The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026 for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This special recruitment drive is being conducted to fill backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates in various States and Union Territories.
A total of 1,538 Junior Associate posts are available under this recruitment. The online application process will start on 07 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply online until 27 August 2026.
This is a good opportunity for eligible graduates who want to build a career in the banking sector. Before applying, candidates should carefully check the eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, category requirements and local language requirements.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Overview
Here are the key details of the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026:
- Recruiting Organization: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Post: Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales)
- Advertisement Number: CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16
- Recruitment Type: Special Recruitment Drive
- Total Vacancies: 1,538 Posts
- Eligible Categories: SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
- Application Mode: Online
- Application Starts: 07 August 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 27 August 2026
- Preliminary Exam: Expected in September 2026
- Main Exam: Expected in October/November 2026
- Starting Gross Salary: Around ₹46,000 per month in metro cities such as Mumbai
This recruitment drive is mainly being conducted to fill backlog vacancies for eligible reserved-category candidates. Therefore, candidates should check their category eligibility and other requirements carefully before submitting the application form.
SBI Clerk 2026 Vacancy Details
Under the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026, a total of 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies have been announced across 21 States and Union Territories.
The vacancies are divided on a State-wise and category-wise basis. Candidates can apply for only one State/UT and must have knowledge of the specified local language of the State/UT they choose.
State-wise Vacancy Details
| State / Union Territory | Vacancies |
| Andhra Pradesh | 88 |
| Karnataka | 120 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 134 |
| Chhattisgarh | 26 |
| Odisha | 111 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 42 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 11 |
| Tamil Nadu | 65 |
| Telangana | 32 |
| Rajasthan | 106 |
| West Bengal | 55 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 31 |
| Maharashtra | 165 |
| Delhi | 17 |
| Gujarat | 289 |
| Assam | 39 |
| Tripura | 22 |
| Bihar | 12 |
| Jharkhand | 133 |
Category-wise Vacancy
The total 1,538 vacancies include:
- SC: 207 Posts
- ST: 1,219 Posts
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 112 Posts
Candidates should carefully choose their preferred State/UT because only one State/UT can be selected under this recruitment. They should also make sure they meet the required local language and category eligibility before submitting the application.
Who Can Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Before applying for the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026, candidates should carefully check the category, educational qualification and age requirements.
1. Category Eligibility
This recruitment drive is specifically for reserved backlog vacancies. Candidates from the following categories are eligible to apply:
- SC (Scheduled Caste)
- ST (Scheduled Tribe)
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)
Candidates belonging to the General/Unreserved or EWS categories are not eligible for this particular recruitment drive. OBC candidates who fall under the Creamy Layer are also not eligible.
According to the provided recruitment details, existing SBI employees working in the clerical cadre and former SBI clerical employees who have resigned are also not eligible for this recruitment.
2. Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
Students who are currently in their final year or final semester of graduation may also apply provisionally. However, they must pass their graduation examination by 31 December 2026 and provide the required proof when asked.
Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) must also have their passing date on or before 31 December 2026.
Eligible Ex-Servicemen with the required educational qualification may also apply, subject to the applicable rules.
3. SBI Clerk 2026 Age Limit
The basic age limit for SBI Clerk 2026 is 20 to 28 years as on 01 April 2026.
Candidates should have been born between 02 April 1998 and 01 April 2006, including both dates.
Trained SBI Apprentices Category-wise relaxation
Age relaxation is available for eligible candidates from reserved and special categories:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PwBD – OBC | 13 Years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 Years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per applicable rules |
| Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women | As per applicable rules |
The applicable age relaxation may vary depending on the candidate’s category and eligibility. Therefore, candidates should check the official recruitment conditions carefully before submitting their application.
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SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 Selection Process
The SBI Clerk 2026 selection process is conducted in multiple stages. Candidates need to qualify for the required stages to be considered for final selection.
Stage 1: Preliminary Examination
The first stage is the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam, which is an online objective-type test.
- Total Marks: 100
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
The exam has three sections:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes |
There are separate time limits for each section. As per the provided recruitment details, there are no separate sectional cut-offs or minimum overall qualifying marks. Candidates who meet the applicable shortlisting criteria will be called for the Main Examination.
Stage 2: Main Examination
Candidates who qualify for the Preliminary Examination can appear for the Main Examination. This stage is important because the marks obtained here are considered for the final merit.
- Total Questions: 190
- Total Marks: 200
- Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for every wrong answer
The Main Examination includes four sections:
| Section | Questions | Marks |
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| General English | 40 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 |
| Total | 190 | 200 |
Important: Marks scored in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final merit list. The final merit is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination, subject to fulfilling all other eligibility and selection requirements.
Stage 3: Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates must have knowledge of the specified local language of the State or Union Territory for which they have applied.
Candidates who studied the required local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and have the necessary marksheet or certificate may be exempted from appearing in the language test.
Other provisionally selected candidates may have to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) before joining SBI.
Therefore, candidates should check the local language requirement of their selected State/UT carefully before applying.
SBI Clerk 2026 Selection Process at a Glance
- Preliminary Exam → Main Exam → Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable) → Final Selection
Candidates should prepare for each stage carefully, as qualifying the required stages is essential for appointment as an SBI Junior Associate.
SBI Clerk Junior Associate Salary 2026
The SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) post offers a good salary along with several allowances and employee benefits. The exact monthly salary may vary depending on the place of posting and applicable SBI rules.
SBI Clerk 2026 Basic Pay
According to the recruitment details, the starting basic pay is ₹26,730 per month. This amount includes two advance increments given to candidates who are graduates.
In metro cities such as Mumbai, the starting gross monthly salary can be around ₹46,000, including applicable allowances.
SBI Clerk Salary Structure
The pay scale for Junior Associates is:
₹24,050 – ₹1,340/3 – ₹28,070 – ₹1,650/3 – ₹33,020 – ₹2,000/4 – ₹41,020 – ₹2,340/7 – ₹57,400 – ₹4,400/1 – ₹61,800 – ₹2,680/1 – ₹64,480
The salary increases over time as employees receive annual increments according to the applicable pay scale.
SBI Clerk Allowances and Benefits
Apart from the basic salary, SBI Junior Associates may receive several allowances and benefits, including:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport-related benefits
- Special Allowances
- Provident Fund (PF)
- Pension benefits under NPS
- Medical facilities and insurance
- Leave Fare Concession (LFC)
- Other applicable reimbursements and employee benefits
The exact salary and allowances can vary according to the place of posting and applicable SBI rules.
How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply for the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 online through the official SBI careers portal. The application process is simple, but candidates should enter all details carefully to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Visit the SBI Careers Website
Visit the official SBI Careers section and find the notification for the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026.
Open the recruitment notification and click on the online application link.
Step 2: Complete New Registration
Click on “New Registration” and enter the required basic details, such as:
- Full Name
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Other required information
After successful registration, you will receive a Registration Number and Password. Save these details safely for future use.
Step 3: Upload Required Documents
Next, upload the required documents in the prescribed format and size.
These may include:
- Recent Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand Thumb Impression
- Handwritten Declaration
- Educational Certificates/Documents
- Category Certificate, if applicable
Make sure all uploaded documents are clear and properly formatted according to the instructions given in the official notification.
Step 4: Enter Education and Other Details
Fill in your graduation details, category, State/UT preference, local language information and examination centre preferences.
Check all the information carefully before moving to the next step.
Step 5: Pay the Application Fee
Candidates who are required to pay the application fee should complete the payment using the available online payment methods.
Eligible SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates can proceed without paying the application fee, as applicable under the recruitment rules.
Step 6: Submit the Application Form
Before submitting the form, carefully review all the details you have entered. Make sure there are no spelling mistakes or incorrect information.
After successful submission:
- Download the completed application form.
- Save or print a copy for future reference.
- Keep the payment receipt, if applicable.
- Save your Registration Number and other login details safely.
Candidates should keep these documents until the examination and selection process is completed.
Important Tip
Do not wait until the last date to apply. Complete the application process early so that you have enough time to correct any issue related to document uploading, payment or form submission.
SBI Junior Associate 2026 Recruitment Application Fee
The SBI Clerk 2026 application fee depends on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | ₹750 |
Candidates who need to pay the fee must complete the payment online before the application deadline.
Before making the payment, make sure that your category details are correct. The application fee is generally non-refundable, so candidates should check all details carefully before completing the payment.
Important Things to Remember Before Applying
Before submitting the SBI Clerk 2026 application form, candidates should check the following points carefully:
- This recruitment is only for eligible SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates.
- General and EWS candidates are not eligible for this particular recruitment drive.
- Candidates can apply for only one State/UT.
- Make sure you meet the local language requirement of the selected State/UT.
- Check your age eligibility as on the prescribed date.
- Candidates must have the required graduation qualification.
- Keep your Registration Number, Password and other login details safe.
- Upload all required documents in the correct format and size.
- OBC candidates should make sure they have a valid Non-Creamy Layer status as required.
- Carefully check all details before submitting the application form.
- After submission, download and save a copy of the application form for future reference.
Following these points can help you avoid common mistakes while applying for the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Final Words
The SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026 is a good opportunity for eligible reserved-category candidates who want to start a career in the banking sector. With 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies, a good salary and various employee benefits, this recruitment can be a valuable opportunity for eligible graduates.
Before applying, candidates should carefully check the category eligibility, educational qualification, age limit, State/UT preference and local language requirement. After confirming their eligibility, they should complete the online application correctly and start preparing for the Preliminary and Main Examinations.
Regular mock tests and practice in Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning, English, General Awareness and Financial Awareness can help candidates improve their preparation and performance.
Finally, candidates should always check the official SBI recruitment notification for the latest updates, important instructions and any changes in the application or examination schedule.