The State Bank of India has officially launched the SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment 2026 (SBI Clerk 2026 Backlog Vacancies) under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16, inviting applications for 1,538 backlog vacancies in the clerical cadre. This drive is exclusively reserved for candidates from SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) categories — no General or EWS seats are available. Online registration is open from 7 August to 27 August 2026 at sbi.bank.in. If you are a graduate from one of these reserved communities looking to secure a permanent position with India’s largest public sector bank, this is one of the most significant openings of 2026. Read through everything you need — vacancies, eligibility, salary, exam pattern, and how to apply — in this article.
SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment 2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Department | Central Recruitment & Promotion Department |
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Recruitment Type | Special Drive — SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| Categories Open | SC, ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) only |
| Application Mode | Online only |
| Application Start | 07 August 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 27 August 2026 |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years (as on 01.04.2026) |
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Registration Opens | 07 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration and Fee Payment | 27 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination (Tentative) | September 2026 |
| Main Examination (Tentative) | October / November 2026 |
| Admit Card — Preliminary Exam | Will be updated after official release |
| Admit Card — Main Exam | Will be updated after official release |
| Result | Will be updated after official release |
Candidates should apply well before the last date to avoid server rush. The SBI portal typically experiences very high traffic in the final two to three days of any registration window.
Vacancy Details
All 1,538 vacancies under this drive are reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates only. There are no unreserved, EWS, or open-category seats. PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates apply under their respective parent category (SC, ST, or OBC).
State/Circle-wise Vacancy Breakdown:
| Circle | State / UT | Local Language | SC | ST | OBC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amaravati | Andhra Pradesh | Telugu / Urdu | — | 88 | — | 88 |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka | Kannada | 85 | 35 | — | 120 |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh | Hindi | — | 134 | — | 134 |
| Bhopal | Chhattisgarh | Hindi | — | 26 | — | 26 |
| Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Odia | — | 111 | — | 111 |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh UT | Hindi / Punjabi | — | — | 22 | 22 |
| Chandigarh | Jammu & Kashmir UT | Urdu / Hindi | — | 42 | — | 42 |
| Chandigarh | Himachal Pradesh | Hindi | 11 | — | — | 11 |
| Chandigarh | Punjab | Punjabi / Hindi | — | — | 18 | 18 |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu | Tamil | 65 | — | — | 65 |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Telugu / Urdu | — | 32 | — | 32 |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Hindi | 20 | 86 | — | 106 |
| Kolkata | West Bengal | Bengali / Nepali | — | — | 55 | 55 |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Hindi / Urdu | — | 31 | — | 31 |
| Maharashtra / Mumbai Metro | Maharashtra | Marathi | — | 165 | — | 165 |
| New Delhi | Delhi | Hindi | — | — | 17 | 17 |
| Gandhinagar | Gujarat | Gujarati | — | 289 | — | 289 |
| Guwahati | Assam | Assamese / Bengali / Bodo | — | 39 | — | 39 |
| Guwahati | Tripura | Bengali / Kokborok | — | 22 | — | 22 |
| Patna | Bihar | Hindi / Urdu | 12 | — | — | 12 |
| Patna | Jharkhand | Hindi / Santhali | 14 | 119 | — | 133 |
| Total | 207 | 1,219 | 112 | 1,538 |
Each candidate may apply for vacancies in one State/UT only. There is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer. Merit lists will be drawn State-wise and category-wise, and selected candidates will be posted in the state for which they applied.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 01.04.2026)
Candidates must have been born on or after 02 April 1998 and on or before 01 April 2006.
| Condition | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 years |
| Maximum Age | 28 years |
Age Relaxation (Upper Limit):
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen | Actual service period + 3 years (8 years for DXS belonging to SC/ST); subject to max age of 50 years |
| Widows, Divorced Women, Women Judicially Separated (not remarried) | 7 years (max age limit 38 for OBC; 40 for SC/ST) |
| Trained SBI Apprentices | OBC: 4 years; SC/ST: 6 years; PwBD (OBC): 14 years; PwBD (SC/ST): 16 years |
Cumulative relaxation is not permitted. No change in category is allowed after online registration is completed. Candidates must submit proof of relaxation at the time of joining.
Educational Qualification (as on 31.12.2026)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or equivalent |
| Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) | Date of passing the IDD must be on or before 31.12.2026 |
| Final Year Students | May apply provisionally; proof of passing required by 31.12.2026 if selected |
| Matriculate Ex-Servicemen | Eligible with Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or Navy/Air Force equivalent) after 15+ years of service; certificate dated on or before 31.12.2026 |
Candidates must also be proficient — in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding — in the specified local language of the State/UT they apply for. This proficiency is tested during the selection process.
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)
This post is identified as suitable for persons with the following disability categories under the RPWD Act 2016: Blindness, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Locomotor Disabilities (including Cerebral Palsy, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims), Specific Learning Disability, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild), Mental Illness (Mild), and Multiple Disabilities. Candidates with 40% or more disability are eligible for scribe assistance and 20 minutes of compensatory time per hour of examination.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee / Intimation Charge |
|---|---|
| SC / ST / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen (XS) / Disabled Ex-Servicemen (DXS) | Nil |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | Rs. 750/- |
The fee is non-refundable and cannot be held in reserve for any future exam or selection process. Payment can be made via debit card, credit card, or net banking. OBC candidates must complete fee payment within the registration window to ensure their application is accepted.
Salary and Pay Scale
SBI follows its own wage structure governed by IBA bipartite settlement — not the Central Government’s 7th CPC pay matrix. The pay scale for the Junior Associate (clerical cadre) is structured as follows:
Pay Scale: Rs. 24,050 – 1,340/3 – 28,070 – 1,650/3 – 33,020 – 2,000/4 – 41,020 – 2,340/7 – 57,400 – 4,400/1 – 61,800 – 2,680/1 – 64,480
| Salary Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay (Graduate) | Rs. 26,730/- per month (Rs. 24,050 + 2 advance increments) |
| Gross Monthly Salary (Metro — e.g. Mumbai) | Approximately Rs. 46,000/- per month |
| In-Hand Salary (after deductions) | Approximately Rs. 39,500 – Rs. 43,000/- per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Linked to Consumer Price Index; revised quarterly |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | Varies by city type — Metro, Urban, Semi-Urban |
| Transport Allowance | Admissible as per Bank rules |
| Medical Benefits | Reimbursement of medical expenses |
| Provident Fund | Applicable |
| Pension | New Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution Benefit) |
| Maximum Basic Pay (after ~20 years) | Rs. 64,480/- |
The gross monthly salary of approximately Rs. 46,000 at a metro posting, with in-hand take-home pay of Rs. 39,500 to Rs. 43,000, makes the SBI Junior Associate role one of the most competitively paid clerical positions in Indian public sector banking. Annual increments are guaranteed, and the pay grows steadily with every year of service.
Selection Process
SBI will select candidates for the Junior Associate role through three stages:
- Phase I — Preliminary Examination (Online): A screening test of 100 marks, lasting 1 hour, covering three sections. SBI shortlists approximately 10 times the number of vacancies (state and category-wise) for the Main Exam based on aggregate Prelims scores. There are no section-wise minimum marks, and Prelims marks do not contribute to the final merit list.
- Phase II — Main Examination (Online): The decisive stage, carrying 200 marks across four subjects in 2 hours 40 minutes. Candidates must achieve the minimum aggregate percentage decided by SBI. Only Main Exam marks determine the final merit ranking and selection. SBI Trained Apprentices with valid engagement dates receive a bonus of 5 marks (2.5% of 200) added to their Main Exam score, subject to conditions.
- Phase III — Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT): Applies only to candidates who have not studied the specified state language in Class 10 or 12. Candidates who qualify the Main Exam must pass this test before joining. Failure at this stage means disqualification despite passing all prior rounds. The test includes objective, subjective, and verbal components.
Final Selection: Appointment is contingent on medical fitness, verification of documents, and satisfactory completion of KYE (Know Your Employee) formalities.
Wait List: A wait list of up to 50% of vacancies (state and category-wise) will be maintained for one year from the date of final result declaration, used to fill positions vacated by non-joining or resignation from the selected batch.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus
Phase I — Preliminary Exam Pattern
| Section | Medium | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | English | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | Bilingual (as per state) | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | Bilingual (as per state) | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
Phase II — Main Exam Pattern
| Section | Medium | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | Bilingual | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Bilingual | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | Bilingual | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 Hr. 40 Min. |
Negative Marking: A deduction of 1/4th of the question’s marks applies for every wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main Examinations. No marks are deducted for unattempted questions. There are no section-wise cut-offs.
Syllabus Overview
English Language (Prelims + Mains): Reading Comprehension, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Error Spotting, Fill in the Blanks, Word Association, Vocabulary, Sentence Correction
Numerical Ability / Quantitative Aptitude: Number Series, Simplification, Data Interpretation (Tables, Bar Graphs, Pie Charts, Line Graphs), Quadratic Equations, and Arithmetic topics — Profit & Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, Time & Work, Speed & Distance, Percentages, Averages, Ratio & Proportion
Reasoning Ability: Puzzles, Seating Arrangements, Coding-Decoding, Inequalities, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Direction Sense, Alphanumeric Series, Statement and Conclusions
General / Financial Awareness: RBI Policies, Banking News (last 6 months), Government Schemes, Budget Highlights, Financial Institutions, Awards and Honours, Capital-Currency-Headquarters (Static GK)
Computer Aptitude (Main Exam only): Computer Fundamentals, Hardware and Software, Input-Output Devices, Internet and Networking Basics, MS Office Applications, Keyboard Shortcuts, Data Storage Concepts
Important Links for SBI Clerk 2026 Backlog Vacancies
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Join Us | |
| Apply Online | https://ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbijasrdjl26/ |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official SBI Careers Website | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers |
| Helpdesk for Application Queries | http://cgrs.ibps.in |
| Admit Card — Preliminary Exam | Will be updated after official release |
| Admit Card — Main Exam | Will be updated after official release |
| Result | Will be updated after official release |
How to Apply Online — Step by Step
- Visit the official SBI careers portal at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings and find the notification titled “Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026 (SC/ST/OBC Backlog).”
- Download and read the official notification PDF (Advt. No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) fully before beginning your application. Confirm your eligibility for the state, age limit, category, and local language requirement.
- Click on “Apply Online” under the Recruitment of Junior Associates section and register with your valid email ID and active mobile number. A provisional registration number and password will be generated — note these immediately.
- Prepare and scan the required documents: Recent passport-size photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, JPG, 20–50 KB), signature on white paper (140 × 60 pixels, 10–20 KB), left-hand thumb impression (240 × 240 pixels, 20–50 KB), and handwritten declaration in English on plain white paper (800 × 400 pixels, 50–100 KB). All files must be in JPG/JPEG format.
- Fill in the application form with your personal details, educational qualifications, category (SC/ST/OBC), preferred exam centre, local language choice, and the state/UT for which you are applying. Every field must be accurate and complete.
- Upload all documents at their designated spaces. Check that each image is clear and properly uploaded before submitting. Photo in the signature box or vice versa will result in disqualification.
- Review the application thoroughly. You can save and re-edit the form up to three times. Once you submit it finally, no changes are permitted under any circumstances.
- Pay the application fee: OBC candidates must pay Rs. 750/- using a debit card, credit card, or Internet Banking. SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen pay no fee. On successful payment, an e-receipt and completed application form will be generated.
- Download and save the e-receipt and application form after successful payment. Do not post this printout to SBI, but retain it for personal records.
- Download your admit card from the official website approximately 10 days before the exam date. No hard copy will be sent by post. Take a printout of the submitted application for future reference.
Documents Required
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Recent passport-size photograph | Upload during online application; bring to exam |
| Signature on white paper | Upload during online application |
| Left-hand thumb impression | Upload during online application |
| Handwritten declaration in English | Upload during online application |
| Class 10 / 12 Mark Sheet | Proof of local language studied (may exempt from LLPT) |
| Graduation Certificate / Degree | Proof of educational qualification |
| Category Certificate — SC/ST | Government-prescribed format, from Competent Authority |
| OBC Certificate (Non-Creamy Layer) | Must include “Non-Creamy Layer” clause; issued on or after 01.04.2026 |
| Disability Certificate (PwBD) | Issued by Medical Authority; dated on or before 27.08.2026 |
| Ex-Servicemen Certificate (Proforma A/B/C/D) | Applicable for released, serving, or extended-assignment personnel |
| Photo Identity Proof | Aadhar / PAN Card / Passport / Driving Licence / Voter ID / Bank Passbook with photograph |
Previous Year Cut-off
This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies — cut-off marks for this specific drive have not been published previously. However, based on the SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) Mains Examination held in the 2024–25 recruitment cycle, the following category-wise cut-off trends were observed across most states (out of 200 marks):
| Category | Mains Cut-off Range (Approximate, Varies by State) |
|---|---|
| SC | 60 – 75 |
| ST | 55 – 70 |
| OBC | 72 – 85 |
Since this drive targets only SC, ST, and OBC candidates with a state-specific pool of applicants, cut-offs may differ from regular recruitment cycles. The actual cut-off for this 2026 special drive will be updated after the official announcement.
Preparation Tips
- Begin Main Exam preparation immediately, not after Prelims: Since only Main Exam marks count for your final rank, start preparing General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude in parallel with Prelims topics from day one. Banking awareness in particular takes sustained daily effort to build.
- Dedicate 30 minutes daily to current banking affairs: For the SBI Junior Associate examination, this section is high-scoring and highly predictable. Focus on the last six months of RBI announcements, government banking schemes, recent mergers or policy changes, and Budget highlights. Refer to a reliable monthly banking awareness digest.
- Master Data Interpretation and Puzzle Sets: These are the most time-consuming components of Quantitative Aptitude and Reasoning respectively. Practise at least five DI sets and three puzzle sets daily. Speed and accuracy here will separate top scorers from the rest, especially under per-section time limits.
- Prepare for the Local Language Proficiency Test from day one: If you have not formally studied the state language in Class 10 or 12, do not treat the LLPT as an afterthought. Failing this test after clearing Mains leads to disqualification. Start basic reading, comprehension, and writing practice in your state’s language alongside your exam preparation.
- Practise with negative marking in mind: In the SBI Junior Associate examination, a wrong answer costs you 0.25 marks. Set per-section time limits during mock tests and consciously skip questions you are less than 70% confident about rather than guessing. Targeting 85–90% accuracy on attempted questions is more effective than maximising attempt count.
About State Bank of India
State Bank of India is the country’s largest public sector bank, with over 22,500 branches, more than 65,000 ATMs, and a customer base exceeding 50 crore across India and in over 30 countries. SBI controls approximately one-fourth of India’s total banking market and was ranked among the Top 5 Most Trustworthy Banks Globally by the Newsweek and Statista Survey in 2024. In 2026, SBI won gold in four categories at the Economic Times Human Capital Awards — reflecting not just its financial strength but its standing as one of India’s premier employers. A career with SBI offers unmatched job security, structured promotions, and a comprehensive benefits package that few private sector employers can match.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the salary of an SBI Junior Associate in 2026?
The starting Basic Pay for a graduate Junior Associate is Rs. 26,730 per month. Including Dearness Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance, and other perks, the gross monthly salary at a Metro posting is approximately Rs. 46,000. After statutory deductions such as NPS contribution and professional tax, the in-hand salary is approximately Rs. 39,500 to Rs. 43,000 per month depending on the place of posting. The maximum basic pay of Rs. 64,480 is reached after approximately 20 years of service.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment 2026?
The last date for both online registration and fee payment is 27 August 2026. Once this window closes, no application will be accepted. Candidates are strongly advised to complete the process several days before this date, as the SBI portal typically slows considerably in the final 24–48 hours due to heavy traffic.
Q3. Can General category (UR) or EWS candidates apply for this recruitment?
No. This is an exclusive Special Recruitment Drive for SC (Scheduled Caste), ST (Scheduled Tribe), and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) backlog vacancies only. General category and EWS candidates are not eligible to apply under this notification. A separate regular recruitment drive for Junior Associates has also been announced for 2026 that includes open-category seats.
Q4. Is there negative marking in the SBI Junior Associate examination?
Yes. Both the Preliminary and Main Examinations carry a negative marking penalty of 1/4th of the question’s marks for each wrong answer. There is no penalty for unattempted questions. No section-wise minimum marks are required, so it is better to skip uncertain questions than to guess blindly.
Q5. What is the selection process for SBI Junior Associate?
Selection involves three stages: Phase I (Preliminary Exam, online, 100 marks), Phase II (Main Exam, online, 200 marks), and Phase III (Local Language Proficiency Test, for candidates who have not studied the state language in Class 10/12). Only Main Exam marks count toward the final merit list. Final appointment is subject to medical fitness and document verification.
Q6. Can candidates apply for multiple states under this recruitment?
No. Each candidate may apply for vacancies in one State/UT only. There is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer for Junior Associates. Candidature will be considered only for the state/UT applied for, and selected candidates will be posted in that state.
Q7. What is the career growth path after joining as SBI Junior Associate?
Junior Associates begin their career with a six-month probation, during which they must complete prescribed e-lessons. After confirmation, the promotion ladder is: Junior Associate → Senior Associate → Special Assistant, through internal competitive exams and merit-based selection. With JAIIB and CAIIB certifications, Associates can move into the Officer cadre (Scale I — Assistant Manager) typically within 3 to 7 years. SBI has a robust internal promotion policy that rewards performance and professional qualification.
Q8. Is the Local Language Proficiency Test mandatory for all candidates?
Not for all. Candidates who can produce a Class 10 or 12 mark sheet or certificate proving they studied the specified state language are exempt from the LLPT. Those who cannot prove this must appear for and pass the test after provisional selection. Failing the LLPT results in disqualification even after clearing the Main Examination.
The SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment 2026 is a rare and well-structured opportunity for SC, ST, and OBC graduates to enter India’s largest bank on a permanent basis. With 1,538 vacancies spread across 21 states and union territories, competition is state-specific and category-specific — giving eligible candidates a more defined and realistic path to selection than in open-category exams. Submit your application before 27 August 2026 at https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings, prepare with a strategy that treats the Main Exam as the real battleground, and monitor the official SBI careers page for all future updates on admit cards and results.
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