The State Bank of India (SBI) has released a massive recruitment notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This is a golden opportunity for graduates seeking a stable and rewarding career in India’s largest public sector bank.
The recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 9124 vacancies across various states and union territories in India. Eligible Indian citizens can submit their applications online starting from 11 August 2026 until 31 August 2026.
Read this detailed article to find the state-wise vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, application fee details, and step-by-step instructions to apply online.
Quick Review: SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Important Dates Schedule
Candidates should carefully note the important dates for the application process and tentative exam schedules.
Vacancy Details (State/UT-Wise)
SBI has announced a total of 9124 vacancies, comprising 7680 regular vacancies and 1444 backlog vacancies. Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only.
(Note: Candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the specified local language of the State/UT they apply for. A local language test will be conducted after the Main Examination.)
Eligibility Criteria (Education & Age Limit)
1. Educational Qualification (As on 31.12.2026):
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification.
- Candidates in the final year/semester of their graduation may also apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing the examination on or before 31.12.2026.
- Matriculate Ex-servicemen with Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or equivalent in Navy/Air Force) and 15 years of service are also eligible.
2. Age Limit (As on 01.04.2026):
- Minimum Age: 20 years.
- Maximum Age: 28 years (born between 02.04.1998 and 01.04.2006).
Age Relaxations:
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process involves an Online Preliminary Examination, an Online Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test.
Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (100 Marks)
- Objective tests of 1-hour duration.
- English Language: 30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 minutes.
- Numerical Ability: 35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 minutes.
- Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 minutes.
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Phase-II: Main Examination (200 Marks)
- Objective tests of 2 Hours 40 minutes duration.
- 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.
- Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for each wrong answer.
- Bonus Marks: Trained apprentices of SBI get 2.5% bonus marks (5 marks out of 200).
Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test
- Applicable for candidates who have not studied the specified local language in 10th or 12th standard.
- Consists of Non-Verbal Objective Test (15 Marks) and Subjective Verbal Test (15 Marks).
Application Fee & Payment Mode
Application fees must be paid online via debit card, credit card, or Internet Banking.
How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk 2026?
Candidates must apply online through the official SBI careers portal.
- Visit Official Portal: Go to
https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings. - Registration: Click on “Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026” and register to obtain a provisional registration number and password.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload your photograph (4.5cm x 3.5cm, 20kb-50kb), signature (black ink, 10kb-20kb), left-hand thumb impression (black/blue ink, 20kb-50kb), and a hand-written declaration (English, black ink, 50kb-100kb) as per specifications.
- Fill Details: Complete the application form carefully. No changes will be allowed after final submission.
- Pay Fee: Pay the application fee online.
- Print Application: After successful payment, generate the e-receipt and print the application form for your records.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many total vacancies are announced for SBI Junior Associate 2026?
Ans: SBI has announced a total of 9124 vacancies, which includes 7680 regular vacancies and 1444 backlog vacancies.
Q2. Can I apply for vacancies in multiple states?
Ans: No, candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only.
Q3. What is the application fee for General and OBC candidates?
Ans: The application fee for General, OBC, and EWS candidates is Rs. 750/-. SC, ST, PwBD, XS, and DXS candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q4. What is the minimum educational qualification required?
Ans: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification is required. Final year students can also apply provisionally.
Q5. Is there negative marking in the SBI Clerk Preliminary and Main Examinations?
Ans: Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted for each wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main exams.
Q6. What is the Local Language Proficiency Test?
Ans: Candidates who cannot produce a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet evidencing having studied the specified opted local language must undergo a language test before joining. Failing this test will result in disqualification.
Q7. What is the starting Basic Pay for a Junior Associate?
Ans: The starting Basic Pay is Rs. 26,730/- per month, which includes two advance increments admissible to graduates.
Q8. Are trained apprentices of SBI given any preference?
Ans: Yes, trained apprentices of SBI (engaged on or after 01.01.2022 who completed one year training successfully) are given 2.5% bonus marks (5 marks out of 200) in the Main Examination.
