SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the State Bank of India, Central Recruitment and Promotion Department, Corporate Centre, Mumbai under Advertisement Number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 dated 7 August 2026. This is a Special Recruitment Drive exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC backlog vacancies with a total of 1538 Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) posts across 21 states and union territories. Eligible graduates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories can apply online from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026 through the official SBI website at sbi.bank.in.
This is massive news for Gujarat candidates as the state has been allotted the highest number of vacancies in the entire country with 289 posts under the Gandhinagar Circle. The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 special drive is a golden opportunity for reserved category graduates to join India’s largest public sector bank with an attractive starting salary of approximately Rs 46000 per month. The SBI Clerk 2026 selection process consists of Prelims, Mains, and a Local Language Proficiency Test with no interview round, making it a purely exam-merit-based recruitment. General and EWS category candidates are not eligible for this special drive – the regular SBI Clerk vacancy 2026 for all categories is expected to be announced separately soon.
Table of Contents
- SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview
- Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2026
- SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 – 1538 Backlog Posts
- Category Wise Vacancy Distribution
- Gujarat Vacancy Details – 289 Posts
- State Wise Vacancy Details for Major States
- Who Can Apply and Who Cannot
- Eligibility Criteria for SBI Clerk 2026
- Age Limit and Relaxation
- Application Fee for SBI Clerk 2026
- SBI Clerk Salary 2026
- Selection Process for SBI Junior Associate 2026
- SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
- SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
- SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
- SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
- Local Language Proficiency Test Details
- How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
- Documents Required
- Important Instructions for Candidates
- Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Exam 2026
- Important Links
- FAQs About SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI), Corporate Centre, Mumbai |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) – Clerical Cadre |
| Commonly Known As | SBI Clerk |
| Recruitment Type | Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies |
| Total Vacancies | 1538 |
| States and UTs Covered | 21 |
| Gujarat Vacancies | 289 (Highest in India) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Application Start Date | 07 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Age Cut-Off Date | 01 April 2026 |
| Tentative Prelims Date | September 2026 |
| Tentative Mains Date | October or November 2026 |
| Starting Salary | Approximately Rs 46000 per month |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in |
Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 07 August 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 07 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 27 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 27 August 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Date (Tentative) | September 2026 (Expected 26, 27 September and 3 October 2026) |
| Mains Exam Date (Tentative) | October or November 2026 |
| Local Language Proficiency Test | After Mains |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
Important Note: This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC, ST, and OBC backlog vacancies only. The regular SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 for all categories (including General and EWS) is expected to be announced separately. Do not confuse this special drive with the regular recruitment.
SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 – 1538 Backlog Posts
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 special drive offers a total of 1538 Junior Associate backlog vacancies exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC category candidates.
| Category | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 207 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 1219 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 112 |
| Total | 1538 |
Key Points About This Recruitment
- This is NOT the regular SBI Clerk recruitment – it is a Special Recruitment Drive
- Only SC, ST, and OBC category candidates can apply
- General (UR) and EWS candidates are NOT eligible
- No PwBD-specific vacancies have been mentioned separately (PwBD candidates from SC/ST/OBC can apply under their respective social category)
- ST category has the maximum vacancies with 1219 posts (79 percent of total)
- These are backlog vacancies from previous recruitment cycles that remained unfilled
Category Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Category | Vacancies | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 1219 | 79.3% |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 207 | 13.5% |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 112 | 7.2% |
| Total | 1538 | 100% |
The ST category dominates this recruitment with nearly 80 percent of the total vacancies. This means ST candidates have the highest number of opportunities across multiple states and circles.
Gujarat Vacancy Details – 289 Posts (Highest in India)
Gujarat has the highest number of SBI Clerk backlog vacancies in the entire country under the Gandhinagar Circle. This is exceptional news for Gujarat’s SC, ST, and OBC graduates.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| SBI Circle | Gandhinagar |
| State | Gujarat |
| Total Vacancies | 289 |
| Primary Category | ST (Scheduled Tribe) |
| Local Language Required | Gujarati |
| Exam Medium Available | English, Hindi, and Gujarati |
Gujarat’s 289 vacancies are predominantly ST backlog vacancies, reflecting the significant tribal population in the state. Candidates from Gujarat’s tribal areas in districts like Narmada, Dang, Tapi, Dahod, Panchmahal, Chhota Udepur, and others have a tremendous opportunity through this SBI Clerk 2026 Gujarat drive.
Gujarat SC/ST/OBC Candidates: If you are a graduate belonging to SC, ST, or OBC category and have proficiency in Gujarati language, this is one of the biggest bank recruitment opportunities specifically for you. With 289 posts in Gujarat alone, the competition will be significantly lower compared to regular SBI Clerk drives where lakhs of candidates compete.
State Wise Vacancy Details for Major States
| State | SBI Circle | ST | SC | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar | 289 | – | – | 289 |
| Maharashtra | Mumbai Metro and Maharashtra | – | – | – | 165 (approx) |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | – | – | – | 134 (approx) |
| Jharkhand | Ranchi | – | – | – | 133 (approx) |
| Other States | Various | – | – | – | Remaining |
Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Jharkhand account for the largest shares of vacancies. Candidates must apply for exactly one State or UT and can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment.
Who Can Apply and Who Cannot
Who CAN Apply
- Graduates belonging to SC (Scheduled Caste) category
- Graduates belonging to ST (Scheduled Tribe) category
- Graduates belonging to OBC (Other Backward Classes Non-Creamy Layer) category
- Age between 20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (with relaxation for reserved categories)
- Indian citizens meeting nationality criteria
Who CANNOT Apply
- General (Unreserved) category candidates
- EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category candidates
- Candidates who do not belong to SC, ST, or OBC categories
- Candidates above the maximum age limit even after relaxation
- Candidates who have not completed graduation
Clear Warning: This recruitment is exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC backlog vacancies. If you are a General or EWS category candidate, do not apply. You will be waiting for the regular SBI Clerk 2026 notification which is expected to be released separately soon.
Eligibility Criteria for SBI Clerk 2026
Educational Qualification
Graduation (Bachelor’s Degree) in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. Candidates having integrated dual degree (IDD) should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before the specified date.
Nationality
A candidate must be either a citizen of India, or a subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or a Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962, or a person of Indian origin migrated from specified countries with intention of permanently settling in India.
Local Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the local language of the State or UT for which they apply. For Gujarat, the local language is Gujarati. Candidates who have studied Gujarati in 10th or 12th may be exempt from the Local Language Proficiency Test.
One State Only
Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or UT and can appear for the recruitment examination only once under this recruitment project.
Age Limit and Relaxation for SBI Clerk 2026
The age is calculated as on 01 April 2026.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| SC | 20 Years | 33 Years (5 years relaxation) |
| ST | 20 Years | 33 Years (5 years relaxation) |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 20 Years | 31 Years (3 years relaxation) |
Candidates should have been born not earlier than 2 April 1993 (for SC/ST) or 2 April 1995 (for OBC) and not later than 1 April 2006 (both dates inclusive).
Additional Age Relaxation
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years (max age 43) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years (max age 41) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Defence service period + 3 years (max 50 years) |
| Widows/Divorced Women (SC/ST) | 10 Years (max 38 years) |
| Widows/Divorced Women (OBC) | 10 Years (max 38 years) |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI | 4 to 16 years depending on category |
Application Fee for SBI Clerk 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| SC | Nil (No Fee) |
| ST | Nil (No Fee) |
| OBC | Rs 750 |
| PwBD (SC/ST/OBC) | Nil (No Fee) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Nil (No Fee) |
Fee Payment Mode
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
The fee is non-refundable once paid and cannot be adjusted for any other exam or selection process.
Great News for SC/ST Candidates: The application fee is completely free (Nil) for SC and ST candidates. Only OBC candidates need to pay Rs 750. This makes the SBI Clerk 2026 special drive extremely accessible for SC and ST graduates.
SBI Clerk Salary 2026
The SBI Junior Associate salary is one of the most attractive among banking clerical posts in India.
Pay Scale
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| 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 (Graduate) | Rs 26730 (Rs 24050 + 2 advance increments for graduates) |
Approximate Monthly Salary
| Component | Approximate Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | Rs 26730 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Rs 14000 (approximate) |
| Other Allowances (HRA, CCA, etc.) | Rs 5000 to Rs 8000 |
| Approximate Gross Salary | Rs 46000 |
| In-Hand Salary | Rs 38000 to Rs 40000 |
Benefits and Perks
- Dearness Allowance (DA) as per IBA revision
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Bank Accommodation
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Medical Insurance for self and family
- Leave Fare Concession (LFC)
- Provident Fund
- Pension or NPS
- Gratuity
- Leave Benefits
- Subsidized Loan Facilities (Home Loan, Vehicle Loan, Personal Loan)
- Reimbursement of Newspaper Bills
- Concessional Interest Rates on Deposits
Trained SBI Apprentice Bonus
Trained apprentices of SBI who meet the notification’s service conditions get 5 bonus marks (2.5 percent of the maximum Mains exam score) added to their Mains aggregate.
Selection Process for SBI Junior Associate 2026
The SBI Clerk 2026 selection process consists of three stages. There is no interview round.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination (Online)
The prelims is a screening test. Candidates who qualify will be shortlisted for the Mains examination. Prelims marks are NOT counted in the final merit – it is purely qualifying in nature.
Stage 2 – Main Examination (Online)
The mains is the merit-deciding examination. The final merit list of candidates will be prepared state-wise and category-wise based on marks obtained in the Mains examination only.
Stage 3 – Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
Candidates who qualify the Mains will be required to clear the LLPT if they have not studied the local language of the applied state in 10th or 12th standard. Failure to clear the LLPT will lead to disqualification.
Key Point: There is NO interview for SBI Clerk. Selection is purely based on Prelims (qualifying) + Mains (merit) + LLPT (qualifying). Your Mains score is the only thing that determines your rank.
SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 |
Key Prelims Rules
- Exam Mode: Online CBT
- Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
- Sectional Timing: Yes – 20 minutes per section
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Nature: Qualifying only – marks NOT counted in final merit
- Sectional Cut-Off: No minimum subject-wise qualifying marks prescribed
SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time (Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|
| General and Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 |
| Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 160 |
Key Mains Rules
- Exam Mode: Online CBT
- Duration: 160 Minutes (2 Hours 40 Minutes)
- Sectional Timing: Yes – separate time for each section
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Nature: Merit-deciding – final merit based on Mains marks only
- Wait List: Up to 50 percent of vacancies maintained state and category wise, valid for one year
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
English Language (30 Questions)
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection
- Phrase Replacement
- Spelling Errors
- Word Arrangement
Numerical Ability (35 Questions)
- Number Series
- Simplification and Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Table, Bar, Line, Pie)
- Quadratic Equations
- Percentage, Ratio, Profit and Loss
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Time Speed Distance
- Average, Mixture
Reasoning Ability (35 Questions)
- Puzzles and Seating Arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Inequalities
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense
- Coding Decoding
- Order and Ranking
- Number and Alphabet Series
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
General and Financial Awareness (50 Questions)
- Current Affairs (6 months)
- Banking and Financial Awareness
- RBI Policies and Functions
- Government Schemes
- Financial Institutions
- Union Budget
- Awards and Honours
- International Organizations
General English (40 Questions)
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection
- Sentence Rearrangement
- Fill in the Blanks
- Vocabulary
- Grammar Rules
Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions)
- Data Interpretation (Advanced)
- Number Series
- Quadratic Equations
- Data Sufficiency
- Percentage, Ratio, Partnership
- SI and CI
- Mensuration
Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (50 Questions)
- Advanced Puzzles
- Seating Arrangements (Complex)
- Syllogisms
- Input-Output
- Coding Decoding
- Blood Relations
- Computer Fundamentals
- MS Office
- Networking Basics
- Internet and Cyber Security
Local Language Proficiency Test Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nature | Qualifying (not counted in merit) |
| When | After qualifying Mains |
| Who Needs to Appear | Candidates who did NOT study the local language in 10th or 12th |
| Exempt | Candidates who studied the local language in 10th or 12th |
| For Gujarat | Gujarati language proficiency required |
| Consequence of Failure | Disqualification from the entire selection process |
How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit the SBI careers portal at sbi.bank.in
Step 2: Open the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 notification
Step 3: Click on the Apply Online link
Step 4: Select New Registration and enter your name, mobile number, email address, and basic details
Step 5: Save the provisional registration number and password securely
Step 6: Log in and fill in category (SC/ST/OBC), qualification, State or UT preference, and local language details
Step 7: Upload photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per specifications
Step 8: Capture and upload the live photograph using webcam or mobile phone when prompted
Step 9: Carefully preview the completed application – verify every detail before submission
Step 10: Pay the application fee online if applicable (Rs 750 for OBC, Nil for SC and ST)
Step 11: After successful payment, download the e-receipt and completed application form
Step 12: Take a printout of the application for future reference
Important: Use the exact handwritten declaration format given on Page 9 of the official SBI notification PDF. Incorrect declaration format may lead to rejection.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Documents Required for SBI Clerk 2026
For Online Application Upload
- Recent Passport Size Photograph (as per specifications)
- Signature (scanned)
- Left Hand Thumb Impression (scanned)
- Handwritten Declaration (as per format on Page 9 of notification)
- Live Photograph (captured during application)
For Document Verification
- Graduation Degree Certificate and Mark Sheets
- 10th and 12th Mark Sheets (for DOB proof and local language verification)
- Category Certificate (SC/ST/OBC Non-Creamy Layer) from competent authority
- OBC Non-Creamy Layer Certificate must be valid and recent
- PwBD Certificate if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate if applicable
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Voter ID, Passport)
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Important Instructions for Candidates
SC/ST/OBC Only This is a Special Recruitment Drive exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC category backlog vacancies. General and EWS candidates should not apply.
One State Only Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or UT and can appear for the examination only once under this project.
No Inter-Circle Transfer Selected candidates will be posted in the State or UT they applied for. Intra-state transfers are allowed only between Delhi and Lucknow Circles, and between Mumbai Metro and Maharashtra Circles.
OBC Certificate Validity OBC candidates must ensure their Non-Creamy Layer certificate is valid and recently issued. Expired certificates will lead to disqualification.
Regular Drive Coming Soon The regular SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment for all categories (including General and EWS) is expected to be announced separately with approximately 10000 or more vacancies. SC/ST/OBC candidates can apply for both the special drive and the regular drive when it is released.
Trained SBI Apprentice Advantage Trained SBI apprentices meeting the notification conditions receive 5 bonus marks (2.5 percent of maximum Mains marks) added to their Mains aggregate.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Preparation Tips for SBI Clerk Exam 2026
1. Prelims is Screening – Clear It First The prelims is qualifying only with 100 questions in 60 minutes. Focus on speed and accuracy. Practice English, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability under timed conditions (20 minutes per section).
2. Mains Decides Your Rank The final merit is based entirely on Mains marks. Focus maximum preparation effort on Mains-level topics – advanced puzzles, data interpretation, banking awareness, and computer aptitude.
3. Banking and Financial Awareness is Key The General and Financial Awareness section (50 questions, 50 marks) in Mains can be your highest-scoring section if you prepare current affairs and banking knowledge for the last 6 months.
4. Practice Computer Aptitude Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude is a combined section in Mains carrying 60 marks (highest). Computer questions are easy marks if you know basic fundamentals.
5. Take Mock Tests Weekly Practice full-length SBI Clerk mock tests under actual exam conditions. Analyze your performance after each test.
6. Learn Gujarati Language Gujarat candidates must be proficient in Gujarati. If you have not studied Gujarati in 10th or 12th, prepare for the Local Language Proficiency Test.
About State Bank of India
State Bank of India is India’s largest public sector bank with over 22000 branches, 65000 ATMs, and more than 500 million customers. SBI is the most prestigious bank employer in India, and working as an SBI Junior Associate provides excellent job security, competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and the prestige of serving at India’s banking leader.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Important Links for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| SBI Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in |
| Apply Online (Careers Page) | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
| Official Notification PDF | Download |
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
FAQs About SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many vacancies are there in SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1538 Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) backlog vacancies have been announced under the Special Recruitment Drive for SC, ST, and OBC categories under Advertisement Number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16.
Q2. Can General and EWS candidates apply for this SBI Clerk 2026?
No, this is a Special Recruitment Drive exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC backlog vacancies. General and EWS candidates are not eligible. The regular SBI Clerk 2026 notification for all categories is expected to be announced separately soon.
Q3. How many vacancies are available for Gujarat?
Gujarat has the highest number of vacancies in the entire country with 289 posts under the Gandhinagar Circle. These are predominantly ST backlog vacancies. The local language required is Gujarati.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
The last date to apply online and complete fee payment is 27 August 2026 through sbi.bank.in.
Q5. What is the application fee for SBI Clerk 2026?
The fee is Nil (zero) for SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates. OBC candidates need to pay Rs 750. The fee is non-refundable.
Q6. What is the SBI Clerk exam pattern?
Prelims has 100 MCQ questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes (3 sections with 20 minutes each). Mains has 190 questions for 200 marks in 160 minutes (4 sections with separate timing). Negative marking of 0.25 applies in both.
Q7. Is there any interview for SBI Clerk?
No, there is no interview. Selection is based on Prelims (qualifying), Mains (merit-based), and Local Language Proficiency Test (qualifying). Final merit is based solely on Mains marks.
Q8. What is the salary for SBI Clerk?
The starting basic pay for graduates is Rs 26730. The approximate monthly salary at a metro centre is Rs 46000 including DA and other allowances.
Q9. When is the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam expected?
The Prelims exam is tentatively expected in September 2026, possibly on 26, 27 September and 3 October 2026. The exact dates will be announced by SBI.
Q10. Will there be a regular SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment for all categories?
Yes, the regular SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment for all categories including General and EWS is expected to be announced separately soon with approximately 10000 or more vacancies. SC, ST, and OBC candidates can apply for both the special drive and the regular recruitment.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026
Final Words
The SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 Special Drive for 1538 SC, ST, and OBC backlog vacancies is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for reserved category graduates across India. Gujarat leads the country with the highest allocation of 289 posts under the Gandhinagar Circle, making this an unmissable recruitment for Gujarat’s SC, ST, and OBC graduates.
With no application fee for SC and ST candidates, a purely exam-based selection process with no interview, and the starting salary of approximately Rs 46000 per month at India’s largest bank, this SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 checks every box for a dream banking career.
Apply before 27 August 2026, start your prelims preparation immediately with focus on speed and accuracy, and then gear up for the mains which decides your final rank. Remember – the regular SBI Clerk 2026 drive for all categories is also expected soon, so SC/ST/OBC candidates have double the opportunity this year.
For more SBI recruitment updates, bank job notifications, government job updates, results, and answer keys, keep visiting gccjobinfo.com.
SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026