SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Recruitment 2026: Complete Guide to 9,124 Vacancies, Eligibility, Application Process and More
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Quick Overview
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 |
| Total Vacancies | 9,124 |
| Regular Vacancies | 7,680 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 1,444 |
| Application Start | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date | 31 August 2026 |
| Prelims | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Main Exam | November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Official Website | SBI Careers Portal |
The State Bank of India has opened one of its largest clerical recruitment drives in recent years. Under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17, the bank is inviting applications for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts in the clerical cadre. The total notified vacancies stand at 9,124, comprising 7,680 regular posts and 1,444 backlog vacancies spread across 24 States and Union Territories.
Online registration began on 11 August 2026 and will close on 31 August 2026. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply through the official SBI careers portal. The Preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, followed by the Main examination in November 2026. This recruitment offers a stable career path in India’s largest public sector bank, with attractive starting emoluments and growth opportunities.
Understanding the SBI Junior Associate Role
SBI Junior Associates handle customer support, sales, advisory services and cross-selling of banking products. The role involves both indoor branch work and outdoor activities, including customer calls and marketing, often with flexible hours or shifts.
Selected candidates are posted in the State or Union Territory for which they apply and must remain in that circle for at least five years, with transfers considered only in exceptional compassionate or spouse-related cases thereafter.
Vacancies are provisional and may change based on actual requirements. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or UT and must be proficient in the local language specified for that region. The merit list is prepared State-wise and category-wise.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration & Fee Payment | 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026 – Tentative |
| Main Examination | November 2026 – Tentative |
Exact dates for admit cards and examinations will be announced on the bank’s website. Candidates should regularly check https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings for updates.
State-wise Vacancy Distribution
The 7,680 regular vacancies are distributed across circles, with significant numbers in Maharashtra/Mumbai Metro (1,718), Tamil Nadu (1,410), Odisha (1,100), Karnataka (760), West Bengal (555), Rajasthan (350), Gujarat (330) and others.
Backlog vacancies account for another 1,444 posts and are notified separately, primarily for reserved categories and including provisions for Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen.
Candidates interested in Maharashtra or Uttar Pradesh should verify operational areas using SBI’s branch locator, as postings are linked to the circle applied for.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, is required.
Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree must have passed on or before 31 December 2026. Final-year or final-semester students may apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of having passed the examination on or before that date.
Matriculate Ex-Servicemen with the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education, or equivalent qualification from Navy/Air Force, after at least 15 years of service are also eligible if the certificate is dated on or before 31 December 2026.
Age Limit
As on 1 April 2026, candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age. Candidates should have been born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006.
- OBC: 3 years relaxation
- SC/ST: 5 years relaxation
- PwBD (General/EWS): 10 years
- PwBD (OBC): 13 years
- PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen: applicable relaxation as per notification
- Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated and not remarried: applicable relaxation subject to category-wise maximum age
- Trained Apprentices of SBI: applicable additional relaxation according to category
Cumulative age relaxation is not available. Current clerical employees of SBI or those who resigned from the clerical cadre are not eligible. Candidates with adverse reports on character or antecedents are also barred.
Eligibility Checklist
- ✔ Graduation or eligible equivalent qualification
- ✔ Age within the prescribed limit or eligible for relaxation
- ✔ Required qualification completed within the prescribed date
- ✔ Proficiency in the selected State/UT local language
- ✔ Valid category certificate wherever applicable
- ✔ Eligible to apply for only one State/UT
Local Language Requirement
Proficiency in the specified local language of the chosen State/UT is mandatory. Candidates who studied the language in Class 10 or 12, as evidenced by their marksheets, are exempt from the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Candidates who do not have acceptable proof of having studied the relevant language must clear the language test after provisional selection. Therefore, candidates should verify the language applicable to their chosen State/UT before submitting the application.
Reservation and Category Benefits
Horizontal reservation of 4% applies to Persons with Benchmark Disabilities across categories such as visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (mild), intellectual disability, specific learning disability, mental illness and multiple disabilities.
Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen receive reservation as prescribed in the recruitment notification. OBC candidates must belong to the non-creamy layer. EWS candidates require a valid Income and Asset Certificate for the financial year 2025-26.
Salary and Emoluments
The pay scale is Rs. 24,050 – 1,340/3 – 28,070 – 1,650/3 – 33,020 – 2,000/4 – 41,020 – 2,340/7 – 57,400 – 4,400/1 – 61,800 – 2,680/1 – 64,480.
Graduates receive two advance increments, making the starting basic pay Rs. 26,730. In a metro city like Mumbai, total starting emoluments including Dearness Allowance and other allowances are approximately Rs. 46,000 per month. Actual allowances vary according to the place of posting.
Benefits include provident fund, New Pension Scheme, medical facilities, leave fare concession and other perquisites as per applicable bank rules.
Terms of Employment and Job Responsibilities
The probation period is a minimum of six months. During this period, new Junior Associates must complete prescribed e-lessons. Confirmation depends on satisfactory performance, and the probation period may be extended if required.
The job involves customer interaction, account-related support, sales, advisory services and cross-selling of banking products. Depending on branch requirements, employees may also undertake outdoor customer visits and marketing-related activities.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General/OBC/EWS | Rs. 750 |
| SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS | Nil |
The fee is non-refundable and payable online through the available payment modes such as debit card, credit card or internet banking.
Selection Process
The recruitment process consists of the following major stages:
Phase I – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test of 100 marks with a total duration of one hour.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 min |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 min |
There is negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for every wrong answer. Approximately ten times the number of vacancies, category-wise, are shortlisted for the Main Examination based on aggregate scores.
Phase II – Main Examination
The Main Examination is an online examination carrying 200 marks with a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 min |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 min |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 min |
Negative marking of one-fourth applies. Candidates must secure the prescribed minimum aggregate qualifying marks, with applicable relaxation for reserved categories. Only Main Examination marks are considered for the final merit list; Preliminary scores are not added.
Trained SBI Apprentices who meet the prescribed conditions receive the applicable bonus marks in the Main Examination as specified in the recruitment notification.
Phase III – Local Language Proficiency Test
Provisionally selected candidates without acceptable proof of having studied the local language in Class 10 or 12 must appear for the qualifying language test. Failure to clear the applicable test can result in disqualification.
A waitlist of up to 50% of vacancies, State- and category-wise, is maintained for one year and operated quarterly against non-joining or resignations. Pre-examination training may be arranged for eligible SC/ST/OBC/Ex-Servicemen/PwBD candidates who opt for it.
How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
- Visit the official SBI Careers page.
- Read the detailed Junior Associate advertisement carefully.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Select the appropriate State/UT and recruitment link.
- Enter personal, educational and other required information.
- Upload photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, handwritten declaration and live photograph as prescribed.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Preview all details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the application and save/print the completed form.
Only one application per candidate is allowed. Multiple applications can lead to cancellation/forfeiture as specified by SBI. No corrections are permitted after final submission.
For technical issues, contact the helpdesk at 022-22820427 (11 AM to 5 PM on working days) or lodge a query at http://cgrs.ibps.in with the subject “Recruitment of Junior Associate-2026”.
Documents Checklist
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature as per prescribed specifications
- Left-hand thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- Graduation marksheets/certificate
- Class 10/12 certificate where required for age/language proof
- Valid caste certificate, if applicable
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate, if applicable
- PwBD certificate, if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen documents, where applicable
- Valid photo identity proof
Common Mistakes Candidates Should Avoid
- Choosing the State without checking the local language: The language requirement can affect eligibility at the later stage.
- Entering incorrect personal details: Name, date of birth and other details should match official documents.
- Ignoring the qualification date: Final-year candidates must satisfy the prescribed passing-date condition.
- Uploading poor-quality documents: Follow the prescribed image and document specifications.
- Applying multiple times: Candidates should submit only one valid application.
- Waiting until the last day: Technical problems or payment failures can create unnecessary risk.
- Preparing only for Prelims: Candidates should begin Main Examination preparation early because the Main Examination determines final merit.
How to Prepare for SBI Clerk 2026
SBI Clerk preparation should be divided into separate sections rather than relying only on random practice. The Preliminary Examination requires speed and accuracy, while the Main Examination requires broader preparation, particularly in General/Financial Awareness.
Quantitative Aptitude
Focus on arithmetic, simplification, number series, data interpretation and other commonly tested banking-exam topics. Regular timed practice is useful for improving calculation speed.
Reasoning Ability
Practice puzzles, seating arrangements, syllogism, inequalities, coding-decoding, blood relations and other reasoning topics. Accuracy should be developed before increasing speed.
English Language
Build vocabulary, grammar and reading-comprehension skills. Daily reading and sectional tests can help improve both accuracy and time management.
General and Financial Awareness
For the Main Examination, candidates should regularly follow banking and financial developments, government schemes, important national events, RBI-related developments and current affairs.
Mock Test Strategy
Take regular full-length and sectional mock tests. After each test, analyse incorrect answers and questions that consumed excessive time. This analysis is often more useful than simply increasing the number of mock tests.
Career Prospects After Joining SBI as Junior Associate
A Junior Associate gets exposure to retail banking, customer service, digital banking products, account-related operations and sales activities. The position can also provide opportunities for career progression through the bank’s internal promotion mechanisms and examinations, subject to applicable rules and eligibility.
The role is particularly suitable for graduates who want to build a long-term career in banking while gaining practical experience in branch operations and customer-facing financial services.
Latest Banking Job Updates
Frequently Asked Questions
How many vacancies are available in SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
A total of 9,124 Junior Associate vacancies have been notified, including 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies.
What is the SBI Clerk 2026 application last date?
The online application window is scheduled to close on 31 August 2026.
What is the educational qualification?
A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification is required, subject to the prescribed qualification date.
What is the age limit?
The basic age range is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026, with applicable category-wise relaxations.
Is local language knowledge compulsory?
Yes. Candidates must have proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT for which they apply. A language test may apply where acceptable educational proof is not available.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective examinations.
Are Preliminary Examination marks included in final merit?
No. As stated in the recruitment details, only Main Examination marks are considered for the final merit list.
Can I apply for more than one State?
No. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory.
What is the SBI Clerk application fee?
General/OBC/EWS candidates are required to pay Rs. 750, while SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates are exempt from the application fee.
Where should candidates check official updates?
Candidates should rely on the official SBI Careers portal for recruitment notices, examination dates, admit cards, results and other updates.
Final Application Checklist
- ✔ Check your age eligibility.
- ✔ Confirm graduation/qualification requirements.
- ✔ Select the State/UT carefully.
- ✔ Verify the local language requirement.
- ✔ Keep category certificates updated.
- ✔ Prepare photograph, signature and other uploads.
- ✔ Check every detail before final submission.
- ✔ Pay the applicable fee.
- ✔ Save the application number and submitted form.
- ✔ Continue preparation for both Preliminary and Main examinations.
- ✔ Monitor the official SBI Careers page for subsequent updates.
Conclusion
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 provides a large-scale opportunity for graduates seeking a career in the public sector banking sector. With 9,124 vacancies distributed across multiple States and Union Territories, candidates have a substantial recruitment opportunity, but the State/UT selection and local-language requirement need particular attention.
The selection process rewards candidates who combine speed, accuracy and consistent preparation. Candidates should therefore begin Main Examination preparation alongside Preliminary preparation instead of waiting for the Preliminary result.
Before submitting the application, candidates should carefully verify their age, qualification, State/UT choice, local-language eligibility, category details and uploaded documents. For all final decisions regarding eligibility, vacancies, examination dates and recruitment conditions, the official SBI notification and SBI Careers portal should be treated as authoritative.
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