State Bank of India (SBI) Recruitment 2026 – Clerk Vacancies – Apply Now

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the notification for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. A total of 1,538 backlog vacancies have been announced under a special recruitment drive.

The online application process has started on 7 August 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 27 August 2026. Candidates interested in a clerical career with SBI should carefully check the eligibility criteria, vacancy details, selection process and application dates before applying.

Important: This is a Special Recruitment Drive for backlog vacancies, primarily meant for candidates belonging to the SC, ST and OBC categories. It should not be confused with the regular SBI Clerk recruitment cycle for 2026–27, for which a separate notification is expected.

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Overview

Candidates should always verify the latest instructions and recruitment notices on the official SBI Careers portal before submitting the application.

SBI Clerk 2026 Vacancy

SBI has announced 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies through this special recruitment drive. These vacancies are backlog posts and are intended for eligible candidates from the specified reserved categories.

The recruitment covers vacancies across multiple States and Union Territories. Candidates are required to apply for one State or Union Territory and should satisfy the applicable local-language requirement for the chosen region.

Who Can Apply?

The 1,538 vacancies under this particular notification are for the SC, ST and OBC categories. Therefore, candidates should carefully check the category-wise and State/UT-wise vacancy details in the official notification before applying.

Candidates looking for general/regular SBI Clerk vacancies should wait for the separate regular recruitment notification rather than assuming that these 1,538 posts are open to all categories.

SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualification

Candidates applying for the Junior Associate post generally need to possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification.

Applicants should ensure that they satisfy the qualification requirements specified in the official notification before completing the application form.

Age Limit

The prescribed age range is 20 to 28 years, with relaxation applicable to eligible reserved-category candidates as per the recruitment rules. The relevant cut-off date and detailed age-relaxation provisions should be checked in the official notification.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The selection process for SBI Junior Associate recruitment consists of multiple stages:

1. Preliminary Examination

The preliminary exam is the first stage of the recruitment process. Candidates are tested on areas such as:

• English Language
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning Ability

Candidates who qualify for the preliminary examination are shortlisted for the next stage.

2. Main Examination

The Main Examination is more comprehensive and assesses candidates in areas including:

• General/Financial Awareness
• General English
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Reasoning Ability
• Computer Aptitude

Candidates need to secure the required marks to progress through the recruitment process.

3. Local Language Test

Knowledge of the specified local language of the State/UT for which the candidate applies is an important requirement. Candidates may be required to demonstrate their ability to read, write, speak and understand the applicable local language.

Candidates should therefore select their State/UT carefully while filling out the application form.

SBI Clerk Salary and Career Growth

The Junior Associate position offers candidates an opportunity to begin their banking career with one of India’s largest public-sector banks.

SBI Junior Associates work in the clerical cadre and are involved in customer service, account-related activities, banking transactions and other branch operations.

SBI also provides career progression opportunities. According to SBI’s career information, Junior Associates can become eligible for promotion to the Officer Cadre after completing three years of service, subject to the applicable rules and promotion process.

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Application Dates

Candidates should keep the following dates in mind:

• Notification: 7 August 2026
• Online application begins: 7 August 2026
• Last date to apply: 27 August 2026

Since the application window is limited, candidates should avoid waiting until the final day to submit the form.

How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?

Eligible candidates can follow these steps to apply online:

1. Visit the official SBI Careers website.
2. Open the current recruitment section.
3. Find the notification for Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) – Special Recruitment Drive.
4. Read the official notification carefully.
5. Click on the online application link.
6. Complete the registration process using the required details.
7. Fill in the application form accurately.
8. Upload the required photograph, signature and documents in the prescribed format.
9. Pay the applicable application fee, if required.
10. Submit the application form.
11. Download and save the confirmation page/application form for future reference.

Apply and check the official notification: SBI Careers – Current Openings

Documents Required

Candidates should keep the necessary documents and information ready while completing the online application. These may include:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Graduation/educational qualification details
• Valid identity proof
• Category certificate, wherever applicable
• Local-language qualification/details, wherever applicable
• Other documents specified in the official notification

Candidates should ensure that uploaded documents meet SBI’s prescribed specifications.

Important Points for Applicants

Before applying for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026, candidates should remember the following:

• The 1,538 vacancies are backlog vacancies under a special recruitment drive.
• The drive is intended for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates.
• The application window is open from 7 August to 27 August 2026.
• Candidates need to satisfy the prescribed educational and age requirements.
• Applicants can apply for only one State/UT under the recruitment.
• Knowledge of the relevant local language is important.
• Candidates should carefully verify all information before submitting the application.
• The regular SBI Clerk 2026–27 recruitment should not be confused with this special backlog recruitment.

SBI Clerk 2026 Preparation Tips

Candidates who are eligible for this recruitment should start preparation immediately rather than waiting for the examination dates.

Focus on Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English, General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude. Regular mock tests and previous-year question papers can help improve speed and accuracy.

For the local language requirement, candidates should also make sure they are comfortable with reading, writing, speaking and understanding the language prescribed for their selected State/UT.

Conclusion

The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 has opened an important opportunity for eligible candidates with 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies under a special backlog recruitment drive. The online application process is already underway and will continue until 27 August 2026.

Eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates should carefully read the official notification, verify their State/UT and local-language eligibility, and complete the application process before the deadline.

Candidates should also note that these vacancies are separate from the regular SBI Clerk 2026–27 recruitment. For the latest updates, applicants should rely on the official SBI Careers portal rather than unofficial social-media announcements.