The State Bank of India (SBI), Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Corporate Centre, Mumbai, has published a highly anticipated official notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16). This notification announces a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre.
A total of 1538 vacancies have been announced across various states and circles in India. Eligible Indian citizens can submit their applications online starting from 07 August 2026. The final deadline to complete the online registration and fee payment is strictly set for 27 August 2026. The recruitment provides a brilliant opportunity to join India’s largest public sector bank with a highly competitive starting salary and excellent career growth prospects.
Read this comprehensive guide to understand the state-wise vacancy breakdown, strict eligibility criteria, age limit, detailed examination pattern, application fees, and the step-by-step process to apply online.
Quick Review
Important Dates Schedule
Candidates are heavily advised to note down these critical deadlines to avoid missing out on this prestigious recruitment drive.
State-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only and must be proficient in the specified opted local language of that region. Below is the detailed breakdown of the 1538 SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies across major states:
Eligibility Criteria
1. Age Limit (As on 01.04.2026)
- Minimum Age: Not below 20 years.
- Maximum Age: Not above 28 years.
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 (both days inclusive).
- Age Relaxation: OBC candidates receive a 3-year relaxation. SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation. PwBD (OBC) candidates get 13 years, while PwBD (SC/ST) candidates get 15 years. Ex-Servicemen and specific categories of women also receive age relaxation as per government norms.
2. Educational Qualification (As on 31.12.2026)
- Candidates must possess Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
- Candidates in the final year/semester of their graduation may also apply provisionally. However, if selected, they must produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before 31.12.2026.
- Candidates having an integrated dual degree (IDD) must also ensure their passing date is on or before 31.12.2026.
Application Fee & Intimation Charges
The application fee is entirely non-refundable and can only be paid using debit cards, credit cards, or Internet Banking.
Selection Process & Examination Pattern
The selection process for the SBI Junior Associate post consists of an online Preliminary Exam, an online Main Exam, and a Test of specified opted local language.
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination
The preliminary exam is a 1-hour objective test conducted online for 100 marks.
- English Language: 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes
- Numerical Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes
- Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes
- Note: There is a negative marking of 1/4th mark for each wrong answer. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.
Phase-II: Main Examination
The main exam spans 2 hours and 40 minutes, testing candidates across four rigorous sections.
- 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
- Note: 1/4th negative marking applies here as well. Merit list will be drawn State wise and category wise based on aggregate marks in the Main Examination.
Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test
Provisionally selected candidates who cannot produce a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet evidencing study of the specified local language will have to undergo this test. Failure to qualify this language test will result in the cancellation of the appointment offer.
Salary Structure & Probation Period
How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must submit their applications strictly online; no other modes are accepted. Follow these steps:
- Visit Official Portal: Go to the official SBI Careers website at
[https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings](https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings). - Find Advertisement: Look for the link “Special Recruitment drive for Junior Associates 2026” and open the online application form.
- Register: Complete initial registration to generate your provisional registration number and password.
- Upload Documents: Carefully upload your scanned photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and the hand-written declaration in the exact specifications mentioned in the guidelines.
- Hand-written declaration text: “I, (Name of the candidate), Date of Birth ______, hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required. The signature, photograph and left thumb impression is of mine”.
- Pay Fees: Proceed to the integrated payment gateway and pay the requisite application fee (if applicable).
- Print Record: Print the system-generated online application form and the e-receipt for your personal records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Ans: The last date for online registration of application and payment of fees is 27 August 2026.
Q2. How many total posts are available in this recruitment?
Ans: There are a total of 1538 vacancies available under this Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog vacancies.
Q3. What is the application fee for OBC category candidates?
Ans: The application fee and intimation charge for OBC candidates is Rs. 750/-.
Q4. Are SC/ST candidates required to pay any application fee?
Ans: No, the application fee is NIL (exempted) for SC, ST, PwBD, XS, and DXS category candidates.
Q5. What is the minimum and maximum age limit to apply?
Ans: Candidates must not be below 20 years and not above 28 years as on 01.04.2026. Age relaxation is available for reserved categories.
Q6. Can final year college students apply for this post?
Ans: Yes, those in the final year/semester of graduation may apply provisionally. However, they must produce proof of passing graduation on or before 31.12.2026 if selected.
Q7. Is there any negative marking in the SBI Clerk exam?
Ans: Yes, 1/4th of the mark assigned to the question will be deducted for each wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main objective tests.
Q8. When are the Preliminary and Main examinations scheduled?
Ans: The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled in September 2026, and the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled in October/November 2026.
