If you are a graduate looking for a stable government banking job, the SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Recruitment 2026 is one of the biggest opportunities this year. The State Bank of India has invited applications for thousands of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts across the country. This drive is important because SBI is India’s largest public sector bank, and a Junior Associate job here means job security, a decent starting salary, and a clear growth path. In this article, we will walk you through every detail of the SBI Clerk 2026 notification — vacancy, eligibility, fees, exam pattern, syllabus, and how to apply — based only on the official notification, so you don’t have to search anywhere else.
Important: The online application window for the regular SBI Clerk 2026 drive closes on 31 August 2026. If you are eligible and haven’t applied yet, don’t wait — read this guide and complete your form today.
Quick Overview Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) — commonly called SBI Clerk |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 |
| Total Vacancy | 9,766 (7,680 regular + 2,086 backlog) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Category | UR / EWS / OBC / SC / ST |
| Job Location | Branches across India (state/UT chosen at the time of application) |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in (careers section) |
Important Dates
| Event | Regular Vacancy | Backlog Vacancy |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 11 August 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 11 August 2026 | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 31 August 2026 | 27 August 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | Please check the official notification for details | Please check the official notification for details |
| Correction Window Dates | Please check the official notification for details | Please check the official notification for details |
| Prelims Exam Date | 26 & 27 September and 3 October 2026 | 16 September 2026 |
| Mains Exam Date | 23 November 2026 | Please check the official notification for details |
| Admit Card Date | Please check the official notification for details | Please check the official notification for details |
| Result Date | Please check the official notification for details | Please check the official notification for details |
A quick tip here: SBI usually uploads the prelims admit card about a week before the exam. Keep checking your registered email and the official website regularly during that window so you don’t miss it.
Vacancy Details
SBI has announced a total of 9,766 vacancies for the Junior Associate post this year. Out of these, 7,680 are regular vacancies and 2,086 are backlog vacancies meant mainly for SC/ST/OBC and PwBD candidates.
| Vacancy Type | Number of Posts | Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) – Regular | 7,680 | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university | 20–28 years (as on 01.04.2026) |
| Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) – Backlog | 2,086 | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university | 20–28 years (as on 01.04.2026), with applicable age relaxation |
Vacancies are further divided state-wise and category-wise (General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, and PwBD). Since you can apply for only one state or Union Territory, please check the state-wise vacancy list in the official notification carefully before choosing.
Practical tip: Don’t pick a state just because it has more vacancies. You also need working knowledge of that state’s local language, because a Local Language Proficiency Test may apply later. Choosing a state whose language you don’t know can create problems after selection.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen (XS) / Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DXS) | Exempted (No fee) |
The fee has to be paid online only, through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking, using the integrated payment gateway on the application portal. Any transaction charges on the payment are to be borne by the candidate, and the fee is non-refundable once paid.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must hold a Graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India.
- Candidates in their final year or final semester of graduation can also apply provisionally. However, they must be able to prove they passed the graduation exam on or before 31 December 2026.
- Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) are eligible if their date of passing is on or before 31 December 2026.
- Ex-servicemen who are matriculates, with an Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or an equivalent certificate from the Navy or Air Force) after at least 15 years of service, are also eligible.
Age Limit (as on 01.04.2026)
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | 28 years |
| Date of Birth Range | Not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 |
Age Relaxation (Category-wise)
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (General / EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Actual period of service in Defence plus 3 years (8 years for SC/ST Disabled Ex-Servicemen), subject to a maximum age of 50 years |
Nationality / Domicile
Candidates must be Indian citizens. You are allowed to apply for only one state or Union Territory, and you should have working knowledge (reading, writing, speaking) of the local language specified for that state or UT.
Salary / Pay Scale
The SBI Junior Associate pay scale is ₹24,050 – ₹64,480. Graduate candidates get two advance increments, taking the starting basic pay to approximately ₹26,730 per month. Along with basic pay, employees get Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), and other bank allowances.
The approximate starting in-hand salary works out to roughly ₹42,000 to ₹46,000 per month, depending on the place of posting and applicable deductions. For the exact latest salary breakup, please check the official notification for details, since allowance rates can change with bank settlements.
Selection Process
Selection for SBI Junior Associate 2026 happens in the following stages:
- Preliminary Exam – This is a qualifying exam. Marks scored here are not counted for the final merit list; they are only used to shortlist candidates for Mains.
- Main Exam – This is the deciding exam. Your marks in Mains are what actually count toward your final selection and merit list.
- Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) – If you don’t have proof that you studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12, you will need to clear this test before being confirmed for appointment.
There is no separate interview round for this recruitment. SBI-trained apprentices may also get 5 bonus marks (2.5% of total marks) added in the Mains exam, if applicable to them.
Practical tip: Many candidates lose marks in Prelims simply because they run out of time on one section. Since each section (English, Reasoning, Numerical Ability) has its own fixed 20-minute timer, practise each section separately under timed conditions instead of only doing full mock tests.
Exam Pattern
Preliminary Exam (Objective, 100 Marks, 1 Hour)
| Section | Medium | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | Bilingual (English/Hindi) | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | Bilingual (English/Hindi) | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
There is a negative marking of ¼ mark for every wrong answer. There is no individual sectional cut-off, but you must clear the overall cut-off score to move to Mains.
Main Exam (Objective, 200 Marks, 2 Hours 40 Minutes)
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
Negative marking of ¼ mark applies for each wrong answer here too. The exam is held online, in a computer-based mode.
Syllabus
Preliminary Exam sections:
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Spotting Errors, Fill in the Blanks, Sentence Improvement
- Numerical Ability: Simplification, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, and Arithmetic problems like Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Simple Interest
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangement, Inequality, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Coding-Decoding, Alphanumeric Series
Mains Exam sections (in addition to the above topics):
- General / Financial Awareness: Current Affairs, Banking Awareness, Static GK, Financial and Economic News
- General English: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Spotting, Para Jumbles, Vocabulary-based questions
- Quantitative Aptitude: Data Interpretation (Line Graph, Pie Chart, Bar Graph), Data Sufficiency, Simplification, Arithmetic word problems
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: Puzzles, Logical Reasoning, Seating Arrangement, Input-Output, Coding-Decoding, and basics of computers, internet, MS Office and networking
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit the official SBI careers website and open the “Current Openings” section.
- Find and click on the link for “Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026.”
- Register yourself using a valid and active email ID and mobile number. Keep both active until your final result is declared.
- Fill in your personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Select the one state or Union Territory you wish to apply for, along with the applicable local language.
- Upload your photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per the required format.
- Recheck every detail on the form — name, date of birth, category, qualification — before moving to payment, since edits later may be limited.
- Pay the application fee online through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking (fee applicable only for General/OBC/EWS candidates).
- After successful payment, download and save your filled application form and the e-receipt for your own records.
You do not need to send a printout of the form to SBI by post.
Practical tip: Most rejected forms are rejected because of wrong-sized photo or signature uploads. Check the exact pixel dimensions and file size mentioned in the notification before you start uploading, so your form isn’t held up at the last stage.
Required Documents
As specified in the notification, you will need to prepare and upload:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature (signed with black ink on plain white paper)
- Left-hand thumb impression (black or blue ink on white paper)
- Handwritten declaration, in the candidate’s own handwriting
Please also keep your educational certificates, category/caste certificate (if applicable), and a valid ID proof ready for later stages of the process, and check the official notification for the complete and exact list of documents required at each stage.
Important Links
| Link | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Available on the official SBI careers website |
| Apply Online | Available through the “Current Openings” section on the SBI careers portal |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in |
| Admit Card | Please check the official notification/website for details |
| Result | Please check the official notification/website for details |
Practical Tips for SBI Clerk 2026 Applicants
- Keep a document checklist ready in advance. Scan your photo, signature, and thumb impression in the correct format before you sit down to fill the form, so you don’t lose time or accidentally upload the wrong file.
- Double-check your chosen state/UT. Since inter-circle and inter-state transfers are not allowed for new Junior Associates for a fixed period, choose a state you’re genuinely comfortable working in long-term.
- Save your registration number and password. You will need these to log back in, make corrections during the correction window (if opened), download your admit card, and check your result.
- Start Prelims preparation early, focusing on speed in Numerical Ability and Reasoning, since these two sections typically decide most candidates’ scores.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When did the SBI Clerk 2026 application process start? The online application process for regular vacancies started on 11 August 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk 2026? The last date to submit the online application for regular vacancies is 31 August 2026.
3. What is the educational qualification required for SBI Clerk 2026? You need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Final-year students can also apply provisionally.
4. What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026? You must be between 20 and 28 years of age as on 1 April 2026, with age relaxation available for reserved categories as per government rules.
5. How much is the application fee for SBI Clerk 2026? General, OBC, and EWS candidates need to pay ₹750. SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from the fee.
6. When is the SBI Clerk Prelims exam date 2026? For regular vacancies, the Prelims exam is scheduled for 26 and 27 September, and 3 October 2026. For backlog vacancies, it is scheduled for 16 September 2026.
7. What is the selection process for SBI Clerk 2026? Selection happens through a Preliminary Exam (qualifying), a Main Exam (marks count for merit), and a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who need it.
Conclusion
The SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Recruitment 2026 is a great opportunity for graduates who want a secure and respected career in India’s largest public sector bank, with close to 9,766 vacancies on offer this year. If you meet the eligibility criteria, don’t delay — the application window for regular vacancies closes on 31 August 2026.
Disclaimer: Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification and the official SBI website before applying, as information may be subject to change.
