Punjab National Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026: 5138 Vacancies, Eligibility, Online Form & Exam Details

PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2025-26 – Overview

Punjab National Bank (PNB), a leading public sector bank, has announced a significant opportunity for graduate candidates across India. The bank is inviting applications for 5138 Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961 for the financial year 2025-26. This one-year apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical training and exposure to the banking sector. The selection process is entirely online and will include a written examination, a local language test, document verification, and a medical fitness check. Successful candidates will receive a monthly stipend and valuable experience, although this is not a regular employment opportunity. This initiative is a crucial step for graduates looking to build a foundation in the banking and financial services industry.

Eligibility, Selection Process & Key Highlights

To be eligible for the PNB Apprentice program, candidates must be Indian citizens (or belong to specified categories) and possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university. The age limit is 20 to 28 years as of 01 January 2026, with standard relaxations for reserved categories. A critical requirement is proficiency in the local language of the State/UT for which a candidate applies. The selection will be based on a 100-mark online test covering General Awareness, English, Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge. Candidates must note that this is a training engagement; apprentices are not bank employees and have no claim for future employment. The entire application process, from registration to fee payment, must be completed online within the stipulated dates.

About Important Dates of PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The timeline for PNB Apprentice Recruitment is strict and candidates must adhere to it precisely. The application window is open from 08 to 24 February 2026, which provides exactly 17 days to complete the multi-step registration process. It is crucial to understand that there is no correction window mentioned. This means any mistake in the application after final submission cannot be rectified, potentially leading to rejection. The exam is tentatively scheduled for the first week of March 2026, giving candidates a short preparation time after application closure. The cut-off date of 01 January 2026 is pivotal for calculating age and verifying that the graduation result was declared on or before 31 December 2025. Missing any of these deadlines means missing the opportunity entirely for this year.

About Application Fees for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The application fee structure for PNB Apprentice is designed to be inclusive, offering concessions for female candidates and those from SC/ST/PwBD/Transgender categories. The total amount includes an 18% GST, which candidates must factor in. Payment is accepted only through online modes like net banking, credit/debit cards, or UPI during the fee payment window. It is critical to note that the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, even if the application is found ineligible later or the candidate does not appear for the exam. Therefore, candidates must double-check their eligibility before proceeding to pay. The fee is also non-transferable and cannot be adjusted for any other examination. A successful payment is mandatory for the application to be considered complete.

About Age Limit for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

The age criteria are calculated as of a fixed cut-off date, 01 January 2026. This is a common practice in government recruitments to ensure uniformity. For General and EWS category candidates, the age must be between 20 and 28 years. The provided date of birth range (02 Jan 1998 to 01 Jan 2006) helps candidates instantly verify their eligibility. Age relaxations for reserved categories are cumulative but with specific rules; for instance, an SC candidate with a PwBD disability can get a total relaxation of 15 years (5+10), but this is subject to the maximum age not exceeding 34 years as per NAPS guidelines. A critical point is that OBC candidates must ensure they belong to the Non-Creamy Layer and possess a valid certificate; otherwise, they must apply as Unreserved (UR). Candidates, especially those on the borderline, should calculate their age carefully using the cut-off date to avoid disqualification.

About Eligibility Criteria for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Eligibility for the PNB Apprentice program goes beyond just having a graduate degree. The local language requirement is a decisive filter. Candidates must be proficient in the official language(s) of the state they are applying for, as they will eventually interact with customers in that region. This proficiency can be proven via a 10th or 12th mark sheet showing study of the language, failing which they must clear a language test. Another often overlooked criterion is the restriction on prior apprenticeship or significant work experience. If a candidate has already undergone an apprenticeship under the 1961 Act anywhere, or has worked for one year or more after graduation, they are ineligible. This rule aims to give fresh graduates and first-time learners a fair chance. All declarations regarding these points will be verified during document verification, and any false information will lead to termination.

Punjab National Bank has announced a total of 5138 Apprentice seats for the 2025-26 training year. These vacancies are distributed across all States and Union Territories of India, with a detailed break-up provided for each administrative Circle within a State. The vacancies are further categorized as per Government of India reservation norms for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and Unreserved (UR) categories. Additionally, 4% horizontal reservation is provided for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) across four categories: Visual Impairment (VI), Hearing Impairment (HI), Orthopedically Challenged (OH), and Intellectual Disability (ID). The bank has clearly stated that the number of seats is provisional and may vary at the time of final engagement.

The following table provides the consolidated, all-India category-wise vacancy distribution for the PNB Apprentice recruitment. This summary helps candidates understand the broader reservation framework. The PwBD vacancies are reserved horizontally within each of these vertical categories. For example, the 51 seats for Visually Impaired (VI) candidates will be filled from among SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and UR candidates who have the required benchmark disability certificate. Candidates should apply in the category for which they possess a valid and current certificate. EWS candidates must ensure their Family Income and Asset Certificate is for the Financial Year 2025-26 and is issued by the competent authority.

About the Online Written Test

The PNB Apprentice selection test is a single-stage, 100-question exam to be completed in 60 minutes. This translates to an average of 36 seconds per question, demanding both speed and accuracy. The paper is divided into four equal sections of 25 marks each, meaning no single section is disproportionately heavy. A significant advantage is the language option; except for the English section, candidates can attempt the General Awareness, Quantitative Aptitude, and Computer sections in Hindi. This levels the playing field for those more comfortable in Hindi. Since negative marking is not explicitly mentioned, candidates should ideally attempt all questions after careful consideration, as unanswered questions yield no marks. The exam will be proctored online, and candidates must use their own device (laptop/desktop/smartphone) with a camera, following strict guidelines to prevent unfair means.

About Scoring and Selection Criteria

Selection is purely merit-based, subject to reservation rules. The bank will set a minimum qualifying percentage (cut-off) on the aggregate score. Reserved category candidates (SC/ST/OBC/PwBD) get a 5% relaxation in this aggregate cut-off. For example, if the general cut-off is 60%, it would be 55% for these categories. There is no minimum pass mark for individual sections, so a candidate can compensate for a weak section by performing exceptionally well in others. The tie-breaking rule, where the older candidate gets preference, is unique. After the written test, provisionally selected candidates must clear subsequent stages: Document Verification, Local Language Test (if required), and Medical Fitness. Failure at any of these non-exam stages will result in disqualification, and the next candidate in the merit list will be considered.

About Physical Eligibility Criteria

Unlike many other bank recruitments for permanent posts, the PNB Apprentice program does not prescribe any physical standards such as height, weight, or chest measurements. There is also no Physical Endurance Test (PET) or race. This makes the opportunity accessible to a wider pool of candidates. However, medical fitness is a non-negotiable final hurdle. After clearing the written exam and document verification, provisionally selected candidates must obtain a fitness certificate from a doctor with an MBBS degree. This certificate typically attests that the candidate is free from any contagious disease and is physically and mentally fit to undertake the apprenticeship training. Candidates with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) must ensure their disability certificate is from a competent medical authority as per the RPwD Act, 2016 format.

About the Stipend Structure

It is vital for candidates to understand that they will be engaged as 'Apprentices' under the Apprentices Act, not as regular employees of PNB. Therefore, they will receive a stipend, not a salary with components like basic pay, DA, or HRA. The stipend is fixed at ₹12,300 per month for branches located in Rural, Semi-Urban, and Urban areas, and ₹15,000 per month for branches in Metropolitan cities. This stipend is subject to TDS as per Income Tax rules. No other allowances, Provident Fund, pension, or medical benefits are provided. The stipend is paid upon adjustment for any unauthorized absence. The engagement offers no guarantee or right to claim a regular job in the bank after training completion. Candidates should view this as a paid learning opportunity to gain industry experience.

The official notification does not provide a detailed, topic-wise syllabus. However, based on the names of the four test sections, candidates can prepare from standard banking exam content. A comprehensive 'Information Handout' containing detailed syllabus and exam guidelines will be released along with the call letter on the BFSI SSC portal. Candidates must refer to that document for the final syllabus. The broad areas for preparation are outlined below.

Beyond the standard recruitment details, the PNB Apprentice notification contains several crucial points that candidates must thoroughly understand before proceeding with their application:

Understanding the Nature of Apprenticeship Engagement

This is fundamentally a training program under the Apprentices Act, 1961, not a direct recruitment drive for bank jobs. Candidates must internalize this distinction. Apprentices are not employees of Punjab National Bank. They are trainees and, as such, are not entitled to any employee benefits like Provident Fund, pension, gratuity, leave encashment, or allowances. The bank has explicitly stated that there is no obligation to offer regular employment after training. This engagement is ideal for fresh graduates seeking to build a resume with practical banking experience, but it should not be mistaken for a secure job. The engagement can be terminated with a 7-day notice for unsatisfactory performance or misconduct.

The Critical Multi-Portal Registration Process

The application process is uniquely complex, requiring action on three different portals: BFSI SSC (for exam application), NAPS (mandatory for all), and NATS (for recent graduates). Failure to complete registration on any mandatory portal will render the candidature incomplete and liable for rejection. A common mistake is using different email IDs or mobile numbers across these portals. Candidates must use the same contact details everywhere. After paying the fee on BFSI SSC, they must log in to the BEEP portal to update the codes generated from NAPS/NATS. Ignoring reminder emails from BFSI SSC to update these codes is a major reason for application failure.

Strict Compliance with Anti-Misconduct Rules

The notification has a strong emphasis on preventing unfair means. The online exam will be remotely proctored, meaning candidates' audio, video, and screen may be monitored. Activities like talking to someone, looking away from the screen frequently, or using a mobile phone can be flagged. The bank warns that answer patterns will be analysed to detect copying or impersonation. Penalties are severe: disqualification from the current exam, debarment from future exams, and termination if misconduct is discovered after engagement. Candidates must ensure they have a quiet, private space and a stable internet connection for the exam duration.

Importance of Local Language and Certificate Validity

The local language requirement is non-negotiable and state-specific. Candidates must apply for a state where they are proficient in at least one of the listed languages. The language test exemption is only for those who have studied the language up to 10th or 12th standard, proven by the mark sheet. For others, failing the language test at the verification stage will lead to disqualification, regardless of written exam rank. Similarly, category certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD) must be in the exact prescribed format issued by the competent authority. OBC candidates with a creamy layer status or an expired non-creamy layer certificate must apply as 'Unreserved'. Submitting an invalid certificate is treated as furnishing false information and leads to cancellation.

1. Is the PNB Apprentice a permanent job?

No. It is a one-year training engagement under the Apprentices Act, 1961. Apprentices are not regular employees of the bank and have no right to claim employment after training.

2. Can final year students apply?

No. Your graduation result must have been declared on or before 31 December 2025. Provisional certificates are acceptable if the final result is declared within this deadline.

3. Is registration on NAPS and NATS compulsory?

NAPS registration is mandatory for all candidates. NATS registration is additionally mandatory only for graduates who passed on or after 01 January 2022. You must apply on both portals and update the codes on the BFSI BEEP portal.

4. What is the stipend amount?

The monthly stipend is ₹12,300 for Rural, Semi-Urban, and Urban branches, and ₹15,000 for branches in Metropolitan cities. No other allowances are paid.

5. Is there any negative marking in the online exam?

The official notification does not mention any negative marking. However, candidates should wait for the final exam instructions or information handout for confirmation.

6. Can I apply for more than one state?

No. You can submit only one application. If multiple applications are found, only the last valid one will be considered and fees for others will be forfeited.

7. What is the age relaxation for an OBC female candidate?

An OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) female candidate gets a relaxation of 3 years over the upper age limit of 28 years, making her maximum eligible age 31 as of 01.01.2026.

8. How can I prove local language proficiency?

If you have studied the required local language as a subject in 10th or 12th standard, your mark sheet serves as proof. Otherwise, you will have to pass a language test conducted by the bank during verification.

9. Are Ex-servicemen eligible for reservation?

No. The notification clearly states that there is no reservation for Ex-servicemen or Disabled Ex-servicemen in this apprenticeship program.

10. What happens if I don't update NAPS code on the BFSI portal?

Your application will be considered incomplete and liable for rejection. You will receive reminder emails from BFSI SSC; you must log in to beep.bfsissc.com and update the code.

11. Is there a service bond after training?

The notification does not mention any service bond. Since it's not a regular job, a post-training bond is typically not applicable for apprenticeship roles.

12. Can a B.Tech graduate apply?

Yes. The requirement is a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university. So B.A., B.Sc., B.Com, B.Tech, or any equivalent degree is acceptable.

13. Where will the apprenticeship training be located?

Training location will be allotted by the bank within the State/UT you applied for, based on administrative needs. It could be in any branch or office in that state.

14. What is the training period?

The apprenticeship training is for a fixed period of one year (12 months), which includes basic training and on-the-job training.

15. How will I get the call letter for the exam?

The call letter (admit card) will be available for download from the BFSI SSC website (www.bfsissc.com). Intimation will also be sent via email and SMS to your registered contacts.