs, same as pasted on the call letter.
• Caste certificate for SC/ST candidates, issued by a competent authority on the Government-prescribed format, submitted at the time of joining if called for.
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate, issued during the period 01.04.2026 to the date of taking up appointment, submitted at the time of joining if found suitable.
• Discharge certificate from employer, for candidates serving in Government/Quasi-Government offices, PSUs, Nationalised Banks, or Financial Institutions, at the time of taking up appointment.

How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

1. Visit SBI’s official careers website: sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
2. Scroll down and click on the advertisement for “Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026,” Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16.
3. Download and carefully read the detailed advertisement before applying.
4. Register online and fill in the application form with correct personal, educational, and category details. Not more than one application should be submitted; in case of multiple applications, only the last valid one will be retained.
5. Scan and upload your photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and hand-written declaration, as per the specifications in the official notification’s Annexure-II.
6. Pay the requisite application fee (OBC candidates only) through debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
7. Review your application carefully before final submission – no corrections are allowed after submission. Take a printout of the system-generated application form for your records (this printout is not to be sent to SBI).
8. Complete registration and fee payment before 27.08.2026.

For queries related to the application form, fee payment, or call letters, candidates can call 022-22820427 (11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Bank working days) or raise a query at cgrs.ibps.in, mentioning “Special Recruitment drive for Junior Associates 2026” in the subject line.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Important Instructions

• Candidates can apply for vacancies of only one State/UT and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project.
• Candidates must be proficient in the specified local language of the State/UT applied for; a local language test will be conducted after qualifying the Main Exam but before joining, for those who haven’t studied that language in Class 10 or 12.
• Candidates must bring one photo ID proof, the authenticated call letters, and two extra photographs to the exam; failure to do so may result in disqualification from appearing.
• Mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, calculators, or any communication/electronic devices are strictly not allowed inside the examination premises.
• Bank may conduct biometric (thumb impression/IRIS) verification at various stages; candidates should avoid mehandi, ink, or chemicals on their hands.
• Using unfair means, impersonation, misbehaviour in the exam hall, or any irregular means in connection with candidature can lead to disqualification, debarment from future SBI exams, and criminal prosecution.
• The newly appointed Junior Associates will be on probation for a minimum of 6 months and must complete prescribed e-lessons to get confirmed; probation may be extended if performance does not meet the Bank’s expectations.
• The new recruits must be prepared for outdoor travelling, customer calls, cross-selling of products, and flexible working hours/shifts as required for the role.
• SBI does not endorse any external coaching platform, consultancy, or individual claiming to offer guaranteed selection or insider guidance; candidates must rely solely on SBI’s official career portal.
• The Bank reserves the right to cancel the recruitment process entirely at any stage, and its decisions on all matters relating to eligibility, tests, and selection are final and binding.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Important Link