If you’ve dreamed of working in India’s most trusted public sector bank, this is your moment! State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) or SBI Clerk recruitment for 2025–26, offering over 5180+ vacancies across India. This role blends customer service, sales, and stability—perfect for graduates looking for a reliable and meaningful career.
This article covers everything you need: vacancy details, exam pattern, eligibility, cut-off insights, and expert prep tips. Bonus? We’ve linked powerful English grammar and vocabulary resources from RankersChoice.com so you can build your score confidently.
Table of Contents
📢 Key Dates
- Online Registration & Fee Payment: 06.08.2025 to 26.08.2025
- Preliminary Examination: Tentatively in September 2025
- Main Examination: Tentatively in November 2025
📍 Vacancies Snapshot – Across India
SBI is recruiting Junior Associates for 33 States and UTs. Candidates must choose only one region during the application process and be proficient in the local language.
Here’s a regional breakdown of top states:
| State/UT | Language | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | Hindi/Urdu | 514 |
| Maharashtra | Marathi | 476 |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil | 380 |
| Gujarat | Gujarati | 220 |
| Andhra Pradesh | Telugu/Urdu | 310 |
| Rajasthan | Hindi | 260 |
| Karnataka | Kannada | 270 |
| West Bengal | Bengali/Nepali | 270 |
| Punjab (Chandigarh Circle) | Punjabi/Hindi | 178 |
| Haryana (Chandigarh Circle) | Hindi/Punjabi | 138 |
| Chandigarh (UT) | Urdu/Ladakhi/Bhoti | 178 |
🔸 Each circle operates independently. There’s no Inter-State transfer, so choose your region wisely. Local language proficiency is mandatory unless you’ve studied it in school.
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
📅 Age Limit (As on 01.04.2025)
- Minimum: 20 years
- Maximum: 28 years (Born between 02.04.1997 and 01.04.2005)
📚 Education (As on 31.12.2025)
- Graduation in any discipline
- Final-year students can apply but must show proof before 31.12.2025
🗣 Local Language Test – What You Must Know
If your Class 10th or 12th mark sheet shows you’ve studied the opted local language, you skip the Local Language Test. Otherwise, it’s mandatory after Mains but before joining.
Examples for Chandigarh Circle:
- Punjab – Must know Punjabi
- Haryana – Must know Hindi or Punjabi
- Chandigarh UT
📖 English Grammar & Vocabulary Prep via RankersChoice.com
The English Language section in both Prelims and Mains can make or break your score. Here’s what you should target:
🎯 Grammar:
- Subject-Verb Agreement
- Tense Structures
- Articles & Prepositions
- Voice and Narration
- Sentence Correction
🎯 Vocabulary:
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Fill-in-the-blanks
- Cloze Tests
- Banking Terminology
- Idioms & Phrases
Head to RankersChoice for focused drills, bilingual tutorials (English/Hinglish), and mock tests aligned with SBI standards.
🧠 Selection Process Breakdown
💻 Phase 1: Preliminary Exam
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 mins |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 mins |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
- Negative marking: ¼ mark deduction for wrong answers
- No sectional cut-off
📊 Phase 2: Mains Exam
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 mins |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 mins |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 mins |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer | 50 | 60 | 45 mins |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hr 40 mins |
- No sectional cut-off
- Bonus marks for SBI apprentices
🧾 Phase 3: Local Language Proficiency Test
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Assessment
- Exempt if language studied in school
📊 Cut-off Trends (Indicative Only)
To give aspirants a sense of scoring benchmarks:
| State/Circle | Prelims (General) | Mains (General) |
|---|---|---|
| Chandigarh/Punjab | 75–78 | 90–95 |
| Haryana | 77–80 | 88–94 |
| Maharashtra | 68–72 | 85–90 |
| Tamil Nadu | 60–65 | 83–88 |
📌 These are past cut-offs for SBI Clerk exams. Always aim higher—preferably 90+ in Mains to be safe in General category.
💼 Salary & Career Benefits
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹26,730
- Total Monthly Pay (metro cities): Approx ₹46,000
- Includes:
- DA, HRA, Transport Allowance
- Medical Benefits
- Leave Travel Concession
- NPS Pension
- Promotional Exams (PO track)
🖱 How to Apply
- Visit: https://bank.sbi/web/careers/current-openings
- Click on Junior Associate Recruitment 2025
- Register with mobile/email
- Upload photo, signature, thumb impression, and hand-written declaration
- Pay:
- ₹750 (GEN/OBC/EWS)
- Free (SC/ST/PwBD/XS)
🎯 Preparation Tips for Chandigarh & Punjab Aspirants
- 📍 Choose the right language—Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi
- 📚 Use bilingual vocabulary flashcards
- 🎧 Listen to daily current affairs podcasts in Punjabi/Hindi
- 📝 Practice mock tests specific to Banking + Regional GK
- 🧠 Revise local language terms and idioms for LLPT
- 💡 Use RankersChoice.com for structured English grammar lessons and vocab drills
❤️ Why SBI JA Is a Golden Opportunity
SBI offers:
- Nation-wide respect
- Fast career growth
- Tech-savvy banking roles
- Regular promotions through internal exams
- Direct impact on India’s economic inclusiveness
✨ Final Words
With 5180+ vacancies, and solid representation in Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh, SBI JA 2025 is more than a job—it’s a mission. Your local language, graduation, and willingness to serve make you the perfect fit.
So, gear up! 📚 Start today at RankersChoice.com, polish your grammar and vocabulary, aim high, and turn this opportunity into a career milestone.
📣 Let your aspirations meet SBI’s mission. Apply, prepare, and thrive.