SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 1,538 Junior Associate Posts, Eligibility, Exam Date, Salary & Selection Process
If you are looking for a stable banking job after graduation, SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity to watch. The State Bank of India (SBI) has started a Special Recruitment Drive for 1,538 backlog vacancies for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales), commonly known as SBI Clerk.
The online application process for this special drive has started on 7 August 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 27 August 2026. However, this particular recruitment is meant for backlog vacancies under SC, ST and OBC categories. SBI is expected to release a separate notification for its regular 2026-27 Clerk vacancies.
In this article, we have explained everything about SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026, including vacancy details, eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, application fee, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, job profile and how to apply online.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Overview
Before applying, candidates should understand the basic details of the recruitment.
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Common Name | SBI Clerk |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 28 Years |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains & Local Language Test |
| Job Location | State/UT selected by the candidate |
| Official Website | SBI Careers Portal |
The above details are based on the currently released special recruitment drive. Candidates should also check the official SBI notification before submitting their application because the regular SBI Clerk 2026-27 recruitment may have different vacancy details or dates.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Notification
SBI has released the notification for a Special Recruitment Drive for 1,538 backlog vacancies for Junior Associates.
The recruitment is specifically for backlog vacancies belonging to SC, ST and OBC categories. According to the currently reported vacancy breakup, there are:
- 207 SC vacancies
- 1,219 ST vacancies
- 112 OBC vacancies
- Total: 1,538 vacancies
The application window opened on 7 August 2026 and will remain open until 27 August 2026.
Important Note for Candidates
This is an important point that many candidates may miss.
The 1,538 vacancies are not the regular SBI Clerk 2026-27 vacancies. They are backlog vacancies under a special recruitment drive.
Therefore, candidates who are waiting for the regular SBI Clerk recruitment should continue preparing and wait for SBI’s separate regular notification.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
The important dates for the currently announced special drive are given below:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 7 August 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Main Examination | To be announced |
| Local Language Test | After selection, where applicable |
The Preliminary Examination is currently scheduled tentatively for September 2026. SBI will communicate the exact examination schedule through its official recruitment channels.
SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026
For the current special recruitment drive, SBI has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies.
Category-Wise Vacancy
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 207 |
| ST | 1,219 |
| OBC | 112 |
| Total | 1,538 |
These vacancies are for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).
Candidates should remember that SBI Clerk vacancies are generally allocated State/UT-wise. A candidate can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory under the recruitment.
Who Can Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Candidates who want to apply for the current special drive must satisfy SBI’s eligibility requirements.
The major requirements are:
- Candidate must satisfy the prescribed age limit.
- Candidate must have a graduation degree.
- Candidate must fulfil the category requirements of this special recruitment drive.
- Candidate must know the specified local language of the State/UT selected.
- Candidate must satisfy all other conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Let’s understand these requirements one by one.
SBI Clerk 2026 Educational Qualification
The minimum educational qualification for SBI Clerk is graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
This means candidates from different educational backgrounds can apply, provided they have completed a recognised bachelor’s degree.
For example, candidates with degrees such as:
- BA
- B.Com
- B.Sc
- BBA
- BCA
- BE/B.Tech
- Other recognised graduation degrees
may be eligible, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Final-Year Students
Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of graduation may also be allowed to apply provisionally, subject to completing their graduation within the prescribed deadline.
For the current special drive, candidates in the final year/semester must complete their graduation by 31 December 2026.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
For the current recruitment, the candidate’s age should be:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
The age is calculated as on 1 April 2026.
Candidates should have been born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive, according to the currently announced recruitment details.
Age Relaxation
Relaxation in the upper age limit is available to eligible reserved categories according to Government of India rules and the conditions specified by SBI.
Candidates should check the official notification for the exact relaxation applicable to their category.
SBI Clerk 2026 Application Fee
The application fee for the current special recruitment drive is category-based.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| OBC | ₹750 |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
| PwBD | No Fee |
| Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
| Disabled Ex-Servicemen | No Fee |
The ₹750 amount includes the applicable application/intimation charges for OBC candidates under the current drive.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The SBI Clerk selection process does not include a traditional interview.
For the current recruitment, candidates have to go through the following stages:
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination
The first stage is the SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination.
Candidates who qualify for the Prelims are shortlisted for the Main Examination.
Stage 2 – Main Examination
The Main Examination is more detailed and carries greater importance because the marks obtained in the Main Examination are used for preparing the final merit list.
Stage 3 – Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates may have to qualify for a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), depending on their circumstances and the language selected.
Candidates who have already studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and can provide the required certificate/marksheet may be exempted from appearing in the language test.
Candidates who are required to take the test must qualify it before joining SBI.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The Preliminary Examination consists of three sections.
| Subject | 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 |
Each section has a separate time limit of 20 minutes.
There is also a negative marking of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question for every incorrect answer.
Is Prelims Marks Added to Final Merit?
No.
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final merit list. The Main Examination plays the key role in determining the final merit, subject to qualifying the required language test.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be called for the Main Examination.
The Main Examination consists of:
- General/Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
The paper contains 190 questions for 200 marks and the total duration is 2 hours 40 minutes.
There is a negative marking of one-fourth marks for each incorrect answer.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern
| 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 |
The exact section-wise timing should always be checked from the latest SBI examination instructions/call letter.
SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus
Understanding the syllabus before starting preparation can save a lot of time.
English Language
Important topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection
- Sentence Correction
- Para Jumbles
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Phrase Replacement
- Grammar
- Word Usage
Preparation Tip
Read English newspapers, editorials and short articles regularly. Focus on understanding the meaning instead of trying to memorise every word.
Numerical Ability
Important topics include:
- Simplification
- Approximation
- Number Series
- Percentage
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Time and Work
- Time, Speed and Distance
- Simple Interest
- Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
- Partnership
- Probability
- Permutation and Combination
- Mensuration
For Prelims, speed is extremely important. Practice calculations regularly.
Reasoning Ability
Important topics include:
- Puzzles
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Inequality
- Coding-Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Alphanumeric Series
- Order and Ranking
- Input-Output
- Logical Reasoning
- Data Sufficiency
Puzzles and seating arrangements can take significant time, so candidates should practise different patterns.
General/Financial Awareness
This section is especially important for the SBI Clerk Mains examination.
Prepare topics such as:
- Current Affairs
- Banking Awareness
- RBI-related updates
- Monetary Policy
- Financial Terms
- Government Schemes
- Budget and Economy
- Banking Regulations
- Important Appointments
- Awards
- Sports
- Important Days
- National and International Events
Try to cover current affairs from the last few months before the examination.
Computer Aptitude
Important topics include:
- Computer Fundamentals
- Hardware and Software
- Operating Systems
- Internet
- Networking
- MS Office
- Keyboard Shortcuts
- Computer Security
- Database Basics
- Digital Banking
- Basic Computer Terminology
SBI Clerk Salary 2026
One of the major attractions of the SBI Clerk job is its salary and benefits.
The current Junior Associate pay scale is:
₹24,050 – ₹64,480
The starting basic pay is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments available to graduates.
According to the currently reported SBI recruitment details, the starting total emoluments for a clerical employee posted in a metro such as Mumbai are around ₹46,000 per month, including applicable Dearness Allowance and other allowances. Actual salary can vary depending on the place of posting and applicable benefits.
SBI Clerk Salary May Include
Depending on applicable rules and posting, employees may receive benefits and allowances such as:
- Basic Pay
- Dearness Allowance
- Transport-related benefits
- House Rent/Lease-related benefits as applicable
- Medical benefits
- Provident Fund
- Pension-related benefits under applicable rules
- Leave benefits
- Other employee benefits
SBI Clerk Job Profile
A Junior Associate is generally involved in customer-facing and day-to-day banking activities.
The job may include:
- Handling customer queries
- Cash-related work
- Deposits and withdrawals
- Account-related services
- Cheque-related work
- Updating customer information
- Supporting digital banking services
- Assisting customers with banking products
- Data entry and documentation
- Other branch-related responsibilities
The exact duties can vary depending on the branch and operational requirements.
SBI Clerk Local Language Requirement
The local language requirement is one of the most important things candidates should understand before applying.
Candidates have to select a State or Union Territory for which they are applying and should be proficient in the specified local language.
The candidate should generally be able to:
- Read the language
- Write the language
- Speak the language
- Understand the language
Candidates who have studied the required local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and possess the relevant certificate/marksheet may not have to appear for the separate language test.
Other candidates who are provisionally selected may have to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining. Failure to qualify can result in the appointment not being offered.
How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official SBI recruitment portal.
Follow these steps carefully:
Step 1: Visit the Official SBI Website
Go to the official SBI website and open the Careers/Recruitment section.
Step 2: Open Current Recruitment
Look for the Junior Associate/SBI Clerk recruitment notification.
Step 3: Read the Notification
Before clicking on Apply Online, carefully read the complete notification.
Check:
- Eligibility
- State/UT vacancy
- Category
- Local language
- Age limit
- Important dates
- Application fee
Step 4: Complete Registration
Enter the required personal information and create your registration.
Keep your registration number and password safely for future use.
Step 5: Fill the Application Form
Enter details such as:
- Name
- Date of Birth
- Educational qualification
- Category
- Address
- State/UT preference
- Other required information
Step 6: Upload Documents
Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the required format.
Keep the scanned documents ready before starting the application.
Step 7: Pay Application Fee
Candidates who are required to pay the fee should complete the online payment.
Step 8: Submit the Application
Check every detail carefully before final submission.
Step 9: Save the Application
After successful submission, download and save the completed application form and payment receipt.
It is also advisable to keep a copy for future reference.
The current application window closes on 27 August 2026, so candidates should avoid waiting until the last day.
Documents Required for SBI Clerk Application
Candidates should keep the required documents ready before filling the form.
Commonly required documents include:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Graduation certificate/marksheet
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Valid identity proof
- Local language proof, where required
- Left thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- Other documents mentioned in the official notification
The exact size and format requirements should be checked in the official application instructions.
SBI Clerk 2026 Preparation Strategy
Starting preparation early can make a major difference because SBI Clerk is a highly competitive examination.
1. Understand the Exam Pattern
First, understand the Prelims and Mains pattern.
Do not start preparation randomly. Make a subject-wise plan.
2. Build Your Basics
Start with basic concepts in:
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning
- English
Once your basics are strong, move towards timed practice.
3. Practise Daily
Try to solve questions every day.
Even 2–3 focused study sessions can be useful if you remain consistent.
4. Work on Speed
SBI Clerk is not only about knowing the answer. You also need to solve questions within limited time.
Use a timer while practising.
5. Read Current Affairs
For Mains, regularly prepare:
- Banking news
- Financial awareness
- Government schemes
- National news
- International news
- Important appointments
- Awards
- Economy-related updates
6. Take Mock Tests
Mock tests help you understand:
- Your speed
- Accuracy
- Weak subjects
- Time management
- Question selection
After every mock test, analyse your mistakes instead of simply checking your score.
SBI Clerk Preparation Plan for Beginners
If you are starting from zero, you can follow a simple routine.
Morning
Quantitative Aptitude – 1 to 1.5 hours
Focus on concepts and calculation speed.
Afternoon
Reasoning – 1 to 1.5 hours
Practise puzzles, seating arrangements and basic reasoning topics.
Evening
English – 1 hour
Read, practise grammar and solve exam-level questions.
Night
Current Affairs – 30 to 45 minutes
Revise banking and general current affairs.
Weekly
Take at least one full mock test and analyse your performance.
As your exam gets closer, increase the number of mock tests and revision sessions.
Is SBI Clerk a Good Career Option?
Yes, SBI Clerk is considered a popular banking career option because it offers a combination of:
- Job stability
- Competitive salary
- Banking experience
- Employee benefits
- Career growth opportunities
- Opportunities to work in different banking operations
However, candidates should understand that the job also involves customer dealing, branch responsibilities and meeting operational requirements.
Therefore, it is important to understand the job profile before applying.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 vs Regular SBI Clerk Recruitment
This is an important distinction for candidates searching for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026.
The recruitment currently announced in August 2026 is a Special Recruitment Drive for 1,538 backlog vacancies.
It is separate from the expected regular SBI Clerk 2026-27 recruitment.
Therefore:
Current Special Drive:
1,538 backlog vacancies → SC/ST/OBC categories → Applications from 7–27 August 2026.
Regular SBI Clerk 2026-27:
Separate notification awaited → Regular vacancies will be announced by SBI separately.
Candidates should not assume that the 1,538 vacancies represent the total number of SBI Clerk vacancies for the entire 2026-27 recruitment cycle.
Important Tips Before Applying
Before submitting the SBI Clerk application form, check the following:
- Read the official notification carefully.
- Check your age on the prescribed cutoff date.
- Confirm your educational qualification.
- Select the State/UT carefully.
- Check the local language requirement.
- Make sure your category certificate is valid where applicable.
- Upload documents in the prescribed format.
- Check all details before final submission.
- Save your registration number.
- Download the final application form.
- Keep the payment receipt safely.
- Do not wait until the last date to apply.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| SBI Official Website | Visit SBI Official Website |
| SBI Careers | SBI Careers & Recruitment |
| Online Application | SBI Online Application Portal |
Always use the official SBI website/application portal for submitting the form and checking recruitment updates.
FAQS– SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
When did SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 application start?
The application process for the currently announced special recruitment drive started on 7 August 2026.
What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
The last date to submit the application for the current special drive is 27 August 2026.
How many SBI Clerk vacancies are announced in 2026?
SBI has currently announced 1,538 backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive.
Who can apply for the current SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment?
The current special drive is for eligible candidates belonging to the specified SC, ST and OBC backlog categories who meet the educational, age and other requirements.
What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026?
For the current recruitment, the age limit is 20 to 28 years, with applicable relaxation according to government rules.
What is the educational qualification for SBI Clerk?
Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent recognised qualification, subject to the conditions of the notification.
Is there an interview in SBI Clerk recruitment?
No traditional interview is part of the current SBI Clerk selection process. The selection involves Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and the required Local Language Proficiency Test.
Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk?
Yes. There is a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question for an incorrect answer in the examination.
Is SBI Clerk Prelims score counted in the final merit?
No. The Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit list. The Main Examination marks are considered for final merit, subject to the applicable language requirement.
What is the SBI Clerk salary?
The current Junior Associate pay scale is ₹24,050 to ₹64,480, with starting basic pay of ₹26,730 for graduates including two advance increments. The total starting emoluments at a metro location such as Mumbai are around ₹46,000 per month under the current reported structure.
Can final-year students apply?
Final-year/semester students may apply provisionally if they fulfil the conditions and complete their graduation within the prescribed deadline. For the current special drive, the graduation completion deadline is 31 December 2026.
Can a candidate apply for more than one State?
No. Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State or Union Territory only under the recruitment.
Final Words
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is an important opportunity for banking aspirants. At present, SBI has opened applications for 1,538 backlog Junior Associate vacancies under a special recruitment drive, with the application window running from 7 August to 27 August 2026.
Candidates eligible for this special drive should complete their application carefully and start preparing for the Preliminary Examination. At the same time, candidates who are waiting for regular SBI Clerk vacancies should keep checking SBI’s official recruitment portal because the regular 2026-27 notification is separate.
The best strategy is simple: check eligibility first, apply before the deadline, understand the exam pattern, practise every day and keep checking official SBI updates.
For the latest information, candidates should rely on the official SBI recruitment portal rather than unverified social-media posts or unofficial vacancy claims.
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