SBI Junior Associates Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 7,680 Clerical Cadre Vacancies

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released its flagship recruitment notification for the post of SBI Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. Recognized widely as one of the most sought-after banking career paths in India, this recruitment drive offers thousands of openings for eligible graduates looking to secure a prestigious position within the nation’s largest public sector bank.

This comprehensive guide breaks down everything candidates need to know about the 2026 recruitment cycle, including important dates, vacancy distributions, eligibility criteria, selection phases, salary structures, and the online application procedure.

Important Dates and Schedule

Candidates aspiring to join SBI as Junior Associates must align their preparation with the official timeline. Online applications open on 11.08.2026 and close on 31.08.2026.

• Start of Online Registration & Fee Payment: 11.08.2026
• Last Date for Online Registration & Fee Payment: 31.08.2026
• Tentative Month of Preliminary Examination: September 2026
• Tentative Month of Main Examination: November 2026

No hard copies of call letters or study booklets will be dispatched by post; candidates are required to download all exam call letters directly from the official SBI careers portal.

Vacancy Breakdown and State-Wise Distribution

SBI has announced a massive intake comprising thousands of regular and backlog vacancies across different states, union territories, and administrative circles. Applicants are allowed to apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory and can appear for the online test only once under this project.

• Total Regular Vacancies: 7,680 posts distributed across various categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS) alongside horizontal reservations for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) and Ex-Servicemen (XS/DXS).
• Local Language Proficiency: Applicants must be proficient (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) in the specified opted local language of the chosen state or union territory. Proficiency tests will be conducted for provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the local language in their 10^th or 12^th standard mark sheets.
• Transfer Policy: There is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfers before the completion of 5 years of service, except in rare, exceptional circumstances such as extreme compassionate or spouse grounds.

Eligibility Criteria

Before filling out the online application form, candidates must ensure they meet the strict eligibility parameters set by the bank.

Age Limit (As on 01.04.2026)

• Candidates must be not below 20 years and not above 28 years as on 01.04.2026. This implies candidates must have been born not earlier than 02.04.1998 and not later than 01.04.2006 (both days inclusive).
• Upper Age Relaxations:
  • OBC Candidates: 3 years
  • SC / ST Candidates: 5 years
  • PwBD (General / EWS): 10 years
  • PwBD (OBC): 13 years
  • PwBD (SC / ST): 15 years
  • Ex-Servicemen: Actual period of service rendered in defense services plus 3 years (8 years for Disabled Ex-Servicemen belonging to SC/ST), up to a maximum age limit of 50 years.

Essential Academic Qualifications (As on 31.12.2026)

• Applicants must hold a Graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized University, or possess an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
• Students in their final year or final semester of graduation may apply provisionally, provided they successfully pass and produce proof of graduation on or before 31.12.2026.

Selection Procedure

The selection methodology consists of a rigorous three-phase process designed to evaluate aptitude, technical proficiency, and linguistic ability.

• [Phase-I: Prelims Exam] —> [Phase-II: Mains Exam] —> [Phase-III: Local Language Test] —> [Final Selection]

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Online Objective Test – 100 Marks)

The preliminary exam is a qualifying screening test lasting 1 hour. Scores obtained here are not added to the final merit list.

• English Language: 30 Questions | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes
• Numerical Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes
• Reasoning Ability: 35 Questions | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes
• Total: 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes
• Negative Marking: 1/4th of the mark assigned to a question is deducted for every incorrect answer.

Phase-II: Main Examination (Online Objective Test – 200 Marks)

Candidates shortlisted from the preliminary exam (approximately 10 times the number of vacancies) appear for the Main Examination. The final merit list is prepared strictly on performance in this phase.

• General / Financial Awareness: 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 35 Minutes
• General English: 40 Questions | 40 Marks | 35 Minutes
• Quantitative Aptitude: 50 Questions | 50 Marks | 45 Minutes
• Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: 50 Questions | 60 Marks | 45 Minutes
• Total: 190 Questions | 200 Marks | 2 Hours 40 Minutes

Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test

Conducted after the main examination for candidates who cannot produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheets verifying study of the local language. Failing this test results in immediate disqualification.

Pay Scale, Emoluments, and Probation Period

• Pay Scale: Rs. 24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480.
• Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 26,730/- (which includes two advance increments granted to graduates).
• Emoluments: Total starting emoluments in metro cities like Mumbai are approximately Rs. 46,000/- per month, inclusive of Dearness Allowance (DA) and other applicable perks. Employees also receive medical benefits, leave-fare concessions, provident fund contributions, and pension coverage under the New Pension Scheme.
• Probation Period: Newly appointed Junior Associates serve a minimum probation period of 6 months, during which they must complete mandatory e-lessons for confirmation.

Application Fee and How to Apply Online

Applications must be submitted exclusively online through the official channel. No physical or offline applications will be entertained.

• Application Fee / Intimation Charges:
  • SC / ST / PwBD / XS / DXS: Nil
  • General / OBC / EWS: Rs. 750/- (Non-refundable)

Step-by-Step Application Guide:

1. Navigate to the official SBI careers page at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
2. Click on the link for Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026 and open the online application form.
3. Register using a valid, active email address and mobile number to generate a provisional registration number and password.
4. Carefully fill out your personal, academic, and category details, ensuring total accuracy.
5. Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, left-hand thumb impression, and the mandatory handwritten declaration.
6. Complete the fee payment securely through the integrated online payment gateway using a debit card, credit card, or internet banking.
7. Save and print out the system-generated e-receipt and completed application form for future reference.

Important Information of SBI Junior Associates