SBI Recruitment Drive 2026: Notification Out for 1,538 Junior Associate Backlog Vacancies at Manabadi

The State Bank of India (SBI) has officially released the recruitment notification for Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) under Advertisement Number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16. This Special Recruitment Drive is being conducted to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies reserved specifically for Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer) candidates across various States and Union Territories.

Below is the complete detail regarding key dates, vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria, exam patterns, salary structure, and the step-by-step online application process.

Key Overview and Important Dates

Category-Wise Vacancy Breakdown

The 1,538 vacancies are distributed across reserved categories as follows:

• Scheduled Tribe (ST): 1,219 vacancies

• Scheduled Caste (SC): 207 vacancies

• Other Backward Classes (OBC – Non-Creamy Layer): 112 vacancies

Note: General and EWS category candidates are not eligible for this backlog drive. The standard annual notification for regular vacancies across all categories is expected to be released separately by SBI.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (As of April 1, 2026)

• Minimum Age: 20 years (Born not later than April 1, 2006)

• Maximum Age: 28 years (Born not earlier than April 2, 1998)

• Upper Age Relaxation:

  • SC / ST: 5 years (Up to 33 years)

  • OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years (Up to 31 years)

  • PwBD (OBC): 13 years

  • PwBD (SC / ST): 15 years

Educational Qualification

• Degree: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized University or equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

• Final Year Candidates: Candidates in the final year or semester of graduation may apply provisionally. If selected, they must produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before December 31, 2026.

• Integrated Dual Degree: Candidates holding an Integrated Dual Degree must ensure that the date of passing is on or before December 31, 2026.

Local Language Proficiency

• Applicants must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the specified local language of the chosen State or Union Territory.

• Candidates who produce proof of studying the specified local language in 10th or 12th standard are exempt from the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). All others must qualify in the LLPT prior to final selection.

Application Fee

• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): Rs. 750 (Non-refundable)

• SC / ST / PwBD / ESM: Exempted (Rs. 0)

Selection Process and Exam Structure

The selection process comprises three distinct phases:

1. Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (Qualifying)

2. Phase-II: Main Examination (Determines Final Merit)

3. Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable)

(There is no interview for the post of Junior Associate).

Phase 1: Preliminary Examination Pattern

• Mode: Online Objective Test

• Total Marks: 100

• Total Duration: 1 Hour (60 minutes)

• Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer

Subject	Questions	Marks	Sectional Duration
English Language	30	30	20 minutes
Numerical Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Reasoning Ability	35	35	20 minutes
Total	100	100	60 minutes

 

Phase 2: Main Examination Pattern

• Mode: Online Objective Test

• Total Marks: 200

• Total Duration: 2 Hours 40 Minutes (160 minutes)

• Negative Marking: 1/4th mark deducted for every wrong answer

Subject	Questions	Marks	Sectional Duration
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

Pay Scale and Salary Structure

• Pay Scale: Rs. 24,050 – Rs. 64,480

• Starting Basic Pay: Rs. 26,730 (Includes two advance increments for graduates).

• Gross Monthly Emoluments: Approximately Rs. 46,000 per month in metro cities (including Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other perks).

Application Workflow and Document Specifications

Online Application Steps

1. Visit Official Website: Access the official SBI Careers page at sbi.bank.in/careers and select “Current Openings”.

2. New Registration: Locate RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR ASSOCIATES (CUSTOMER SUPPORT & SALES) – Special Drive and click “Click here for New Registration”. Enter your name, mobile number, and email ID to generate a Provisional Registration Number and Password.

3. Fill Application Form: Log in with your registration credentials. Enter personal details, academic details, category, and preferred State/UT.

4. Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photo, signature, thumb impression, and hand-written declaration adhering to the file size limits.

5. Fee Payment & Final Submission: Pay the application fee (Rs. 750 for OBC; Rs. 0 for SC/ST/PwBD) using online banking or card payment. Verify all entries and submit the form. Print the application form and payment receipt for future reference.

Upload Document Requirements

• Photograph: Recent passport size color photograph (20 KB to 50 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

• Signature: On white paper with black ink (10 KB to 20 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

• Left-Thumb Impression: On white paper with blue or black ink (20 KB to 50 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

• Hand-Written Declaration: Written in English on white paper with black ink (50 KB to 100 KB, JPG/JPEG format).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the maximum age limit for general category candidates in this notification?

General and EWS category candidates are not eligible for this specific backlog drive. For SC/ST candidates, the maximum age is 33 years, and for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates, it is 31 years (as of April 1, 2026).

Can candidates in their final year of graduation apply?

Yes, final-year or final-semester students can apply provisionally. However, if selected, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation examination on or before December 31, 2026.

Is there any minimum percentage required in graduation?

No, SBI does not require a minimum percentage in graduation. Candidates only need a valid pass degree from a recognized university.

Is there an interview round for the Junior Associate post?

No, there is no interview for the SBI Junior Associate post. The final selection is based strictly on performance in the Main Examination, subject to clearing the Local Language Proficiency Test.

Is there negative marking in the Prelims and Mains exams?

Yes, a penalty of 1/4th (0.25) of the total marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer in both the Preliminary and Main examinations.

Can a candidate apply for vacancies in multiple states?

No, candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State or Union Territory. There is also no provision for inter-state or inter-circle transfers once recruited.

Conclusion

The SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive 2026 presents a massive opportunity for SC, ST, and OBC aspirants seeking a secure and rewarding career in the public banking sector. With 1,538 backlog vacancies announced and an attractive starting monthly package of around Rs. 46,000, candidates should ensure they complete their online applications well before the August 27, 2026 deadline. Focused preparation on speed and accuracy for the upcoming Preliminary examination in September 2026 will be key to clearing this process.