SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 for 1538 Junior Associate Posts, Apply Online
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1538 Junior Associate Posts – Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – 1538 Backlog Vacancies for SC/ST/OBC Only, Apply Online at sbi.bank.in by 27 August 2026
State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Mumbai has released Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 for the recruitment of 1538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies only — it is not open to General/Unreserved or EWS candidates. The vacancies are spread across 21 states and UTs with the highest seats in Gujarat (289), Maharashtra (165), Madhya Pradesh (134), and Jharkhand (133).
The online application process starts on and closes on . Candidates must be graduates aged 20 to 28 years as on belonging to SC, ST, or OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026 and the Main Examination for October/November 2026. Selection involves two online tests followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test where applicable. The starting basic pay is Rs. 26,730 with total emoluments of approximately Rs. 46,000 per month at metro locations.
One thing to note — candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT and must be proficient in that State's specified local language. Also, SBI trained apprentices who completed one year of branch experience by get 2.5% bonus marks (5 out of 200) in the Main Examination. The application fee is Rs. 750 for OBC candidates while SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates pay nothing. A wait list of up to 50% of vacancies will be maintained for one year from the final result declaration.
Key Details
- Conducting Authority: State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Mumbai
- Advt No: CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
- Post Name: Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) — Clerical Cadre
- Total Vacancies: 1538 (SC: 207, ST: 1219, OBC: 112)
- Drive Type: Special Recruitment Drive — SC/ST/OBC Backlog Only
- Application Start Date:
- Application Last Date:
- Application Mode: Online only — sbi.bank.in
Eligibility & Salary
- Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university
- Age Limit: 20–28 Years (as on 01.04.2026, relaxable for SC/ST/OBC)
- Pay Scale: Rs. 24,050 – 64,480 (Starting Basic: Rs. 26,730)
- Total Starting Emoluments: Approximately Rs. 46,000/month (metro city)
- Job Location: 21 States/UTs across India
- Selection Process: Prelims + Mains + Local Language Test
- Prelims Exam: Tentatively September 2026
- Official Website: sbi.bank.in
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Important Dates and Application Fee
Online Registration: 7 August to 27 August 2026 — Fee Rs. 750 (OBC) / Nil (SC/ST/PwBD/XS)
The online application process for SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Special Recruitment Drive 2026 opens on and closes on . Both registration and fee payment must be completed by the last date. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026 and the Main Examination for October/November 2026. Call letters for both exams will be available approximately 10 days before the respective exam dates. Any change in dates will be intimated through the official SBI careers website.
Tip: Apply well before the last date to avoid server issues on the SBI portal. Keep your photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and hand-written declaration ready as per the specifications in Annexure-II of the official notification. Remember — no corrections are allowed after final submission, so review your application carefully before clicking submit.
Application Fee
- SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS: Nil (no fee)
- OBC: Rs. 750/- (non-refundable, including intimation charges)
- Payment Mode: Online — debit card, credit card, or internet banking
- Note: Transaction charges, if any, are borne by the candidate. Fee once paid will not be refunded or held reserve for any other exam.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Vacancy Details and Eligibility
1538 Backlog Vacancies for SC/ST/OBC Across 21 States — Graduate Required
SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026 has a total of 1538 backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST, and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates only. General/UR and EWS candidates are not eligible under this advertisement. The category-wise distribution includes SC 207, ST 1219, and OBC 112 seats. The highest number of vacancies are in Gujarat (289), followed by Maharashtra (165), Madhya Pradesh (134), and Jharkhand (133). Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT and must be proficient in that State's specified local language.
Top States by Vacancy Count
- Gujarat: 289 seats (ST: 289)
- Maharashtra: 165 seats (ST: 165)
- Madhya Pradesh: 134 seats (ST: 134)
- Jharkhand: 133 seats (SC: 14, ST: 119)
- Karnataka: 120 seats (SC: 85, ST: 35)
- Odisha: 111 seats (ST: 111)
- Rajasthan: 106 seats (SC: 20, ST: 86)
- Andhra Pradesh: 88 seats (ST: 88)
- Chhattisgarh: 26 seats (ST: 26)
- West Bengal: 55 seats (OBC: 55)
Eligibility — Who Can Apply
- Categories Eligible: SC, ST, and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) ONLY — General/UR and EWS NOT eligible
- Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university (as on 31.12.2026)
- Final Year Students: Can apply provisionally, must produce proof of passing by 31.12.2026
- IDD Holders: Date of passing IDD must be on or before 31.12.2026
- Ex-Servicemen: Matriculate Ex-servicemen with Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (15+ years service) also eligible
Who Is NOT Eligible
- Candidates currently working in SBI Clerical cadre
- Candidates previously employed in SBI who resigned from clerical cadre
- Candidates with adverse report regarding character, antecedents, or moral turpitude
- OBC candidates falling under "Creamy Layer"
- General/UR and EWS category candidates
Age limit is 20 to 28 years as on . Relaxation: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD (OBC) 13 years, PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years, Ex-Servicemen actual service + 3 years (max 50 years), Widows/Divorced women 7 years (max 38 for OBC, 40 for SC/ST).
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Exam Pattern and Selection Process
Prelims (100 Marks) + Mains (200 Marks) + Local Language Test — Negative Marking 1/4th
The selection for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 consists of three phases — an online Preliminary Examination, an online Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) where applicable. Only Main Exam marks count towards the final merit list; Preliminary Exam is qualifying in nature. Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for Mains based on descending aggregate marks in Prelims. Negative marking of 1/4th mark applies for each wrong answer in both exams.
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (100 Marks, 1 Hour)
- English Language: 30 questions, 30 marks, 20 minutes
- Numerical Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes
- Reasoning Ability: 35 questions, 35 marks, 20 minutes
- Total: 100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Medium: English, Hindi, or State language (except English Language section)
- Qualifying: No minimum qualifying marks — purely for shortlisting to Mains
Phase-II: Main Examination (200 Marks, 2 Hours 40 Minutes)
- General/Financial Awareness: 50 questions, 50 marks, 35 minutes
- General English: 40 questions, 40 marks, 35 minutes
- Quantitative Aptitude: 50 questions, 50 marks, 45 minutes
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 questions, 60 marks, 45 minutes
- Total: 190 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours 40 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each wrong answer
- Bonus Marks: SBI trained apprentices get 2.5% (5 marks) bonus in Mains
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. The test includes Non-Verbal (Objective, 3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks), Subjective (3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks), and Verbal Test (20 marks). Candidates who fail to qualify the LLPT will not be offered appointment.
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.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Salary and Job Profile
Starting Basic Pay Rs. 26,730 — Total Emoluments Approximately Rs. 46,000/Month — Clerical Cadre
The Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) post carries a pay scale of Rs. 24,050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64,480. The starting basic pay is Rs. 26,730 (Rs. 24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates). The total starting emoluments at a metro city like Mumbai are approximately Rs. 46,000 per month, inclusive of DA and other current-rate allowances. Allowances may vary depending on the place of posting.
Benefits and Perks
- Reimbursement of various perquisites as per Bank's instructions
- Provident fund contributions
- Pension under the New Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution Benefit)
- Medical benefits for self and dependents
- Leave-fare concession (LFC) for travel
- Other facilities as per Bank's guidelines issued from time to time
Probation and Job Responsibilities
- Probation period of minimum 6 months — must complete prescribed e-lessons to get confirmed
- Probation may be extended if performance does not meet Bank's expectations
- Must be prepared for outdoor travelling, customer calls, and cross-selling of products
- Flexible working hours and shifts as required for the role
- Customer support and sales-related activities at the branch
- Handle cash transactions, account opening, and other banking operations
- Meet daily targets for deposit mobilisation and product sales
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – How to Apply
Apply Online at sbi.bank.in by 27 August 2026 — Only One Application Allowed
The application process for SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026 is completely online through the SBI careers website. Candidates must register, fill the application form, upload scanned documents, and pay the fee (if applicable) before the last date. Not more than one application should be submitted — in case of multiple applications, only the last valid one will be retained. No corrections are allowed after final submission.
How to Apply
- Step 1: Visit SBI's official careers website sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
- Step 2: Click on the advertisement for "Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026" — Advt. No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
- Step 3: Download and read the detailed advertisement carefully before applying
- Step 4: Register online and fill the application form with correct personal, educational, and category details
- Step 5: Scan and upload photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and hand-written declaration as per Annexure-II specifications
- Step 6: Pay the application fee (OBC only) through debit card, credit card, or internet banking
- Step 7: Review the application carefully before final submission — no corrections allowed after submission
- Step 8: Take a printout of the system-generated application form for your records (do not send to SBI)
Important Instructions
- Only one application per candidate — multiple applications lead to only the last valid one being considered
- Candidates must be proficient in the specified local language of the State/UT applied for
- Bring one photo ID proof, authenticated call letters, and two extra photographs to the exam
- Mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, calculators, or any electronic devices are strictly prohibited inside exam premises
- Biometric (thumb impression/IRIS) verification may be conducted — avoid mehandi, ink, or chemicals on hands
- Unfair means, impersonation, or misbehaviour leads to disqualification, debarment, and criminal prosecution
- For queries, call 022-22820427 (11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Bank working days) or raise query at cgrs.ibps.in
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Documents Required
Documents to Carry for Exam
- Photo ID Proof: Passport, Aadhaar, PAN card, driving license, voter's card, bank passbook with photograph, or school/college ID — original plus self-attested photocopy
- Authenticated Prelims Call Letter: With authenticated copy of ID proof
- Main Exam Call Letter
- Two Additional Photographs: Same as pasted on the call letter
- Hand-written Declaration: As per prescribed format in Annexure-II
- Left-hand Thumb Impression: Scanned and uploaded during application
Category Certificates (If Applicable)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST): Issued by competent authority on Government-prescribed format, submitted at joining if called
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate: Issued during period 01.04.2026 to date of taking up appointment, submitted at joining if found suitable
- Discharge Certificate: For candidates serving in Government/Quasi-Government offices, PSUs, Nationalised Banks, or Financial Institutions, at the time of appointment
- PwBD Certificate: In prescribed format, dated on or before last date of registration, for candidates claiming disability concessions
- Ex-Servicemen Proforma: Applicable Proforma (A, B, C, or D) as relevant to service status
If your name is different on certificates compared to application, bring gazette notification or affidavit. Keep digital copies on your phone as backup. Carry extra photocopies of all documents.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Important Links and Follow Us
Official Recruitment Links
- Official Notification PDF — Download PDF
- Apply Online — sbi.bank.in
- Official Website — sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
Join Our Job Community
- Telegram Channel — Join Channel
- Facebook Page — Follow Page
- Twitter / X — Follow Updates
- Blogs — Visit Blog
SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Recruitment 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
It is a Special Recruitment Drive (Advt. No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) by State Bank of India to fill 1538 backlog vacancies for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales), reserved exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
Q2. Is this recruitment open to General category candidates?
No. This is a Special Recruitment Drive against SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies only. General/UR and EWS candidates are not eligible under this specific advertisement.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
There are 1538 total vacancies — SC (207), ST (1219), and OBC (112) — spread across 21 states/UTs. Gujarat has the highest at 289 seats.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
The online registration and fee payment window closes on . The application window opens on .
Q5. What is the qualification required for SBI Junior Associate posts?
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university (or equivalent) as on 31.12.2026. Final-year students can apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing by the cutoff date.
Q6. What is the age limit for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as on . Relaxation: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD (OBC) 13 years, PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years, Ex-Servicemen actual service + 3 years (max 50 years).
Q7. What is the application fee for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates. OBC candidates must pay Rs. 750/- (non-refundable). Payment through debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
Q8. What is the salary for SBI Junior Associate (Clerk)?
Starting basic pay is Rs. 26,730/month. Total starting emoluments at metro location (Mumbai) are approximately Rs. 46,000/month, inclusive of DA and other allowances. Pay scale: Rs. 24,050-64,480.
Q9. What is the selection process for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Selection involves an online Preliminary Examination (100 marks), a Main Examination (200 marks), and a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who haven't studied the applied State's local language in Class 10 or 12. Only Mains marks count for final merit.
Q10. When is the SBI Clerk exam 2026?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, and the Main Examination for October/November 2026. Call letters will be available approximately 10 days before each exam.
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