SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026: 1538 Vacancies | SC ST OBC Only

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Special Drive : 1538 Backlog Vacancies, Karnataka 120 Posts, Apply Online

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 notification for a Special Recruitment Drive to fill SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies in the clerical cadre. A total of 1,538 Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) vacancies have been announced across different States and Union Territories.

This is NOT the regular SBI Clerk recruitment. It is a Special Recruitment Drive for backlog vacancies, and the vacancies are specifically under SC, ST and OBC categories.

According to the official notification, the online application process begins on 07 August 2026 and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 27 August 2026. The recruitment is specifically for backlog vacancies under the SC, ST and OBC categories, and candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only.

For Karnataka candidates, the Bengaluru Circle has announced 120 vacancies, all requiring proficiency in Kannada as the specified local language. The recruitment is particularly important for graduates belonging to the eligible reserved categories who are looking for a clerical banking job in SBI.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Special Drive – Overview

Also read: IBPS Clerk Recruitment 2026 Notification Released – Apply Online for Customer Service Associate (CSA) Posts

The notification states that candidates can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project. Candidates applying for a State/UT must be proficient in its specified local language.

SBI Junior Associate Vacancy 2026 – 1538 Backlog Posts

SBI has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive.

The overall category-wise vacancy position is:

These vacancies are provisional and may vary depending on the actual requirement of the Bank. The recruitment notification makes it clear that candidates will be considered only against the State/UT for which they apply.

State-wise Vacancy Details

The official notification specifies that candidates must choose one local language at the time of application for the local language test. For Karnataka, the specified language is Kannada.

Karnataka SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026

Karnataka has 120 vacancies under the Bengaluru Circle:

• SC – 85 posts
• ST – 35 posts
• OBC – 0 posts
• Total – 120 posts
• Local Language – Kannada

The examination medium for Karnataka includes English, Hindi and Kannada.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Special Drive – Important Dates

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The SBI notification specifically mentions that the Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is expected in October/November 2026. Candidates should regularly check the SBI careers section for subsequent updates.

Who Can Apply for SBI Junior Associate Special Drive 2026?

Candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions before submitting the application because the Bank will verify eligibility based on the prescribed dates and supporting documents.

Educational Qualification

Candidates must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.

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

Candidates who are currently studying in the final year or final semester of graduation can also apply provisionally. However, if selected provisionally, they must produce proof that they have passed their graduation examination on or before 31 December 2026.

Therefore, candidates from BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BE/BTech and other recognized graduation backgrounds can apply, provided they satisfy the remaining conditions.

SBI Junior Associate Age Limit 2026

The age limit is calculated as on 01 April 2026.

Candidates must:

• Be at least 20 years old
• Not be more than 28 years old

Candidates must have been born:

Not earlier than 02 April 1998 and not later than 01 April 2006, both dates inclusive.

Age Relaxation

Cumulative age relaxation is not permitted. Candidates claiming age relaxation must provide the necessary certificates at the appropriate stage.

SBI Junior Associate Local Language Requirement

One of the most important conditions in this recruitment is the local language requirement.

Candidates applying for a particular State/UT must be proficient in the specified local language, including the ability to read, write, speak and understand that language.

For Karnataka, the specified language is Kannada.

Candidates who studied the specified local language in 10th or 12th standard and can produce the relevant marks card/certificate will not have to appear for the separate local language test.

Candidates who did not study the specified local language in Class 10 or 12 will have to qualify in the Local Language Proficiency Test after qualifying for selection but before joining. Candidates who fail this test will not be offered appointment.

This is particularly important for candidates applying for the Karnataka vacancies.

SBI Junior Associate Application Fee 2026

The application fee is different according to category.

The fee/intimation charge is non-refundable. The notification states that once paid, it cannot be refunded or carried forward to another recruitment.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The SBI Junior Associate selection process consists of three stages:

1. Preliminary Examination
2. Main Examination
3. Local Language Proficiency Test, wherever applicable

Phase 1 – Preliminary Examination

The Preliminary Examination is an online objective test for 100 marks with a total duration of one hour.

Each section has separate timing.

There is negative marking. One-fourth of the marks assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong answer.

The notification does not prescribe minimum qualifying marks for individual tests or the aggregate in the Preliminary Examination. Candidates will be shortlisted for the Main Examination based on aggregate marks, with the Bank indicating that approximately 10 times the number of vacancies may be shortlisted, subject to availability.

Phase 2 – Main Examination

The Main Examination carries 200 marks and has a total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes.

There is one-fourth negative marking for wrong answers.

The Bank will decide the minimum aggregate qualifying marks. There is no prescribed minimum qualifying mark for individual subjects.

Important Point About Final Merit

The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination will not be added to the final merit list.

Only the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination will be considered for preparation of the final merit list.

The merit list will be prepared State-wise and category-wise.

Local Language Proficiency Test

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

The notification provides a test involving non-verbal and verbal components. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by the Bank.

For Karnataka applicants, this means candidates who do not have evidence of having studied Kannada in Class 10 or 12 may need to qualify in the Kannada language test before joining.

SBI Junior Associate Salary 2026

The pay scale mentioned in the notification is:

₹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 for a graduate Junior Associate is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments admissible to graduates.

The notification states that total starting emoluments for a clerical cadre employee at a metro such as Mumbai are approximately ₹46,000 per month, including DA, applicable allowances and the two additional increments for newly recruited graduate Junior Associates.

Actual allowances can vary depending on the place of posting. Employees are also eligible for various benefits such as provident fund, pension under the New Pension Scheme, medical facilities, leave fare and other facilities according to Bank rules.

SBI Junior Associate Job Role and Responsibilities

The Junior Associate position is not limited to traditional counter work.

According to the notification, new recruits should have an aptitude for marketing and may be required to:

• Handle customer calls
• Provide banking services
• Provide advisory services
• Cross-sell banking products
• Interact with customers
• Work inside and outside Bank premises
• Perform duties involving outdoor travel when required
• Work flexible hours or shifts depending on Bank requirements

Therefore, candidates should understand that the role can involve both customer service and sales-related responsibilities.

SBI Junior Associate Probation Period

Selected Junior Associates will initially be placed on probation for a minimum period of six months.

During probation, newly recruited employees must complete e-lessons prescribed by the Bank. If the required lessons are not completed, the probation period can be extended.

The Bank may also evaluate performance before the probation period ends, and probation may be extended if performance does not meet the Bank’s expectations.

SBI Junior Associate Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange online pre-examination training for eligible candidates in accordance with Government of India guidelines.

Candidates who want to use this facility must select the relevant option while filling out the application form.

Details regarding the training schedule will be communicated through registered email and SMS.

SBI Junior Associate Special Drive Documents Required

Candidates should keep the following documents and information ready before starting the application:

• Recent passport-size photograph
• Signature
• Left thumb impression
• Handwritten declaration
• Graduation certificate/marks cards or relevant academic documents
• Category certificate, wherever applicable
• OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, wherever applicable
• PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
• Ex-Servicemen-related certificates, wherever applicable
• Valid photo identity proof
• Active mobile number
• Active email ID
• Aadhaar details, if the candidate chooses to provide them

The online application requires the photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration to be uploaded according to the specifications in the notification.

SBI Junior Associate Photo and Document Upload Specifications

Candidates should pay special attention to the upload requirements.

Photograph

• Recent passport-style colour photograph
• Preferably light/white background
• Face should be clearly visible
• Preferred dimensions: 200 × 230 pixels
• File size: 20 KB to 50 KB
• Live photograph capture is also required through webcam or mobile phone

Signature

• Sign on white paper using black ink
• Preferred dimensions: 140 × 60 pixels
• File size: 10 KB to 20 KB

Left Thumb Impression

• On white paper
• Black or blue ink
• JPG/JPEG format
• Preferred dimensions: 240 × 240 pixels at 200 DPI
• File size: 20 KB to 50 KB

Handwritten Declaration

• Must be written in English
• Use black ink on white paper
• JPG/JPEG format
• Preferred dimensions: 800 × 400 pixels
• File size: 50 KB to 100 KB

The notification specifically states that signatures and handwritten declarations in CAPITAL LETTERS will not be accepted.

Candidates should also retain around eight copies of the same photograph used in the online application because the photographs may be required during subsequent stages.

How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can apply only through the online mode.

Step 1: Visit SBI Careers

Go to the SBI official careers/current openings section and locate the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates 2026.

Step 2: Register

Open the appropriate Junior Associate online application form and begin the registration process.

Step 3: Enter Personal Details

Fill in your name, date of birth, category, contact details and other required information carefully.

Step 4: Select State/UT

Select the State/UT against which you want to be considered.

Remember that a candidate can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT.

Step 5: Select Local Language

Choose the applicable local language for the language test. For Karnataka, the language is Kannada.

Step 6: Upload Documents

Upload the photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration according to the prescribed specifications.

Step 7: Complete Academic Details

Enter graduation and other required educational information accurately.

Step 8: Review the Application

Check every field carefully before final submission. The notification states that changes or corrections will not be entertained after submission.

Step 9: Pay the Fee

OBC candidates must pay the applicable ₹750 fee. SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates are exempt from the fee.

Step 10: Save the Application

After successful submission and payment, download/save the e-receipt and system-generated application form for future reference.

The application printout does not have to be sent to SBI.

Important Things to Remember Before Applying

Candidates should keep the following points in mind:

1. Only one application should be submitted.
2. Candidates can apply for only one State/UT.
3. Candidates can appear for the examination only once under this recruitment.
4. Category cannot be changed after registration.
5. The local language requirement is important.
6. OBC candidates must belong to the Non-Creamy Layer.
7. OBC candidates must produce the prescribed Non-Creamy Layer certificate.
8. Candidates should keep their registered email ID and mobile number active.
9. Candidates should apply before the last date instead of waiting until the final day.
10. Multiple applications can result in cancellation and forfeiture of fees paid for other registrations.

SBI Clerk Exam Preparation Strategy

Candidates should start preparation immediately rather than waiting for the Preliminary Examination date.

For Preliminary Examination

Focus on:

• English grammar
• Vocabulary
• Reading comprehension
• Simplification
• Number series
• Arithmetic
• Data interpretation
• Puzzles
• Seating arrangement
• Syllogism
• Inequality
• Coding-decoding
• Blood relations
• Direction-based questions

Since each section has separate timing, candidates should practice solving questions within strict time limits.

For Main Examination

The Main Examination requires a broader preparation strategy.

Candidates should give special attention to:

• Current affairs
• Banking awareness
• Financial awareness
• General awareness
• Quantitative aptitude
• Reasoning
• Computer aptitude
• English language

The Main Examination is particularly important because Preliminary marks are not added to the final merit list. The final merit is prepared using Main Examination marks, subject to the applicable language requirement and eligibility verification.

Karnataka Candidates: What Makes This Recruitment Important?

For Karnataka candidates, this notification contains 120 backlog vacancies under the Bengaluru Circle.

The vacancies are:

• SC – 85
• ST – 35
• Total – 120

The required local language is Kannada and the examination can be taken in English, Hindi or Kannada.

This makes the recruitment especially relevant for eligible Karnataka graduates from the reserved categories who want to enter the banking sector.
One important point is that the notification says candidates selected against a State/UT will be posted in that State/UT, and there is no general provision for Inter-State or Inter-Circle transfer for Junior Associates recruited under this project.

SBI Junior Associate Exam Centres in Karnataka

The tentative examination centres listed for Karnataka include:

• Bengaluru
• Belagavi
• Kalaburagi
• Hubballi/Dharwad
• Mangaluru
• Mysuru
• Shivamogga
• Udupi

The Bank reserves the right to modify examination centres depending on administrative feasibility and candidate response.

SBI Junior Associate Admit Card and Exam Instructions

The Preliminary Examination call letter is expected to be available approximately 10 days before the examination, according to the notification.

No hard copy of the call letter will be sent by post.

Candidates appearing for the Main Examination must bring the authenticated Preliminary Examination call letter along with the Main Examination call letter and other required documents.

Candidates must also carry the required photographs and valid photo identity proof.

Candidates should remember that mobile phones, smart watches, calculators and other prohibited communication/electronic devices are not allowed in the examination premises.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Important Links

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Frequently Asked Questions – SBI Junior Associate Special Drive 2026

Conclusion

The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 Special Recruitment Drive is an important opportunity for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates seeking a clerical banking career. SBI has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies, including 120 vacancies in Karnataka.

Candidates interested in the Karnataka vacancies should pay particular attention to the Kannada language requirement, State-wise application restriction, age eligibility and category-specific conditions.

The online application window is available from 07 August 2026 to 27 August 2026. Since candidates cannot modify the application after final submission and only one application is permitted, it is advisable to prepare all documents and verify every detail before submitting the form.

Candidates should also begin preparation early because the Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, followed by the Main Examination in October/November 2026.

Most importantly, applicants should rely on the official SBI recruitment portal for subsequent announcements, call letters, examination updates and any changes to the recruitment schedule. The information in this article is based on the SBI Special Recruitment Drive notification dated 07 August 2026.