State Bank of India (SBI)
Last Date: 31 August 2026

State Bank of India has opened registration for 9,124 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts under advertisement CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. The online window runs from August 11 to August 31, 2026. This is one of the bigger clerical drives SBI has run in recent years, with vacancies spread across every state and union territory in the country. Any graduate, from any stream, can apply, provided they clear the age condition and are comfortable with the local language of the state they choose.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: Quick Intro

The Junior Associate (JA) post, commonly known as the SBI Clerk, is one of SBI's most well known recruitment drives and remains one of the largest entry-level recruitment exercises in India's banking sector. This year's notification announces 9,124 vacancies, a significant increase from the 6,589 posts advertised by SBI in the previous cycle under CRPD/CR/2025-26/06. The earlier recruitment reportedly received around 9 lakh registrations, while only about 1.14 lakh candidates progressed to the Main Examination, showing how quickly the applicant pool narrows during the selection process.

SBI conducts the Junior Associate (Clerk) recruitment annually for its clerical cadre and candidates are recruited for the State or Union Territory selected during the application process, with postings generally linked to that chosen area. It is important to note that this recruitment is separate from SBI's Special Recruitment Drive (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16), which was released earlier (on August 7) for 1,538 backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.

Vacancy Details

Out of the 9,124 total vacancies, 7,680 are regular vacancies, while 1,444 are backlog vacancies carried forward from earlier recruitment cycles. These backlog posts mainly relate to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-servicemen categories. The complete category-wise and State-wise vacancy distribution is provided below:

Note: The vacancy numbers are provisional and may be revised depending on SBI's actual staffing requirements.
Reservation for PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates is horizontal, meaning these provisions are included within the respective category-wise vacancies and not added separately. SBI has provided 4% of vacancies for PwBD candidates and a combined 14.5% for Ex-servicemen and eligible dependents of servicemen martyred in action, as per the applicable reservation rules.

Application Fee

The application fee applicable to each category is provided below:

Note: The application fee can be paid only through online modes, including debit card, credit card, or internet banking and once paid, the it is non-refundable and cannot be carried forward or adjusted against a future recruitment cycle. Candidates should therefore confirm their eligibility and category details before completing the payment.

Age Limit

Candidates must be 20 to 28 years of age as on 1 April 2026. This means the candidate's date of birth must fall between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006, with both dates included. The category-wise upper age relaxation is provided below:

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government and the degree must be completed on or before 31 December 2026. Candidates in their final year or final semester may apply provisionally, provided they can produce proof of passing by the prescribed date if selected.

Note: Matriculate Ex-servicemen who have completed at least 15 years of service and hold the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education, or an equivalent certificate from the Navy or Air Force, are also eligible.
Since the recruitment accepts graduation in any discipline without restricting candidates to a particular stream or specialisation, applicants can come from engineering, commerce, arts, science, and other academic backgrounds. This broad eligibility makes the recruitment accessible to a wide range of graduates.

Selection Process

The selection process consists of two online examinations: the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination and where applicable, candidates must also qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test. There is no interview stage in this recruitment.

Phase I - Preliminary Examination. The complete exam pattern and structure for the Preliminary Examination are provided below:

Note: In the Preliminary Examination, each incorrect answer carries a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question and there is no separate sectional qualifying requirement; candidates only need to meet the overall cutoff decided by SBI.

Phase II - Main Examination. The complete exam pattern and structure for the Preliminary Examination are provided below:

Note: In the Main Examination, the same one-fourth negative marking applies for each incorrect answer. A 5% relaxation in the qualifying marks is provided to candidates belonging to SC, ST, OBC, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen (XS), and Dependent of Ex-Servicemen (DXS) categories, as per the applicable rules.

Phase III - Local Language Proficiency Test:

Note: The Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) is applicable only to provisionally selected candidates who cannot produce a Class 10 or 12 marksheet showing that they studied the local language of the State they applied for. The test is conducted after the Main Examination and before joining.

One of the most important points in this recruitment is that Preliminary Examination marks are not carried forward to the final merit list and it serves only as a shortlisting stage, with candidates shortlisted for the Main Examination ten times the available vacancies. 
The Main Examination score is used for preparing the final merit list. In addition, eligible trained SBI apprentices who meet the prescribed service conditions receive a 2.5% bonus, equivalent to 5 marks out of 200, which is added to their Main Examination score.

Salary, Job Location and Service Conditions

The Junior Associate pay scale ranges from Rs.24,050 to Rs.64,480 through the prescribed increments. The starting basic pay is Rs.26,730 per month, which includes two advance increments granted to graduate recruits. After adding Dearness Allowance and other applicable allowances, the total starting emoluments at a metro posting such as Mumbai are around Rs.46,000 per month, although the actual amount may vary depending on the place of posting and applicable allowances.

Posting is linked to the State or Union Territory selected during the application process. Candidates generally cannot seek inter-circle or inter-state transfer during the first five years of service and after completing five years, a transfer may be considered only in exceptional circumstances, such as extreme compassionate grounds or spouse-related posting, and remains subject to SBI's discretion and applicable rules. Candidates should understand that the Junior Associate role is not limited to routine desk or counter work. SBI states that the position requires an aptitude for marketing, including customer calls, cross-selling banking products and services, and customer support both within and outside the branch. The role may also involve outdoor work and flexible or shift-based working hours, depending on operational requirements.

Selected candidates undergo a minimum probation period of six months and SBI may extend the probation if the recruit does not complete the required e-lessons within the prescribed period or if performance doesn't meet the Bank's expectations.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official website at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
2. Open the link for Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026 under current openings
3. Register with a valid email ID and active mobile number to generate your provisional registration number
4. Fill in personal, educational and category details carefully, since corrections are not allowed after final submission
5. Scan and upload your photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration exactly as per the specified size and format
6. Pay the application fee, where applicable, through debit card, credit card or internet banking
7. Review every entry on the form before hitting final submit
8. Download and print the completed application form for your own records

Required Documents and Important Instructions

Keep these below mentioned required documents and scanned copies ready before starting the online application:
= a recent passport-style colour photograph (4.5cm x 3.5cm, 20 to 50 kb),
= a signature on white paper with black ink (10 to 20 kb),
= a left thumb impression on white paper with black or blue ink (20 to 50 kb),
= and a handwritten declaration in English, not in capital letters, following the exact wording given in the Annexure-II (page no.9) of the official notification pdf (availavle in the Important Links section toward end of the page).
 
A few important instructions candidates should know:
> Candidates who are currently working in SBI's clerical cadre, as well as those who have previously resigned from SBI while serving in the clerical cadre, are not eligible to apply for this recruitment.
> Candidates with an adverse report regarding their character or antecedents will not be considered eligible for the recruitment.
> Mobile phones, smartwatches, pagers, and calculators are strictly prohibited inside the examination premises and Biometric verification, including thumb impression or iris scanning, may be carried out at different stages of the selection process. Candidates should therefore avoid substances such as mehendi or ink on their hands that could interfere with biometric verification.
> SBI has also warned candidates against coaching platforms, consultants, or individuals claiming to guarantee selection or provide insider access. Candidates should rely only on the official SBI careers portal and recruitment notices for authentic information and updates.

Read the points below for a better understanding of the recruitment process:

Why the Vacancy Count Matters This Year

The previous recruitment cycle, advertised under CRPD/CR/2025-26/06 for 6,589 vacancies, reportedly received close to 9 lakh registrations according to data later released through an RTI request. Around 6.4 lakh candidates appeared for the Preliminary Examination, while approximately 1.14 lakh candidates progressed to the Main Examination. But with 9,124 vacancies announced this year and nearly 40 percent more than last year, gives candidates who narrowly missed selection last time a potentially better opportunity, although the exam pattern and level of competition can still vary from one cycle to another.

Local Language Proficiency: An Important Step

There is no interview in this selection process. However, candidates who have not studied the local language of their chosen State or UT in Class 10 or 12 may need to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) before joining. This makes the language requirement an important factor when choosing a State, alongside the number of vacancies and eligibility conditions. Candidates should therefore check the language requirement carefully before selecting their preferred State or UT.

Related reading:

• SBI Junior Associate Backlog Recruitment 2026
• IBPS CRP CSA-XVI Recruitment 2026
• PNB Local Bank Officer Recruitment 2026
• Indian Overseas Bank, Local Bank Officer Recruitment 2026

❓Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are available in SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?

There are 9,124 total vacancies, made up of 7,680 regular posts and 1,444 backlog posts, spread across all states and union territories.

What is the last date to apply for SBI Junior Associate 2026?

Online applications and fee payment close on August 31, 2026. The application window opened on August 11, 2026.

Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?

Any Indian citizen with a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, falling within the specified age band, can apply for one State/UT of their choice.

What is the age limit, including relaxations?

Candidates must be 20 to 28 years as on April 1, 2026. Relaxation ranges from 3 years for OBC up to 15 years for PwBD candidates from SC/ST categories, with separate provisions for Ex-servicemen and widows.

What educational qualification is required?

Graduation in any discipline, to be completed by December 31, 2026. Final-year students can apply provisionally.

What does the selection process involve?

A Preliminary exam, followed by a Main exam, followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who need it. There is no interview.

What is the salary for this post?

The starting basic pay is Rs. 26,730, within a pay scale running up to Rs. 64,480. Total monthly emoluments at a metro posting come to roughly Rs. 46,000, including allowances.

What is the application fee?

Rs. 750 for General, OBC and EWS candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, XS and DXS candidates are exempt from any fee.

How can I apply online?

Through the official SBI careers website only, by registering, filling the form, uploading the required documents, and paying the fee where applicable. No offline mode is accepted.

What is the official website for this recruitment?

https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings

Is there an interview in this recruitment?

No. Selection depends entirely on the Main exam score, along with clearing the Local Language Proficiency Test where required.

Can I apply for more than one state?

No. Each candidate may apply for vacancies in only one State/UT and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project.

Conclusion

We hope the information shared above helps you understand this recruitment more clearly. At apnaupdates, we try to focus on the most relevant details so that you can get a useful overall picture without having to go through unnecessary information.

When applying, accuracy is more important than simply submitting the form early. Therefore, take time to upload a clear photograph, signature, and thumb impression that meet the prescribed specifications which are mentioned in this article above. Also, choose your State or UT carefully, considering both the available vacancies and your genuine familiarity with the required local language, rather than selecting a location based only on convenience.

After the application window closes on 31 August, candidates should next watch for the Preliminary Examination call letter on the official SBI careers website. The call letter is generally made available online approx 7 to 10 days before the examination, and no printed call letter is sent by post. Candidates should therefore check the official careers page regularly. (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.