SBI CBO 2026 Notification Extended: Circle Based Officer Recruitment – Apply Now

State Bank of India CBO 2026 – Overview

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially extended the application deadline for the recruitment of Circle Based Officers (CBO) for the year 2026. This is a specialized, centralized recruitment drive to fill lateral entry vacancies across various SBI Circles. Unlike Probationary Officers (PO), the CBO role is specifically designed for experienced individuals who are willing to serve in a specific geographical circle for a long duration. The notification brings major compliance updates regarding OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) validity, EWS income proof for the financial year 2024-25, and strict CIBL default disqualification. Candidates currently employed with Government, Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), or Private Firms must obtain a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) prior to applying. Biometric verification will be mandatory at the time of interview or document verification.

Why CBO is Different from Regular SBI PO?

The SBI CBO position is a distinct cadre. The most significant rule governing this post is the No Inter-Circle Transfer policy. Selected candidates will not be eligible for transfer to another circle until they reach SMGS-IV grade or complete 12 years of continuous service. This makes it an ideal choice for candidates who wish to settle permanently in their home state or assigned circle. Additionally, candidates must understand that once the category (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) is claimed during the online application, no request for change will be entertained at any subsequent stage of the recruitment process. This places a heavy emphasis on accurate, document-backed self-declaration at the time of form filling.

Understanding the Extended Deadline

The State Bank of India has extended the last date for SBI CBO 2026 from 18 February to 25 February 2026. This extension is a critical opportunity for candidates who were unable to complete their registration due to delays in obtaining the EWS income certificate for FY 2024-25 or the OBC NCL certificate dated specifically between 01.04.2025 and the interview date. Do not mistake this extension as a relaxation in eligibility; it is purely an administrative accommodation. Candidates should treat 22 February 2026 as their personal deadline to avoid server congestion on the final day. Historically, SBI servers experience heavy load, and last-minute technical glitches have led to rejections.

Fee Exemption and Payment Discipline

SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are completely exempt from paying the application fee. However, they must still complete the registration process and click the ‘Submit’ button. If a candidate from a reserved category mistakenly pays the fee, the amount will not be refunded. For General, OBC, and EWS candidates, the fee of ₹750 is non-negotiable. Applications without successful fee payment by 11:59 PM on 25 February 2026 will be summarily rejected. There is no grace period. A common mistake is assuming the fee is ‘paid’ once UPI is initiated; ensure the transaction status reflects as ‘Success’ in your application dashboard.

Educational Qualification: The 60% Barrier

Unlike generalist SBI PO exams which require only a pass percentage, the SBI CBO recruitment enforces a strict 60% minimum marks in graduation for General/OBC/EWS candidates. This is a common stumbling block. Candidates with 59.99% are ineligible, regardless of post-graduation qualifications or work experience. SC/ST/J&K Domicile candidates have a relaxation to 55%. The percentage is calculated based on the aggregate of all subjects/semesters. If your university provides only CGPA, convert it to percentage using the official conversion formula of that university. Self-calculated approximations are rejected during document verification.

Experience: What Qualifies as 'Supervisory'?

The notification mandates a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience. This does not mean merely holding a job for 2 years. You must have supervised a team, handled cash/operations independently, or managed a business vertical. Experience as a bank clerk, intern, or accountant in a small shop does not qualify. Candidates from Private Banks (ICICI, HDFC, Axis) must ensure their relieving letters clearly mention the role as "Officer" or "Assistant Manager." A mere appointment letter stating 'Executive' without job description proof may be rejected. NOC from the current employer is mandatory, even if you are applying for a better role.

OBC NCL Certificate: The 01.04.2025 Rule

A major update in this SBI CBO notification is the strict validity requirement for the OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate. The certificate must be issued on or after 01 April 2025 and must be valid as of the interview date. This invalidates any certificates issued in 2023 or 2024, even if they originally had a 3-year validity. SBI is enforcing this to ensure income verification for the latest financial year. Candidates who belong to the OBC category but do not possess the NCL certificate will be treated as General category candidates. This decision cannot be changed later.

EWS Income Certificate: FY 2024-25 is Mandatory

For candidates claiming Economically Weaker Section (EWS) reservation, the income certificate must explicitly reflect the Financial Year 2024-25. Certificates issued based on FY 2023-24 income will be summarily rejected. The gross annual household income must be less than ₹8 lakhs. This certificate must be issued by a Tehsildar or competent State Government authority. Certificates issued by local councilors, corporators, or notary publics are not valid for SBI recruitment. If you are applying under EWS, ensure the certificate is dated after 01 April 2025 to be safe.

No Inter-Circle Transfer Policy: The 12-Year Lock

This is arguably the most defining feature of the SBI CBO recruitment. Selected candidates will be allotted a specific Circle (e.g., Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru) at the time of joining. You will be ineligible for transfer to any other circle until you either reach the Senior Management Grade Scale IV (SMGS IV) or complete 12 years of continuous service. This means you cannot request a transfer due to marriage, medical grounds, or personal preference. Candidates applying to the Mumbai circle, for example, should be prepared to stay in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region for over a decade. This rule is strictly enforced and is non-negotiable. Candidates seeking frequent transfers should reconsider applying for this specific post.

Biometric Verification & Jurisdiction Clause

SBI is implementing mandatory biometric verification during the interview stage to eliminate proxy candidates and identity fraud. Fingerprint scanning and live photo matching against the application photo will be conducted. Additionally, a unique clause in this notification states that the jurisdiction for all legal disputes is restricted to Mumbai courts only, regardless of where the candidate applied from or where the examination center is located. This is a significant legal precondition. If a candidate wishes to file a case regarding their candidature, they must approach the High Court of Bombay (Mumbai Bench). Candidates from North East or North India must be aware of this logistical legal constraint.

1. Can I apply for the SBI CBO post if I am currently working in a Private Bank?

Yes, but you must submit a valid No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer at the time of interview. Without NOC, your candidature will be canceled.

2. My CIBIL score is low, but I have never defaulted. Am I eligible?

The notification only disqualifies candidates who are CIBIL defaulters (i.e., declared as willful defaulter or having non-performing assets). A low score due to high credit utilization is not a bar.

3. I submitted my application on 18 Feb. Do I need to apply again due to the extension?

No. The extension is for new applicants. Your previous application remains valid. However, the rule of multiple applications applies: if you apply again, only the last submitted application will be considered.

4. Is the EWS certificate for FY 2024-25 mandatory even if I already have an older certificate?

Yes. This is a strict condition. EWS certificates based on FY 2023-24 or earlier will be rejected during document verification. Obtain a fresh certificate dated after 01 April 2025.

5. What is the 'Live Photo Capture' requirement?

While filling the application, your system’s webcam will take a live photograph. This is matched with your uploaded photo and biometrics later. Do not wear caps, sunglasses, or use a pre-saved image.

6. Can OBC candidates from Uttar Pradesh apply with their state certificate?

Yes, but only if the certificate is an OBC Non-Creamy Layer (NCL) certificate issued by the competent authority of Uttar Pradesh. Creamy layer certificates are invalid for SBI reservation.

7. I have 1 year and 11 months of experience. Can I apply?

No. The minimum experience is 2 full years as on 25.02.2026. Part-time, internship, or articleship training does not count toward this experience.

8. Are mobile phones strictly prohibited during the exam?

Yes. Possession of a mobile phone, even if switched off, inside the examination hall will lead to immediate disqualification and a possible ban from future SBI exams.

9. I am a PwBD candidate. Can I get a scribe?

Yes, scribes are allowed under strict guidelines. You will receive compensatory time of 20 minutes per hour of the examination. You must indicate this requirement during the online application.

10. If I provide false information regarding my experience, what happens?

You will be liable for Civil and Criminal liability. SBI actively verifies past employment through EPFO and employer references. Legal action, including fines and imprisonment, may be initiated.

11. Will I get TA/DA for the interview?

Yes. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates called for the interview are eligible for Railway AC-III fare reimbursement as per SBI rules.

12. What is the probation period for CBO?

The probation period is 6 months. During this period, your performance will be continuously assessed. Failure to meet the performance standards may lead to termination of service.

13. Can I change my category from OBC to General after submission?

No. Category change is not permitted after submission. If your OBC NCL certificate is invalid, you will be disqualified, not automatically converted to General.

14. The bank has the right to cancel recruitment. Does that mean I won't get a refund?

If the bank cancels the recruitment at any stage due to administrative reasons, your fee is non-refundable. This is explicitly mentioned in the terms.

15. Why do I need to upload 8 copies of the same photograph?

This is an advisory to ensure you have sufficient identical copies for all stages: application, admit card, interview, and document verification. Mismatched photos are a common reason for rejection.