SBI Junior Associate 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/2026-27/17. This is the much-awaited regular SBI Clerk 2026 notification with a massive 9124 vacancies including 7680 regular posts and 1444 backlog posts for the position of Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) in the clerical cadre across 24 states and union territories. All category candidates including General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST can apply online from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026 through the official SBI website.
This is the biggest banking recruitment of 2026 and arguably the most anticipated SBI Clerk vacancy notification in recent years. Gujarat candidates have exceptional news as the Gandhinagar Circle has been allocated a massive 635 vacancies (330 regular + 305 backlog), making it the 5th highest state in terms of total SBI Clerk posts. The SBI Clerk 2026 selection process consists of Prelims in September 2026 and Mains in November 2026, followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test with no interview. Whether you are a fresh graduate looking for your first bank job or an experienced banking aspirant, this SBI Clerk notification 2026 is the recruitment you have been waiting for.
Table of Contents
- SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Overview
- Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2026
- Total Vacancy Details – 9124 Posts
- State Wise Vacancy Distribution – Top 10 States
- Gujarat Vacancy Details – 635 Posts
- Gujarat Category Wise Breakdown
- Gujarat PwBD and Ex-Servicemen Details
- 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
- Transfer Policy for SBI Junior Associates
- How to Apply Online for SBI Junior Associate 2026
- Documents Required
- Important Instructions for Candidates
- Preparation Strategy for SBI Clerk Exam 2026
- Important Links
- FAQs About SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI), Corporate Centre, Mumbai |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) – Clerical Cadre |
| Commonly Known As | SBI Clerk 2026 |
| Recruitment Type | Regular Recruitment for All Categories |
| Regular Vacancies | 7680 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 1444 |
| Total Vacancies | 9124 |
| States and UTs Covered | 24 |
| Gujarat (Gandhinagar Circle) Vacancies | 635 (330 Regular + 305 Backlog) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Registration Start Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 31 August 2026 |
| Prelims Exam (Tentative) | September 2026 |
| Mains Exam (Tentative) | November 2026 |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in |
Important Dates for SBI Clerk 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | August 2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date | 11 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration and Fee Payment | 31 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination (Tentative) | September 2026 |
| Main Examination (Tentative) | November 2026 |
| Local Language Proficiency Test | After qualifying Mains (before joining) |
| Result and Final Merit List | To Be Announced |
Important Note: The registration window is 21 days from 11 August to 31 August 2026. With over 9000 vacancies, this SBI Clerk exam 2026 will attract lakhs of applications. Complete your registration early to avoid last-minute portal issues. Bookmark the SBI careers page at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings for regular updates.
Total Vacancy Details – 9124 Posts
The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 offers a staggering 9124 total vacancies, making it the largest single bank clerk recruitment drive in India in 2026.
Regular Vacancies (7680)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 1114 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 837 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 1716 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 760 |
| General (Unreserved) | 3253 |
| Total Regular | 7680 |
PwBD Reservation (Within Regular 7680)
| PwBD Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Visually Impaired (VI) | 91 |
| Hearing Impaired (HI) | 83 |
| Locomotor Disability (LD) | 76 |
| Category d and e under RPWD Act 2016 | 70 |
| Total PwBD | 320 |
Ex-Servicemen Reservation (Within Regular 7680)
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen (XS) | 760 |
| Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DXS) | 333 |
Backlog Vacancies (1444)
The 1444 backlog vacancies are net of the vacancies already advertised in the Special Recruitment Drive (Advertisement Number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
| Category | Backlog Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/OBC Backlog | 287 |
| PwBD Backlog | 355 |
| XS Backlog | 964 |
| DXS Backlog | 480 |
Grand Total Summary
| Component | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Regular Vacancies | 7680 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 1444 |
| Grand Total | 9124 |
State Wise Vacancy Distribution – Top 10 States
Here are the top 10 states by total SBI Clerk vacancies (Regular + Backlog combined).
| Rank | State | Circle | Regular | Backlog | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maharashtra | Maharashtra and Mumbai Metro | 1718 | 281 | 1999 |
| 2 | Tamil Nadu | Chennai | 1410 | 106 | 1516 |
| 3 | Odisha | Bhubaneswar | 1100 | 18 | 1118 |
| 4 | Karnataka | Bengaluru | 760 | 39 | 799 |
| 5 | West Bengal | Kolkata | 555 | 149 | 704 |
| 6 | Gujarat | Gandhinagar | 330 | 305 | 635 |
| 7 | Rajasthan | Jaipur | 350 | 75 | 425 |
| 8 | Chhattisgarh | Bhopal | 287 | 64 | 351 |
| 9 | Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal | 113 | 159 | 272 |
| 10 | Telangana | Hyderabad | 260 | 0 | 260 |
Maharashtra leads with nearly 2000 posts, followed by Tamil Nadu with over 1500 posts. Gujarat ranks 6th nationally with 635 total vacancies – a very strong allocation for the state.
Gujarat Vacancy Details – 635 Posts (Gandhinagar Circle)
Gujarat has been allocated one of the highest vacancy counts under the Gandhinagar Circle. Here is the complete breakdown for Gujarat candidates.
| Component | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Regular Vacancies | 330 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 305 |
| Total Gujarat | 635 |
| Local Language Required | Gujarati |
Gujarat Category Wise Breakdown
Regular Vacancies (330 Posts)
| Category | Gujarat Vacancies |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | 136 |
| OBC (Other Backward Classes) | 89 |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 49 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 33 |
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 23 |
| Total Regular | 330 |
Gujarat Regular – PwBD Reservation (Within 330)
| PwBD Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Visually Impaired (VI) | 04 |
| Hearing Impaired (HI) | 04 |
| Locomotor Disability (LD) | 03 |
| Category d and e under RPWD Act | 03 |
| Total Gujarat PwBD (Regular) | 14 |
Gujarat Regular – Ex-Servicemen
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Ex-Servicemen (XS) | 33 |
| Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DXS) | 14 |
Gujarat PwBD and Ex-Servicemen Backlog Details
Gujarat Backlog Vacancies (305 Posts)
| Backlog Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| SC/ST/OBC Backlog | 0 (Covered under Special Drive CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) |
| PwBD Backlog (VI) | 24 |
| PwBD Backlog (HI) | 25 |
| PwBD Backlog (LD) | 23 |
| PwBD Backlog (d and e) | 21 |
| PwBD Backlog Total | 93 |
| XS Backlog | 167 |
| DXS Backlog | 138 |
| Total Gujarat Backlog | 305 |
Gujarat Candidates: With 635 total posts (330 regular + 305 backlog), Gujarat offers excellent opportunities across all categories. The General category alone has 136 regular posts, OBC has 89, and ST has 49. PwBD candidates from Gujarat have a massive 93 backlog posts plus 14 regular PwBD posts, totaling 107 PwBD vacancies. Ex-Servicemen from Gujarat have 200 posts (33 regular XS + 14 regular DXS + 167 backlog XS + 138 backlog DXS) – this is one of the highest XS allocations for any state.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Eligibility Criteria for SBI Clerk 2026
Educational Qualification
Graduation (Bachelor’s Degree) in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Candidates having integrated dual degree (IDD) should ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before the date specified in the notification. The candidate must possess the valid mark sheet or degree certificate on the day of online registration as proof of having passed the qualifying examination.
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 who has migrated from specified countries with the intention of permanently settling in India.
Local Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the specified opted local language of the State or UT they apply for. For Gujarat, the required language is Gujarati. Candidates must opt for one language at the time of online application for the local language test.
Candidates who produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheet or certificate evidencing having studied the specified opted local language will not be required to undergo the Language Proficiency Test. All others must clear the test before joining.
One State Only
Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State or UT only. Candidates can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project.
Age Limit and Relaxation for SBI Clerk 2026
The age is calculated as on 01 April 2026. Candidates must not be below 20 years and not above 28 years as on this date.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General (UR) and EWS | 20 Years | 28 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 20 Years | 31 Years (3 years relaxation) |
| SC and ST | 20 Years | 33 Years (5 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (General) | 20 Years | 38 Years (10 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (OBC) | 20 Years | 41 Years (13 years relaxation) |
| PwBD (SC and ST) | 20 Years | 43 Years (15 years relaxation) |
| Ex-Servicemen | Defence service + 3 years (max 50 years) | As per rules |
| Widows, Divorced Women (UR) | 20 Years | 35 Years |
| Widows, Divorced Women (SC and ST) | 20 Years | 38 Years |
| SBI Trained Apprentices | 4 to 16 years relaxation depending on category | As per rules |
For General and EWS candidates, the date of birth should fall between 02 April 1998 and 01 April 2006 (both dates inclusive).
Application Fee for SBI Clerk 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General, OBC, and EWS | Rs 750 |
| SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen | Nil (No Fee) |
Fee Payment Mode
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
The fee is non-refundable and cannot be adjusted for any other recruitment or examination process.
Great News: SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates can apply completely free of cost. For General, OBC, and EWS candidates, the fee is Rs 750.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 , SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
SBI Clerk Salary 2026
The SBI Junior Associate post offers one of the most attractive salary packages among clerical banking positions in India.
Pay Scale
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale Structure | Rs 24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480 |
| Starting Basic Pay (Graduates) | 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 at current rate) |
| HRA and CCA | Rs 5000 to Rs 8000 (city dependent) |
| Other Allowances | As per rules |
| Approximate Gross Salary | Rs 46000 to Rs 49000 |
| In-Hand Salary (After Deductions) | Rs 38000 to Rs 42000 |
Additional Benefits
- Medical Insurance for self and family
- Leave Fare Concession (LFC)
- Provident Fund and Gratuity
- Pension or NPS
- Subsidized Loan Facilities (Home Loan, Vehicle Loan, Personal Loan at concessional rates)
- Reimbursement of Newspaper and Periodical charges
- Leave Benefits (Earned, Casual, Sick Leave)
SBI Trained Apprentice Bonus
Trained apprentices of SBI who meet the notification’s conditions will be given 5 bonus marks (2.5 percent of maximum aggregate marks in Mains) added to their Mains aggregate score. This is a significant advantage for SBI apprenticeship alumni.
Selection Process for SBI Junior Associate 2026
The SBI Clerk 2026 selection is completely exam-based with no interview round.
Stage 1 – Preliminary Examination (Screening)
The prelims is a screening test. Candidates who qualify will be shortlisted for the Mains examination in approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each state and category. Prelims marks are NOT counted in the final merit – it is purely qualifying.
Stage 2 – Main Examination (Merit Deciding)
The Mains examination is the sole merit-deciding stage. The final merit list will be prepared state-wise and category-wise based entirely on marks obtained in the Mains examination.
Stage 3 – Local Language Proficiency Test (After Mains, Before Joining)
Candidates who qualify the Mains will be required to clear the test for knowledge of the specified opted local language. This test is conducted after qualifying Mains but before joining the bank. Candidates who fail will not be offered appointment. Those who studied the specified opted local language in 10th or 12th are exempt from this test.
Key Point for Gujarat: Gujarat candidates must opt for Gujarati language during online registration. If you have studied Gujarati in 10th or 12th, you are exempt from the Language Proficiency Test. If not, you must clear the Gujarati LLPT before joining.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 , SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
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 Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 60 Minutes (1 Hour)
- Sectional Timing: Yes – 20 minutes per section, cannot switch between sections
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Nature: Qualifying only – marks NOT counted in final merit
- No Minimum Sectional Cut-Off: No minimum subject-wise qualifying marks prescribed
- Candidate Shortlisting: Approximately 10x vacancies will be called for Mains
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 allocation for each section
- Negative Marking: 0.25 marks for each wrong answer
- Nature: Merit-deciding – final rank based entirely on Mains marks
- Wait List: Up to 50 percent of vacancies maintained state and category wise, valid for one year from the date of the provisional allotment of the last batch
SBI Clerk Prelims Syllabus 2026
English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks)
- Reading Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Fill in the Blanks
- Error Detection
- Phrase Replacement and Sentence Correction
- Spelling Errors
- Word Arrangement and Para Jumbles
Numerical Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks)
- Number Series
- Simplification and Approximation
- Data Interpretation (Table, Bar Graph, Line Graph, Pie Chart)
- Quadratic Equations
- Percentage, Ratio, and Proportion
- Profit, Loss, and Discount
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Pipe and Cistern
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Average, Mixture and Alligation
- Mensuration
Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks)
- Puzzles (Linear, Circular, Floor, Box)
- Seating Arrangements
- Syllogisms
- Inequalities (Direct and Coded)
- Blood Relations
- Direction Sense and Distance
- Coding and Decoding
- Order and Ranking
- Number and Alphabet Series
- Alphanumeric Series
SBI Clerk Mains Syllabus 2026
General and Financial Awareness (50 Questions, 50 Marks)
- Current Affairs (National and International – last 6 months)
- Banking Awareness and Banking History
- RBI Functions and Monetary Policies (Repo Rate, Reverse Repo, CRR, SLR, MSF, LAF)
- Financial Institutions (SEBI, NABARD, SIDBI, NHB, IRDA, PFRDA)
- Government Schemes (PM Mudra, PM Jan Dhan, PM Kisan, Atal Pension, PMSBY, PMJJBY)
- Banking Terminologies (NEFT, RTGS, IMPS, UPI, BBPS, NACH)
- Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights
- International Organizations (IMF, World Bank, ADB, NDB, AIIB)
- Awards, Honours, Sports Events
- Books and Authors
- Static GK (Headquarters, Capitals, Currencies)
General English (40 Questions, 40 Marks)
- Reading Comprehension (2 to 3 passages)
- Cloze Test
- Error Detection and Sentence Correction
- Sentence Rearrangement and Para Jumbles
- Fill in the Blanks (Single and Double)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Phrases)
- Column-Based Questions
- Word Usage and Grammar Rules
Quantitative Aptitude (50 Questions, 50 Marks)
- Data Interpretation (Advanced – Tabular, Bar, Line, Pie, Mixed, Caselet)
- Number Series (Missing and Wrong Number)
- Quadratic Equations
- Simplification and Approximation
- Data Sufficiency
- Percentage, Ratio, and Proportion
- Profit, Loss, and Discount
- Simple and Compound Interest
- Time and Work, Pipe and Cistern
- Time, Speed, and Distance
- Partnership, Average, Ages
- Mensuration
- Probability and Permutation
Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (50 Questions, 60 Marks)
This is the highest-marks section carrying 60 marks and is a combined section.
Reasoning Topics:
- Advanced Puzzles (5 to 7 variable puzzles)
- Complex Seating Arrangements (Linear, Circular, Rectangular, Multi-Level)
- Syllogisms (Direct and Reverse)
- Input-Output Machines
- Coding and Decoding (New Pattern)
- Blood Relations
- Direction and Distance
- Inequality
- Data Sufficiency (Reasoning-Based)
- Logical Reasoning (Statements, Assumptions, Conclusions, Arguments)
- Order and Ranking
Computer Aptitude Topics:
- Computer Fundamentals (Hardware, Software, Memory)
- Operating Systems (Windows, Linux Basics)
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Networking Basics (LAN, WAN, Internet, Protocols)
- Database Concepts (DBMS Basics)
- Cyber Security (Malware, Phishing, Firewall, Encryption)
- Computer Abbreviations
- Internet and Email Fundamentals
- Input and Output Devices
- Number Systems (Binary, Octal, Hexadecimal)
Preparation Priority: Reasoning and Computer Aptitude carries 60 marks (highest section), followed by Quantitative Aptitude and General Awareness at 50 marks each. General English has 40 marks. Focus maximum preparation on Reasoning (especially puzzles and seating arrangements) and General Awareness (banking and current affairs) as these are the highest-scoring sections for most candidates.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 , SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Local Language Proficiency Test
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nature | Qualifying (not counted in merit) |
| When | After qualifying Mains, before joining |
| Who Needs to Appear | Candidates who did NOT study the opted local language in 10th or 12th |
| Exempt | Candidates who studied the opted language in 10th or 12th (must produce mark sheet as proof) |
| Gujarat | Gujarati language test |
| Test Centre | At a centre in the state applied for, at candidate’s own expense |
| Consequence of Failure | Appointment will not be offered |
Candidates must opt for one language at the time of online application. For Gujarat, the language is Gujarati.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Transfer Policy for SBI Junior Associates
This is one of the most important aspects candidates must understand before applying.
| Rule | Details |
|---|---|
| First 5 Years | There is NO provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State Transfer |
| After 5 Years | Only in exceptional cases (Extreme Compassionate Ground or Spouse Ground), the Bank at its sole discretion may consider transfer requests |
| Posting | Candidates will be posted in the State or UT they applied for upon selection |
| Merit List | Prepared state-wise and category-wise |
| Operational Area | Candidates for Maharashtra and UP should check SBI branch locator for Circle-wise operational areas |
Critical Understanding for Gujarat Candidates: If you select Gujarat (Gandhinagar Circle), you will be posted within Gujarat and will NOT be transferred to any other state for at least 5 years. After 5 years, transfers are possible only on extreme compassionate or spouse grounds. This is an advantage for those who want to stay in Gujarat.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
How to Apply Online for SBI Junior Associate 2026
Step 1: Visit the SBI careers portal at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
Step 2: Find the notification for Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026-27 (Advertisement CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) and click Apply Online
Step 3: Click New Registration and enter your basic details including name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number
Step 4: Note down your Provisional Registration Number and Password carefully
Step 5: Log in using registration number or email ID and complete the full application form with personal, educational, and category details
Step 6: Select your State or UT preference carefully – you can choose only ONE state and this cannot be changed later
Step 7: Opt for one local language for the Language Proficiency Test (Gujarati for Gujarat applicants)
Step 8: Upload photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per the exact specifications in the notification (handwritten declaration format is on Page 9 of the notification)
Step 9: Capture and upload a live photograph using webcam or mobile camera when prompted
Step 10: Pay the application fee (Rs 750 for General, OBC, EWS or Nil for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen) through Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
Step 11: Preview and verify all details carefully before final submission
Step 12: Submit the application and download the e-receipt and completed form
Critical Warning: The state preference once selected cannot be changed. Choose your state wisely based on your local language proficiency and where you want to work for the next 5 or more years. For Gujarat residents proficient in Gujarati, selecting the Gandhinagar Circle is the natural choice.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026, SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Documents Required for SBI Clerk 2026
For Online Application Upload
- Recent Passport Size Colour Photograph (as per specifications)
- Signature (scanned as per specifications)
- Left Hand Thumb Impression (scanned)
- Handwritten Declaration in English (as per format on Page 9 of notification)
- Live Photograph (captured during application)
For Document Verification (After Selection)
- Graduation Degree Certificate and all year or semester mark sheets
- 10th and 12th Standard Mark Sheets (for DOB proof and local language verification)
- Category Certificate (SC, ST, OBC Non-Creamy Layer, EWS) from competent authority
- PwBD Certificate from competent authority if applicable
- Ex-Servicemen Certificate or Discharge Certificate if applicable
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport)
- Domicile or Residence Proof
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Important Instructions for Candidates
All Categories Eligible Unlike the Special Recruitment Drive (CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) which was only for SC, ST, and OBC backlog, this regular drive is open to ALL categories including General and EWS.
One State and One Attempt Only Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State or UT only and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project.
No Inter-State Transfer for 5 Years There is absolutely no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer for Junior Associates before completion of 5 years of service.
Backlog Vacancies are Net of Special Drive The backlog vacancies in this notification are net of the vacancies already advertised in the Special Recruitment Drive for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. This means SC, ST, and OBC candidates who applied for the special drive can also apply for this regular drive separately.
OBC Certificate Must Be Valid OBC candidates must ensure their Non-Creamy Layer certificate is valid and recently issued as per the latest income criteria. Expired or invalid NCL certificates will lead to disqualification.
Maharashtra and UP Candidates Candidates applying for Maharashtra (Maharashtra Circle or Mumbai Metro Circle) and Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Circle) should check the operational areas for their desired Circle from the SBI website Branch Locator before applying.
Handwritten Declaration Format Use the exact handwritten declaration format given on Page 9 of the official notification. Incorrect format may lead to rejection.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Preparation Strategy for SBI Clerk Exam 2026
With Prelims expected in September 2026 and Mains in November 2026, candidates have approximately 4 to 6 weeks for Prelims preparation.
Prelims Strategy (September 2026)
Week 1-2: Build Foundation
- Complete basic concepts in all three sections
- Practice English grammar, vocabulary, and basic reading comprehension
- Solve Numerical Ability basics – Number Series, Simplification, DI
- Practice Reasoning fundamentals – Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Syllogisms
Week 3-4: Intensive Practice
- Solve 50 to 100 questions daily across all three sections
- Focus on speed – you have only 20 minutes per section
- Take at least 3 full-length Prelims mock tests per week
- Analyze mistakes and work on weak areas
Mains Strategy (November 2026)
Focus Areas After Clearing Prelims:
- Reasoning and Computer Aptitude (60 marks) – Master advanced puzzles and learn computer fundamentals
- General and Financial Awareness (50 marks) – Read daily banking news, current affairs, and memorize banking terms
- Quantitative Aptitude (50 marks) – Practice advanced DI, caselet-based questions, and number series
- General English (40 marks) – Read English newspapers daily for comprehension and vocabulary improvement
Daily Study Plan (Suggested)
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| Morning 1.5 Hours | Reasoning (Puzzles and Seating Arrangements) |
| Afternoon 1.5 Hours | Quantitative Aptitude (DI and Number Series) |
| Evening 1 Hour | English (RC and Grammar) |
| Night 1 Hour | Banking Awareness and Current Affairs |
| Weekend | Full-length Mock Tests + Analysis |
Important Links for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| SBI Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in |
| Apply Online (SBI Careers) | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
| Official Notification PDF | Download from SBI Careers Page |
| SBI Branch Locator | https://sbi.co.in (Home Page – Branch Locator Icon) |
FAQs About SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Q1. How many total vacancies are there in SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
A total of 9124 vacancies have been announced – 7680 regular vacancies and 1444 backlog vacancies across 24 states and union territories under Advertisement Number CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.
Q2. How many vacancies are available for Gujarat?
Gujarat (Gandhinagar Circle) has 635 total vacancies – 330 regular and 305 backlog. The regular category-wise breakdown is General 136, OBC 89, ST 49, EWS 33, and SC 23.
Q3. Can General and EWS candidates apply for this SBI Clerk 2026?
Yes, this is the regular recruitment open to ALL categories including General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST. The previous Special Drive (CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) was only for SC, ST, and OBC backlog, but this regular drive is for everyone.
Q4. What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
The last date to apply online and complete fee payment is 31 August 2026 through sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
Q5. What is the SBI Clerk exam pattern?
Prelims has 100 questions for 100 marks in 60 minutes (3 sections, 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.
Q6. 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.
Q7. What is the salary for SBI Clerk 2026?
The starting basic pay for graduates is Rs 26730. The approximate total salary at a metro centre is Rs 46000 to Rs 49000 per month including DA, HRA, and other allowances.
Q8. Can I be transferred to another state after joining?
No, there is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer before completion of 5 years of service. After 5 years, only in exceptional cases like extreme compassionate or spouse grounds, the bank may consider transfer at its sole discretion.
Q9. What is the application fee?
Rs 750 for General, OBC, and EWS candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates pay nothing (Nil).
Q10. Can I apply for both the Special Drive and this Regular Drive?
Yes, SC, ST, and OBC candidates who applied for the Special Recruitment Drive (CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) can also apply for this regular drive (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) separately. These are two different recruitment projects.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Final Words
The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 with 9124 vacancies is the single largest bank clerk recruitment drive in India this year. With 7680 regular posts and 1444 backlog posts across 24 states and UTs, this is a once-in-a-year opportunity for every banking aspirant in the country. Gujarat candidates are especially fortunate with 635 vacancies (330 regular + 305 backlog) under the Gandhinagar Circle.
Unlike the Special Drive which was only for SC, ST, and OBC, this regular SBI Clerk notification 2026 is open to all categories including General and EWS. The selection process is purely exam-based with no interview, making it a level playing field where only your preparation decides your fate.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Register between 11 August and 31 August 2026 on sbi.bank.in. Start your Prelims preparation immediately with a focus on speed and accuracy in Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and English. After clearing Prelims, gear up for Mains where General Awareness and Reasoning carry the highest weightage.
This is the SBI Clerk 2026 opportunity that lakhs of candidates have been waiting for. Do not let this chance pass by.
For more SBI recruitment updates, bank job notifications, government job updates, exam patterns, results, and answer keys, keep visiting gccjobinfo.com.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026