The State Bank of India (SBI) has released an official recruitment advertisement (Advt No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) under a Special Recruitment Drive. This drive aims to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales), commonly known as SBI Clerk.

This specific drive is reserved exclusively for candidates belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. General and EWS candidates are not eligible for this vacancy drive; a separate notification for regular vacancies will follow in due course.

Online applications opened on 7th August 2026 and will remain active until 27th August 2026.

SBI Clerk Backlog Recruitment 2026: At a Glance

State-Wise and Category-Wise Vacancy Distribution

Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one state or Union Territory. Intra-state transfers are strictly limited, except between designated circle pairs (such as Delhi and Lucknow, or Maharashtra and Mumbai Metro).

Review the state-wise distribution of 1,538 vacancies along with the required local language proficiency:

Key Takeaway: Gujarat accounts for the single highest number of vacancies (289 OBC posts), followed by Maharashtra (165 ST posts) and Madhya Pradesh (134 ST posts).

SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria (Backlog Drive 2026)

Eligibility standards for backlog vacancies match regular recruitment standards, with age relaxations applied per government directives.

1. Educational Qualification (As on 31.12.2026)

• Degree Required: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
• Final Year Students: Candidates in their final year/semester of graduation can apply provisionally. However, if called for the document verification stage, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before 31st December 2026.

2. Age Limit (As on 01.04.2026)

• Base Age Requirement: Minimum 20 years and maximum 28 years (Candidates must have been born between 02.04.1998 and 01.04.2006, both dates inclusive).
• Category Age Relaxations:
• SC / ST Candidates: Upper age limit relaxed by 5 years (up to 33 years).
• OBC Candidates: Upper age limit relaxed by 3 years (up to 31 years).
• PwBD Candidates: Upper age limit relaxed by 10 to 15 years depending on reservation category.

3. Essential Ineligibility Clauses

The bank strictly bars the following profiles from applying under this drive:

• Candidates currently working in SBI in the Clerical or Officer cadre.
• Former employees who previously resigned from SBI while serving in the Clerical cadre.
• Candidates against whom there are adverse reports regarding character, antecedents, or moral turpitude.

Application Fee Structure

Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Follow these steps to submit your application on the SBI careers portal:

1. Access Portal: Visit the official SBI careers page at sbi.co.in/web/careers.
2. Navigate to Openings: Scroll down and locate "Recruitment of Junior Associates (Backlog Vacancies) Advt No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16".
3. New Registration: Click on "Apply Online" and select "Click here for New Registration". Input your full name, valid email ID, and active mobile number.
4. Fill Details: Log in using your generated Registration Number and Password. Enter personal background, caste certificate details, academic history, and local language proficiency.
5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration adhering to prescribed file sizes.
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee (if applying under the OBC category) using the integrated payment gateway.
7. Final Submit: Review all entries using the preview option before clicking final submit. Download and print a copy of the completed application form for future reference.

SBI Clerk Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2026

The recruitment process involves three sequential stages:

[Phase 1: Preliminary Exam] ➔ [Phase 2: Mains Exam] ➔ [Phase 3: Local Language Test] ➔ Final Allotment

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)

The Tier 1 exam screens candidates for Tier 2. Marks obtained in the Prelims are not added to the final merit ranking.

• Sectional Timings: Each section has a fixed 20-minute window.
• Negative Marking: 1/4th mark (0.25 marks) is deducted for every incorrect response.
• Shortlisting: Candidates equal to approximately 10 times the total vacancies in each category are shortlisted for the Mains Exam.

Phase 2: Mains Examination (Scoring Stage)

The final merit list is prepared strictly based on the score obtained in the Phase 2 Mains exam out of 200 marks.

• Negative Marking: 1/4th mark (0.25 marks) is deducted for every wrong answer.
• Sectional Cutoffs: SBI does not enforce minimum sectional cutoffs in Mains; selection relies on total aggregate scores per state and category.

Phase 3: Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT)

Candidates shortlisted after the Mains exam must demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the applied state.

• Exemption Rule: Candidates who can produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheets/certificates proving they studied the specified local language as a subject are exempted from LLPT.
• Test Format: Candidates without 10th/12th proof must take an objective and subjective reading, writing, and speaking evaluation conducted by the bank before joining.

Salary, Perks & Career Growth

SBI Clerks enjoy structured pay scales along with standard banking perks and security.

Salary Breakdown (7th Pay Commission Scale)

• Pay Scale: ₹24050 - 1340/3 - 28070 - 1650/3 - 33020 - 2000/4 - 41020 - 2340/7 - 57400 - 4400/1 - 61800 - 2680/1 - 64480
• Starting Basic Pay: ₹26,730/- (Basic pay of ₹24,050 plus two advance increments granted to graduate entrants).
• Initial Monthly Gross Emoluments: Approximately ₹46,000/- per month in metro cities like Mumbai or Delhi (includes DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and Special Allowance).

Key Benefits & Allowances

• Medical reimbursement for self and dependents.
• Concessional interest rates for housing, car, and personal loans.
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and leave encashment benefits.
• Probation Period: 6 months minimum. Candidates must complete prescribed internal e-learning modules during probation to secure confirmation.

Recommended Preparation Strategy

1. Prioritize Speed in Prelims: With 20-minute sectional limits, aim to solve 25+ questions in Reasoning and Math. Daily timed mock tests are essential.
2. Master Financial Awareness for Mains: Current banking developments, RBI notifications, monetary policy terms, and financial news over the past 6 months carry significant weight in the 50-mark GA module.
3. Practice Multi-Statement Reasoning: Mains level reasoning includes complex floor puzzles, input-output sequences, and critical reasoning questions.
4. Choose State Carefully: Ensure you meet the local language criteria for the state you select. Applying in a state without knowing its local language will lead to disqualification at the LLPT stage.