SBI Clerk 2026: Notification, Vacancy, Eligibility, Exam Date & Apply Online

State Bank of India (SBI), through its Central Recruitment & Promotion Department at Corporate Centre, Mumbai, has released the SBI Clerk 2026 notification for recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.

Eligible Indian citizens can apply online for vacancies in one State/UT of their choice. Candidates applying for a particular State/UT must be proficient in the specified local language of that State/UT, and this local language proficiency is checked through a language test that forms part of the selection process.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this SBI Clerk 2026 guide is based on the official SBI recruitment notification and is intended for informational and preparation purposes only. Candidates should refer to the official SBI website and notification for the latest updates, official eligibility conditions, vacancy details, important dates, and application instructions. In case of any discrepancy, the official SBI notification will prevail.

Official SBI Clerk 2026 notification

SBI Clerk 2026 apply online

SBI Clerk 2026 Notification

The table below summarises the key details of the SBI Clerk 2026 notification:

SBI Clerk 2026 Important Dates

Candidates looking for the SBI Clerk 2026 exam date can refer to the table below, which lists the key dates for this recruitment process.

The Bank has advised candidates to regularly check its website for further updates and details related to the examination schedule.

SBI Clerk 2026 Vacancy Details

A total of 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies have been announced for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) across various States and Union Territories. The backlog vacancies are net of the vacancies already advertised in the Special Recruitment Drive (advertisement no. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) for SC/ST/OBC candidates.

The overall category-wise break-up of the regular vacancies, including vacancies for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen (XS/DXS), which are horizontal and included within the parent category vacancies, is as follows.

SBI Clerk 2026 State-Wise Regular Vacancies

Each applicant must select a single State or Union Territory for this recruitment and cannot submit multiple applications for the same recruitment process. 

The SBI Clerk 2026 state-wise vacancy details, including the Circle, the specified opted local language, and category-wise regular vacancies, are given in the table below.

Note: Candidates applying for Maharashtra (Maharashtra Circle/Mumbai Metro Circle) or Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Circle) should check the operational areas for which they wish to apply from SBI's official website.

SBI Clerk 2026 State-Wise Backlog Vacancies

Backlog vacancies for SC, ST and OBC categories, along with backlog vacancies under the PwBD and Ex-Servicemen (XS/DXS) categories, are available in the following States/UTs, as per the notification.

The overall backlog vacancy figure across SC/ST/OBC, PwBD and XS/DXS categories is 1,444.

The vacancy numbers mentioned in the notification are tentative and may be revised according to the Bank's staffing requirements. Selection rankings are prepared separately for each State/UT and each category, and candidates who make it through are placed in the State/UT they had applied for.

SBI Clerk 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The table below gives a quick snapshot of the eligibility conditions for SBI Clerk 2026. Each point is explained in more detail in the sections that follow.

Educational Qualification

The table below sets out the qualification-related conditions in detail:

Age Limit

SBI Clerk 2026 age limit as on 01.04.2026, requires candidates must not be below 20 years and not above 28 years of age. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 (both days inclusive).

Age Relaxation

Category-wise upper age relaxation applicable for SBI Clerk 2026 is given below. Candidates can claim only one applicable age relaxation. Benefits from multiple relaxation categories cannot be combined.

This age relaxation for Trained Apprentices does come with conditions attached. It only applies where the apprenticeship began on or after 01.01.2022, where a full year of branch level experience at SBI was finished by 31.08.2026 (the deadline for registering the application), and where the apprentice's conduct and work quality held up throughout the training. Finishing the apprenticeship in this sense means having cleared the Trade Test and received the joint National Apprenticeship Certificate that SBI issues together with NSDC and BFSI SSC.

Reservation for PwBD and Ex-Servicemen

Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPWD), 2016 entitles Persons with Benchmark Disabilities to a 4% horizontal reservation for this post. The applicable categories of disability are listed below.

• Blind, Low Vision

• Deaf, Hard of Hearing

• One Arm, Both Arms, One Leg, Both Leg, Cerebral Palsy, Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Deformity (SD) and Spinal Injury (SI) without any associated neurological/limb dysfunction

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild), Intellectual Disability, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness

• Multiple Disabilities involving the categories above

The notification also defines the medical thresholds used for the Visual Impairment (VI) and Hearing Impaired (HI) categories, summarised briefly below.

A person who wants to avail the benefit of PwBD reservation must submit a latest Disability Certificate, on the prescribed format, issued by a Medical Authority or other notified Competent Authority, dated on or before the last date of registration of application.

Reservation for Ex-Servicemen

The reservation provided to PwBD, XS and DXS candidates operates horizontally, meaning these seats are adjusted within the respective SC, ST, OBC, EWS or General category vacancies rather than being treated as separate vertical categories.

A separate 4.5% reservation is provided for eligible disabled Ex Servicemen and specified dependents of defence personnel who were killed in action. This is in addition to the 10% reservation available for Ex-Servicemen, making the combined provision 14.5%.

For appointment purposes, preference is given first to eligible Disabled Ex Servicemen. The next priority is extended to eligible dependents of defence personnel who lost their lives or suffered severe disability during service (with over 50% disability attributable to defence service).

For someone still serving in the Armed Forces who wants to apply under the Ex-Servicemen category, their Specific Period of Engagement (SPE), essentially their remaining service commitment, needs to wrap up by 31.08.2027 at the latest for them to be eligible under this recruitment.

SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern

The SBI Clerk 2026 exam pattern consists of an online test (Preliminary and Main Examination) and a test of the specified opted local language:

Phase I. Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test of 100 marks, to be completed in a total duration of 1 hour, consisting of the following three sections.

Each wrong answer in the objective tests costs the candidate a quarter of that question's marks, so guessing carries a real penalty. The Preliminary Examination does not set any minimum score for individual sections or for the overall total, and scores are not tracked section by section. 

To move forward to the Main Examination, a candidate needs to rank among roughly the top ten times the number of vacancies in their category, based on their overall marks, subject to the number of candidates available.

Phase II. Main Examination

The Main Examination is an online objective test of 200 marks across 190 questions, to be completed within 2 hours 40 minutes, consisting of the following four sections.

The medium of examination (in addition to English) depends on the State/UT applied for, as listed in the medium of exam table below. As in the Preliminary Examination, a wrong answer here also costs a quarter of that question's marks. 

To clear this stage, candidates need to reach a minimum overall percentage that the Bank will decide, and SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates get a 5% concession on this requirement. There is no separate minimum for any one subject, and marks are not tracked section by section.

Only the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for preparation of the final merit list. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added for selection.

Phase III. Local Language Proficiency Test

SBI Clerk 2026 local language requirement varies by State/UT, and candidates are expected to read, write, speak, and understand the language assigned to their chosen State/UT.

This gets verified through the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), which happens once a candidate has cleared the online Main Examination but has not yet joined the Bank. Failing this test means the offer of appointment does not go through.

Candidates don't need to sit this test if they can show a Class 10 or 12 mark sheet or certificate proving they studied that particular language in school.

The pattern of the Local Language Proficiency Test is given below:

Candidates are required to score minimum qualifying marks, as decided by the Bank, in this test. A 5% relaxation is available for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates. Candidates who are unable to demonstrate adequate proficiency in the selected local language will not qualify for appointment.

Medium of Examination by State/UT

The medium of examination (besides English) permitted for each State/UT applied for is listed below.

Pre-Examination Training

In line with Government of India guidelines, the Bank offers online pre-examination training to candidates from the SC, ST, OBC, Ex-servicemen and PwBD categories. Anyone who wants this training needs to opt in through the relevant field on the online application. The Bank will notify the training schedule to candidates by email and SMS, and will not send anything in physical form.

Bonus Marks for Trained Apprentices of SBI

Eligible trained SBI Apprentices receive an additional five marks in the Main Examination, representing 2.5% of the examination's maximum 200 marks. These marks are added to their aggregate score for merit calculation.

This benefit only kicks in if the apprentice began their engagement on or after 01.01.2022, completed a full year of branch experience at SBI by the registration deadline of 31.08.2026, and maintained satisfactory conduct and performance across the entire training period.

SBI Clerk 2026 Syllabus

The tables below are based on the topics generally tested under each of these sections in SBI Clerk exams, and are provided for general preparation guidance only. 

This is not part of the official notification, so candidates should treat it as indicative rather than an official document.

Preliminary Examination Syllabus

Main Examination Syllabus

Best Books for SBI Clerk 2026 Preparation

Candidates preparing for SBI Clerk 2026 should focus on the subject areas covered in the exam pattern, namely English Language, Numerical Ability/Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, Computer Aptitude, and General/Financial Awareness. Here are some recommended titles from B3books that match these sections.

Prices shown above are as listed on B3books at the time of writing and are subject to change. Check the linked product pages for the latest price and availability.

Merit List, Provisional Selection and Wait List

Rankings are worked out separately for each State and category. Within a given State and category, candidates who pass the Main Examination get ordered from the highest score downward.

A candidate's selection stays provisional until they clear the local language test, where that applies, and until the Bank confirms their eligibility and cross-checks what they entered in the online application.

The Bank also keeps a wait list covering up to half of the vacancies in each State-category combination. Names move off this list every quarter, filling seats left open by no-shows or resignations from the current batch, as long as those candidates meet the Bank's minimum qualifying marks. The wait list expires twelve months after results are announced.

SBI Clerk 2026 Salary, Pay Scale and Benefits

The pay scale for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) is Rs.24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480. The starting Basic Pay is Rs.26,730/- (Rs.24,050/- plus two advance increments admissible to graduates).

At a metro city such as Mumbai, a newly joined Clerical Cadre employee can expect total monthly earnings of roughly Rs.46,000/-, once Dearness Allowance, other current-rate allowances, and the two extra increments for graduate entrants are added in. This figure will differ depending on where the employee is posted.

Selected candidates also receive a provident fund, medical coverage, Leave Fare Concession, a contribution-based pension under the Bank's current scheme, allowances toward certain job-related expenses, and any other benefits the Bank chooses to announce later.

Probation Period

After joining, Junior Associates remain on probation for a minimum period of six months. During this time, they must finish the e-lessons the Bank prescribes in order to be confirmed. If they do not, their probation gets extended until they do. The Bank also reviews each employee's performance near the end of probation, and can extend the period further if that performance falls short of expectations.

Job Profile

The role calls for a marketing mindset, since Junior Associates are expected to handle customer calls, deliver banking and advisory services, and cross-sell products both within and outside the branch. Given the amount of outdoor work involved, the Bank may require flexible hours and shift-based working depending on need.

SBI Clerk 2026 Examination Centres

The notification includes a state-by-state list of tentative centres for both exams. Candidates pick their preferred centre while applying, though the Bank can add, drop, or reassign centres at its discretion, and once allotted, a centre, date, or session cannot be changed on request.

SBI Clerk 2026 Apply Online: Step-by-Step Process

The SBI Clerk 2026 application form can be submitted online through the official SBI Careers portal. The application window is open from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026.

1. Visit the official SBI careers portal: SBI Careers.

2. Find and open the relevant recruitment notification from the list of current openings.

3. Click on the recruitment listing and select Apply Online.

4. If you are a new applicant, click on Click here for New Registration and complete the registration process.

5. Enter all the required details carefully and make sure the information provided is correct.

6. Upload the required documents, including a scanned photograph, signature, left hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration, as per the specified format and size requirements.

7. Pay the applicable application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.

8. After the payment is completed successfully, submit the application form.

9. Download and print the completed application form and payment receipt for future reference.

Important: Once an application is submitted, none of its details, including the category selected, can be changed or corrected afterward.

SBI Clerk 2026 Application Fee

The category-wise, non-refundable application fee/intimation charge is given below.

Note: Once this fee is paid, it cannot be refunded under any circumstance, and it cannot be carried forward or adjusted against any other exam or selection process.

Call Letters, Identity Proof and Exam Day Instructions

Roughly 10 days before the exam, candidates can log in with their registration number and password or date of birth to download the Preliminary Exam call letter and the Acquaint Yourself booklet from the Bank's website. Nothing is mailed to candidates in physical form.

Centre staff will authenticate and stamp the Preliminary Exam call letter rather than collect it, so candidates need to hold on to it along with the authenticated ID copy, since both are needed again at the Main Examination together with the fresh call letter for that stage.

For identification, one original photo ID, such as a passport, Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Voter's Card, or Bank Passbook carrying an attested photo, or a school/college/Gazetted Officer-issued ID card, must be brought along with a self-attested photocopy.

At different points in the process, the Bank may record a candidate's thumb impression or IRIS scan digitally to confirm identity, so candidates should keep their hands free of mehendi, ink, or any chemical application.

Items such as mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, other communication gadgets, and calculators cannot be brought into the exam premises, and doing so can result in the candidature being cancelled and future exam access being restricted.

Important Rules, Restrictions and Disqualification

A candidate's chances can be affected if the Bank finds any of the following happening during the process.

• Using unfair means during the examination.

• Impersonating or procuring impersonation by any other person.

• Misbehaving in the examination hall.

• Resorting to any irregular or improper means in connection with candidature for selection.

• Obtaining support for candidature by any unfair means.

Photograph, Signature and Thumb Impression Specifications

Before applying online, candidates must have scanned images of their photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and a handwritten declaration, as per the following specifications.

• If a candidate lacks a left thumb, the right thumb impression can be used instead.

• The declaration must be handwritten in English, in the candidate's own hand, in lower case (capital letters are not accepted).

• The photo should be a recent, colour, passport-style shot against a light or white background, taken with a relaxed, direct look at the camera.

• Avoid harsh shadows or squinting from direct sun, and avoid flash-induced red-eye.

• Reflections on glasses should be avoided so the eyes are clearly visible.

• Caps, hats, and dark glasses aren't allowed, religious headwear is fine as long as it doesn't cover the face.

• It helps to keep around 8 extra prints of the same photo handy, since later stages of the process may ask for them.

Photo Capture Guidelines

• Besides the scanned photo, candidates also need to take and add a live photo at the time of applying, using either a webcam or a mobile phone.

• "Capture Photo" turns on the webcam for an instant click, which gets added to the form on its own.

• "Click here to Scan" shows a QR code, scanning it opens a page where the photo can be taken on a phone and gets uploaded automatically once selected.

• Background should be plain, preferably white, with good lighting, facing the camera directly.

• Not acceptable: a too-small photo, tinted glasses/sunglasses, or a cap.

Signature and Declaration Rules

• Signature: handwritten, black ink, white paper.

• Left thumb impression: black or blue ink, white paper.

• Declaration: handwritten, black ink, white paper, in English.

• All three must genuinely be the candidate's own. Someone else providing them on the candidate's behalf isn't allowed.

• If the signature given on exam day (attendance sheet/call letter) doesn't match the one uploaded online, the candidate is disqualified.

Scanning and Uploading the Documents

• Scan at a minimum of 200 DPI, in true colour, cropped to the content before resizing to the required dimensions and file size.

• Save as JPG or JPEG (MS Paint or Picture Manager works for Windows/MS Office users), file names can be simple, like image01.jpg.

• Each item has its own upload slot in the form. The system flags an error if size or format doesn't match requirements.

• After uploading, check the preview for clarity. A blurred or smudged image should be re-uploaded before final submission.

• The application won't register at all unless all four items are uploaded clearly in their correct fields.

• Uploading the photo in the signature's slot (or vice versa) means the candidate won't be allowed to sit the exam.

• The face in the photo, and the content of the signature, thumb impression, or declaration, all need to be clearly visible. Any of these being unclear or not prominent risks rejection of the application, or denial of admission to the exam, and that responsibility falls on the candidate.

Documents to Carry for the Examination

Beyond the call letter itself, candidates need a valid original photo ID such as a passport, Aadhaar, PAN Card, Driving Licence, Voter's Card, or Bank Passbook bearing an attested photo, or alternatively an ID card issued by their school, college, or a Gazetted Officer, along with a self-attested copy. Two spare photographs matching the one pasted on the call letter should also be kept ready.

SBI Clerk Previous Year Cut Off (2025)

The tables below show the SBI Clerk 2025 cycle's Prelims and Mains cut-off marks (State-wise and category-wise, out of 100 for Prelims and out of 200 for Mains). These are historical reference figures only and do not indicate or predict the SBI Clerk 2026 cut-off.

SBI Clerk Prelims Cut Off 2025 (Out of 100)

SBI Clerk Mains Cut Off 2025 (Out of 200)

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Question: How many total vacancies are there in SBI Clerk 2026?

Answer: There are 7,680 regular vacancies across all States/UTs and categories, along with 1,444 backlog vacancies.

Question: How do I fill the SBI Clerk 2026 application form?

Answer: Candidates can complete the SBI Clerk 2026 apply online process by visiting the official SBI careers portal, registering, filling in their details, uploading the required documents, and paying the application fee before final submission.

Question: Is there negative marking in the SBI Clerk 2026 exam?

Answer: Yes. In both the Preliminary and Main Examinations, 1/4th of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer in the objective tests.

Question: When will the SBI Clerk 2026 Preliminary and Main Examinations be held?

Answer: The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, and the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

Question: Can I apply for more than one State/UT in SBI Clerk 2026?

Answer: No. Candidates can apply for vacancies of only one State/UT, and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project.