The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the notification for the recruitment of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This is one of the largest banking job drives of the year, offering 9,766 vacancies across India. The online application window is open from August 11, 2026 to August 31, 2026. If you are a graduate and dream of a secure, well-paying career in the banking sector, this is your chance.
In this comprehensive guide, we cover everything you need to know – important dates, eligibility, state‑wise vacancy distribution, selection procedure, salary, application fee, and step‑by‑step instructions to apply online.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
-
Conducting Body: State Bank of India (Central Recruitment & Promotion Department, Mumbai)
-
Post: Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) – Clerical Cadre
-
Advertisement Number: CRPD/CR/2026-27/17
-
Total Vacancies: 9,766 (7,680 regular + 2,086 backlog)
-
Application Mode: Online only
-
Application Start Date: August 11, 2026
-
Application Last Date: August 31, 2026
-
Preliminary Exam (Tentative): September 2026
-
Main Exam (Tentative): November 2026
-
Official Website: sbi.bank.in
Dates to Remember
-
Notification Release: August 11, 2026
-
Online Registration Begins: August 11, 2026
-
Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: August 31, 2026
-
Preliminary Exam: September 2026 (tentative)
-
Main Exam: November 2026 (tentative)
Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline to avoid last‑minute technical glitches.
Vacancy Breakdown – State‑wise & Category‑wise
SBI has announced a total of 9,766 vacancies – 7,680 regular posts and 2,086 backlog vacancies reserved for SC/ST/OBC candidates.
Category‑wise Regular Vacancies:
-
General (GEN) – 3,253
-
OBC – 1,716
-
SC – 1,114
-
ST – 837
-
EWS – 760
States with the Highest Vacancies (Regular + Backlog):
-
Maharashtra – 1,999 vacancies
-
Tamil Nadu – 1,516 vacancies
-
Odisha – 1,118 vacancies
-
Karnataka – 799 vacancies
-
West Bengal – 704 vacancies
-
Gujarat – 635 vacancies
-
Rajasthan – 425 vacancies
Candidates can apply for only one State/UT and must be proficient in the specified local language of that State. The local language test is conducted after the Main examination.
Eligibility Criteria for SBI Junior Associate 2026
Age Limit (as on April 1, 2026)
-
Minimum age: 20 years
-
Maximum age: 28 years
-
Birth range: Born not earlier than April 2, 1998, and not later than April 1, 2006 (both days inclusive)
Age Relaxation (Upper age limit)
-
OBC – 3 years
-
SC/ST – 5 years
-
PwBD (General/EWS) – 10 years
-
PwBD (OBC) – 13 years
-
PwBD (SC/ST) – 15 years
-
Ex‑Servicemen – Actual service period + 3 years (maximum 50 years)
-
Widows/Divorced Women – 7 years (subject to category‑wise upper age limits)
-
Trained Apprentices of SBI – 1 to 16 years depending on category
Note: Cumulative age relaxation is not allowed. Candidates must provide valid certificates at the time of joining.
Educational Qualification (as on December 31, 2026)
-
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government.
-
Candidates in the final year/semester of graduation can also apply provisionally, but they must produce proof of passing on or before December 31, 2026.
-
Matriculate Ex‑Servicemen with at least 15 years of service and holding the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or equivalent) are also eligible.
Local Language Requirement
Candidates must be proficient (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) in the specified local language of the State they apply for. Those who have studied the local language in Class 10 or 12 are exempted from the language test; others will have to clear the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) after the Main exam.
Selection Process – Three Phases
Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Online)
-
Total Marks: 100
-
Duration: 1 Hour
-
Sections:
-
English Language – 30 questions, 30 marks (20 minutes)
-
Numerical Ability – 35 questions, 35 marks (20 minutes)
-
Reasoning Ability – 35 questions, 35 marks (20 minutes)
-
-
Negative marking: ¼ mark deducted for each wrong answer.
-
No minimum qualifying marks for individual sections. Candidates are shortlisted for the Main exam based on aggregate marks (approximately 10 times the vacancies).
Phase 2: Main Examination (Online)
-
Total Marks: 200
-
Duration: 2 hours 40 minutes
-
Sections:
-
General/Financial Awareness – 50 questions, 50 marks (35 minutes)
-
General English – 40 questions, 40 marks (35 minutes)
-
Quantitative Aptitude – 50 questions, 50 marks (45 minutes)
-
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude – 50 questions, 60 marks (45 minutes)
-
-
Negative marking: ¼ mark deducted for each wrong answer.
-
Minimum qualifying marks are decided by the Bank (5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/Ex‑Servicemen).
-
The final merit list is prepared only on Main Examination scores – Preliminary marks are not added.
Phase 3: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)
-
Conducted after provisional selection but before joining.
-
Candidates who have studied the local language in Class 10 or 12 are exempted.
-
The test includes objective and subjective passages.
-
Minimum qualifying marks apply (5% relaxation for reserved categories). Failure leads to disqualification.
SBI Junior Associate Salary & Emoluments
The pay scale for Junior Associates is:
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
-
Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 26,730 (including two advance increments for graduates)
-
Total Emoluments (at metro cities like Mumbai): Approximately Rs. 46,000 per month (including Dearness Allowance and other allowances at current rates).
-
Additional benefits: Provident Fund, Pension under New Pension Scheme, Medical facilities, Leave Fare Concession, and other perks as per Bank rules.
Application Fee
-
General / OBC / EWS candidates are required to pay Rs. 750 as application fee and intimation charges.
-
SC / ST / Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) / Ex‑Servicemen (XS) / Disabled Ex‑Servicemen (DXS) are exempted from paying any fee – their application is processed free of cost.
-
The fee, once paid, is strictly non‑refundable under any circumstances. It cannot be held in reserve for any future recruitment or examination conducted by SBI.
-
Payment must be made online through the integrated payment gateway using a Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking. Any transaction charges levied by the payment provider will be borne by the candidate.
-
Candidates should ensure successful completion of the payment transaction before the closing date. If the transaction fails, they must register again and make a fresh payment.
How to Apply Online?
Follow these steps to complete your SBI Clerk 2026 application:
-
Visit the official SBI careers portal: https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
-
Find the advertisement – “Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales)” – and click on “Apply Online”.
-
Register by providing your basic details (name, mobile, email, address).
-
Scan and upload the following documents (ensure they meet size and format specifications):
-
Recent passport‑size colour photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, 20‑50 kb)
-
Signature (on white paper with black ink, 140×60 pixels, 10‑20 kb)
-
Left hand thumb impression (on white paper, 240×240 pixels, 20‑50 kb)
-
Hand‑written declaration (exact text provided in the notification, 800×400 pixels, 50‑100 kb)
-
-
Fill in educational and personal details accurately – no changes will be allowed after final submission.
-
Choose your preferred examination centre from the list of centres.
-
Review the entire application to ensure all information is correct.
-
Pay the application fee (if applicable) through the integrated payment gateway.
-
Submit the form and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important: Keep your registered email ID and mobile number active until the final result declaration – all communication (call letters, alerts, etc.) will be sent via email/SMS.
Important Guidelines and Restrictions
-
Single State Application: You can apply for only one State/UT. The merit list is drawn State‑wise and category‑wise.
-
No Inter‑State Transfer: Junior Associates cannot request an inter‑circle or inter‑state transfer before completing 5 years of service (except on extreme compassionate/spouse grounds at the Bank’s discretion).
-
Waiting List: A waitlist of up to 50% of vacancies (State-category-wise) is maintained for one year.
-
Pre‑Examination Training: Free online training is available for SC/ST/OBC/Ex‑Servicemen/PwBD candidates who opt for it.
-
Biometric Verification: The Bank may capture thumb impressions/IRIS at various stages – candidates must ensure clean fingers and avoid any external substances.
-
Prohibition of Electronic Devices: Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, pagers, etc., are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Documents to Carry for Examination
At both Preliminary and Main exams, candidates must bring:
-
Printed call letter (downloaded from the website)
-
One original photo ID proof (Passport, Aadhaar, PAN, Driving Licence, Voter ID, Bank Passbook with photo, College ID, or Gazetted Officer’s certificate)
-
Self‑attested photocopy of the ID proof
-
Two additional passport‑size photographs (same as uploaded in the application)
Failure to present valid identification will result in denial of entry.
Career Growth and Job Profile
Selected Junior Associates are responsible for:
-
Customer support and sales activities
-
Handling customer queries and providing banking services
-
Cross‑selling banking products (loans, insurance, investments)
-
Making customer calls and providing advisory services
-
Working in flexible hours and shifts, with extensive outdoor travelling as required
Career Progression: Junior Associates can rise to the rank of Trainee Officer (equivalent to Probationary Officer) within 3‑4 years of service. SBI offers excellent promotion opportunities, regular increments, and a stable career path.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for SBI Junior Associate 2026?
A. The last date for online registration and fee payment is August 31, 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are available?
A. Total 9,766 vacancies – 7,680 regular + 2,086 backlog.
Q3. What is the starting salary of an SBI Junior Associate?
A. Basic pay is Rs. 26,730, and total monthly emoluments are approximately Rs. 46,000 in metro cities.
Q4. Can final year students apply?
A. Yes, provisionally – they must submit proof of graduation by December 31, 2026.
Q5. Is the application fee refundable?
A. No, the fee is non‑refundable under any circumstances.
Q6. Is there any age relaxation for PwBD candidates?
A. Yes – 10 years for General/EWS, 13 years for OBC, and 15 years for SC/ST PwBD candidates.
Q7. Can I change my preferred State after submitting the form?
A. No, changes are not permitted after final submission.
Final Words
The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for graduates looking for a prestigious, well‑compensated, and secure career in the banking sector. With 9,766 vacancies across India, this is the time to act.
Don’t wait till the last day – complete your online application well before August 31, 2026. Visit the official SBI careers page, read the detailed notification, and submit your application today.
Stay updated with all future announcements on the SBI website. Best wishes for your preparation!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational guidance only. Candidates must refer to the official SBI notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) for complete and accurate details. SBI reserves the right to modify any aspect of the recruitment process.
Find more Odisha Job Adda: Click here
Find Official Notification: Click here