SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the notification for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) Recruitment 2026 for 1538 vacancies. Eligible candidates can check the SBI Clerk eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, application fee, important dates, selection process and exam pattern before submitting the SBI Clerk Online Form 2026. Candidates looking for the latest SBI Bank Jobs 2026 can apply online through the official recruitment process within the prescribed dates.
SBI Clerk Previous [Question Paper] 2021 Pdf
Download
Introduction
The State Bank of India has released a highly anticipated special recruitment notification for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts, popularly known as SBI Clerk, offering 1,538 backlog vacancies exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. This drive, advertised under CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16, represents a significant opportunity for reserved-category graduates seeking a stable, prestigious career in India’s largest public-sector bank.
SBI Clerks form the backbone of branch-level customer service, sales, and operational excellence. Selected candidates enjoy job security, structured career progression, competitive pay with allowances, medical benefits, pension schemes under the new structure, and the prestige of working with a trusted national institution. The clerical cadre also opens pathways to internal promotions toward officer ranks through departmental examinations.
With online registration already open from 7 August 2026 and closing on 27 August 2026, the window is short. Candidates must act promptly, verify state-specific local language requirements, and complete the application carefully. This special backlog drive fills long-pending reserved vacancies across multiple states and Union Territories, making it one of the most targeted and high-value government banking opportunities of 2026. Aspirants who meet the age, educational, and category criteria should treat this as a priority application.
SBI Clerk Previous Question Papers [Solved]
| SBI Clerk Exam Papers Download
SBI Clerk Overview Table
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Names | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) / SBI Clerk |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 (Special Recruitment Drive – SC/ST/OBC Backlog) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Online Registration Dates | 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026 |
| Selection Process | Preliminary Exam, Main Exam, Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in / sbi.co.in (Careers section) |
SBI Clerk Post-wise Vacancy Details
This is a special recruitment drive exclusively for backlog vacancies in the reserved categories of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). No vacancies are available for General/UR or EWS candidates under this notification.
Category-wise Vacancy Summary
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 207 |
| ST | 1,219 |
| OBC | 112 |
| Total | 1,538 |
Vacancies are distributed across various SBI Circles and corresponding States/Union Territories. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or UT and will be posted in the State/UT for which they apply. Local language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) of the chosen State/UT is mandatory.
State/UT-wise Vacancy Distribution (Approximate based on official data)
| State/UT | SC | ST | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | – | 88 | – | 88 |
| Karnataka | 85 | 35 | – | 120 |
| Madhya Pradesh | – | 134 | – | 134 |
| Chhattisgarh | – | 26 | – | 26 |
| Odisha | – | 111 | – | 111 |
| Chandigarh UT | – | – | 22 | 22 |
| Jammu & Kashmir UT | – | 42 | – | 42 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 11 | – | – | 11 |
| Punjab | – | – | 18 | 18 |
| Tamil Nadu | 65 | – | – | 65 |
| Telangana | – | 32 | – | 32 |
| Rajasthan | 20 | 86 | – | 106 |
| West Bengal | – | – | 55 | 55 |
| Uttar Pradesh | – | 31 | – | 31 |
| Maharashtra | – | 165 | – | 165 |
| Delhi | – | – | 17 | 17 |
| Gujarat | – | 289 | – | 289 |
| Assam | – | 39 | – | 39 |
| Tripura | – | 22 | – | 22 |
| Bihar | 12 | – | – | 12 |
| Jharkhand | 14 | 119 | – | 133 |
| Grand Total | 207 | 1,219 | 112 | 1,538 |
Gujarat (289), Maharashtra (165), Madhya Pradesh (134), and Jharkhand (133) account for a significant share of the vacancies. Candidates must carefully check the official notification PDF for the exact circle-wise allocation and local language requirements before selecting a State/UT.
SBI PO Previous Question Papers | Sample
Papers | Practice- Model Papers
SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a university recognised by the Central Government or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. The degree must be obtained on or before 31 December 2026.Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of their graduation may apply provisionally. However, if selected, they must produce proof of having passed the qualifying examination on or before 31 December 2026. Candidates with Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificates must ensure the date of passing falls on or before the prescribed cut-off.
No specific percentage of marks is mandated in the graduation degree. Computer literacy is desirable but not explicitly listed as a mandatory qualification in the basic eligibility; practical working knowledge of computers is expected for the nature of the job.
Age Limit & Relaxations
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
- Age calculated as on 1 April 2026
- Candidates must have been born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006 (both dates inclusive).
Category-wise Upper Age Relaxation (as per Government of India and SBI norms applicable to this drive):
- OBC: 3 years
- SC / ST: 5 years
- Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) – OBC: 13 years
- PwBD – SC/ST: 15 years
- Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen: Actual period of service rendered in the defence forces + 3 years (subject to maximum age limits prescribed)
- Trained Apprentices of SBI: Additional relaxation as specified in the official notification (category-wise ranging from 1–16 years depending on category and disability status)
- Widows, divorced women, and women judicially separated who are not remarried: Additional relaxation subject to overall age ceilings.
Candidates claiming age relaxation must possess valid supporting certificates (caste certificate in the prescribed format, disability certificate issued by competent authority, discharge book for ex-servicemen, etc.) at the time of document verification. Failure to produce valid documents will lead to cancellation of candidature.
Only Indian citizens are eligible. Candidates must also satisfy the local language proficiency requirement of the State/UT they select.
Application Fee & Payment Mode
The application fee structure for this special backlog drive is as follows:
| Category | Application Fee (including intimation charges) |
|---|---|
| OBC | ₹750 |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Nil (Exempted) |
The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including rejection of application, multiple applications, or cancellation of the recruitment process.
Payment must be made online only through the official application portal using:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Candidates should ensure successful payment and download the e-receipt and system-generated application form for future reference. Incomplete applications or those without successful fee payment (where applicable) will not be considered. Keep the registered mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process for receiving communication regarding admit cards and further stages.
All Bank Exam Previous Year Question Papers
with Solutions Download
SBI Clerk Salary, Stipend & Pay Scale Details
Selected candidates for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in SBI will be placed in the pay scale of ₹24,050 – ₹64,480. Graduates are eligible for two advance increments, taking the starting basic pay to ₹26,730 per month.
In addition to basic pay, employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Special Allowance, and other benefits as per SBI rules and the location of posting. In metropolitan cities such as Mumbai, the approximate starting monthly emoluments (including DA and allowances at current rates) work out to around ₹46,000.
The total package also includes medical facilities for self and family, leave travel concession, contributory provident fund / National Pension System benefits, and opportunities for performance-linked incentives. With regular increments and promotions, the career offers strong long-term financial growth and stability.
SBI Clerk Selection Process
The selection process for SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Special Recruitment Drive 2026 consists of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination – An online objective test of 100 marks. It is qualifying in nature. Marks obtained in Prelims are not counted for the final merit list.
- Main Examination – An online objective test of 200 marks. The final merit list is prepared solely on the basis of marks secured in the Main Examination.
- Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) – Candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the State/UT in Class 10 or 12 will have to appear for LLPT after the Main Examination (or as decided by the Bank). Those who fail the LLPT will not be offered appointment. Candidates who produce valid mark sheets/certificates of having studied the local language in Class 10 or 12 are generally exempted.
Document verification and biometric authentication will be conducted at later stages. There is no interview for the clerical cadre. Candidates must qualify each stage as per the cut-offs decided by SBI.
SBI Clerk Exam Syllabus & Exam Pattern
Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
- Negative Marking: ¼ mark (0.25) will be deducted for every wrong answer.
- Candidates must clear both sectional and overall cut-offs.
Main Examination Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 160 minutes |
- Negative Marking: ¼ mark for every incorrect answer.
- Marks of the Main Examination alone will determine the final merit.
Syllabus Highlights
- English Language: Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Para Jumbles, Sentence Improvement, Vocabulary (Synonyms/Antonyms), Grammar.
- Numerical / Quantitative Aptitude: Simplification, Approximation, Number Series, Data Interpretation, Quadratic Equations, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time-Speed-Distance, Mensuration, Probability.
- Reasoning Ability: Puzzles & Seating Arrangement, Syllogism, Inequality, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Alphanumeric Series, Input-Output, Data Sufficiency, Logical Reasoning.
- Computer Aptitude (Mains): Basics of Computers, Internet, Networking, MS Office, Hardware & Software, Operating Systems, Shortcuts, Computer Abbreviations.
- General / Financial Awareness: Current Affairs (last 6–8 months), Banking & Financial Awareness, RBI Monetary Policy, Government Schemes, Static GK, Economic News, Budget & Economic Survey highlights.
Candidates are strongly advised to practise previous years’ papers and take full-length mock tests under timed conditions.
RBI Grade B Previous
Year [Question Papers] Pdf download
Step-by-Step How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
1- Visit the official SBI Careers page: https://sbi.bank.in or https://www.sbi.co.in → Careers → Current Openings.
2- Click on the link titled “RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR ASSOCIATES – SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE” (or similar).
3- Click “Apply Online” and complete the new registration by entering Name, Mobile Number, Email ID, and creating a password. Note down the Registration Number.
4- Log in using Registration Number and Password.
5- Select only one State/UT carefully (this cannot be changed later).
6- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, category, and other required information accurately.
7- Upload scanned photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration in the prescribed format and size. Complete the live photograph capture if required.
8- Preview the entire application form carefully and make corrections if needed.
9- Proceed to payment (if applicable) and pay the fee online through Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI.
10- Submit the form and download/print the e-receipt and the final application form for future reference.
Keep the registered email ID and mobile number active till the end of the recruitment process.
Important Dates
| Event | Date / Tentative Schedule |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 27 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Printing Application | 11 September 2026 (approx.) |
| Admit Card Release (Prelims) | September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | Late September / Early October 2026 (tentative) |
| Main Examination | October / November 2026 (tentative) |
| Local Language Proficiency Test | After Mains (as notified) |
Candidates should regularly check the official SBI careers website for exact exam dates and admit card links.
IBPS PO Previous Year
Question Papers PDF with Answers
Important Links
| Particulars | Link / Action |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF Download | Download Notification PDF |
| Online Application Apply Link | Apply Online |
| Official Website Home Page | Official Web Portal / Official Website |
| Latest Govt Jobs / SBI Careers Page | Latest Govt Jobs |
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. Who can apply for SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026? Only candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories who meet the age and educational criteria can apply. General/UR and EWS candidates are not eligible under this backlog drive.
Q2. Can final-year students apply? Yes. Final-year / final-semester students may apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before 31 December 2026.
Q3. Is there any application fee for SC/ST candidates? No. SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Disabled Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying the application fee. OBC candidates have to pay ₹750.
Q4. Can I apply for more than one State/UT? No. A candidate can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory. Multiple applications will lead to cancellation.
Q5. Is local language knowledge compulsory? Yes. Candidates must be able to read, write, speak, and understand the specified local language of the State/UT they apply for. Those who have not studied it in Class 10/12 will have to clear the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Q6. What is the negative marking pattern? In both Prelims and Mains, ¼ of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.
Q7. Will Prelims marks be counted in the final merit list? No. Prelims is only qualifying. Final selection is based solely on marks obtained in the Main Examination (subject to clearing LLPT where applicable).
Q8. What is the age limit and cut-off date? Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006). Category-wise age relaxations are available.
Q9. How can I correct mistakes in the application form? Limited correction facility (if provided by SBI) will be available for a short window after the last date. Candidates should fill the form carefully the first time.
Q10. When will the admit cards be released? Admit cards for the Preliminary Examination are expected in September 2026. Candidates should regularly visit the official SBI careers page.
IBPS PO/MT Previous
Years Question Papers [Solved] PDF Download
Conclusion
The SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Special Recruitment Drive 2026 for 1,538 backlog posts is a golden opportunity for SC, ST, and OBC graduates to secure a respectable and financially rewarding career in India’s largest public-sector bank. With a short application window ending on 27 August 2026, eligible candidates are strongly advised to complete the online registration at the earliest, keep all documents ready, and begin focused preparation for the Preliminary and Main examinations.
Stay updated only through the official SBI website. Early application and consistent preparation will give you a clear edge in this competitive process. Best wishes to all aspirants!
SBI Careers: Explore Current Openings & Jobs at State Bank of India
Discover rewarding career opportunities at the State Bank of India (SBI). As the nation’s largest and most trusted bank, SBI offers accelerated growth for young graduates and experienced professionals alike.
Whether you
are looking for entry-level roles like Probationary Officers (PO) and Junior Associates (Clerk), or
specialized positions in Specialist
Cadre (SCO) and Circle Based
Officers (CBO), your career journey begins here.
1- Recruitment of Junior Associates Special Recruitment Drive For SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies
Advertisement No: CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
Download Advertisement (English)
Apply Online (07.08.2026 to
27.08.2026)
2- Engagement of Specialist Cadre Officers On Contract Basis
Advertisement No: CRPD/SCO/2026-27/13
Download Advertisement (English)
Apply Online (07.08.2026 to 27.08.2026)
3- Recruitment Of Specialist Cadre Officer On Regular Basis
Advertisement No: CRPD/SCO/2026-27/12
Download Advertisement (English)
Apply Online (07.08.2026 to 27.08.2026)
4- Recruitment of Specialist Cadre Officers On Contract/ Regular Basis
Advertisement No: CRPD/SCO/2026-27/11
Download Advertisement (English)
Apply Online (07.08.2026 to 27.08.2026)
👉 Follow us for fastest updates:
Pinterest, LinkedIn, Facebook, Telegram, Instagram, Facebook Page
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the official SBI notification and reliable secondary sources available at the time of writing. Candidates must cross-verify all details (vacancies, eligibility, dates, fees, syllabus, and selection process) with the official advertisement and the SBI careers portal before applying. The author and the website shall not be responsible for any discrepancy or loss arising from reliance on this content. Always refer to the official notification PDF for the most accurate and updated information.
