SBI Clerk Notification 2026 Out for 1538 Backlog Vacancies: Download Official PDF & Apply Online
State Bank of India (SBI) has officially published the SBI Clerk Notification 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 on August 7, 2026. This Special Recruitment Drive invites applications for 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) backlog vacancies strictly reserved for SC, ST, and OBC category candidates. Eligible aspirants can register online through SBI’s official portal from August 7 to August 27, 2026. In this expert analysis, Vidya365 provides complete details on eligibility, syllabus, exam dates, selection stages, and direct links to download the official PDF.
Official Verification Note & Disclaimer
Candidates must verify the detailed SBI Clerk Notification 2026 details, category-wise vacancy distribution, state eligibility, and online payment timelines directly from the official SBI website before submitting their application.
Table of Contents
Quick Answer: What is SBI Clerk Notification 2026?
In simple words, the SBI Clerk Notification 2026 is an official recruitment drive conducted by the State Bank of India to recruit 1,538 Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) across national branches. Released on August 7, 2026 under advertisement CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16, this special drive is specifically targeted at clearing backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. Online registration runs from August 7 to August 27, 2026.
Latest Update on SBI Clerk 2026 Recruitment
- • Notification Date: August 7, 2026 (Advt No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16).
- • Target Audience: Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories only (Special Backlog Drive).
- • Prelims Exam Window: Tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
- • Mains Exam Window: Tentatively scheduled for October/November 2026.
SBI Clerk 2026 Recruitment Overview
| Recruitment Parameter | Official Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Designation | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) – Clerical Cadre |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Total Backlog Vacancies | 1,538 Posts (SC / ST / OBC Categories) |
| Mode of Application | Online Mode via SBI Careers Portal |
| Selection Stages | Prelims CBT, Mains CBT, Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) |
| Interview Phase | No Interview (Direct merit based on Mains score) |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 (1/4th) mark deduction per incorrect response |
| Official Careers Website | https://sbi.co.in/web/careers/ |
| Preparation & Guidance Platform | Vidya365 (Vidya365.in) – Crack Government Exam Smartly |
SBI Clerk 2026 Important Exam Dates
| Recruitment Event | Important Schedule |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release | August 7, 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | August 7, 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee | August 27, 2026 |
| Prelims Admit Card Download | Late August / Early September 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination Date | Tentatively September 2026 |
| Mains Examination Date | Tentatively October / November 2026 |
| Language Proficiency Test (LPT) | Post Mains Results Announcement |
SBI Clerk Vacancy Breakdown (1,538 Posts)
The 1,538 vacancies announced in the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026 are exclusively distributed among SC, ST, and OBC candidates as backlog reservations across multiple bank circles (including Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, and Maharashtra). Detailed state-wise distribution is available in the official notification document on sbi.co.in.
SBI Clerk Eligibility Criteria 2026
1. Educational Qualification
Candidates must possess a Graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized as such by the Central Government. Candidates in their final year/semester of graduation may also apply provisionally, provided they produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before the specified eligibility cutoff date.
2. Age Limit (As of Eligibility Cutoff)
The general age requirement for Junior Associate posts is 20 to 28 years. Standard upper age relaxations apply:
- SC / ST Category: 5 Years relaxation (Up to 33 years)
- OBC Category: 3 Years relaxation (Up to 31 years)
- PwBD Candidates: 10 to 15 Years relaxation as per rules
3. Local Language Proficiency
Candidates must be proficient (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) in the specified local language of the State/UT they choose to apply for. Those who studied the local language in 10th or 12th standard are exempted from the Language Proficiency Test (LPT).
SBI Clerk 2026 Exam Pattern (Prelims & Mains)
1. Preliminary Examination Pattern
Objective CBT consisting of 100 questions carrying 100 marks with sectional timing of 20 minutes per section.
| Subject Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
2. Main Examination Pattern
Objective CBT carrying 200 marks for 190 questions with individual sectional timing.
| Subject Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Timing |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 Questions | 200 Marks | 160 Minutes (2 Hrs 40 Mins) |
SBI Clerk Pay Scale & Salary Structure
Pay Scale: Rs. 24,050 – 1340/3 – 28070 – 1650/3 – 33020 – 2000/4 – 41020 – 2340/7 – 57400 – 4400/1 – 61800 – 2680/1 – 64480.
Gross Emoluments: Newly appointed Junior Associates receive an attractive starting in-hand salary along with Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, medical benefits, and pension cover as per SBI service rules.
Download SBI Clerk 2026 Notification PDF & Kickstart Preparation
Access the official State Bank of India Special Recruitment Drive 2026 notification document directly or start practicing with Vidya365 mock tests and study capsules.
How to Download Official SBI Clerk Notification 2026 PDF
- Visit the official State Bank of India portal: sbi.co.in/web/careers.
- Locate the “Current Openings” tab on the main page.
- Look for “RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR ASSOCIATES (CUSTOMER SUPPORT & SALES) SPECIAL RECRUITMENT DRIVE FOR SC/ST/OBC BACKLOG VACANCIES – Advt No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16”.
- Click on “Download Advertisement (English)” to open and save the PDF file.
How to Apply Online for SBI Clerk 2026
- Navigate to the official portal sbi.co.in/web/careers between August 7 and August 27, 2026.
- Click on “Apply Online” under the Special Recruitment Drive advertisement.
- Complete New Registration by providing basic details (Name, Phone, Email ID).
- Upload scanned passport photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and handwritten declaration.
- Fill in academic credentials, category certificate details (SC/ST/OBC), and select applying State/UT.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) online and save the final application printout.
SBI Clerk 60-Day Preparation Strategy
| Timeframe | Milestone & Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Days 1–20 | Core Concepts in Speed Math, Basic Puzzles, English Grammar & Daily GA Reading |
| Days 21–40 | Topic-Wise Drills, DI Practice, High-Level Puzzles & Sectional Mock Tests |
| Days 41–60 | Daily Full-Length Prelims Mocks, Error Log Analysis & Banking Awareness Capsules |
Key Application Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying for a state without confirming local language proficiency.
- Delaying fee payment until the last date (August 27, 2026).
- Uploading incorrect photograph/signature formats or invalid category certificates.
- Ignoring General/Financial Awareness preparation until Prelims results are out.
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Frequently Asked Questions (20 Key FAQs)
Q1: When was SBI Clerk Notification 2026 released?
A: It was released on August 7, 2026 under Advt No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16.
Q2: How many vacancies are announced in SBI Clerk 2026?
A: A total of 1,538 backlog vacancies are announced under this Special Recruitment Drive.
Q3: Who can apply for SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026?
A: Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and OBC categories are eligible to apply for these backlog posts.
Q4: What is the last date to apply online for SBI Clerk 2026?
A: The online application window closes on August 27, 2026.
Q5: When is the SBI Clerk 2026 Prelims exam scheduled?
A: The Preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.
Q6: What is the official website for SBI Clerk application?
A: Official portal is sbi.co.in/web/careers.
Q7: Is there an interview round for SBI Clerk 2026?
A: No, there is no interview round. Final allotment depends strictly on Mains exam marks and LPT clearance.
Q8: Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk 2026?
A: Yes, 0.25 marks are deducted for every incorrect response in both Prelims and Mains exams.
Q9: What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026?
A: General age limit is 20 to 28 years, with relaxations of 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC candidates.
Q10: Is local language proficiency test (LPT) mandatory?
A: Yes, candidates must read, write, and speak the local language of the state they apply from unless studied in 10th/12th.
Q11: Can final year students apply for SBI Clerk 2026?
A: Yes, provisionally, provided proof of passing graduation is produced on or before the eligibility cutoff date.
Q12: What is the starting basic pay of SBI Junior Associate?
A: The basic pay scale starts at Rs. 24,050/- along with applicable allowances.
Q13: Can I apply for more than one state in SBI Clerk?
A: No, candidates can apply for vacancies in only one designated State/UT.
Q14: Are inter-circle or inter-state transfers allowed for SBI Clerks?
A: No, inter-circle/inter-state transfers are generally not permitted for newly recruited Junior Associates.
Q15: When is the SBI Clerk Mains exam expected?
A: Tentatively in October / November 2026.
Q16: How many marks is the SBI Clerk Mains exam?
A: The Mains paper consists of 190 questions carrying 200 total marks.
Q17: Is Vidya365 the same as Vidya 365?
A: Yes, many students search Vidya365 using variations such as Vidya 365, Vidya365.in or Vidya365 Coaching. The official platform is Vidya365.
Q18: Where can I get free SBI Clerk mock tests?
A: Sectional quizzes and practice tests are accessible on the Vidya365 portal.
Q19: How many months of Current Affairs are needed for Mains?
A: General and Financial Awareness of the last 4 to 6 months prior to Mains date is essential.
Q20: What is the selection criteria for final merit list?
A: Final selection is based solely on marks obtained in the Mains exam, subject to qualifying the LPT.
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