SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026: 1538 Vacancies

State Bank of India (SBI) has released Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 for the Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC Backlog Vacancies to the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. A total of 1,538 vacancies are available across 24 states/UTs. Eligible candidates can apply online, and pay fees, from 7 August 2026 to 27 August 2026.

SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026: Highlights

State/UT-wise Vacancy Details (Selected)

Note: SC total 207, ST total 1,219, OBC total 112. Candidates can apply for vacancies in ONE State/UT only, and must be proficient in the specified local language for that state.

Who Can Apply

This is a Special Recruitment Drive specifically for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies. Candidates belonging to these reserved categories, meeting the age and educational qualification criteria, and proficient in the local language of their applied State/UT, may apply. PwBD and Ex-servicemen/Disabled Ex-servicemen can apply under their respective parent category.

Educational Qualification

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University, or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government, as on 31 December 2026. Candidates in their final year/semester may also apply provisionally.

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Age Limit

Not below 20 years and not above 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (born between 02.04.1998 and 01.04.2006, both dates inclusive).

Application Fee

Fee is non-refundable and payable online via debit card/credit card/Internet Banking.

Salary

Pay Scale: Rs.24,050-1340/3-28,070-1650/3-33,020-2000/4-41,020-2340/7-57,400-4400/1-61,800-2680/1-64,480. Starting Basic Pay is Rs.26,730/- (Rs.24,050/- plus two advance increments for graduates). Total starting emoluments at a Metro like Mumbai will be approximately Rs.46,000/- per month, inclusive of DA and other allowances.

Selection Process

Selection consists of three phases:

• Phase I – Preliminary Examination: Online objective test, 100 marks, 1 hour (English Language-30, Numerical Ability-35, Reasoning Ability-35). Negative marking of 1/4th mark per wrong answer.
• Phase II – Main Examination: Online objective test, 200 marks, 2 hours 40 minutes (General/Financial Awareness-50, General English-40, Quantitative Aptitude-50, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude-60). Negative marking applies. Only Main Exam marks count for the final merit list.
• Phase III – Local Language Proficiency Test: Required for candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10th/12th. Conducted after provisional selection but before joining.

Trained SBI Apprentices meeting eligibility conditions receive 2.5% bonus marks (5 out of 200) in the Main Examination. Merit lists are prepared State-wise and category-wise.

Documents Required

• Photo identity proof (Passport/Aadhaar/PAN Card/Driving License/Voter’s Card/Bank Passbook with attested photo)
• Caste certificate (for SC/ST candidates, in Government-prescribed format, at document verification/joining)
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificate, issued 01.04.2026 onwards
• 10th/12th mark sheet (for local language exemption, if applicable)
• Discharge certificate (for Ex-servicemen, at time of appointment)
• Disability certificate (for PwBD candidates claiming benefits)

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the SBI careers portal: https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings and select “Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026”.
2. Register online, choosing your State/UT (only one allowed) and specified local language.
3. Upload scanned photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per Annexure-II specifications.
4. Pay the applicable fee/intimation charge online (Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS, Rs.750/- for OBC).
5. Take a printout of the submitted application form for your records (not to be sent to SBI).
6. Download the Preliminary Exam call letter approximately 10 days before the exam date from the SBI website.

Why You Should Apply

This special recruitment drive is aimed specifically at filling long-pending SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies, making it a significant opportunity for candidates from these categories to join one of India’s largest public sector banks in a stable clerical cadre role, with a straightforward 3-phase selection process and no interview.

Preparation Tips

• Focus on English Language, Numerical/Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability, as these form the core of both Preliminary and Main exams.
• If you haven’t studied your state’s specified local language in Class 10/12, prepare for the Local Language Proficiency Test, as failing it disqualifies you from appointment even after clearing the exams.
• Ensure your category certificates (SC/ST/OBC-NCL) are valid and in the prescribed format well before applying.
• Apply for the State/UT where you are proficient in the local language, since there is no provision for Inter-State transfer after selection.
• Apply early to avoid last-minute website congestion before the 27 August 2026 deadline.

Important Links

• Download Official Notification (PDF)
• Apply Online
• Download NaukriPatra App
• Join our WhatsApp Channel
• Join our Telegram Channel

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many vacancies are there in SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026?

1,538 vacancies: SC-207, ST-1,219, and OBC-112, across 24 states/UTs.

What is the last date to apply for this recruitment?

27 August 2026, for both online registration and fee payment.

What is the age limit for this recruitment?

20-28 years as on 1 April 2026, with relaxation for OBC, SC/ST, PwBD, Ex-servicemen, and other specified categories.

What is the qualification required for this post?

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University, as on 31 December 2026.

What is the application fee?

Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates; Rs.750/- for OBC candidates.

What is the starting salary for Junior Associate?

Starting Basic Pay is Rs.26,730/-, with total starting emoluments of approximately Rs.46,000/- per month at a Metro city like Mumbai.

What is the selection process?

Preliminary Examination, followed by Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (if applicable) — no interview is conducted.

Can I apply for more than one State/UT?

No, candidates can apply for vacancies in only ONE State/UT.

Is this drive open to General category candidates?

No, this is a Special Recruitment Drive specifically for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies.

When will the Preliminary and Main Examinations be held?

Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, and the Main Examination for October/November 2026.