Introduction

The State Bank of India has released one of the biggest banking recruitment notifications of 2026. The SBI Clerk Notification 2026 invites applications for 9124 Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) posts in the clerical cadre. If you have been waiting for a large-scale SBI recruitment, this is the opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

The online registration started on 11 August 2026 and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026 and the Main Examination for November 2026. The recruitment covers vacancies across 24 States and Union Territories.

This article is your complete guide to the SBI Junior Associate Notification 2026. We have covered eligibility criteria, state-wise vacancy breakdown, exam pattern, salary details, and a step-by-step application guide, all in one place.

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SBI Clerk Notification 2026: Key Highlights

Here is a quick snapshot of the SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment:

Important: Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State or Union Territory only. The Bank does not allow inter-state or inter-circle transfers for Junior Associates before completing 5 years of service.

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Important Dates

Keep these dates noted. Missing any deadline could cost you this opportunity.

Note: The exam dates are tentative. SBI will announce the exact dates on its official career portal. Candidates are advised to check https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings regularly for updates.

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Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet all the eligibility requirements. The cut-off dates for age and educational qualification are different, so read carefully.

Age Limit

Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age as on 01.04.2026. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 (both dates inclusive).

Age Relaxation

Age relaxation is available for reserved and other eligible categories as per Government of India guidelines:

Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not available. No change in category is permitted after registration of the online application.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government. The qualifying date is 31.12.2026.

• Candidates having an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate must ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 31.12.2026.
• Final year or semester students may also apply provisionally. However, if selected, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 31.12.2026.
• Matriculate Ex-Servicemen who have obtained the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or equivalent Navy/Air Force certificate) after completing not less than 15 years of service in the Armed Forces are also eligible, provided the certificate is dated on or before 31.12.2026.

Important: The date of passing will be the date appearing on the mark sheet or certificate. If the result is posted on the university website, a certificate from the appropriate authority indicating the date of posting will be accepted.

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SBI Clerk 2026 Vacancy: State-Wise and Category-Wise

The total number of vacancies is 9124, which includes 7680 regular vacancies and 1444 backlog vacancies. The vacancies are spread across 24 States and Union Territories.

Regular Vacancy Breakdown by State

Top States by Number of Vacancies

The highest number of regular vacancies are in these states:

1. Maharashtra (1718 regular vacancies)
2. Tamil Nadu (1410 regular vacancies)
3. Odisha (1100 regular vacancies)
4. Karnataka (760 regular vacancies)
5. West Bengal (555 regular vacancies)

Note: Candidates applying for Maharashtra (Maharashtra Circle or Mumbai Metro Circle) and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Circle) should check the operational areas on the SBI website at https://sbi.co.in under Branch Locator before applying.

What Are Regular and Backlog Vacancies?

You will notice two types of vacancies in this notification:

• Regular vacancies are the standard openings created by SBI based on retirement, expansion, or operational requirements. These are available to all eligible candidates.
• Backlog vacancies are unfilled positions from previous recruitment cycles that were reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates but could not be filled. SBI conducts a Special Recruitment Drive to fill these positions. The backlog vacancies in this cycle total 1444.

The total combined vacancies (regular + backlog) stand at 9124.

PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and Other Horizontal Reservations

Reservation for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities), XS (Ex-Servicemen), and DXS (Disabled Ex-Servicemen) is horizontal reservation. This means these vacancies are included within the parent category vacancies (SC, ST, OBC, General, EWS) and are not separate additional posts.

• 4.5% of total vacancies are reserved for Disabled Ex-Servicemen and dependents of servicemen killed in action.
• 10% of total vacancies are reserved for Ex-Servicemen.
• Total Ex-Servicemen reservation: 14.5%.

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Application Fee

The application fee for SBI Clerk 2026 is non-refundable. Once paid, it cannot be refunded or held in reserve for any other exam.

The fee must be paid online through debit card, credit card, or internet banking. No other mode of payment is accepted. Transaction charges for online payment, if any, are borne by the candidate.

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Exam Pattern and Selection Process

The selection process has three phases:

1. Phase I: Preliminary Examination
2. Phase II: Main Examination
3. Phase III: Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable)

The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature. The marks obtained in the Prelims are not added to the final merit list. Only the marks scored in the Main Examination are considered for preparing the final merit list. The merit list is drawn State-wise and category-wise.

Preliminary Examination

The Prelims is an objective-type online test for 100 marks with a total duration of 1 hour. Each section has a separate timing.

Key points about the Prelims:

• There is no sectional cut-off. Only the overall state-wise and category-wise cut-off applies.
• Negative marking: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
• Adequate number of candidates (approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability) will be shortlisted for the Main Exam from the list of all candidates arranged in descending order of aggregate marks scored.

Main Examination

The Mains is an objective-type online test for 200 marks with a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. Each section has a separate timing.

Key points about the Mains:

• Negative marking: One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for each wrong answer.
• Candidates must score a minimum percentage of marks on aggregate as decided by the Bank. For SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates, a 5% relaxation is available.
• No minimum qualifying marks for individual subjects are prescribed.
• SBI-trained apprentices who have completed the specified branch experience of one year receive 2.5% bonus marks (5 marks out of 200) added to their aggregate score.

Local Language Proficiency Test

Provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the applied state in Class 10 or 12 must appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). This test is conducted after qualifying the Main Examination but before joining the Bank.

LLPT Test Pattern:

• Candidates who produce a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet or certificate evidencing having studied the specified local language are exempted from this test.
• Candidates who fail to qualify the LLPT will not be offered appointment.

Tip: If you studied the local language of your chosen state in school, check your mark sheets now. Having proof can save you from an additional test later.

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Salary and Benefits

The SBI Clerk salary is one of the most competitive among bank clerical cadre positions in India. Here is the complete breakdown:

Pay Scale

The revised pay scale for Junior Associates is: ₹24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480

The starting basic pay is ₹26,730 per month (₹24,050 base plus two advance increments for graduates).

Monthly Salary Breakdown (Metro City like Mumbai)

Note: The actual in-hand salary may vary between ₹39,500 and ₹42,584 depending on the city of posting. Metro cities like Mumbai typically offer higher HRA, resulting in a higher gross salary.

Other Benefits

SBI Clerks also enjoy several additional benefits:

• Dearness Allowance (DA) revised periodically based on inflation
• House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on city classification
• Medical facilities for self and dependents
• Provident Fund contributions
• Pension under the New Pension Scheme (NPS)
• Leave Fare Concession (LFC) for travel
• Reimbursement of various perquisites
• Leave benefits as per bank rules

Career Growth

After joining as a Junior Associate, there are clear promotion opportunities:

• After 6 years of service, you can be promoted to Officer Level (Scale-I) through fast track.
• After 12 years of service, promotion to Officer Level is available through normal track.
• The maximum basic pay after 20 years of service reaches ₹64,480.

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How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk 2026

Only online applications are accepted. No other mode of application will be entertained. Follow these steps carefully to complete your application without errors.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official SBI careers website at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
2. Click on Current Openings and find the recruitment advertisement for Junior Associates (Customer Support and Sales)
3. Click on Apply Online to open the application form
4. New Registration: Click on the NEW REGISTRATION button on the top right corner. Enter your basic details (name, email, mobile number) and save. You will receive a provisional registration number and password.
5. Save and Continue: If you cannot fill the data in one go, you can save the data. A provisional registration number and password will be generated. Note them down carefully. You can reopen saved data using these credentials and edit particulars up to three times only.
6. Fill the Application Form: Enter all required personal, educational, and other details carefully.
7. Upload Documents: Upload your scanned photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per the specifications given below.
8. Pay the Application Fee: Pay the applicable fee online through debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
9. Submit: After ensuring all details are correct, submit the application. No changes or edits are allowed after final submission.
10. Print: Take a printout of the application form for your records. You do not need to send the printout to SBI.

Documents Required for Application

Before starting the application, keep the following ready:

• Photograph: Recent passport-size colour picture against a light (preferably white) background
• Signature: On white paper with black ink pen
• Left Hand Thumb Impression: On white paper with black or blue ink (use right thumb if left thumb is unavailable)
• Handwritten Declaration: Write in English on white paper with black ink

Scanned Document Specifications

File type: All documents must be in JPG or JPEG format.

Handwritten Declaration Text

Write the following declaration exactly as given:

“I, (Name of the Candidate), Date of Birth , hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required. The signature, photograph and left hand thumb impression is of mine.”

Important notes about document upload:

• The declaration must be in the candidate’s own handwriting. It cannot be written by another person.
• Signature or declaration in capital letters is not accepted.
• If the face in the photograph or signature is unclear, the application may be rejected. Edit and re-upload if needed.
• Ensure the photograph is uploaded at the photo place and signature at the signature place. Wrong placement will result in disqualification from the exam.

Tip: Keep at least 8 copies of the same photograph you upload during the application. You will need them for further stages of the selection process.

Identity Proof

At the time of both Preliminary and Main examinations, candidates must bring one original photo identity proof along with a self-attested photocopy. Accepted identity proofs include:

• Passport
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN Card
• Driving License
• Voter’s Card
• Bank Passbook with duly attested photograph
• Identity Card issued by School or College
• Gazetted Officer’s letter in official letterhead

Biometric Verification

SBI may capture your thumb impression or IRIS at various stages for biometric verification. Do not apply mehendi, ink, or any external substance on your hands before the examination.

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What to do next?

The application window closes on 31 August 2026. Do not wait until the last day. Server loads increase near the deadline and you may face technical issues. Apply early and focus on preparation.

Start your SBI Clerk 2026 preparation with a clear plan. The Prelims is about speed and accuracy, while the Mains tests depth across four sections. Smart aspirants know that while everyone focuses heavily on Quant and Reasoning, the real selection happens in Current Affairs and English. These are the subjects that separate selected candidates from the rest.

Use the Scoreclever Current Affairs Website for detailed daily current affairs coverage, and download the crisp daily Banking PDFs from Scoreclever’s Telegram channel. For vocabulary and English preparation, try the Scoreclever App, which schedules revisions automatically so you do not forget what you learn. Participate in the daily Current Affairs League at 8 PM and Vocab League at 7 PM on Telegram to test yourself against thousands of other aspirants.