State Bank of India (SBI)
Last Date: 27 August 2026

State Bank of India has opened a special recruitment drive to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This recruitment drive, notified under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16, is open only to candidates from the SC, ST and OBC categories. Online registration began on 7 August 2026 and closes on 27 August 2026, with the preliminary exam expected in September and the main exam in October or November 2026.

SBI Clerk Backlog Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

SBI Clerk Backlog Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

The Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD) of State Bank of India (SBI) conducts these special recruitment drives to fill reserved-category vacancies that remained unfilled during earlier recruitment cycles. This recruitment is exclusively for backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates and is separate from SBI's regular Junior Associate (Clerk) recruitment. Candidates belonging to the General or EWS categories are not eligible to apply under this special recruitment drive.

The size of this backlog recruitment is notable when viewed alongside SBI's previous clerk recruitment. In the 2025 Junior Associate recruitment, SBI notified 6,589 vacancies, of which 1,409 were backlog vacancies and despite being a much larger recruitment overall, that cycle reportedly attracted around 9 lakh applications from candidates across the country. This year's backlog recruitment alone includes 1,538 vacancies, which is higher than the entire backlog quota notified in the 2025 clerk recruitment. These vacancies are separate from SBI's regular Junior Associate recruitment, which is expected to be notified independently for fresh vacancies.

Vacancy Details

A total of 1,538 backlog vacancies have been notified across 21 States and Union Territories, with each vacancy linked to the prescribed local language of the respective Circle. Among these, ST candidates account for 1,219 vacancies, followed by SC with 207 vacancies and OBC with 112 vacancies. The complete Circle-wise, State-wise, and category-wise vacancy breakup is provided below:

Note: Uttar Pradesh vacancies are available only under the Lucknow Circle. Maharashtra vacancies are divided between the Maharashtra Circle and the Mumbai Metro Circle; check the branch locator on SBI's website before choosing.

Gujarat has the highest number of vacancies in this recruitment, with 289 posts, making it the largest recruiting State. In contrast, Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, and Delhi have fewer than 20 vacancies each. Another important point to note is that PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates do not have a separate reservation quota under this backlog recruitment, instead they are considered within their respective SC, ST, or OBC category, while remaining eligible for the applicable age relaxation and other concessions provided under the recruitment rules.

Application Fee

The category-wise application fee details are provided below:

Note: The application fee must be paid online through debit card, credit card, or internet banking and once paid, the fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, so, candidates should also ensure that they select the correct State/Circle and category while filling out the application, as these details cannot be changed after submission.

Age Limit

Candidates must be at least 20 years and not more than 28 years of age as on 1 April 2026, meaning applicants must have been born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006 (both dates inclusive). The category-wise age relaxation applicable under the recruitment rules is provided below:

Note: Candidates should note that age relaxations cannot be combined under multiple categories and only the single applicable relaxation as per the recruitment rules can be claimed. Also, supporting documents for age and category will be verified at the time of joining, if selected.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, Also, the required educational qualification must be obtained on or before 31 December 2026. Candidates who are currently in their final year or final semester are also eligible to apply, provided they can produce proof of passing the qualifying examination by 31 December 2026 if selected.

Note: Matriculate Ex-servicemen who have completed at least 15 years of service and possess an Indian Army Special Certificate of Education or the equivalent certificate issued by the Indian Navy or Indian Air Force on or before 31 December 2026 are also eligible to apply under this recruitment.
Since the minimum educational qualification is a graduation degree in any discipline, candidates from a wide range of academic backgrounds are eligible to apply. As a result, the written examination becomes the primary stage for distinguishing candidates, making exam preparation far more important than the eligibility criteria alone.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of 3 stages: a Preliminary Examination, a Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who have not studied the prescribed local language in Class 10 or Class 12. There is no interview at any stage of the recruitment process.

Phase-1: Preliminary Examination. The complete examination pattern and structure are provided below:

Note: Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination, making the Preliminary stage an important screening round. However, Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit and he final merit list is prepared based on Main Examination marks.

Phase-2: Main Examination. The complete examination pattern and structure:

Note: General English is a separate scored section in both the Preliminary and Main Examinations meaning strong command of English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension can contribute to your performance at both stages of the selection process. Detailed examination instructions including detailed syllabus and other information will be provided in the "Acquaint Yourself" booklet, which will be issued to eligible candidates along with their call letter. Candidates should read the booklet carefully before appearing for the examination.

Phase-3: Local Language Test 

Note: Candidates are required to secure the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by the Bank in each individual test. because failing to meet the required minimum in any particular section may affect eligibility for the next stage of the selection process. It is also important to note that candidates who have completed SBI Apprenticeship training and meet the prescribed service conditions are eligible for a 5-mark bonus in the Main Examination score.
The final merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise. Candidates who qualify in the Main Examination will be ranked in descending order of their aggregate marks within their respective State and category.

Salary, Job Location and Service Conditions

Selected candidates will be appointed in the pay scale of Rs.24,050–64,480 as per SBI rules. The starting basic pay is ₹26,730 per month, which includes two advance increments granted to graduate recruits at the time of appointment. At a metro posting, such as Mumbai, the starting monthly emoluments are approximately Rs.46,000, including Dearness Allowance (DA) and other admissible allowances at the prevailing rates. In addition to these benefits, graduate Junior Associates are also eligible for the additional increments applicable under SBI's service rules.

Candidates can apply for only one State or Union Territory under this recruitment and selected candidates will normally be posted and remain within the State/UT for which they have applied, as inter-circle and inter-state transfers are not permitted, but the only exceptions are transfers between the Delhi Circle and Lucknow Circle within Uttar Pradesh, and between the Mumbai Metro Circle and Maharashtra Circle within Maharashtra, as permitted under SBI's transfer policy.
It is also important to understand the nature of the role beyond routine branch work, i.e., Junior Associates are expected to have an aptitude for customer service and marketing, as the job involves customer interaction, cross-selling banking products, and providing banking-related services both inside and outside the branch premises, and depending on business requirements, the role may also involve field visits, outdoor duties, and shift-based working hours.
Newly appointed Junior Associates will undergo a probation period of at least 6 months or may be extended if the candidate does not complete the mandatory e-learning modules within the prescribed time or if their performance during probation is found to be unsatisfactory.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official SBI careers page at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
2. Locate the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 and open Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
3. Register using a valid, active email ID and mobile number
4. Fill in personal, educational and category details carefully, since edits are not allowed after final submission
5. Scan and upload your photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration exactly as per the prescribed size and format
6. Pay the application fee, if applicable to your category, using debit card, credit card or internet banking
7. Review every entry on the form before hitting final submit
8. Download and save the system-generated application printout for your records

Required Documents and Important Instructions

Keep these below mentioned documents ready before starting the application form:
= a valid photo ID such as Aadhaar, PAN, passport, driving licence or voter ID,
= your caste certificate in the government-prescribed format for SC/ST verification, and for OBC candidates a non-creamy layer certificate dated between 1 April 2026 and the date of joining.
= PwBD candidates need a disability certificate on the prescribed format,
= and ex-servicemen need the relevant Proforma A, B, C or D certificate depending on their service status.
 
A few important instructions that candidates should read carefully: 
> If you submit more than one application, only your last valid and fully completed application will be considered and any fee paid for earlier applications will be forfeited and will not be refunded.
> Mobile phones, smartwatches and calculators are completely banned inside the exam hall.
> Candidates should ensure that their photograph, signature, and thumb impression are clear, properly scanned, and legible before uploading, as Blurred, smudged, or unclear documents may lead to rejection of the application.
> SBI has also warned candidates against coaching platforms, consultants, or individuals claiming to guarantee selection. Candidates should rely only on SBI's official career portal and recruitment notices for authentic updates and avoid acting on unverified claims.

A Few Important Points to Understand Before Applying:

How the Backlog Recruitment Works

A backlog recruitment drive is conducted to fill reserved vacancies that remained unfilled in earlier recruitment cycles. It does not mean that these posts have different service conditions, lower pay, or a separate grade from the regular Junior Associate positions. Once selected, a Junior Associate recruited through this backlog drive will be governed by the same Service Regulations, probation requirements, and pay structure as candidates appointed through SBI's regular Junior Associate recruitment. For candidates, the main difference lies in the eligibility criteria, as this particular recruitment is restricted to SC, ST, and OBC candidates, so General and EWS candidates are not eligible.

Why the Local Language Test Matters

Candidates who have not studied the prescribed local language of the State in Class 10 or Class 12 must qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) after provisional selection and before joining. Clearing both written examinations does not guarantee appointment if the candidate fails to qualify in the required language test. Also this Local Language Proficiency Test is easy to overlook or underestimate because it comes at the final stage of the selection process. So, candidates applying for a State where they are not confident in reading and writing the prescribed local language should start preparing early rather than leaving it until after the written examinations.

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• National Insurance Company Limited (NICL) Assistant Recruitment 2026
• IBPS Probationary Officer / Management Trainee Recruitment 2026

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are available in this SBI Junior Associate recruitment?

There are 1,538 vacancies in total, made up of 207 for SC, 1,219 for ST and 112 for OBC candidates across 21 states and union territories.

What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk Backlog Recruitment 2026?

Online registration and fee payment both close on 27 August 2026. Applications opened on 7 August 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?

Only candidates belonging to the SC, ST or OBC (non-creamy layer) categories can apply. General and EWS category candidates are not eligible for this specific backlog drive.

What is the age limit, including relaxations?

Candidates need to be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026. Relaxation ranges from 3 years for OBC up to 15 years for PwBD candidates from SC/ST, depending on category.

What educational qualification is required?

A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, with the qualifying date set at 31 December 2026. Final-year students may apply provisionally.

What does the selection process involve?

A Preliminary Exam, a Main Exam, and a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who did not study the applied state's language in Class 10 or 12. There is no interview stage.

What is the salary for this post?

Starting basic pay is Rs. 26,730, with total monthly emoluments at a metro posting coming to roughly Rs. 46,000 including dearness allowance and other current-rate allowances.

What is the application fee?

SC, ST, PwBD and ex-servicemen candidates pay no fee. OBC candidates pay Rs. 750 as application and intimation charge, non-refundable.

How can candidates apply online?

Applications are accepted only through SBI's official careers page at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings, under the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 section.

What is the official website for updates?

All updates are published only on sbi.bank.in/web/careers. SBI has explicitly warned against relying on any other platform or consultant for information.

Can a candidate apply for more than one state under this drive?

No. Each candidate can apply for vacancies in only one State or UT, and the final merit list and posting are both prepared state-wise and category-wise.

Is this the same as SBI's regular Clerk recruitment for 2026?

No. This is a separate, backlog-only drive limited to reserved categories. SBI's regular clerk recruitment for fresh vacancies is expected to be notified independently later in the year.

Conclusion

We have tried to bring together all the relevant information above so that you can understand the recruitment process clearly and avoid confusion while applying. Before submitting the form, first confirm your eligibility under the applicable SC, ST, or OBC category, choose the State and Circle carefully, and make sure you meet the prescribed local language requirement. Once these details are confirmed, complete the application form carefully and submit it within the given timeline. It is also important to note that there is no correction window after submitting the application therefore, candidates should therefore verify details carefully before final submission because any mistake may require submitting a fresh application and forfeiting the fee already paid.

After applying, regularly check the official SBI Careers portal for the Preliminary Examination call letter and other recruitment updates. The "Acquaint Yourself" booklet, which contains detailed examination instructions, should also be read carefully once it is made available to eligible candidates. (You can also bookmark this page for quick reference and follow our Telegram and WhatsApp channels to receive important recruitment updates and notifications without missing any major announcement)

This article is based on the official notification and simplified for easy understanding. For the most accurate and updated information, always refer to the official website.