SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: 9,124 Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary, Exam Pattern & Apply Online

State Bank of India (SBI) has released the detailed notification for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) Recruitment 2026 in the clerical cadre. SBI has announced 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies, making 9,124 vacancies in total across various States and Union Territories.

The online application process will be conducted from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026. Eligible candidates with a graduation degree in any discipline can apply, subject to the prescribed age, local-language and other eligibility conditions.

Candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT and can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment project. The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview

The notification specifies that the registration and fee-payment window is from 11 August to 31 August 2026.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Brief Description

State Bank of India has invited applications from eligible Indian citizens for appointment as Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in its clerical cadre.

The recruitment is State/UT-wise. Candidates must select only one State/UT while applying and must possess proficiency in the specified local language of the selected State/UT.

The local-language requirement is important because candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 may have to qualify a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) after the Main Examination and before joining.

The selected candidates will initially have no provision for inter-State/inter-Circle transfer for the first five years of service, subject to the conditions mentioned in the notification.

SBI JA Vacancy 2026 – State/UT Wise and Category Wise Details

SBI has announced 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies.

Regular Vacancy Details

The above figures are taken from the State Bank of India's vacancy table. The notification states that the vacancies are provisional and may vary according to the actual requirements of the Bank.

Backlog Vacancy Details

Important: PwBD, XS and DXS reservations are horizontal reservations and are included within the relevant parent categories; therefore these figures should not simply be added to the regular category totals as independent vacancies.

Total SBI Junior Associate Vacancies 2026

The notification's regular vacancy total is 7,680, while the backlog total is 1,444.

SBI JA 2026 – Important Vacancy Highlights

Some of the largest regular vacancy opportunities are:

This State-wise structure makes the choice of State/UT particularly important because the merit list is prepared State-wise and category-wise.

SBI Junior Associate 2026 – Local Language Details

Candidates must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the specified local language of the State/UT selected in the application.

The candidate must select the specified local language while applying for the concerned State/UT.

Is a Local Language Test compulsory?

Not necessarily.

Candidates who produce a Class 10 or Class 12 marksheet/certificate showing that they studied the specified local language will not be required to appear for the language test.

Other provisionally selected candidates must qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining. Failure to qualify will result in non-appointment/disqualification.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Educational Qualification

Graduation is mandatory.

Candidates must possess:

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

Candidates possessing an Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) must ensure that the date of passing the IDD is on or before 31 December 2026.

Final-Year Students

Candidates who are in the final year/semester of graduation can also apply provisionally.

However, if provisionally selected, they must produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before:

31 December 2026

Ex-Servicemen Qualification

Matriculate Ex-Servicemen who have obtained the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education or equivalent certificate in the Navy/Air Force after completing at least 15 years of service are also eligible, subject to the notification's conditions.

SBI JA 2026 – Age Limit

The age is calculated as on 1 April 2026.

Thus, candidates born between 02 April 1998 and 01 April 2006, both dates inclusive, are within the normal age range.

SBI JA 2026 – Age Relaxation

For widows/divorced/judicially separated women who have not remarried, the maximum age is 35 years for General/EWS, 38 years for OBC and 40 years for SC/ST candidates.

Important: Cumulative age relaxation is not permitted. Candidates claiming age relaxation must produce the required certificates at the appropriate stage.

SBI Junior Associate 2026 – Salary / Pay Scale

SBI Junior Associates are appointed in the clerical cadre.

Pay Scale

₹24,050 – ₹1,340/3 – ₹28,070 – ₹1,650/3 – ₹33,020 – ₹2,000/4 – ₹41,020 – ₹2,340/7 – ₹57,400 – ₹4,400/1 – ₹61,800 – ₹2,680/1 – ₹64,480

The starting Basic Pay is:

₹26,730 per month

This includes ₹24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates.

SBI JA Starting Salary

The notification states that the total starting emoluments of a Clerical Cadre employee in a metro such as Mumbai will be around ₹46,000 per month, including:

• Dearness Allowance

• Other applicable allowances

• Two additional increments for newly recruited graduate Junior Associates

The actual amount can vary depending on the place of posting and applicable allowances.

Salary Summary

Note: ₹46,000 is the approximate starting emolument mentioned by SBI for a metro such as Mumbai. It should not be treated as a fixed in-hand salary for every location.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Selection Process

The selection process consists of:

Phase I – Preliminary Examination

↓

Phase II – Main Examination

↓

Phase III – Local Language Proficiency Test

The Preliminary Examination is only for shortlisting candidates. Marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final merit. Final merit is based on the Main Examination, subject to fulfilling the local-language requirement and other eligibility conditions.

SBI JA Preliminary Exam Pattern 2026

The Preliminary Examination consists of 100 questions for 100 marks with a total duration of 1 hour.

Each section has separate timing.

There is negative marking of 1/4th of the marks assigned to the question for each wrong answer. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed either for individual tests or the aggregate score in the Preliminary Examination.

Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability, may be shortlisted for the Main Examination from candidates arranged in descending order of aggregate marks.

SBI JA Main Exam Pattern 2026

The Main Examination consists of 190 questions for 200 marks with a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes.

Each test has separate timing.

There is 1/4th negative marking for every wrong answer. SBI will prescribe minimum aggregate qualifying marks, with a 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.

Local Language Proficiency Test – SBI JA 2026

Candidates who have not studied the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 and are provisionally selected must qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test.

Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by SBI in the language test. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates receive a 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying requirement.

SBI Apprentice Bonus Marks

A special benefit is available to eligible trained apprentices of SBI.

Such candidates may receive:

5 bonus marks

which is equivalent to 2.5% of the maximum 200 marks in the Main Examination.

This benefit is available only under the conditions specified by SBI, including an engagement start date on or after 1 January 2022, successful completion of one year of specified branch experience before 31 August 2026, satisfactory conduct/performance and successful completion of the prescribed apprenticeship requirements.

SBI JA 2026 – Final Merit

The final merit list will be prepared:

• State-wise

• Category-wise

• Based on Main Examination performance

• Subject to eligibility verification

• Subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test wherever applicable

Preliminary Examination marks will not be included in the final merit score.

SBI Junior Associate 2026 – Wait List

SBI will maintain a wait list of up to:

50% of vacancies

on a State/category-wise basis.

Candidates may be released from the wait list quarterly against non-joining and resignation from the current batch, subject to the prescribed minimum qualifying marks.

The wait list will remain valid for one year from the date of declaration of the final result.

SBI JA 2026 – Application Fee

The application fee/intimation charges are non-refundable and cannot be adjusted against another examination or recruitment.

SBI JA 2026 – Reservation Rules

SBI follows the applicable Government of India reservation guidelines.

Important points include:

• PwBD/XS/DXS reservations are horizontal reservations.

• OBC reservation is available only to eligible OBC Non-Creamy Layer candidates.

• OBC Creamy Layer candidates should apply under the appropriate General category.

• OBC candidates must produce the prescribed certificate with the required Non-Creamy Layer clause.

• EWS candidates need an Income & Asset Certificate for the prescribed financial year.

• SC/ST candidates must produce the prescribed caste certificate during document verification.

• PwBD candidates must produce a valid disability certificate.

Important SBI JA Eligibility Restrictions

The following candidates are specifically mentioned as not eligible:

1. Candidates currently working in SBI in the Clerical Cadre.

2. Candidates who were previously employed by SBI in the Clerical Cadre and resigned from the Bank.

3. Candidates against whom there is an adverse report concerning character/antecedents or moral turpitude.

SBI Junior Associate 2026 – One State/UT Rule

This is one of the most important points in the notification.

A candidate can apply for vacancies in only ONE State/UT.

A candidate cannot submit applications for multiple States/UTs under this recruitment.

The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise, and candidates will be considered only against vacancies in the State/UT selected in their application.

Candidates can, however, appear for the written examination from any notified examination centre, subject to the Bank's instructions. The local-language test, where applicable, will be conducted at a centre in the State applied for.

SBI JA 2026 – Transfer Rules

There is no provision for inter-Circle/inter-State transfer before completion of five years of service for Junior Associates recruited under this process.

After five years, transfer requests may be considered only in exceptional circumstances such as:

• Extreme compassionate grounds

• Spouse grounds

and entirely at the discretion of SBI according to its transfer policy applicable at that time.

SBI JA 2026 – Exam Medium

The written examination is available in English/Hindi and applicable regional languages depending on the State/UT selected.

SBI JA 2026 – Important Dates

The application and fee-payment period is explicitly given as 11.08.2026 to 31.08.2026, while the Preliminary and Main examinations are tentatively scheduled for September and November 2026 respectively.

How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026?

Eligible candidates can apply online only.

Step 1 – Visit SBI Careers

Visit the SBI official careers/current openings page and locate:

Recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) – 2026

SBI states that no offline application mode will be accepted.

Step 2 – Register Online

Enter the required personal information and generate your registration credentials.

If the application cannot be completed in one sitting, the entered information can be saved. The system will generate a provisional registration number and password that can be used to reopen the saved application.

Step 3 – Select One State/UT

Choose the State/UT against which you want to apply.

Be careful here.

You cannot apply for vacancies in multiple States/UTs under this recruitment. Your candidature and merit will be considered for the State/UT selected in the application.

Also select the applicable local language for the Local Language Proficiency Test.

Step 4 – Enter Educational Details

Enter your graduation details carefully.

Candidates should ensure that their graduation qualification meets the requirement and that final-year candidates can satisfy the condition of passing their graduation examination by 31 December 2026 if provisionally selected.

Step 5 – Upload Photograph and Documents

Candidates must prepare digital copies of:

• Photograph

• Signature

• Left-hand thumb impression

• Handwritten declaration

SBI has prescribed specific dimensions and file-size requirements.

SBI JA 2026 – Photograph Specifications

SBI also advises candidates to retain approximately 8 copies of the same photograph uploaded during the application process because it may be required at later stages.

SBI JA 2026 – Signature, Thumb Impression & Declaration

The signature should be made on white paper with black ink. The thumb impression should be made on white paper using black or blue ink, while the handwritten declaration must be written clearly in English using black ink.

The declaration prescribed by SBI is:

“I,______(Name of the candidate), Date of Birth ______, hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid.”

Candidates should use the complete prescribed declaration while filling the application.

Step 6 – Pay the Application Fee

Candidates who are required to pay the fee should make the payment online using the available payment options such as:

• Debit Card

• Credit Card

• Internet Banking

Step 7 – Preview the Application

Before final submission, carefully check:

• Name

• Date of Birth

• Category

• State/UT

• Local Language

• Educational qualification

• Photograph

• Signature

• Thumb impression

• Handwritten declaration

• Contact information

Important:

Once the final application is submitted, corrections will not be allowed.

Step 8 – Print/Save the Application

After successful registration, candidates should take a printout/save a copy of the system-generated application form for future reference.

Documents Required for SBI JA Application

Candidates should keep the following ready:

• Graduation marksheets/certificate

• Date of birth proof

• Category certificate, if applicable

• OBC-NCL certificate, if applicable

• EWS Income & Asset Certificate, if applicable

• PwBD certificate, if applicable

• Ex-Servicemen documents, if applicable

• Recent photograph

• Signature

• Left thumb impression

• Handwritten declaration

• Valid email ID

• Active mobile number

The email ID and mobile number should remain active until the declaration of results because SBI may use them for call letters, communication and other recruitment updates.

SBI JA Recruitment 2026 – Examination Centres

SBI has provided a tentative list of examination centres.

Some major centres include:

SBI reserves the right to cancel/add examination centres or allot a candidate to a centre other than the one selected. Requests for changing the examination centre, date or session will not be entertained.

SBI JA 2026 – PwBD Reservation

The notification provides 4% horizontal reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) under Section 34 of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

The identified categories include:

Candidates seeking PwBD reservation must possess the prescribed disability certificate issued by the competent authority.

SBI JA 2026 – Scribe & Compensatory Time

Eligible candidates with the required disability may use a scribe subject to SBI/Government guidelines.

Candidates eligible to use a scribe can receive:

20 minutes compensatory time for every hour of examination

The candidate must arrange their own scribe at their own cost and comply with SBI's prescribed conditions.

SBI JA Recruitment 2026 – Important Instructions

1. Apply for only one State/UT

Multiple State/UT applications are not permitted.

2. Local language is important

Candidates must be proficient in the specified language of their selected State/UT.

3. Preliminary marks are not counted for final merit

Only Main Examination marks are used for preparing the final merit list.

4. Negative marking applies

One-fourth of the marks assigned to the question is deducted for each wrong answer.

5. Final-year students can apply

But they must pass graduation by 31 December 2026 if provisionally selected.

6. Application corrections are not allowed after final submission

Candidates should verify the complete form before submitting it.

7. Keep your application photograph copies

SBI recommends retaining approximately eight copies of the same photograph used in the application.

8. Prohibited electronic devices

Mobile phones, pagers, smart watches, calculators and other communication/electronic devices are not allowed inside the examination premises.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Quick Highlights

Frequently Asked Questions – SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

How many vacancies are there in SBI JA Recruitment 2026?

There are 9,124 vacancies in total, comprising 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies.

What is the SBI Junior Associate starting salary?

The starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730 per month. SBI states that the total starting emoluments in a metro such as Mumbai will be around ₹46,000 per month, including DA, applicable allowances and graduate increments.

What is the SBI JA age limit?

Candidates must be 20 to 28 years old as on 1 April 2026, subject to applicable relaxations.

What is the educational qualification?

Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government.

Can final-year students apply?

Yes. Final-year/semester students may apply provisionally, but if selected they must produce proof of passing graduation on or before 31 December 2026.

Can I apply for multiple States?

No. A candidate can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT.

Is knowledge of the local language compulsory?

Candidates must be proficient in the specified local language of the State/UT they apply for. However, candidates who studied that language in Class 10 or 12 can avoid the separate language test by producing the required certificate/marksheet.

When will the SBI JA Preliminary Exam be conducted?

The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.

When will the SBI JA Main Exam be conducted?

The Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

Is there negative marking?

Yes. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for an incorrect answer.

Are Preliminary marks counted in the final selection?

No. Preliminary Examination marks are only used for shortlisting. The final merit list is prepared based on the Main Examination aggregate marks, subject to the local-language requirement and eligibility verification.

What is the SBI JA application fee?

General, OBC and EWS candidates have to pay ₹750, while SC, ST, PwBD, XS and DXS candidates are exempted.

Important Links – SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Official Notification PDF

Download SBI Junior Associate 2026 Official Notification PDF

Apply Online

Apply Online for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Helpful Tools for SBI JA Applicants

Age Calculator

Check your age as on 1 April 2026 and determine whether you fall within the SBI Junior Associate age limit.

SBI JA Age Calculator

Date Calculator

Useful for calculating dates, deadlines and date differences during the SBI recruitment process.

Date Calculator

Photo Resizer / Editor

Prepare your photograph according to the required dimensions and file-size specifications for the SBI online application.

Photo Resizer / Editor

Conclusion

The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 is a major banking recruitment opportunity with 9,124 total vacancies, including 7,680 regular and 1,444 backlog vacancies.

The recruitment is particularly attractive for graduates because SBI requires graduation in any discipline, while the starting Basic Pay is ₹26,730 and the Bank states that starting emoluments in a metro such as Mumbai can be around ₹46,000 per month.

Candidates should pay special attention to the State/UT selection and local-language requirement. Only one State/UT can be selected, and candidates will be considered for vacancies and merit within the State/UT chosen in the application.

The online application window is open from 11 August 2026 to 31 August 2026, so eligible candidates should complete the application well before the deadline and carefully verify all information before final submission, as corrections will not be permitted after final submission.

Candidates are advised to read the complete official SBI notification before applying and verify their eligibility, State/UT choice, local-language requirement, category certificate and other conditions carefully.