SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Junior Associate Application Open — Eligibility, Dates, Selection Process & How to Apply

The State Bank of India (SBI) has opened online applications for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) Recruitment 2026, commonly known as SBI Clerk 2026. Graduate candidates seeking a clerical-level banking job can submit their applications through the official SBI Careers portal.

The recruitment is being conducted under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. Online registration and payment of application fees began on 11 August 2026, and the last date to apply is 31 August 2026. SBI has tentatively scheduled the Preliminary Examination for September 2026 and the Main Examination for November 2026.

The official vacancy table lists 7,680 regular vacancies across participating States/UTs, while various backlog vacancies are shown separately in the notification. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT under this recruitment exercise.

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: Key Highlights Particular Details Organisation State Bank of India Post Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) Common Name SBI Clerk 2026 Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 Cadre Clerical Cadre Regular Vacancies 7,680 Application Start Date 11 August 2026 Last Date to Apply 31 August 2026 Preliminary Exam Tentatively September 2026 Main Examination Tentatively November 2026 Minimum Qualification Graduation Age Limit 20–28 years as on 1 April 2026 Application Fee – General/OBC/EWS ₹750 Application Fee – SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS Nil Selection Prelims + Mains + Local Language Test, where applicable Starting Basic Pay ₹26,730 Starting Emoluments at Metro such as Mumbai Around ₹46,000 per month Application Mode Online

SBI's current-openings page confirms that the application link for this recruitment is active from 11 August to 31 August 2026.

SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026

SBI's official notification lists 7,680 regular Junior Associate vacancies. It also displays backlog vacancies separately for reserved and horizontal-reservation categories. The vacancies are State/UT-wise and category-wise, and SBI states that the numbers are provisional and may change depending on the Bank's actual requirements.

Candidates must remember that SBI Clerk is a State/UT-specific recruitment.

You can:

Apply for vacancies in one State/UT only. Appear only once under this recruitment project. Be considered for the State/UT selected in your application. Be posted in the State/UT for which you have applied if finally selected. SBI Clerk 2026 West Bengal Vacancy

For candidates from West Bengal, SBI has announced:

West Bengal Regular Vacancies: 555

The category-wise regular vacancy distribution is:

Category Vacancies SC 127 ST 27 OBC 122 EWS 55 General 224 Total 555

For West Bengal, the specified local language options are Bengali/Nepali.

SBI also shows backlog positions separately for West Bengal, including reserved-category, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen-related backlogs in the official vacancy table. Candidates should refer to the official notification for the exact category applicable to them because PwBD and Ex-Servicemen reservations operate horizontally.

SBI Clerk 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates should check both the age requirement and educational qualification.

SBI Clerk Age Limit 2026

The age is calculated as on:

1 April 2026

Candidates must be:

Minimum Age: 20 years Maximum Age: 28 years

This means a candidate must have been born:

Not earlier than 2 April 1998

and

Not later than 1 April 2006

Both dates are inclusive.

SBI Clerk 2026 Age Relaxation

Upper-age relaxation is available to eligible reserved/special categories.

Category Upper Age Relaxation OBC 3 years SC/ST 5 years PwBD – General/EWS 10 years PwBD – OBC 13 years PwBD – SC/ST 15 years Ex-Servicemen/Disabled Ex-Servicemen As per specified service-based rules Eligible Widows/Divorced/Judicially Separated Women 7 years, subject to maximum-age limits Eligible Trained SBI Apprentices Category-specific additional relaxation

For widows, divorced women and women judicially separated from their husbands who have not remarried, the relaxation is subject to maximum ages of 35 for General/EWS, 38 for OBC and 40 for SC/ST candidates.

Candidates seeking relaxation must satisfy the detailed conditions prescribed in the SBI notification.

SBI Clerk Educational Qualification 2026

The essential academic qualification is:

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

The qualification is considered as on:

31 December 2026

This year's rule is particularly useful for students currently completing graduation.

SBI states that candidates who are in the final year or final semester of graduation may apply provisionally. However, if provisionally selected, they must produce proof that they passed their graduation examination on or before 31 December 2026.

Candidates holding an Integrated Dual Degree must similarly ensure that the date of passing is on or before 31 December 2026.

Can Final-Year Graduation Students Apply for SBI Clerk 2026? Yes.

Final-year/final-semester graduation students can apply provisionally.

However, they must be able to prove, if selected, that they completed the graduation qualification on or before:

31 December 2026.

Therefore, candidates should not assume that simply being enrolled in the final year is sufficient—the required qualification must be completed within SBI's prescribed deadline.

SBI Clerk Local Language Requirement

Local-language eligibility is one of the most important parts of SBI Clerk recruitment.

Candidates applying for a State/UT must be proficient in the specified opted local language, including:

Reading Writing Speaking Understanding.

Candidates who clear the Main Examination may have to undergo a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) before joining.

However, candidates who can produce a Class 10 or Class 12 marksheet/certificate showing that they studied the specified opted local language are exempt from the language test.

Local Language for West Bengal Candidates

For SBI Junior Associate vacancies in West Bengal, the specified local-language options are:

Bengali / Nepali

The online examination for West Bengal can be taken in:

English Hindi Bengali

as applicable to the relevant sections of the examination.

This is important for candidates preparing for SBI Clerk from West Bengal.

What Happens If You Fail the Local Language Test?

Candidates required to take the LLPT must qualify it.

SBI clearly states that candidates who fail to qualify the specified local-language test will not be offered appointment.

Therefore, candidates should not treat the language requirement as a minor formality.

SBI Clerk 2026 Selection Process

The SBI Junior Associate selection process consists of:

Phase I — Preliminary Examination

↓

Phase II — Main Examination

↓

Phase III — Local Language Proficiency Test, where applicable

↓

Document/Eligibility Verification and Final Selection

SBI confirms that selection consists of the online Preliminary and Main examinations followed by the local-language test where required.

SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination will be conducted online.

Total Questions: 100 Total Marks: 100 Duration: 1 Hour Section Questions Marks Time English Language 30 30 20 minutes Numerical Ability 35 35 20 minutes Reasoning Ability 35 35 20 minutes Total 100 100 60 minutes

Each section has a separate time limit.

Is There Negative Marking in SBI Clerk Prelims? Yes.

For each incorrect answer in the objective tests:

1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.

SBI states that there are no minimum qualifying marks prescribed for individual sections or for the aggregate score in the Preliminary Examination, and section-wise marks will not be maintained.

Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability and category-wise requirements decided by SBI, may be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on aggregate Preliminary Examination marks.

SBI Clerk Main Exam Pattern 2026

Candidates qualifying the Preliminary Examination will appear for the Main Examination.

Total Questions: 190 Maximum Marks: 200 Total Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes Section Questions Marks Time General/Financial Awareness 50 50 35 minutes General English 40 40 35 minutes Quantitative Aptitude 50 50 45 minutes Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 50 60 45 minutes Total 190 200 2 hours 40 minutes

Each Main Exam section has a separate time limit.

Negative Marking in SBI Clerk Mains

Negative marking also applies in the Main Examination.

For each incorrect objective answer:

1/4th of the marks assigned to that question is deducted.

Candidates must obtain the minimum aggregate qualifying percentage decided by SBI.

SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates receive a 5% relaxation in the required aggregate qualifying percentage. SBI states that there are no separate minimum qualifying marks prescribed for individual Main Examination subjects.

Do SBI Clerk Prelims Marks Count in Final Selection? No.

This is an important point.

SBI clearly states that marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added for final selection.

Only the aggregate score obtained in the Main Examination is considered for preparation of the merit list, subject to satisfying the applicable local-language and eligibility requirements.

Therefore:

Prelims = Qualifying/Shortlisting Stage Mains = Determines Merit SBI Clerk Local Language Proficiency Test Pattern 2026

The 2026 notification also provides an LLPT structure for candidates who are required to take it.

It contains:

Non-Verbal Test Objective: 3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks Subjective: 3 passages, 15 questions, 15 marks Verbal Test 20 marks

Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks decided by SBI, with the applicable 5% relaxation available to specified reserved/special categories.

Remember: candidates with appropriate Class 10 or Class 12 proof of having studied their opted local language do not have to appear for this test.

SBI Clerk 2026 Important Dates Event Date Notification/Application Opens 11 August 2026 Online Registration Begins 11 August 2026 Last Date for Registration 31 August 2026 Last Date for Fee Payment 31 August 2026 Preliminary Examination Tentatively September 2026 Main Examination Tentatively November 2026 Local Language Test After provisional selection, where applicable

The Preliminary and Main examination months are tentative, and candidates should monitor SBI Careers for further notices and call-letter updates.

SBI Clerk Application Fee 2026

The application fee/intimation charge is:

Category Fee General ₹750 OBC ₹750 EWS ₹750 SC Nil ST Nil PwBD Nil XS/DXS Nil

The application fee is non-refundable. SBI also states that once paid, it cannot be held in reserve for another examination or recruitment exercise.

SBI Clerk Salary 2026

The official pay scale for Junior Associates 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.

For newly recruited graduate Junior Associates, the:

Starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730

This consists of ₹24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates.

SBI states that total starting emoluments for a clerical-cadre employee at a metro location such as Mumbai are approximately:

₹46,000 per month

including DA and applicable allowances at the current rates. Actual allowances can vary depending on the place of posting.

Employees are also eligible for benefits such as applicable perquisites, provident fund, pension under the Defined Contribution/New Pension Scheme, medical benefits and leave-fare facilities under Bank rules.

SBI Clerk Probation Period

Newly appointed Junior Associates will remain on probation for a:

Minimum period of 6 months.

They must complete prescribed e-learning/e-lessons during probation to become eligible for confirmation. SBI can extend probation where required, including where prescribed learning requirements are incomplete or performance does not meet expectations.

Important Transfer Rule for SBI Junior Associates

Candidates should think carefully before selecting a State/UT.

SBI states that Junior Associates recruited under this exercise do not have a normal provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer before completing five years of service.

After five years, SBI may consider transfer requests only in exceptional circumstances such as Extreme Compassionate Ground or Spouse Ground, at the Bank's discretion and according to the applicable transfer policy.

Therefore, do not select another State casually just because its vacancies appear higher.

How to Apply for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026

Applications are accepted online only.

Step 1: Visit SBI Careers

Open the official SBI Careers → Current Openings page and find:

Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) — Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.

Step 2: Open the Apply Online Link

Choose the official application link displayed under Junior Associates Recruitment 2026.

The active application period is:

11 August to 31 August 2026. Step 3: Complete New Registration

Enter the required basic information and generate your provisional registration number and password.

Keep your:

Registration Number Password Registered Email ID Registered Mobile Number

safely until completion of the recruitment process.

SBI requires candidates to maintain an active email ID and mobile number so examination and recruitment communications can be received.

Step 4: Choose Your State/UT Carefully

You can apply for only one State/UT.

Before selecting it, check:

Vacancy count Category-wise vacancies Local-language requirement Where you are willing to work Transfer restrictions.

For example, West Bengal candidates applying against West Bengal vacancies need to consider the Bengali/Nepali local-language requirement.

Step 5: Fill Educational and Other Details

Enter your:

Personal information Graduation details Category/reservation details State/UT preference Local-language choice Other information required in the application.

Check every entry carefully.

Very Important

SBI states that once the final application is submitted, requests to change or correct particulars—including category—will not be entertained.

Therefore, candidates should review the form carefully before final submission.

How Many Times Can You Edit a Saved Application?

Before final submission, candidates can reopen saved application data using their registration number and password.

According to SBI, this facility is available:

Three times only.

Once the completed application is finally submitted, no further change/edit is allowed.

This is a major difference from recruitments that provide a separate correction window.

Step 6: Upload Required Documents

Candidates need scanned copies of:

Photograph Signature Left-hand thumb impression Handwritten declaration.

If a candidate does not have a left thumb, SBI allows use of the right thumb according to the notification.

Applications can be rejected if the photograph, signature, thumb impression or handwritten declaration is unclear.

SBI Clerk 2026 Handwritten Declaration

Candidates need to upload a handwritten declaration using the wording prescribed by SBI.

The declaration confirms that the details provided in the application are correct and valid and that the uploaded signature, photograph and thumb impression belong to the applicant. Candidates should reproduce the exact declaration provided in the official SBI application instructions, rather than copying altered versions circulating online.

Step 7: Pay the Application Fee

General/OBC/EWS candidates must pay ₹750 online.

SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates have no application fee/intimation charge.

Payment can be completed through the online payment options provided in the application system, including debit card, credit card or Internet Banking. Transaction charges, if any, are borne by the candidate.

Step 8: Download the Application Form and E-Receipt

After successful payment, the system generates an:

E-receipt Application form containing fee details.

Candidates should save or print these for their records.

There is no requirement to send the printed application form to SBI.

Documents/Files to Keep Ready Before Applying

Before opening the application form, candidates should keep ready:

Recent photograph Signature Left thumb impression Handwritten declaration Graduation details/marks Category certificate details, where applicable Valid mobile number Active email ID Online payment method, if a fee is payable.

The four scanned uploads—photograph, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration—are specifically required by the official application instructions.

OBC Candidates: Important Certificate Rule

OBC reservation is available only to candidates belonging to the Non-Creamy Layer.

SBI states that OBC candidates should produce the prescribed Government of India OBC certificate containing the Non-Creamy Layer clause, issued during the period from 1 April 2026 to the date of taking up appointment, if selected.

OBC candidates belonging to the Creamy Layer are not entitled to OBC reservation and should apply under the appropriate General category/status.

EWS Candidates: Certificate Requirement

Candidates claiming EWS reservation must produce the prescribed Income and Asset Certificate.

For this recruitment, SBI specifies the certificate for financial year 2025–26, valid for 2026–27, in accordance with applicable Government guidelines.

Failure to produce the required EWS certificate at document verification can result in the candidate not being considered for appointment under the recruitment.

SBI Clerk 2026 Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange online pre-examination training for eligible candidates belonging to:

SC ST OBC Ex-Servicemen PwBD categories

in accordance with Government of India guidelines.

Candidates wishing to use this facility must indicate the appropriate option while completing the online application.

SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam Date 2026

SBI has tentatively scheduled the Preliminary Examination for:

September 2026

The exact dates and call-letter schedule will be announced separately.

SBI states that Preliminary Exam call letters are expected to be available for download tentatively around 10 days before the examination date.

SBI Clerk Main Exam Date 2026

The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for:

November 2026

Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination will be able to download the Main Exam call letter according to instructions issued by SBI, tentatively around 10 days before the exam.

Important Exam-Day Rule: Preserve Your Prelims Call Letter

Candidates should not throw away their Preliminary Exam call letter after the test.

SBI states that candidates shortlisted for the Main Examination will need to bring the authenticated/stamped Preliminary Exam call letter and authenticated copy of their ID proof, along with the Main Examination call letter and other required documents.

SBI also advises applicants to preserve multiple copies of the same photograph uploaded with the application because the photographs may be needed at later stages.

SBI Clerk Final Merit List 2026

The final merit process is:

Preliminary Examination

Used for shortlisting only.

Main Examination

Marks are used for preparing the final merit list.

Local Language Test

Must be qualified wherever applicable.

The merit list is prepared State-wise and category-wise, with Main Examination-qualified candidates arranged according to aggregate marks.

Final selection remains subject to verification of eligibility and the information supplied in the online application, as well as qualifying the local-language requirement where applicable.

SBI Clerk 2026 Wait List

SBI states that a waiting list of up to 50% of vacancies on a State-category-wise basis may be maintained.

Candidates may be released from the wait list on a quarterly basis against non-joining and resignations from the current recruitment batch, subject to SBI's conditions.

Who Should Apply for SBI Clerk 2026?

The recruitment may be particularly relevant for:

Graduates seeking a public-sector banking career. Final-year graduation students who can complete graduation by 31 December 2026. Candidates aged 20–28 within the prescribed date range. Candidates comfortable working in the State/UT selected. Candidates proficient in the specified local language. Banking-exam aspirants preparing for reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English and banking/general awareness.

Eligibility still depends entirely on satisfying the official SBI notification conditions.

10 Important Mistakes to Avoid While Applying Do not wait until 31 August if your application is ready; SBI advises candidates to apply sufficiently before the closing date to avoid website/internet congestion. Do not select a State simply because it has more vacancies. Check the local-language requirement before selecting your State. Do not enter the wrong category; final-submission corrections are not entertained. Check your date of birth against the 1 April 2026 age cut-off. Final-year candidates should ensure they can complete graduation by 31 December 2026. Upload clear images of your photograph, signature, thumb impression and declaration. Do not submit multiple applications unnecessarily; SBI says only the last valid completed application will be retained and fees paid for other registrations will be forfeited. Save the final application form and e-receipt. Keep your registered mobile number and email active throughout recruitment. Frequently Asked Questions Is SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 application open?

Yes. SBI opened online applications for Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) on 11 August 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.

What is the last date for SBI Clerk 2026?

The last date for online registration and application-fee payment is:

31 August 2026. How many SBI Clerk vacancies are there in 2026?

The official notification lists 7,680 regular vacancies across States/UTs. Backlog vacancies are shown separately in SBI's vacancy table.

How many SBI Clerk vacancies are there in West Bengal?

There are 555 regular Junior Associate vacancies in West Bengal:

SC – 127 ST – 27 OBC – 122 EWS – 55 General – 224. What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026?

Candidates must generally be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026, with applicable upper-age relaxation for eligible categories.

Can a final-year graduation student apply?

Yes. Final-year/final-semester students may apply provisionally, provided they can prove that they passed graduation on or before 31 December 2026 if selected.

What is the SBI Clerk application fee?

General/OBC/EWS candidates must pay ₹750.

SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates pay Nil application fee/intimation charges.

When is SBI Clerk Prelims 2026?

The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.

When is SBI Clerk Mains 2026?

The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question is deducted for an incorrect answer in the objective tests in both Prelims and Mains.

Do Prelims marks count in final selection?

No. Preliminary Examination marks are not added to the final merit score. The Main Examination aggregate score is used for preparation of the merit list.

Is there an interview in SBI Clerk Recruitment?

The official selection procedure lists Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and the specified local-language test where applicable; it does not list an interview as a selection stage for Junior Associates.

What is the local language for SBI Clerk West Bengal?

Candidates applying for West Bengal vacancies have Bengali/Nepali as the specified local-language options.

Do Bengali-medium students need to take the local language test?

If a candidate can produce a Class 10 or Class 12 marksheet/certificate proving that the specified opted local language was studied, SBI says that candidate will not be required to take the language test.

What is the SBI Clerk starting salary?

The starting basic pay for graduate Junior Associates is ₹26,730. SBI says total starting emoluments at a metro location such as Mumbai are around ₹46,000 per month, with actual allowances varying by place of posting.

Can I apply for more than one State?

No. Candidates may apply for vacancies in only one State/UT under this recruitment project.

Can I edit my SBI Clerk application after final submission?

No. SBI states that requests for correction/change in application particulars after final submission, including category, will not be entertained.

Final Words

SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026 is now officially open, giving graduates and eligible final-year students an opportunity to compete for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) positions across the country.

The most important dates are:

Application Start: 11 August 2026 Last Date: 31 August 2026 Prelims: September 2026 (Tentative) Mains: November 2026 (Tentative)

Candidates should pay particular attention to the State they select because SBI permits an application for one State/UT only, requires proficiency in the applicable local language, and does not provide normal Inter-State/Inter-Circle transfer for newly recruited Junior Associates before completion of five years of service.

For West Bengal aspirants, the recruitment offers 555 regular vacancies, with Bengali/Nepali as the specified local-language options.

Finally, check every entry carefully before pressing final submit. SBI's notification clearly states that corrections to submitted application particulars will not be entertained.

Disclaimer: This article is based on the official State Bank of India Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) Recruitment 2026 notification, Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17, and SBI Careers information available as of 18 August 2026. Vacancy numbers and examination schedules can be changed by SBI. Candidates should check the latest notice on the official SBI Careers portal before applying.