SBI Clerk 2026 recruitment begins: Check steps to apply, direct link, vacancies, eligibility criteria and more

The State Bank of India (SBI) has opened the recruitment process for Junior Associate posts in its clerical cadre. The recruitment notification covers 9,766 vacancies, including 7,680 regular posts and 2,086 backlog vacancies. The online application process began on August 11, 2026. Candidates are required to apply online and can choose vacancies in only one State or Union Territory.

SBI Clerk 2026: Important dates

The application process began on August 11 and is scheduled to close on August 31. The Preliminary examination is expected to be conducted in September, while the Main examination is tentatively planned for November 2026.

General, OBC and EWS candidates have to pay an application fee of Rs 750. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen and eligible Disabled Ex-Servicemen categories are exempt from the fee.

How to apply for SBI Clerk 2026

Eligible candidates can apply online through SBI's careers website. The application process requires candidates to complete registration, enter their personal and academic details, upload the required documents, select an examination centre and pay the applicable fee.

Steps to apply

1. Visit the SBI careers website and open the Current Openings section.


2. Select Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) and click on Apply Online.


3. Select New Registration and provide basic details such as name, contact number, email ID and address.


4. Upload the photograph, signature and handwritten declaration in the prescribed format.


5. Enter academic and professional qualification details and select the preferred examination centre.


6. Preview the application carefully before submitting it, as changes may not be allowed after final submission.


7. Pay the applicable application fee through the available online payment options.


8. Submit the application form. SBI will provide the registration ID and password for future login.

Direct link to apply for SBI Clerk 2026 exam

SBI Clerk 2026 eligibility

Applicants must be between 20 and 28 years of age as on April 1, 2026. Eligible candidates will receive relaxation in the upper age limit according to SBI rules.

Candidates must hold a Bachelor's degree from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. Students in the final year of graduation can also apply provisionally, but selected candidates must submit proof of passing their degree by December 31, 2026.

Candidates with an Integrated Dual Degree must verify their passing date. Basic computer literacy is also required.

SBI Clerk 2026 local language requirement

Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory. They must have knowledge of the local language specified for the State or Union Territory selected by them.

Candidates who qualify for the written examinations may also have to appear for a Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable.

SBI Clerk 2026 selection process

The recruitment process includes the Preliminary and Main examinations, followed by a Language Proficiency Test wherever applicable. Candidates who qualify in the Preliminary examination will be eligible to appear for the Main examination.

Provisional selection will be based on performance in the Main examination, subject to fulfilment of all eligibility requirements and qualification in the applicable local-language test.

SBI will maintain a wait list of up to 50% of the vacancies. The wait list will remain valid for one year from the date on which the final result is declared.

SBI Clerk 2026 number of attempts

There is no fixed limit on the number of attempts for the SBI Clerk examination. Candidates can appear multiple times as long as they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements, including the applicable age criteria.

Documents required for SBI Clerk application

Candidates should keep their photograph and signature ready before beginning the registration process. The photograph should be passport-sized with a white background, while the photograph and signature must be clear and legible.

The prescribed specifications are:

Document	Dimensions	Size
Photograph	200 x 230 pixels	20 KB to 50 KB
Signature	140 x 60 pixels	10 KB to 20 KB

Candidates should also keep the required documents ready for the online fee payment process and provide a valid email ID during registration. The signature should not be made in capital letters.

Candidates should complete the application within the prescribed deadline and refer to SBI's official careers website for further updates.