SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 – Junior Associate 1538 Backlog Posts

State Bank of India (SBI) has released a special recruitment drive to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre under advertisement number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16. Eligible graduates from reserved categories (SC/ST/OBC) can submit their online applications from 7 August to 27 August 2026.

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026

State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a Special Recruitment Drive under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 to recruit 1,538 Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales). Online applications opened on 7 August 2026 and will remain active until 27 August 2026.

This special drive is meant exclusively to clear pending backlog vacancies reserved for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer). The vacancies span across 21 states and union territories, including 39 reserved posts for ST candidates in Assam under the Guwahati Circle.

SBI Clerk Vacancy Details

The category-wise distribution of 1,538 backlog vacancies across participating circles stands as follows:

Note: General category candidates cannot apply for this drive as it is restricted solely to SC, ST, and OBC candidates to fill backlog slots. There is no provision for inter-circle or inter-state transfers for recruits under this drive.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or an equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. The degree must be completed on or before 31 December 2026. Candidates currently in their final year/semester may also apply provisionally.

Age Limit (as on 1 April 2026): Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age (born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive).

Category Relaxations in Upper Age Limit:

• SC / ST Candidates: 5 Years relaxation (Up to 33 years)
• OBC (NCL) Candidates: 3 Years relaxation (Up to 31 years)
• PwBD (OBC) Candidates: 13 Years relaxation
• PwBD (SC/ST) Candidates: 15 Years relaxation
• Ex-Servicemen: Length of service + 3 years (Up to 50 years max)
• Widows / Divorced Women: 7 Years relaxation

SBI Clerk Pay Scale & Emoluments

The starting basic pay for Junior Associates is ₹26,730/- (₹24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates). The complete pay scale structure 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.

Total initial emoluments at a metro location like Mumbai will be approximately ₹46,000/- per month inclusive of Dearness Allowance (DA) and other perquisites. The probation period is 6 months.

Application Fee

Payment must be remitted online using Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. Fees once paid are non-refundable.

Selection Process & Exam Pattern

The selection procedure consists of an online Preliminary Examination, an online Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Negative marking of 0.25 marks applies for each wrong answer in objective tests.

1. Preliminary Examination (100 Marks | 1 Hour):

2. Main Examination (200 Marks | 2 Hours 40 Minutes):

3. Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT):

Candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the applied State/UT in 10th or 12th standard must clear a 50-mark Local Language Proficiency Test after provisional selection before joining.

How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?

Applications are accepted online only through the official State Bank of India careers portal. Follow these steps to register:

1. Click on the Online Application link provided in the Important Links section below.
2. Select ‘Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026’ and click ‘Click here for New Registration’.
3. Enter basic personal details to generate a provisional Registration Number and Password.
4. Fill out educational qualifications, category details, and select one State/UT along with your opted local language.
5. Upload scanned photograph (20-50 KB), signature (10-20 KB), left thumb impression (20-50 KB), and handwritten declaration (50-100 KB).
6. Pay the application fee online (if applicable for OBC candidates).
7. Review your application preview, submit the form, and download the printout and e-receipt for future reference.

Important Links of SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)