SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1,538 Junior Associate Posts, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 has been announced by the State Bank of India for 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) vacancies in the clerical cadre. The recruitment is being conducted as a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies across different SBI circles and states/UTs. Eligible Indian citizens can register online from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is expected in October/November 2026.

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The recruitment is particularly important for candidates looking for banking jobs because the Junior Associate post offers an opportunity to join SBI’s clerical cadre. Candidates must apply for vacancies in one State/UT only and should have proficiency in the specified local language of the state/UT for which they apply. The selection process includes a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and, wherever applicable, a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT).

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview

SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026

SBI has announced 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies under the special recruitment drive. The vacancies are distributed across different SBI circles and states/UTs, with the reservation distribution including 207 SC, 1,219 ST and 112 OBC vacancies as shown in the recruitment advertisement.

The state and circle-wise vacancies include locations such as Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand.

State/Circle-Wise Vacancy Details

The advertisement also states that candidates must choose one state/UT and one local language while submitting the online application. Candidates should therefore select their preferred state carefully because the recruitment contains restrictions on inter-circle and inter-state transfers.

SBI Clerk Eligibility 2026

Candidates applying for Junior Associate posts must satisfy the prescribed age and educational qualification requirements.

The recruitment advertisement specifies that applicants should be 20 to 28 years of age as on 1 April 2026. Candidates should have been born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive. Applicable relaxation in the upper age limit will be available according to Government guidelines.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

The qualification must be held as on 31 December 2026.

Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of their graduation can also apply provisionally. However, if selected, they will have to produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 31 December 2026.

This makes the recruitment accessible to graduates from a wide range of academic backgrounds because the notification does not restrict the basic qualification to a particular stream.

SBI Clerk Age Limit

The prescribed age limit is:

Minimum Age: 20 years
Maximum Age: 28 years

The age is calculated as on 1 April 2026.

The advertisement provides relaxation in the upper age limit as per applicable Government rules. Candidates belonging to eligible reserved categories should check the detailed notification for the exact relaxation available to them.

Local Language Requirement

One of the most important eligibility conditions for SBI Clerk recruitment is proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT for which the candidate applies.

The local languages mentioned in the recruitment include:

• Gujarati
• Telugu
• Urdu
• Kannada
• Hindi
• Odia
• Punjabi
• Tamil
• Marathi
• Bengali
• Nepali
• Assamese
• Bodo
• Kokborok
• Santhali

Candidates should have studied the specified local language at 10th or 12th standard, as evidenced by their mark sheet or certificate, to avoid the Local Language Proficiency Test.

Candidates who qualify for selection but do not have evidence of having studied the specified local language may be required to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT).

Local Language Proficiency Test

The Local Language Proficiency Test is conducted for provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12.

The test checks whether the candidate can communicate effectively in the required language.

Candidates who fail the specified local language test will not be offered appointment.

Candidates who are already proficient in the specified local language and can provide acceptable documentary evidence may not need to appear for the language test.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The selection process consists of multiple stages.

Phase I – Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test consisting of three sections:

Each section has a separate time limit. There is also negative marking, with one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question deducted for each wrong answer.

The bank will shortlist an adequate number of candidates for the Main Examination based on availability of vacancies and performance in the Preliminary Examination.

Phase II – Main Examination

Candidates who qualify for the Preliminary Examination will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination.

The Main Examination consists of four sections:

Each section has a separate time limit. Negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question applies to wrong answers in the objective tests.

The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be added to the marks considered for preparation of the final merit list. The Main Examination marks will be used for the final selection, subject to the applicable conditions.

SBI Clerk Exam Pattern

The overall examination pattern is designed to test candidates in areas such as:

• English language
• Numerical ability
• Reasoning
• General awareness
• Financial awareness
• Quantitative aptitude
• Computer aptitude

Candidates should prepare for each section separately because the examinations have sectional timings.

SBI Clerk Pay Scale and Salary

The Junior Associate post carries a structured salary under SBI’s clerical pay scale.

The recruitment notice states that the starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730. The pay scale includes increments at prescribed stages.

In addition to basic pay, eligible employees receive applicable allowances and benefits under SBI service rules.

The actual monthly salary can vary depending on the place of posting, applicable allowances and deductions.

SBI Clerk Probation Period

Selected candidates will be governed by the terms and conditions of SBI’s Service Regulations applicable at the time of joining.

The recruitment advertisement specifically states that selected candidates will be subject to a probation period as prescribed under the relevant SBI rules.

Candidates should read the detailed service conditions before joining.

SBI Clerk Application Fee

The application fee and intimation charges mentioned in the advertisement are:

The advertisement states that the fee once paid will not be refunded and cannot be reserved for another examination or selection.

Candidates should make the payment only after confirming their eligibility and selected State/UT.

SBI Clerk Application Process

Eligible candidates need to apply online through the SBI careers/recruitment portal.

The general process is:

1. Visit the SBI official careers website.
2. Open the current openings section.
3. Find the Junior Associate recruitment advertisement.
4. Read the complete notification.
5. Check the eligibility criteria.
6. Select one State/UT and the applicable local language.
7. Complete the online registration.
8. Enter personal and educational details.
9. Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
10. Pay the applicable application fee.
11. Review the application carefully.
12. Submit the form.
13. Save and print the submitted application for future reference.

Candidates should enter all information carefully because incorrect details can create problems during document verification or appointment.

Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange pre-examination training for eligible candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Ex-servicemen/PwBD categories, in accordance with applicable Government guidelines.

Candidates who wish to avail themselves of this facility need to select the relevant option in the online application.

The recruitment notice states that eligible candidates opting for pre-examination training should download their call letter from the bank’s website by entering their registration number and date of birth. No hard copy of the training call letter will be sent.

Important Transfer Rules

Candidates should understand the transfer conditions before selecting a State/UT.

The advertisement states that there is no provision for inter-circle transfer or inter-state transfer for Junior Associates recruited through this process.

However, certain intra-state transfer arrangements between circles may be permitted in specific cases mentioned in the notification.

Therefore, candidates should select the State/UT carefully at the time of application because changing the chosen location later may not be possible under the recruitment rules.

SBI Clerk Apprenticeship Weightage

The recruitment notification provides special weightage for certain trained apprentices of SBI.

Trained apprentices of SBI can receive additional weightage in the Main Examination by awarding 2.5% of the maximum marks, equivalent to 5 marks out of 200.

The bonus marks are applicable subject to the conditions specified in the advertisement, including successful completion of apprenticeship training and the relevant National Apprenticeship Certificate.

Candidates who fall under this category should carefully verify whether they meet all conditions before claiming the benefit.

SBI Clerk Merit List

The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise.

Candidates qualified in the Main Examination will be ranked according to their aggregate marks and the applicable State and category.

The recruitment notice also states that a waitlist of up to 50% of vacancies, State-category wise, may be maintained. Candidates may be released from the waitlist on a quarterly basis against non-joining or resignation from the relevant batch, subject to the prescribed conditions.

Important Dates

The recruitment notice advises candidates to regularly check SBI’s official careers page for examination updates and further instructions.

Important Points to Remember

Candidates applying for SBI Junior Associate recruitment should remember:

• There are 1,538 vacancies.
• The post is Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).
• Recruitment is for clerical cadre vacancies.
• This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies.
• Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only.
• Local language proficiency is an important requirement.
• Graduation in any discipline is required.
• Final-year candidates can apply provisionally subject to the prescribed deadline.
• The age limit is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026.
• Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
• Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for October/November 2026.
• Negative marking applies in objective tests.
• The application deadline is 27 August 2026.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Applicants should avoid the following mistakes:

• Selecting a State/UT without checking its local language.
• Applying for more than one State/UT.
• Ignoring the local language requirement.
• Entering incorrect educational details.
• Failing to provide valid category documents.
• Waiting until the last day to submit the application.
• Forgetting to pay the applicable fee.
• Ignoring the separate timing of each examination section.
• Assuming Preliminary Examination marks will be added to the final merit score.
• Failing to check SBI’s website for later updates.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is a recruitment drive for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts in the clerical cadre of State Bank of India.

How many vacancies are available?

There are 1,538 vacancies.

What is the post name?

The post is Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).

What is the educational qualification?

Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes. Candidates in the final year/semester can apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing the graduation examination by 31 December 2026 if selected.

What is the age limit?

The age limit is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026, subject to applicable relaxation.

What is the last date to apply?

The last date for online registration is 27 August 2026.

When will the Preliminary Examination be held?

The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.

When will the Main Examination be conducted?

The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for October/November 2026.

Is there a local language test?

Yes. Candidates who cannot provide evidence of having studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 may have to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test.

What is the starting basic pay?

The starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730, with increments and applicable benefits under SBI rules.

Can candidates apply for multiple States?

No. Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only.

What is the application fee?

The fee is Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/DESM candidates and ₹750 for OBC candidates, as specified in the advertisement.

Final Words

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is a significant opportunity for eligible candidates seeking a career in the banking sector. SBI has announced 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) vacancies under a special recruitment drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies.

The recruitment covers multiple SBI circles and states/UTs, including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Delhi, Assam, Tripura, Bihar and Jharkhand.

Candidates must be particularly careful while selecting their State/UT because the recruitment requires candidates to apply for vacancies in one State/UT only. The selected State/UT is also connected with the local language requirement. Candidates who have studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 can generally establish their proficiency through their educational records, while others may be required to take the Local Language Proficiency Test after provisional selection.

The minimum educational qualification is graduation in any discipline. Final-year candidates are also permitted to apply provisionally, but selected candidates must provide proof of passing their graduation examination by 31 December 2026. The age requirement is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026, with applicable relaxation for eligible categories.

The selection process consists of a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Local Language Proficiency Test wherever applicable. The Preliminary Examination carries 100 marks and is divided into English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. The Main Examination consists of General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.

Candidates should also remember that each objective section has a separate time limit and wrong answers attract negative marking. Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the marks used for preparation of the final merit list.

The advertised starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730, with increments and other benefits according to SBI’s applicable service conditions. This makes the Junior Associate position an attractive option for candidates looking to enter the banking sector through a major public-sector bank.

The online application window is open from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026. Candidates should complete their registration well before the deadline, verify all personal and educational information and carefully select the State/UT and local language.

Overall, candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and are interested in SBI clerical jobs should review the complete recruitment advertisement, prepare according to the three-stage selection process and submit their applications before 27 August 2026.

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