The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the official notification for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) under a Special Recruitment Drive for backlog vacancies. A total of 1,538 vacancies are available for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates.The online application process started on 7 August 2026, and eligible candidates can apply online until 27 August 2026, 5:00 PM.This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for graduates looking to build a career in the banking sector.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive |
| Eligible Categories | SC, ST & OBC |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Printing Application | 11 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | September 2026 (Tentative) |
| Main Exam | October/November 2026 (Tentative) |
| Job Location | State/UT applied for |
| Official Website | SBI |
SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026
The 1,538 vacancies are backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST and OBC candidates.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC | 207 |
| ST | 1,219 |
| OBC | 112 |
| Total | 1,538 |
Karnataka Vacancy
Candidates applying for Karnataka can check the vacancies specified for the Karnataka circle in the official notification. Kannada is the specified local language for Karnataka.
Candidates can apply for only one State/UT under this recruitment.
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
Candidates who are in their final year/semester may also apply provisionally, subject to fulfilling the conditions specified in the official notification and producing proof of graduation within the prescribed date.
Basic computer knowledge is also required.
Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as on 1 April 2026.
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
- Candidates must have been born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive.
Age relaxation is available to eligible reserved-category candidates according to government/SBI rules.
Category Eligibility
This is a Special Recruitment Drive for backlog vacancies.
Therefore, candidates must satisfy the applicable SC, ST or OBC eligibility conditions.
OBC candidates must belong to the Non-Creamy Layer and submit the required valid certificate in the prescribed format.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | Nil |
| OBC | ₹750 |
The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid through the available online payment methods.
Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable)
Phase I – Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination is conducted for 100 marks with a duration of 1 hour.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
There is a 1/4 mark penalty for each wrong answer.
There is no minimum qualifying mark prescribed for individual sections. Candidates are shortlisted for the Main Examination based on the aggregate performance as per SBI’s prescribed criteria.
Phase II – Main Examination
The Main Examination carries 200 marks and has a duration of 2 hours 40 minutes.
The examination covers:
- General/Financial Awareness
- General English
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude
There is a 1/4 mark penalty for each wrong answer.
The Main Examination is important for the final merit list. Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit score.
Eligible SBI Apprentices may receive the bonus marks specified in the official notification, subject to the applicable conditions.
Phase III – Local Language Proficiency Test
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the State/UT applied for in their 10th or 12th standard may have to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Candidates who fail the required language test will not be eligible for appointment.
SBI Clerk Salary 2026
The starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730 per month, which includes the basic pay along with two advance increments admissible to graduates.
The starting total emoluments for a Junior Associate posted in a metropolitan centre such as Mumbai are approximately ₹46,000 per month, including applicable allowances such as DA and other benefits.
The actual salary can vary depending on the place of posting and applicable allowances.
SBI Junior Associate Job Role
The Junior Associate will generally handle customer service and clerical banking activities, including:
- Customer support
- Cash and counter-related banking work
- Account opening and servicing
- Handling customer requests
- Promoting banking products and services
- Other branch-level clerical responsibilities
State/UT Selection and Transfer Rules
Candidates can apply for only one State/UT.
Candidates selected under this recruitment will be posted in the State/UT for which they have applied.
There is no provision for Inter-State or Inter-Circle Transfer, subject to the specific exceptions mentioned in the official SBI notification.
Candidates should therefore carefully select their State/UT and ensure that they meet the applicable local-language requirements.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification/Application Start | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 27 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Printing Application | 11 September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026 – Tentative |
| Main Examination | October/November 2026 – Tentative |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official SBI careers website.
- Open Current Openings.
- Find Junior Associates – Special Recruitment Drive.
- Click on Apply Online.
- Complete the new registration process.
- Enter your personal, educational and other required details.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the applicable application fee.
- Carefully check the application form before final submission.
- Submit the application.
- Download and save the application form and payment receipt for future reference.
Important Documents
Candidates should keep the required documents ready before applying, including:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Left thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- Graduation details/certificate
- Category certificate, where applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, where applicable
- Valid identity and other documents required by SBI
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online
Eligible candidates should complete their application before the deadline of 27 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Important Links
Apply Online:
https://ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbijasrdjl26/
Official Notification PDF:
https://sbi.bank.in/webfiles/uploads/files_2627/08/JA_2026_Backlog_Detailed_Advt_ENG.pdf
SBI Careers / Current Openings:
https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
FAQ – SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
1. How many vacancies are available in SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) vacancies are available.
2. Who can apply for SBI Clerk Special Recruitment 2026?
Only eligible candidates belonging to the SC, ST and OBC categories can apply for this special recruitment drive.
3. What is the last date to apply?
The last date to submit the online application is 27 August 2026, up to 5:00 PM.
4. What is the educational qualification?
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or equivalent institution.
5. What is the age limit for SBI Junior Associate?
The age limit is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026, with applicable relaxation for reserved categories.
6. What is the application fee?
OBC candidates have to pay ₹750, while SC, ST, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from the fee.
7. How many states/UTs can a candidate apply for?
A candidate can apply for only one State/UT under this recruitment.
8. What is the SBI Junior Associate salary?
The starting basic pay is ₹26,730 per month, while starting total emoluments can be approximately ₹46,000 per month in a metro city, depending on applicable allowances.
9. What is the selection process?
Selection consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Local Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable.
10. Is there negative marking?
Yes. 1/4th mark is deducted for each incorrect answer in both the Preliminary and Main examinations.
11. When will the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
12. When will the SBI Clerk Main Exam be conducted?
The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for October/November 2026.
13. Is a local language test required?
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language in 10th or 12th standard may have to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test.
14. Where can I apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply through the official SBI recruitment/application portal before the deadline.
15. Where can I download the official SBI notification PDF?
The official notification PDF is available on the SBI website and should be checked for the latest recruitment rules and updates.