SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: 7,680 Regular Vacancies, Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Salary, Application & Complete Details

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the detailed notification for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. Eligible Indian citizens can apply online for the recruitment within the prescribed registration period.

According to the detailed advertisement, the online registration and fee payment facility is available from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. Candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/Union Territory only, and they must have proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT selected by them. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The vacancy table in the notification shows 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies. Thus, the notification table represents 9,124 vacancies in total when regular and backlog vacancies are considered together. The bank has also stated that the vacancies are provisional and may vary according to its actual requirement.

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SBI Junior Associate Vacancy 2026

The notification contains State/UT-wise and category-wise vacancy details. The 7,680 regular vacancies are distributed among SC, ST, OBC, EWS and General categories, with horizontal reservations for eligible PwBD and Ex-Servicemen-related categories.

The total regular vacancy figures shown in the notification include:

• SC – 1,114
• ST – 837
• OBC – 1,716
• EWS – 760
• General – 3,253
• Total Regular Vacancies – 7,680

The notification additionally lists 1,444 backlog vacancies. These backlog vacancies are shown separately in the advertisement and are subject to the conditions specified by SBI.

Important point about State-wise vacancies

Candidates should carefully check the State/UT-wise vacancy table before submitting the application. SBI clearly states that candidates can apply for vacancies of only one State/UT under this recruitment.

The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise, and selected candidates will be posted in the State for which they have applied. Candidates may write the examination at any notified examination centre, but the local-language test, wherever applicable, will be conducted at a centre decided by SBI in the State applied for, at the candidate’s own expense.

Local Language Requirement

One of the most important conditions in this recruitment is the local language requirement. Candidates applying for a particular State/UT must be proficient in the specified language in terms of:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Understanding

For example, the vacancy table specifies languages such as Gujarati for Gujarat, Kannada for Karnataka, Odia for Odisha, Tamil for Tamil Nadu, Marathi for Maharashtra, Telugu/Urdu for Telangana and Bengali/Nepali for West Bengal. A candidate who has studied the specified local language in 10th or 12th standard and can produce the relevant mark sheet/certificate will not be required to take the separate local language test. Candidates who have not studied the specified language in Class 10 or 12, but are otherwise provisionally selected, will have to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) before joining. Failure to qualify the local language test will result in the candidate not being offered appointment.

SBI Junior Associate Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy the age and educational qualification requirements specified in the notification.

Age Limit

The age limit is calculated as on 01 April 2026. Candidates must:

• Be at least 20 years old
• Not be more than 28 years old
• According to the notification, candidates must have been born not earlier than 02 April 1998 and not later than 01 April 2006, with both dates inclusive.

Age Relaxation

Upper-age relaxation is available to eligible categories as specified in the notification.

For Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen, the notification provides relaxation based on the actual period of defence service plus the prescribed additional period, subject to a maximum age of 50 years. Specific maximum-age provisions also apply to widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who have not remarried. Candidates should note that cumulative age relaxation is not available under the different categories mentioned in the advertisement.

Educational Qualification

The essential educational qualification is graduation in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Candidates possessing an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) must ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 31 December 2026.

Final-year students can also apply

Candidates who are currently studying in the final year or final semester of graduation may also apply provisionally. However, if provisionally selected, they must produce proof that they have passed the graduation examination on or before 31 December 2026. Therefore, final-year degree students who expect to complete their graduation within the prescribed date can also consider applying, subject to all other eligibility requirements.

Selection Process

The SBI Junior Associate recruitment selection process consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Local Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable
4. The Preliminary Examination is used to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination.
5. The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be added to the final merit score.
6. The final merit list is prepared based on the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to fulfilment of the other conditions including the local language requirement where applicable.

SBI Junior Associate Preliminary Exam Pattern

The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test carrying 100 marks.

Each section has a separate time limit. The entire examination is completed in one hour.

Negative Marking

There is negative marking in the objective tests. For every wrong answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. The notification states that there are no minimum qualifying marks prescribed for individual tests or for the aggregate score in the Preliminary Examination. Section-wise marks will also not be maintained.

Shortlisting for Main Examination

SBI will shortlist an adequate number of candidates in each category for the Main Examination. The notification states that this will be approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability and the bank’s decision.

SBI Junior Associate Main Exam Pattern

The Main Examination consists of four sections and carries 200 marks.

Each test has a separate timing. Negative marking is applicable, with one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question deducted for each wrong answer. Candidates must obtain the minimum aggregate percentage prescribed by SBI. The notification provides a 5% relaxation in the aggregate qualifying requirement for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.

Local Language Proficiency Test

The Local Language Proficiency Test is applicable to provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12. The notification describes the LLPT as including non-verbal and verbal components. The non-verbal component includes objective and subjective portions, while the candidate must also qualify the verbal test according to the minimum qualifying standard prescribed by the bank. A 5% relaxation is available in the individual test requirement for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates. Candidates should therefore not treat the local-language requirement as a minor formality. It is an essential part of the selection process for candidates who do not have documentary proof of having studied the specified language.

Final Merit List

The Preliminary Examination marks will not be included in the final selection score. Only the marks obtained in the Main Examination will be considered for preparation of the final merit list. Merit will be prepared State-wise and category-wise.

Final selection will be subject to:

• Verification of eligibility
• Verification of information provided in the application
• Qualifying in the local language test, wherever applicable

SBI will also maintain a wait list of up to 50% of vacancies on a State-category basis. The wait list can be used quarterly against non-joining and resignation from the current batch, subject to the prescribed conditions, and will remain valid for one year from the date of declaration of the final result.

SBI Junior Associate Salary

The pay scale mentioned in the notification is: ₹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. The starting Basic Pay for the Junior Associate is ₹26,730, consisting of the basic pay of ₹24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates. According to the notification, the total starting emoluments of a clerical cadre employee posted in a metropolitan location such as Mumbai will be approximately ₹46,000 per month, including DA, other applicable allowances and the two additional increments for newly recruited graduate Junior Associates.

The actual amount can vary depending on the place of posting and applicable allowances. Employees are also eligible for various benefits and facilities according to the bank’s rules, including provident fund, pension under the New Pension Scheme, medical benefits and leave-fare-related facilities.

Probation Period

Newly appointed Junior Associates will be on probation for a minimum period of six months. During probation, newly recruited Junior Associates are required to complete e-lessons prescribed by SBI. Confirmation will be subject to successful completion of the required training and satisfactory performance. If the required e-lessons are not completed, the probation period may be extended. The bank may also extend probation if an employee’s performance does not meet its expectations.

SBI Junior Associate Job Responsibilities

The Junior Associate position is not limited to routine counter work. The notification specifically states that new recruits should have an aptitude for marketing and may be required to:

• Make customer calls
• Provide banking services
• Provide advisory services
• Cross-sell banking products
• Work inside and outside bank premises
• Undertake extensive outdoor travelling where required
• Work flexible hours or shifts depending on operational requirements
• Therefore, candidates considering this position should understand that customer interaction and sales-related responsibilities form an important part of the role.

Application Fee

The application fee/intimation charge is non-refundable.

The notification states that the fee, once paid, will not be refunded and cannot be kept in reserve for another examination or selection.

How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Candidates must apply online only. No other mode of application will be accepted. The application process involves the following general steps:

Step 1: Visit the SBI Careers Website

Candidates should visit the SBI Careers/Current Openings section and locate the Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026 advertisement.

Step 2: Read the Detailed Notification

Candidates should carefully read Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 and ensure that they meet the age, educational, State/UT and local-language requirements.

Step 3: Prepare Required Documents

Before starting the application, candidates should keep the required digital documents ready, including:

• Recent photograph
• Signature
• Left thumb impression
• Handwritten declaration
• The notification also provides detailed specifications for the scanned documents.

Step 4: Complete the Online Form

Candidates should enter their personal, educational and other required details carefully. If the application is saved before final submission, the system will generate a provisional registration number and password. The saved application can be reopened using these credentials, and the notification states that editing of saved particulars is permitted up to three times before final submission.

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Eligible candidates who are required to pay the fee can make payment through the integrated payment gateway using:

• Debit Card
• Credit Card
• Internet Banking
• Any applicable transaction charges are to be borne by the candidate.

Step 6: Save the Application

After successful payment, an e-receipt and application form containing fee details will be generated. Candidates are advised to take a printout/save a copy of the completed application for their records. The printout does not have to be sent to SBI.

Important Documents for Online Application

The notification requires candidates to upload the following:

1. Photograph
2. Signature
3. Left thumb impression
4. Handwritten declaration
5. Live photograph during the application process
6. The photograph should be a recent passport-style colour photograph. The notification specifies a preferred photograph size of 200 × 230 pixels and a file size of 20 KB to 50 KB.

The signature should be made on white paper using black ink, with a preferred dimension of 140 × 60 pixels and a file size of 10 KB to 20 KB. The left thumb impression should be made on white paper using black or blue ink. The handwritten declaration must be written clearly in English on white paper using black ink. Candidates should ensure that all uploaded images are clear and correctly placed in the application form. An unclear photograph, signature, thumb impression or declaration may result in rejection of the application.

Live Photograph Requirement

An additional live photograph must be captured during the online application. The notification states that candidates can use a webcam or mobile phone for this purpose. When using a mobile phone, the application can provide a QR-code-based option that redirects the candidate to a page where the photograph can be captured and uploaded automatically. Candidates should therefore make sure they have a suitable device and adequate lighting while completing the application.

SBI Junior Associate Exam Centres

SBI has provided a tentative list of examination centres in Annexure I. For Kerala, the listed centres include:

• Alappuzha
• Kannur
• Ernakulam
• Kollam
• Kottayam
• Kozhikode
• Malappuram
• Palakkad
• Thiruvananthapuram
• Thrissur

The notification makes it clear that the bank reserves the right to cancel or add examination centres and may allot a candidate to a centre different from the one selected. Requests for changing the examination centre, date or session will not be entertained.

Call Letter and Examination Documents

SBI will not send physical call letters by post. Candidates are required to download their call letters and the “Acquaint Yourself” booklet from the bank’s website. The notification states that the Preliminary Examination call letter is expected to be available approximately 10 days before the examination. Candidates appearing for the Main Examination must bring the duly authenticated Preliminary Examination call letter, authenticated ID proof copy and the Main Examination call letter along with other required documents. Candidates should also carry two additional photographs matching the photograph pasted on the call letter. SBI advises candidates to retain around eight copies of the same photograph used in the application because the photographs may be required at different stages of the recruitment process.

Identity Proof at the Examination

Candidates must carry an original valid photo identity proof along with a self-attested photocopy. The notification lists documents such as:

• Passport
• Aadhaar
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Voter’s Card
• Bank Passbook with attested photograph
• Certain officially issued identity cards
• Failure to produce the required identity proof or doubts regarding the candidate’s identity can result in denial of entry to the examination.

Biometric Verification

SBI may capture the candidate’s thumb impression or iris at various stages for biometric verification. Candidates are advised to ensure that the biometric information captured is genuine and consistent. The notification specifically advises candidates not to apply external substances such as mehendi, ink or chemicals to their hands where this could affect biometric capture.

Items Prohibited in the Examination Hall

Candidates should pay particular attention to the examination-day restrictions. The following are not permitted inside the examination premises:

• Mobile phones
• Pagers
• Smart watches
• Other communication devices
• Calculators

Violation of these instructions may result in cancellation of candidature and disciplinary action, including possible debarment from future SBI examinations. Candidates are advised not to bring prohibited items to the examination centre because SBI does not guarantee arrangements for their safekeeping.

Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange online pre-examination training for eligible candidates belonging to certain categories, including:

• SC
• ST
• OBC
• Ex-Servicemen
• PwBD

Candidates who wish to take advantage of the facility must indicate their choice in the online application. The schedule and related information will be communicated through the registered email ID and SMS.

Special Benefit for SBI Trained Apprentices

SBI trained apprentices satisfying the conditions specified in the notification can receive an additional benefit. Eligible trained apprentices will receive 2.5% of the maximum Main Examination marks, equivalent to 5 marks out of 200, as bonus marks. This benefit is subject to specific requirements relating to the apprentice’s engagement date, successful completion of one year of branch experience, satisfactory conduct and performance, and completion of the prescribed skill evaluation and apprenticeship certification requirements.

Reservation for PwBD Candidates

The notification provides 4% horizontal reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities under Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The identified categories include visual impairment, hearing impairment, locomotor disabilities and certain disabilities under the specified categories, including multiple disabilities. Candidates seeking reservation under PwBD must produce the prescribed latest disability certificate issued by the competent authority. The certificate should be dated on or before the last date of registration. The advertisement also contains provisions concerning scribes and compensatory time for eligible candidates with disabilities. Eligible candidates who use a scribe can receive compensatory time of 20 minutes for every hour of the examination, subject to the conditions specified by SBI.

OBC and EWS Reservation – Important Conditions

OBC reservation is available only to candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer. Candidates belonging to the OBC Creamy Layer are not entitled to the OBC reservation or relaxation and are required to indicate the appropriate General category as specified in the notification. The OBC certificate must contain the Non-Creamy Layer clause and must satisfy the prescribed date requirements. For EWS candidates, an appropriate Income and Asset Certificate issued by a competent authority in the prescribed Government of India format is required. The notification specifies the relevant financial year and validity requirements for the certificate.

Important Dates

The major dates mentioned in the notification are:

The bank advises candidates to regularly check its authorised career website for updates and changes to the recruitment schedule.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Important Points for Candidates

Before applying, candidates should remember the following:

1. Only one State/UT can be selected.
2. Candidates can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment project.
3. The specified local language requirement must be satisfied.
4. Candidates who studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 can avoid the separate language test by producing the required certificate/mark sheet.
5. Preliminary marks are not counted in the final merit list.
6. Main Examination marks determine the final merit ranking.
7. There is 1/4 negative marking in objective tests.
8. The application fee is ₹750 for General/OBC/EWS candidates.
9. SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates are exempt from the application fee.
10. Candidates should submit the application well before the closing date.
11. Only one application should be submitted.
12. Corrections are not allowed after final submission.
13. Mobile phones, smart watches and calculators are prohibited in the examination premises.
14. Candidates must retain their call letters and required examination documents.
15. Final appointment is subject to eligibility verification, medical fitness and other prescribed formalities.

SBI Junior Associate 2026 – Application Tips

Candidates should not wait until the final day to submit the application. SBI itself advises candidates to apply well before the closing date to avoid problems caused by heavy website traffic, internet connectivity issues or other technical difficulties. Before clicking the final submission button, carefully verify:

• Name
• Date of birth
• Category
• Educational qualification
• State/UT selected
• Local language
• Examination centre
• Photograph
• Signature
• Thumb impression
• Handwritten declaration
• Mobile number
• Email ID
• Once the application is finally submitted, changes or corrections will not be entertained.

Preparation Strategy for SBI Junior Associate Exam

Candidates preparing for this recruitment should focus on both speed and accuracy because of the negative marking system.

For Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination has three sections:

• English Language
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning Ability

Since each section has a separate 20-minute time limit, candidates should practise solving questions within strict time limits. Regular mock tests can help candidates improve:

• Calculation speed
• Question selection
• Time management
• Accuracy
• Sectional strategy

For Main Examination

The Main Examination is more comprehensive and includes:

• General/Financial Awareness
• General English
• Quantitative Aptitude
• Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude

Candidates should give particular attention to General and Financial Awareness because this section is not part of the Preliminary Examination but contributes directly to the Main Examination score. Since the final merit list is based on the Main Examination, candidates should begin Main Examination preparation early rather than waiting until after the Preliminary Examination.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Career Opportunity

The Junior Associate position offers graduates an opportunity to enter the banking sector through SBI’s clerical cadre. The notification provides a structured pay scale, allowances and various employee benefits. However, candidates should also understand the nature of the job. The notification specifically mentions customer interaction, marketing, customer calls, advisory services, cross-selling of products and possible outdoor travel. Working hours may also be flexible depending on operational requirements. Therefore, this recruitment is particularly suitable for graduates who are interested in banking, customer service and financial services and who are comfortable interacting with customers.

The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 is a major recruitment opportunity for eligible graduates. SBI has notified 7,680 regular vacancies, along with 1,444 backlog vacancies, under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. The online application window is open from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, followed by the Main Examination in November 2026. Candidates should carefully study the State/UT vacancy, local-language requirement, age limit, educational qualification, examination pattern, fee structure and document requirements before applying.

The most important point is that candidates should apply for only one State/UT and ensure that they satisfy the specified local-language requirement. Since the final merit list is prepared State-wise and category-wise, candidates should carefully select the State/UT in which they genuinely wish to seek appointment. Candidates should rely only on the information published by SBI through its authorised career portal for subsequent announcements, call letters, examination dates and other recruitment updates. The notification itself cautions candidates against external platforms or individuals claiming guaranteed selection or insider recruitment assistance.

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