The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI Clerk Notification 2026 for recruitment to the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. It is a special drive for reserved category candidates, so there is no vacancy mentioned for general category candidates. The latest notification is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies, and it is not the regular SBI Clerk recruitment notification.
According to the official notification, 1,538 vacancies have been announced across various States and Union Territories. The online application process has started on August 7, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications up to August 27, 2026. The preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is expected to be held in October/November 2026.
Table of Contents
SBI Clerk Notification 2026: Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organisation | State Bank of India |
| Post | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Cadre | Clerical |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 27, 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | September 2026 (tentative) |
| Main Exam | October/November 2026 (tentative) |
| Job Location | State/UT for which candidate applies |
| Official Website | SBI Careers |
Read the official Notification here:
SBI Clerk 2026 Vacancy
SBI has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies under the special recruitment drive. The vacancies are distributed among SC, ST and OBC categories across different States/UTs.
| Circle/Office | State/UT | Local Language | SC | ST | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaravati | Andhra Pradesh | Telugu/Urdu | 88 | — | — | 88 |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka | Kannada | 85 | 35 | — | 120 |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Hindi | — | 134 | — | 134 |
| Bhopal | Chhattisgarh | Hindi | — | 26 | — | 26 |
| Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Odia | — | 111 | — | 111 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh UT | Hindi/Punjabi | — | — | 22 | 22 |
| Jammu & Kashmir UT | Jammu & Kashmir | Urdu/Hindi | — | 42 | — | 42 |
| Chandigarh | Himachal Pradesh | Hindi | 11 | — | — | 11 |
| Chandigarh | Punjab | Punjabi/Hindi | — | — | 18 | 18 |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Tamil | 65 | — | — | 65 |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Telugu/Urdu | — | 32 | — | 32 |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Hindi | 20 | 86 | — | 106 |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | Bengali/Nepali | — | — | 55 | 55 |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Hindi/Urdu | — | 31 | — | 31 |
| Maharashtra/Mumbai Metro | Maharashtra | Marathi | — | 165 | — | 165 |
| New Delhi | Delhi | Hindi | — | — | 17 | 17 |
| Gandhinagar | Gujarat | Gujarati | — | 289 | — | 289 |
| Guwahati | Assam | Assamese/Bengali/Bodo | — | 39 | — | 39 |
| Guwahati | Tripura | Bengali/Kokborok | — | 22 | — | 22 |
| Patna | Bihar | Hindi/Urdu | 12 | — | — | 12 |
| Jharkhand | Jharkhand | Hindi/Santhali | 14 | 119 | — | 133 |
| Total | 207 | 1,219 | 112 | 1,538 |
The official category-wise total is 207 SC, 1,219 ST, and 112 OBC vacancies. The vacancies are provisional and may change according to the Bank’s actual requirements.
Important Point About State-Wise Application
Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT under this SBI Clerk Notification 2026. The candidate must also have proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT selected in the application.
For example, candidates applying for Rajasthan need proficiency in Hindi, while candidates applying for Karnataka need proficiency in Kannada.
There is generally no provision for inter-State or inter-Circle transfer for Junior Associates recruited through this process. Limited intra-State transfer provisions mentioned in the notification apply to specific circles within Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra.
SBI Clerk 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
Candidates who are in the final year/semester of graduation can also apply provisionally. However, they must produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before December 31, 2026, if provisionally selected.
For candidates holding an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD), the date of passing the IDD must also be on or before December 31, 2026.
Age Limit
The age of the candidate will be calculated as on April 1, 2026.
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
- Candidate must have been born between April 2, 1998 and April 1, 2006, both dates inclusive.
Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC | 3 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per notification |
| Widows/Divorced women/separated women | 7 years, subject to prescribed maximum age |
| Trained SBI Apprentices | Applicable relaxation as specified |
Candidates claiming age relaxation must provide the required documents at the appropriate stage.
SBI Clerk 2026 Selection Process
The selection process will consist of three stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable)
The Preliminary Examination marks will not be added to the final merit list. The final merit will be based on performance in the Main Examination, subject to fulfilling other eligibility conditions and qualifying the local language test wherever required.
SBI Clerk Notification 2026 Prelims Exam Pattern
The Preliminary Examination will be an online objective test of 100 marks with a total duration of one hour.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
There will be negative marking. For every wrong answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. SBI has not prescribed minimum qualifying marks for individual tests or the aggregate in the Preliminary Examination.
Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability and the Bank’s decision, may be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
The Main Examination will consist of 190 questions carrying 200 marks. The total duration will be 2 hours and 40 minutes.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 minutes |
There will be a penalty of one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for each wrong answer. SBI will prescribe minimum qualifying marks on aggregate. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.
Local Language Proficiency Test
The local language requirement is particularly important in SBI Clerk Notification 2026 Recruitment.
Candidates who have studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and can provide the relevant marksheet/certificate will not have to appear for the language test.
Candidates who have not studied the specified local language will have to appear for a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) after provisional selection but before joining.
Candidates who fail to qualify the language test will not be offered appointment.
SBI Clerk 2026 Salary
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 starting basic pay is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments admissible to graduates.
According to SBI, the total starting emoluments for a clerical cadre employee in a metropolitan location such as Mumbai are approximately ₹46,000 per month, including DA and other allowances at the prevailing rates. Actual emoluments can vary according to the place of posting.
Selected Junior Associates will also be eligible for various benefits and facilities as applicable under SBI rules, including provident fund, pension under the New Pension Scheme, medical facilities and leave-fare benefits.
SBI Clerk 2026 Application Fee
The application fee/intimation charge is non-refundable.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS | Nil |
| OBC and others | ₹750 |
The fee can be paid online using a debit card, credit card,d or internet banking.
SBI Clerk 2026 Call Letter for Examination
Candidates appearing for the SBI Clerk 2026 examination will have to download their call letters online from the official SBI website. The Bank will not send the Preliminary or Main Examination call letter, or the “Acquaint Yourself Booklet,” through post.
Preliminary Examination Call Letter
Candidates can download their Preliminary Examination call letter along with the “Acquaint Yourself Booklet” from the SBI website tentatively 10 days before the examination date. Candidates will need to log in using their Registration Number and Password/Date of Birth to download these documents.
Main Examination Call Letter
Candidates who qualify for the Preliminary Examination and are shortlisted for the Main Examination will be able to download their Main Examination call letter from the SBI website. The call letter is expected to be available tentatively 10 days before the Main Examination. Candidates should follow the instructions displayed on the website while downloading it.
Documents Required at the Main Examination
Candidates appearing for the Main Examination must bring the following:
- Authenticated Preliminary Examination call letter
- Authenticated copy of the prescribed ID proof
- Main Examination call letter
- Other documents mentioned in the call letter and “Acquaint Yourself Booklet”
These documents will have to be submitted during the Main Examination as instructed by the Bank.
Carry Two Additional Photographs
Candidates must also carry two additional passport-size photographs identical to the one pasted on the call letter. The photographs should be carried along with the call letter and other required documents.
Candidates who report for the examination without a photograph pasted on the call letter or without two additional photographs matching the photograph on the call letter will not be allowed to appear for the examination.
No Call Letter Will Be Sent by Post
SBI will not send hard copies of the Preliminary or Main Examination call letter or the “Acquaint Yourself Booklet” by post. Candidates must download these documents from the official SBI website within the prescribed period and carry them to the examination centre.
How to Apply for SBI Clerk 2026
Candidates can apply online through the SBI Careers website. No offline application will be accepted.
Step 1: Visit the SBI Careers Website
Go to the official SBI Careers page and open the Junior Associates Special Recruitment Drive 2026 advertisement/application link.
Step 2: Complete Registration
Register using the required basic details and generate the registration number and password.
Step 3: Fill the Application Form
Enter personal information, educational qualifications, category details, and preferred State/UT carefully.
Step 4: Select the Local Language
Candidates have to select the applicable local language according to the State/UT for which they are applying.
Step 5: Upload Documents
Candidates need to upload the photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as specified in the notification.
Step 6: Pay the Fee
Eligible candidates who are required to pay the fee should complete the online payment.
Step 7: Submit and Save
After checking all details, submit the application form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference. SBI advises candidates to complete the application well before the deadline rather than waiting until the last day.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following items ready before filling out the application:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Left-hand thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- Graduation marksheets/certificate
- Category certificate, wherever applicable
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, wherever applicable
- PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
- Valid email ID
- Active mobile number
- Other documents required according to the candidate’s category
The photograph, signature, thumb impression,n and handwritten declaration must be uploaded in the prescribed format.
Also check last year SBI clerk result 2025
SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| SBI Clerk Notification 2026 released | August 7, 2026 |
| Online application begins | August 7, 2026 |
| Last date to apply | August 27, 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026 (tentative) |
| Main Examination | October/November 2026 (tentative) |
SBI may announce exact examination dates, call letters, RS and other updates separately on its official website.
Important Points for Candidates
Candidates should carefully note that this notification is specifically for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies. It is therefore different from the regular SBI Clerk recruitment exercise.
Applicants can apply for one State/UT only and can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment project. The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise.
Candidates already working in SBI in the clerical cadre are not eligible for this recruitment. Candidates who were earlier employed by SBI in the clerical cadre and resigned are also not eligible.
The recruitment is a good opportunity for eligible graduates seeking a clerical banking career, but applicants should carefully check the category, State/UT vacancy, local language requirement, age, and educational qualifications before submitting the form.
Important Note
This article is based on the SBI Junior Associates Special Recruitment Drive notification dated August 7, 2026. The current SBI Clerk Notification 2026 covers 1,538 SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies; it should not be presented as the regular SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment if SBI subsequently releases a separate general SBI Clerk Notification 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When does SBI Clerk 2026 registration start and end?
The online application process for the SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026 started on August 7, 2026, and the application form will close on August 27, 2026.
2. What is the number of vacancies available in SBI Clerk 2026?
There are 1,538 backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
3. Can a general category candidate apply for the SBI Clerk vacancies?
No. It is only meant for the reserved category candidates.
4. What is the SBI Clerk 2026 age limit?
Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as on April 1, 2026, subject to applicable age relaxation.
5. What qualification does SBI Clerk 2026 require?
Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
6. Is the SBI Clerk 2026 notification a regular recruitment?
No. The current notification is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies. Candidates should not confuse it with the regular SBI Clerk recruitment notification.
7. When will the SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
8. Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk 2026?
Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer in the objective examinations.
9. Is the SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam score counted in final selection?
No. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final merit list. The Main Examination marks are considered for provisional selection, subject to the other requirements.
10. Where can I apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
Candidates should apply through the official SBI Careers website and use only the application link provided by SBI.