SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1538 Junior Associate Vacancies

Quick Highlights

• Organisation: State Bank of India
• Advertisement No.: CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
• Post: Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales)
• Total Vacancies: 1538 (SC 207, ST 1219, OBC 112)
• Eligible Categories: SC, ST and OBC (non-creamy layer) only
• Mode of Application: Online
• Registration Dates: 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026

What Makes This Recruitment Different

This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies, so it does not carry openings for General or EWS candidates. It exists to fill posts that were reserved for these categories in past recruitment projects but could not be filled at the time. Each vacancy is also tied to a specific State or Union Territory and a specified local language, since the selected candidate must eventually clear a language proficiency test in that state's opted local language before joining.

Important Dates

Application Fee

The fee, where applicable, can be paid online through debit card, credit card or internet banking. It is non-refundable once paid.

Vacancy Details (State/UT-wise)

Vacancies are provisional and may vary depending on the Bank's actual requirement. A candidate can apply for one State/UT only, and the opted local language for that circle must be indicated in the application.

OBC candidates should note that reserved vacancies are available only to those in the non-creamy layer, and PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates can apply under their respective parent category since no separate horizontal reservation applies to PwBD in this drive.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit

Candidates must be not below 20 years and not above 28 years as on 1 April 2026, that is, born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006 (both dates inclusive).

Cumulative age relaxation is not permitted either within the above items or in combination with any other relaxation.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, as on 31 December 2026. Those in their final year or semester of graduation may also apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of having passed by 31 December 2026.

Who Cannot Apply

• Candidates currently working in SBI's clerical cadre are not eligible.
• Candidates who previously resigned from SBI while working in the clerical cadre are not eligible.
• Candidates against whom there is any adverse report on character, antecedents or moral turpitude are not eligible.

Pay Scale and Emoluments

The pay scale for Junior Associates is Rs 24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480. The starting basic pay works out to Rs 26,730 (Rs 24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates). Total starting emoluments at a metro location like Mumbai come to around Rs 46,000 per month, inclusive of dearness allowance and other current allowances, plus two additional increments for newly recruited graduate Junior Associates. Selected candidates are also eligible for provident fund, pension under the New Pension Scheme, medical benefits, leave fare concession and other perquisites as per Bank rules.

Selection Process

Selection consists of an online Preliminary Examination, an online Main Examination and, where applicable, a test of the specified local language.

Phase I: Preliminary Examination

There is negative marking of one-fourth mark for each wrong answer, and no separate qualifying marks are prescribed for individual sections. Around 10 times the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on aggregate marks.

Phase II: Main Examination

Only the aggregate marks of the Main Examination are used to prepare the final merit list; Preliminary Exam marks are not added. Trained apprentices of SBI get 2.5 percent bonus marks on the Main Exam, subject to conditions specified in the notification.

Phase III: Local Language Proficiency Test

Provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the applied state at 10th or 12th standard level must clear a Local Language Proficiency Test before joining. This test has a non-verbal objective and subjective section along with a verbal test, and candidates who fail to qualify will not be offered appointment.

How to Apply

1. Visit SBI's official careers website at sbi.bank.in and open the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 link under current openings.
2. Register with a valid email ID and mobile number, then fill in your personal, educational and category details carefully in the online application form.
3. Scan and upload your photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression and a handwritten declaration as per the specifications given in the notification.
4. Pay the applicable application fee or intimation charge online using a debit card, credit card or internet banking, where applicable.
5. Submit the completed application and save the system-generated printout and e-receipt for your records.

Applications are accepted online only, and no other mode will be entertained. Once submitted, no correction is allowed in any particular, including category, so candidates should double-check every entry before final submission.

Documents and Photograph Specifications

• Photograph: 4.5 cm x 3.5 cm, recent passport-style colour photo against a light background, file size 20 KB to 50 KB.
• Signature: on white paper with black ink, file size 10 KB to 20 KB.
• Left-hand thumb impression: on white paper with black or blue ink, file size 20 KB to 50 KB.
• Handwritten declaration: written in English exactly as specified in the notification, file size 50 KB to 100 KB.

At the time of examination and document verification, candidates must also carry a valid photo identity proof such as Aadhaar, PAN card, passport, driving licence or voter ID, along with a self-attested photocopy. SC/ST candidates must submit a caste certificate in the prescribed format, and OBC candidates must submit a non-creamy layer certificate dated on or after 1 April 2026.

General Rules

• Candidates can apply for vacancies of one State/UT only, and there is no provision for inter-circle or inter-state transfer, except for limited intra-state transfer between Delhi and Lucknow circles in Uttar Pradesh, and between Mumbai Metro and Maharashtra circles in Maharashtra.
• Selected candidates will be on probation for a minimum of six months, and must complete prescribed e-lessons to get confirmed.
• The merit list will be prepared state-wise and category-wise, with a wait list of up to 50 percent of vacancies valid for one year from the date of the final result.
• SBI reserves the right to cancel or modify the recruitment process, examination centres or vacancy numbers at any stage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who can apply for the SBI Junior Associate backlog recruitment 2026?

This special recruitment drive is open only to SC, ST and OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates against backlog vacancies. General and EWS candidates are not covered under this particular drive.

Q2: What is the total number of vacancies in this SBI recruitment?

SBI has announced 1538 vacancies for Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales), made up of 207 SC, 1219 ST and 112 OBC posts spread across 22 states and union territories.

Q3: When can I apply online for SBI Clerk 2026?

Online registration and fee payment are open from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026 on SBI's official careers website.

Q4: What is the application fee for this recruitment?

There is no application fee for SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates. OBC candidates must pay an intimation charge of Rs 750.

Q5: What is the age limit for SBI Junior Associate 2026?

Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026, meaning they should be born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006. Age relaxation applies for OBC, SC/ST, PwBD, Ex-servicemen and other specified categories.

Q6: What educational qualification is required for this post?

Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification, as on 31 December 2026. Final-year students may also apply provisionally.

Q7: Can I apply for more than one state under this recruitment?

No. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory, and there is no provision for inter-circle or inter-state transfer for Junior Associates recruited under this drive.

Q8: What is the selection process for SBI Clerk backlog recruitment 2026?

Selection involves an online Preliminary Examination, an online Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test for candidates who have not studied the specified local language at 10th or 12th standard level.

Source

This article is based on the official SBI advertisement (No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) dated 07 August 2026, titled "Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales) - Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies," published by the Central Recruitment and Promotion Department, State Bank of India.

Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and is based on the official notification available at the time of writing. Candidates are advised to verify all details, including dates, vacancies and eligibility conditions, on SBI's official website before applying.