SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1538 Vacancies, Apply Online
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for 1,538 backlog vacancies for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).
The State Bank of India (SBI) has opened this Special Recruitment Drive for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates. Online applications started on 7 August 2026, while the last date to apply is 27 August 2026.
Therefore, eligible graduates who want to build a career in the banking sector should check the complete notification before submitting their application.
This article covers the SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026, important dates, eligibility criteria, age limit, application fee, selection process, exam pattern, salary, documents required and online application steps.
SBI Clerk Notification 2026
The SBI Clerk Notification 2026 has been issued for backlog vacancies in the clerical cadre.
Through this recruitment drive, SBI will appoint Junior Associates for Customer Support & Sales roles across eligible States and Union Territories.
Importantly, this notification covers backlog vacancies for SC, ST and OBC categories. Therefore, applicants should carefully check their category and State/UT vacancy before applying.
Moreover, an applicant can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview
The table below provides a quick overview of the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026.
| ParticularDetails | |
|---|
| Organisation | State Bank of India |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Popular Name | SBI Clerk |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive – Backlog Vacancies |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Eligible Categories | SC, ST and OBC |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years |
| Selection Process | Prelims → Mains → Local Language Test |
| Official Portal | SBI Careers |
Since the application window is limited, eligible applicants should avoid waiting until the last day.
SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026
SBI has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive.
The category-wise SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 distribution is given below.
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|
| SC | 207 |
| ST | 1,219 |
| OBC | 112 |
| Total | 1,538 |
The ST category has the highest number of backlog vacancies with 1,219 posts.
Meanwhile, SC candidates have 207 vacancies, whereas 112 posts are available under the OBC category.
Applicants should also remember that they can select only one State or UT while applying.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
Knowing the recruitment schedule is essential because SBI accepts applications only within the specified period.
Check the important dates below.
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026 – Tentative |
| Main Examination | To be announced |
| Local Language Test | After provisional selection, where applicable |
Applicants should complete registration, document upload and fee payment well before 27 August 2026.
SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, aspirants must satisfy the SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026.
The major requirements include:
- Educational qualification
- Prescribed age limit
- Eligible category
- Local language proficiency
- Nationality and other conditions specified by SBI
Therefore, applicants should verify every eligibility condition before submitting the form.
SBI Clerk Educational Qualification 2026
An applicant must possess a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
Final-year or final-semester graduation students may also apply provisionally.
However, they must complete the required graduation qualification by 31 December 2026.
Applicants holding an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) should also ensure that their passing date meets SBI’s prescribed eligibility conditions.
In addition, basic computer literacy is required for the Junior Associate role.
SBI Clerk Age Limit 2026
The SBI Clerk Age Limit 2026 is calculated as on 1 April 2026.
The basic age requirements are:
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 28 years
- Eligible Date of Birth: 2 April 1998 to 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive
However, SBI provides upper-age relaxation to eligible reserved-category applicants according to applicable rules.
SBI Clerk Age Relaxation
The major age relaxations are shown below.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwBD – OBC | 13 years |
| PwBD – SC/ST | 15 years |
In addition, eligible ex-servicemen and other specified categories may receive age relaxation according to SBI rules.
Applicants should check the official notification for category-specific conditions before claiming relaxation.
SBI Clerk Local Language Requirement
Local language proficiency is an important part of the SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026.
Applicants should be able to:
- Read the specified local language
- Write the language
- Speak it
- Understand it
The required language depends on the State or Union Territory selected in the application.
However, applicants who can provide a Class 10 or Class 12 marksheet or certificate proving that they studied the specified local language may not need to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test.
Other provisionally selected applicants must qualify for the language test before appointment.
Therefore, applicants should select their State/UT carefully while filling out the form.
SBI Clerk Application Fee 2026
The SBI Clerk Application Fee 2026 varies by category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|
| OBC | ₹750 |
| SC | No Fee |
| ST | No Fee |
Thus, OBC applicants need to pay ₹750, whereas SC and ST applicants do not have to pay an application fee.
Other eligible exempted categories should check the official SBI notification for complete fee rules.
SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026
The SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026 includes the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Local Language Proficiency Test, where applicable
First, applicants need to qualify for the Preliminary Examination.
After that, shortlisted aspirants appear for the Main Examination.
Importantly, Prelims marks do not count towards the final merit list. Instead, SBI primarily considers Main Examination performance for final selection, subject to fulfilment of the local language and other eligibility requirements.
Therefore, although Prelims is important for shortlisting, aspirants should focus strongly on the Mains stage.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam 2026 includes 100 objective questions for a total of 100 marks.
Applicants get 60 minutes to complete the paper.
| 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 of 20 minutes.
Therefore, effective time management is essential during the examination.
SBI Clerk Prelims Negative Marking
Negative marking applies in the Preliminary Examination.
For each incorrect answer, SBI deducts one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question.
As a result, aspirants should focus on accuracy instead of attempting questions through random guessing.
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
Applicants who clear Prelims become eligible for the SBI Clerk Mains Exam 2026.
The Main Examination includes 190 questions for 200 marks.
The total duration is 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 |
Separate sectional timings apply in the Main Examination as well.
SBI Clerk Mains Negative Marking
SBI also applies negative marking in the Mains examination.
For every incorrect response, one-fourth of the marks assigned to the question is deducted.
Since Mains performance plays a major role in final selection, aspirants should balance both speed and accuracy.
SBI Clerk Prelims vs Mains Exam Pattern
The table below gives a quick comparison of both stages.
| Feature | Prelims | Mains |
|---|
| Questions | 100 | 190 |
| Maximum Marks | 100 | 200 |
| Duration | 60 Minutes | 2 Hours 40 Minutes |
| Sections | 3 | 4 |
| Negative Marking | Yes | Yes |
| Included in Final Merit | No | Yes |
| Purpose | Shortlisting | Final Merit |
Therefore, Prelims acts as the qualifying gateway, whereas Mains performance is crucial for final selection.
SBI Clerk Number of Attempts
SBI does not prescribe a fixed number of attempts for the Clerk examination.
An applicant can appear multiple times as long as they continue to satisfy the required eligibility conditions.
These include:
- Age limit
- Educational qualification
- Category criteria
- Nationality requirements
- Other conditions prescribed by SBI
Consequently, the applicable age limit largely determines how many times an aspirant can appear for SBI Clerk.
SBI Clerk Salary 2026
The SBI Clerk Salary 2026 makes the Junior Associate post attractive for many banking aspirants.
The reported pay scale is:
₹24,050 – ₹64,480
Graduate recruits receive two advance increments. Therefore, the reported starting basic pay is ₹26,730.
In a metro location such as Mumbai, total starting monthly emoluments can be around ₹46,000, depending on applicable allowances.
The salary package may include:
- Basic Pay
- Dearness Allowance
- House-related benefits
- Transport-related benefits
- Other admissible allowances
However, the final in-hand salary can vary depending on the posting city, allowances and deductions.
How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Eligible applicants can submit the SBI Clerk Application Form 2026 online through the official SBI Careers portal.
Follow these steps:
- Visit the official SBI Careers Current Openings page.
- Find the Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive.
- Open the Apply Online link.
- Select the new registration option.
- Enter your name, mobile number and email ID.
- Complete the registration process.
- Log in using the generated credentials.
- Enter your personal details.
- Add educational qualification information.
- Fill in category details.
- Select the eligible State or Union Territory.
- Choose the required examination centre preferences.
- Upload your photograph.
- Upload your signature.
- Upload the left-thumb impression.
- Upload the handwritten declaration.
- Preview the complete application carefully.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Submit the final application form.
- Download the submitted form and payment receipt.
Applicants should keep their registered mobile number and email ID active throughout the recruitment process.
Moreover, all information should be checked carefully before final submission.
Documents Required for SBI Clerk Application 2026
Keeping scanned documents ready can make the application process faster.
Applicants may need:
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Left-thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- Graduation details/documents
- Category certificate, where applicable
- Valid email ID
- Active mobile number
- Other certificates required by SBI
Make sure every uploaded document follows the prescribed dimensions, format and file-size requirements.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Important Points
Here are the most important facts applicants should remember:
- 1,538 backlog vacancies have been announced.
- The drive covers SC, ST and OBC categories.
- Online registration started on 7 August 2026.
- The application deadline is 27 August 2026.
- Graduation is the basic educational qualification.
- The prescribed age limit is 20 to 28 years.
- Applicants can choose only one State/UT.
- Local language proficiency is required.
- Prelims includes 100 questions for 100 marks.
- Mains includes 190 questions for 200 marks.
- Negative marking applies to incorrect answers.
- Prelims marks do not count towards final merit.
- Main Examination marks play the key role in final selection.
- The reported starting basic pay for graduates is ₹26,730.
Why SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Matters
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 gives eligible reserved-category aspirants another opportunity to join the banking sector through the Special Recruitment Drive.
Moreover, the Junior Associate post offers structured career growth, banking-sector experience and a competitive salary package.
However, applicants should not apply without checking their category, State/UT vacancy and local language requirement.
A small mistake in eligibility or application details can create problems during later stages.
Therefore, read the official SBI notification carefully before final submission.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 FAQs
How many vacancies are available in SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
SBI has announced 1,538 backlog Junior Associate vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive.
What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 27 August 2026.
Who can apply for the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026?
This backlog recruitment drive is for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates who satisfy the educational, age and other prescribed requirements.
What is the SBI Clerk qualification for 2026?
Applicants need a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent recognised qualification.
What is the SBI Clerk age limit in 2026?
The basic age limit is 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026. Eligible reserved-category applicants receive age relaxation according to applicable rules.
Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk 2026?
Yes. SBI deducts one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question for every incorrect response in the objective examinations.
Conclusion
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 offers 1,538 backlog vacancies for eligible SC, ST and OBC applicants seeking the Junior Associate post.
Since online applications close on 27 August 2026, eligible aspirants should complete registration early instead of waiting until the deadline.
Before applying, verify your age, educational qualification, category, State/UT vacancy, local language requirement and uploaded documents.
After submitting the form, begin focused preparation for the SBI Clerk Prelims and Mains Exam 2026.
For future updates, keep checking the official SBI Careers portal for information about the exam date, admit card, result and further selection stages.
If this article helped you, share it with other SBI Clerk aspirants and bookmark the page for the latest recruitment updates.
