The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced recruitment for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in its Clerical Cadre. This recruitment is a major opportunity for graduates who want to start their career in the banking sector.
As per the detailed SBI notification, 7,680 regular vacancies have been announced for Junior Associates across different States and Union Territories. In addition to these regular positions, the notification also includes 1,444 backlog vacancies. Candidates who satisfy the prescribed eligibility conditions can apply through the online application process.
The online registration process is scheduled to begin on August 11, 2026, and candidates can submit their applications until August 31, 2026. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is expected to take place in November 2026.
Candidates should carefully read the recruitment conditions before applying because SBI has introduced important requirements related to State/UT selection, local-language proficiency, educational qualification, age limit and examination stages.
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SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India |
| Recruitment Post | Junior Associate |
| Job Role | Customer Support & Sales |
| Cadre | Clerical Cadre |
| Regular Vacancies | 7,680 |
| Backlog Vacancies | 1,444 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | August 11, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | August 31, 2026 |
| Preliminary Exam | September 2026, Tentative |
| Main Exam | November 2026, Tentative |
| Age Limit | 20 to 28 years |
| Qualification | Graduation in any discipline |
| Fee for General/OBC/EWS | ₹750 |
| Fee for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS | Nil |
| Selection Process | Prelims, Mains and Local Language Test where applicable |
The dates mentioned above are based on the recruitment advertisement, and candidates should follow SBI’s official recruitment updates in case any schedule is changed.
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SBI Junior Associate Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification contains 7,680 regular vacancies distributed across various States and Union Territories. SBI has also listed 1,444 backlog vacancies separately. The vacancies are further divided according to applicable categories and reservation rules.
Some of the regular State/UT-wise vacancies mentioned in the notification are:
| State/UT | Regular Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | 1,718 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1,410 |
| Odisha | 1,100 |
| Karnataka | 760 |
| West Bengal | 555 |
| Rajasthan | 350 |
| Gujarat | 330 |
| Chhattisgarh | 287 |
| Telangana | 260 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 250 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 113 |
| Assam | 110 |
These vacancies are provisional. SBI reserves the right to modify the number of vacancies depending on the Bank’s actual staffing requirements.
Important State-Wise Application Condition
Applicants should be particularly careful while selecting their State or Union Territory.
A candidate is permitted to apply for vacancies in only one State/UT under this recruitment. The candidate’s application and merit position will be considered against the vacancies of the State/UT selected during registration.
The merit list will be prepared on a State-wise and category-wise basis. Therefore, candidates should select their preferred State only after checking the available vacancies and the applicable local-language requirement.
SBI has also specified that there is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State Transfer for Junior Associates before completing five years of service, except for certain exceptional circumstances considered under the Bank’s transfer policy.
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Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 should possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.
The recruitment is therefore open to graduates from different academic streams, provided they fulfil all the other eligibility conditions.
Candidates who are currently studying in their final year or final semester of graduation may also apply provisionally. However, if they are selected, they must provide proof that they have passed their graduation examination by December 31, 2026.
Candidates holding an Integrated Dual Degree must also satisfy the date-related qualification requirements mentioned in the notification.
SBI Junior Associate Age Limit
The age of candidates will be considered as on April 1, 2026.
The basic age requirement is:
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 28 years
Candidates must have been born between April 2, 1998 and April 1, 2006, with both dates included.
Age Relaxation
Eligible candidates from reserved and other specified categories can receive relaxation in the upper age limit.
The notification provides, among others, the following relaxations:
- SC/ST candidates – 5 years
- OBC candidates – 3 years
- PwBD General/EWS candidates – 10 years
- PwBD OBC candidates – 13 years
- PwBD SC/ST candidates – 15 years
- Eligible Ex-Servicemen – as prescribed
- Certain eligible widows/divorced women/judicially separated women – 7 years
Candidates claiming age relaxation must satisfy the applicable conditions and produce the required supporting certificates. SBI also states that different age-relaxation provisions cannot be combined to claim cumulative relaxation.
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Local Language Proficiency
Knowledge of the specified local language is an important eligibility condition for Junior Associate recruitment.
Candidates must apply for a State/UT where they are proficient in the specified local language. The required proficiency includes the ability to read, write, speak and understand the language.
Some examples of the State-wise languages are:
- Karnataka – Kannada
- Maharashtra – Marathi
- Telangana – Telugu/Urdu
- Tamil Nadu – Tamil
- Gujarat – Gujarati
- Odisha – Odia
- West Bengal – Bengali
- Rajasthan – Hindi
The notification contains the complete list of State/UT-wise examination mediums and local languages.
Candidates who studied the required local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and possess documentary proof of the same will not be required to take the separate local-language test.
Candidates who do not have such proof but are provisionally selected will need to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining the Bank.
SBI Junior Associate Selection Process
The recruitment selection process has the following stages:
- Preliminary Examination
- Main Examination
- Local Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable
The Preliminary Examination is conducted for shortlisting candidates for the Main Examination. Importantly, the marks secured in the Preliminary Examination will not be added to the final merit score.
The final selection will depend on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination, along with eligibility verification and successful completion of the applicable local-language requirement.
SBI Junior Associate Preliminary Examination
The Preliminary Examination contains 100 questions carrying 100 marks. Candidates get a total of one hour to complete the examination.
| Subject | 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. Candidates should therefore practise solving questions within the prescribed sectional time.
The examination also includes negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one-fourth of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted.
SBI Junior Associate Main Examination
Candidates who qualify for the next stage will be called for the Main Examination.
The Main Examination contains 190 questions carrying 200 marks and has a total duration of 2 hours and 40 minutes.
| Subject | 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 | 160 minutes |
Negative marking is also applicable in the Main Examination. One-fourth of the marks assigned to an incorrect question will be deducted.
Since the Preliminary Examination score does not contribute to the final merit list, candidates should not stop their preparation after clearing the Prelims. Strong preparation for the Main Examination is essential.
SBI Junior Associate Salary
| Pay Scale Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹26,730 |
| Pay Scale | ₹24,050 – 1,340/3 – ₹28,070 |
| Next Stage | ₹28,070 – 1,650/3 – ₹33,020 |
| Next Stage | ₹33,020 – 2,000/4 – ₹41,020 |
| Next Stage | ₹41,020 – 2,340/7 – ₹57,400 |
| Next Stage | ₹57,400 – 4,400/1 – ₹61,800 |
| Final Stage | ₹61,800 – 2,680/1 – ₹64,480 |
| Approx. Starting Emoluments | Around ₹46,000/month* |
The starting basic pay for graduates is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments. The approximate starting emoluments can be around ₹46,000 per month at a metropolitan location such as Mumbai, including applicable allowances.
SBI Junior Associate Application Fee
The application fee depends on the candidate’s category.
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | ₹750 |
| OBC | ₹750 |
| EWS | ₹750 |
| SC | Nil |
| ST | Nil |
| PwBD | Nil |
| XS/DXS | Nil |
The prescribed fee is non-refundable once payment has been completed. SBI also states that the amount cannot be carried forward for another examination or recruitment.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment Important Dates
The important dates mentioned in the recruitment advertisement are:
| Recruitment Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Begins | August 11, 2026 |
| Last Date for Application | August 31, 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | September 2026, Tentative |
| Main Examination | November 2026, Tentative |
The Preliminary and Main Examination dates are tentative. Candidates should check the official SBI recruitment portal for the final examination schedule and any subsequent changes.
How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026
Eligible applicants have to complete the registration process online. SBI will not accept applications through offline methods.
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official SBI careers website.
- Open the current Junior Associate recruitment section.
- Read the detailed advertisement carefully.
- Start the online registration process.
- Enter your personal information.
- Provide your educational qualification details.
- Select the State/UT for which you want to apply.
- Select the applicable local language.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Check the complete application carefully.
- Pay the applicable fee through the available online payment option.
- Submit the application form.
- Save the registration number and other application details.
- Download or retain a copy of the completed application for future reference.
SBI has specifically stated that candidates must apply online through the Bank’s website. Applicants should also maintain an active email ID and mobile number until the recruitment results are declared because SBI may use them for sending important communication.
SBI Junior Associate Examination Centres
SBI has provided a tentative list of examination centres across the country.
For candidates applying in Karnataka, the listed examination centres include Bengaluru, Belagavi, Kalaburagi, Hubballi/Dharwad, Mangaluru, Mysuru, Shivamogga and Udupi.
The Bank can change, cancel or add examination centres depending on administrative requirements and the number of applicants. Candidates should therefore rely on the examination centre mentioned in their final call letter.
Probation Period
Candidates selected for the Junior Associate position will be placed on probation for a minimum period of six months.
During this period, newly recruited employees are required to complete the e-lessons prescribed by SBI. The probation period can be extended if the employee does not complete the required lessons or if performance during the probation period is not considered satisfactory.
Pre-Examination Training
SBI provides an online Pre-Examination Training facility for eligible candidates belonging to specified categories, including SC, ST, OBC, Ex-Servicemen and PwBD candidates, in accordance with applicable Government guidelines.
Candidates who want to participate in the training need to select the relevant option while filling out their application. Details regarding the training are communicated through the registered email address and mobile number.
Reservation and Required Certificates
Reservation benefits will be provided according to the applicable Government of India rules.
The recruitment notification contains provisions for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, PwBD and Ex-Servicemen candidates. Applicants who claim reservation must possess valid certificates in the prescribed format.
OBC candidates must satisfy the Non-Creamy Layer requirement and submit the prescribed certificate. The notification specifies that the relevant OBC certificate should contain the required Non-Creamy Layer provision and be issued within the prescribed period.
EWS candidates must provide the required Income and Asset Certificate in the Government of India format for the relevant financial year. Candidates who fail to produce the required certificate during document verification may lose consideration for appointment under the EWS category.
SC/ST candidates must provide the required caste certificate, while PwBD candidates must submit a valid disability certificate issued by the competent authority.
Candidates Not Eligible for This Recruitment
SBI has specified certain restrictions in the notification.
Candidates who are currently working with SBI in the Clerical Cadre cannot apply for this recruitment. Candidates who previously worked with SBI in the clerical cadre and resigned from the Bank are also not eligible for the Junior Associate recruitment.
The notification also states that candidates against whom there are adverse reports involving character, antecedents or moral turpitude are not eligible to apply.
Final Merit List
The final merit list will be prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the Main Examination.
The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final selection score. Candidates must also satisfy the eligibility requirements and qualify in the local-language test wherever the test is applicable.
The merit list will be prepared on a State-wise and category-wise basis.
SBI will also maintain a wait list of up to 50% of the vacancies, subject to the conditions mentioned in the recruitment notification. The wait list will remain valid for one year from the date of declaration of the final result.
Preparation Tips for SBI Junior Associate Exam
Candidates should plan their preparation according to the two-stage examination structure.
For the Preliminary Examination, priority should be given to English Language, Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability. Candidates should practise questions with sectional time limits because each section has a fixed duration.
For the Main Examination, preparation should cover General and Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude.
Regular mock tests can help candidates improve their speed and identify weak areas. At the same time, candidates should analyse incorrect answers and avoid repeating the same mistakes.
Since negative marking applies, accuracy is extremely important. Random guessing may reduce the overall score, so candidates should develop a strategy for deciding which questions to attempt and which questions to leave.
Important Instructions for Applicants
Before submitting the SBI Junior Associate application, candidates should make sure that:
- Their graduation qualification satisfies the eligibility requirement.
- Their age falls within the prescribed range.
- They select only one State/UT.
- They satisfy the local-language requirement.
- Their category information is correct.
- All required certificates are available.
- Their email ID and mobile number remain active.
- The application information is entered correctly.
- The applicable fee is paid successfully.
- The final application is saved for future reference.
Candidates should also be careful about unofficial recruitment claims. SBI has stated that it does not endorse external coaching platforms, consultancies, individuals or digital channels claiming to provide guaranteed selection, influence recruitment decisions or offer insider information. Applicants should rely on information published through the Bank’s official recruitment portal.
SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – FAQs
1. How many vacancies are available for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
SBI has announced 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies for the Junior Associate post.
2. What is the qualification required for SBI Junior Associate?
Candidates should have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification.
3. What is the age limit for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?
Candidates should be 20 to 28 years old as on April 1, 2026. Age relaxation is available for eligible reserved and other specified categories.
4. What is the last date to apply?
The last date for submitting the online application is August 31, 2026.
5. What is the application fee?
The fee is ₹750 for General, OBC and EWS candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, XS and DXS candidates are exempt from the fee.
6. Can I apply for more than one State or Union Territory?
No. Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT under this recruitment.
7. Is knowledge of the local language mandatory?
Yes. Candidates must have proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT they choose. Candidates who studied the required language in Class 10 or 12 can provide the relevant certificate as proof.
8. What is the selection process?
Selection consists of the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination and Local Language Proficiency Test wherever applicable. Preliminary Examination marks are not counted for the final merit list.
9. What is the starting salary of an SBI Junior Associate?
The starting basic pay is ₹26,730, including two advance increments for graduates. The approximate starting emoluments can be around ₹46,000 per month at a metropolitan location, including applicable allowances.
10. When will the SBI Junior Associate examinations be conducted?
The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.