SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: 1538 Backlog Vacancies

The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a significant recruitment drive for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support and Sales) in its clerical cadre. This special recruitment initiative aims to fill 1538 backlog vacancies exclusively for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates. The online application process commenced on August 7, 2026, and interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications by the deadline of August 27, 2026. This presents a crucial opportunity for aspirants in Assam and across India seeking a career in the banking sector.

Key Highlights

About the Organization

The State Bank of India (SBI) stands as the largest public sector bank in India, playing a pivotal role in the nation’s financial landscape. With a rich history and an extensive network of branches across the country and globally, SBI offers a wide array of banking and financial services. It is a premier institution known for its stability, extensive reach, and significant contribution to India’s economic growth. A career with SBI is highly regarded, offering robust growth opportunities, competitive remuneration, and a secure professional environment.

Vacancy Details

Under this special recruitment drive, a total of 1538 backlog vacancies for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) have been announced. It is important to note that this drive is exclusively for candidates belonging to Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories. General and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) candidates are not eligible to apply under this specific advertisement.

Candidates are permitted to apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory. The merit lists will be prepared state-wise and category-wise. Proficiency in the specified local language of the chosen State/UT is a mandatory requirement.

Eligibility Criteria

Prospective candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria as specified in the official notification:

Educational Qualification

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in any discipline from a University recognized by the Central Government, or possess any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of their graduation may also apply provisionally. However, if provisionally selected, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before December 31, 2026. Similarly, candidates holding an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) certificate must ensure that their date of passing the IDD is on or before December 31, 2026.

Age Limit

As on April 1, 2026, candidates should not be below 20 years and not above 28 years of age. This means candidates must have been born not earlier than April 2, 1998, and not later than April 1, 2006 (both dates inclusive).

Age relaxation in the upper age limit is applicable for eligible reserved categories as per Government of India rules and SBI regulations:

• Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST): 5 years
• Other Backward Classes (OBC): 3 years
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) – General: 10 years
• PwBD (SC/ST): 15 years
• PwBD (OBC): 13 years
• Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen: Actual period of service rendered in defence services + 3 years (8 years for Disabled Ex-Servicemen belonging to SC/ST), subject to a maximum age of 50 years.
• Widows, Divorced Women, and Women Judicially Separated from their Husbands (who have not remarried): 7 years (subject to maximum age limit of 38 years for OBC & 40 years for SC/ST candidates).
• Persons ordinarily domiciled in Jammu & Kashmir State during the period from 01.01.1980 to 31.12.1989: 5 years.
• Trained Apprentices of SBI (whose engagement started on or after 01.01.2022 and completed one year of branch experience by 27.08.2026 satisfactorily): Relaxation is also applicable.

Please note that cumulative age relaxation is not available either within the above categories or in combination with any other items.

Nationality

Applicants must be citizens of India.

Salary & Pay Scale

The starting basic pay for a Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in SBI is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments for graduate candidates. The revised pay scale for Junior Associates at SBI is ₹24,050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480.

The total starting monthly emoluments at a metro center such as Mumbai are approximately ₹46,000, which includes Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance (TA), Special Allowance, and other applicable benefits. The in-hand salary generally ranges between ₹39,500 and ₹43,000 per month, depending on the place of posting and various deductions. In addition to the salary, employees are entitled to various perks and benefits, including Provident Fund (PF), New Pension Scheme (NPS), medical facilities, and Leave Fare Concession (LFC), as per the bank’s rules.

Application Fee

The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online. The category-wise fee structure is as follows:

Candidates can pay the application fee through Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI.

Selection Process

The selection process for the SBI Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) post involves a multi-stage examination, designed to assess the candidates’ aptitude and proficiency. The stages are as follows:

1. Preliminary Examination: This is an online objective test of 100 marks, to be completed in 1 hour. It consists of three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. There will be negative marking, with one-fourth of the marks allotted to a question deducted for every incorrect answer. Candidates must qualify in each of the three tests. Approximately 20 times the number of vacancies in each category will be shortlisted for the Main Examination.
2. Main Examination: Candidates shortlisted from the Preliminary Examination will appear for the online Main Examination. This test will consist of Objective Tests for 200 marks. The structure and detailed syllabus will be provided in the official notification. There is also negative marking of one-fourth of the assigned marks for every incorrect answer.
3. Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT): Provisionally selected candidates who have not studied the specified local language of the applied State in Class 10th or 12th will be required to undergo a Local Language Proficiency Test. This test will assess reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in the relevant local language. Candidates who fail to qualify this test will not be offered appointment. Those who produce 10th or 12th standard mark sheets/certificates evidencing having studied the specified opted local language will be exempted from this test.

It is important to note that there will be no interview for the Junior Associate post. The final merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test.

How to Apply

Eligible candidates must apply online through the official SBI careers portal. The step-by-step application process is as follows:

1. Visit the official State Bank of India website https://sbi.co.in.
2. Navigate to the “Careers” section and then click on “Current Openings”.
3. Find the advertisement titled “RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR ASSOCIATES (CUSTOMER SUPPORT & SALES) – SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR SC/ST/OBC BACKLOG VACANCIES” (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16).
4. Click on “Apply Online” and then “New Registration” if you are a first-time applicant.
5. Fill in the required personal, educational, and contact details accurately. Ensure your name, date of birth, and educational details match your official documents.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the prescribed specifications.
7. Carefully review all the entered information before proceeding, as corrections may not be allowed after final submission.
8. Pay the applicable application fee online using a Debit Card, Credit Card, Internet Banking, or UPI.
9. Submit the application form.
10. After successful submission, take a printout of the system-generated application form and the e-receipt of the fee payment for future reference. This printout should not be sent to SBI.

Candidates are advised to apply well in advance of the closing date to avoid any last-minute technical issues.

Important Dates

Candidates should mark the following important dates related to the SBI Junior Associate recruitment:

Important Links

Official Notification PDF: Click Here

Apply Online: Click Here

Official Website: Click Here

Official Notification Reference

State Bank of India (SBI) has released Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 for the recruitment of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the total vacancies announced for SBI Junior Associate recruitment 2026?

A total of 1538 vacancies have been announced for the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) post under this special recruitment drive.

Is this recruitment open for all categories?

No, this is a special recruitment drive specifically for backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST, and OBC categories. General and EWS candidates are not eligible to apply under this notification.

What is the age limit to apply for SBI Junior Associate 2026?

Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age as on April 1, 2026. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Can final-year graduation students apply for these posts?

Yes, candidates in their final year/semester of graduation can apply provisionally. However, they must produce proof of passing their graduation examination on or before December 31, 2026, if provisionally selected.

What is the application fee for SBI Junior Associate 2026?

The application fee is ₹750/- for OBC candidates. SC, ST, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen candidates are exempted from paying any application fee.

What is the selection process for Junior Associate in SBI?

The selection process comprises an online Preliminary Examination, followed by an online Main Examination, and a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) for eligible candidates. There is no interview for this post.

What is the expected salary for an SBI Junior Associate?

The starting basic pay is ₹26,730, including two advance increments. The gross monthly salary in metro cities is approximately ₹46,000, with an in-hand salary ranging from ₹39,500 to ₹43,000 per month.