The State Bank of India (SBI) has started accepting applications for 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts under a special recruitment drive for backlog vacancies. The online application process began on August 7, 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until August 27, 2026.

The current recruitment drive specifically covers backlog vacancies for SC, ST and OBC categories. SBI is expected to issue a separate notification for regular Junior Associate vacancies.

Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory under this recruitment drive. Applicants must also satisfy the local language requirement applicable to the State or UT selected in their application.

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Important Dates

Candidates should complete their applications well before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must hold a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university, or possess an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

As of April 1, 2026, candidates should be at least 20 years old and not more than 28 years old. Applicants must have been born between April 2, 1998 and April 1, 2006, with both dates included.

Age relaxation will apply to eligible reserved-category candidates according to SBI rules.

Selection Process

The SBI Junior Associate selection process will consist of three major stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT), where applicable

The preliminary examination will carry 100 marks and must be completed within one hour.

There will also be negative marking, with one-fourth of the marks assigned to a question deducted for each incorrect response.

Importantly, SBI has stated that there will be no minimum qualifying marks for individual sections or for the overall preliminary examination, and section-wise marks will not be maintained.

Local Language Requirement

Knowledge of the specified local language is an important part of this recruitment.

Candidates who qualify for appointment but did not study the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12 will have to appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test.

The LLPT will evaluate candidates' ability to read, write, speak and understand the relevant local language.

How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can complete the application process online through the official SBI Careers portal.

Applicants need to:

1. Open the relevant Junior Associate recruitment notification.
2. Complete online registration.
3. Enter personal and educational information.
4. Select the eligible State or Union Territory.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Pay the applicable application fee.
7. Submit the form and save the confirmation details.

Candidates should keep their registered email address and mobile number active throughout the recruitment process, as SBI will use these channels for important communications.

What Candidates Should Know

This recruitment should not be confused with SBI's regular Junior Associate recruitment cycle. The 1,538 positions are backlog vacancies being filled through a special recruitment drive for SC, ST and OBC categories.

Candidates should therefore carefully verify their category eligibility and the State/UT-wise vacancy requirements before submitting an application.

Key Highlights

• SBI has announced 1,538 Junior Associate vacancies.
• Applications are open from August 7 to August 27, 2026.
• The vacancies are part of a special backlog recruitment drive for SC, ST and OBC categories.
• Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree or recognised equivalent qualification.
• The prescribed age range is 20–28 years as of April 1, 2026, subject to applicable relaxations.
• The selection process includes Prelims, Mains and a Local Language Proficiency Test where required.
• The preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
• Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory.