SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026: 9,124 Vacancies, 760 Karnataka Regular Posts, Apply Online

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the official SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 notification for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This recruitment drive offers a total of 9,124 vacancies, including 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies across different States and Union Territories.

For Karnataka candidates, the recruitment is particularly important because the Bengaluru Circle has 760 regular vacancies, with Kannada specified as the local language. In addition, the notification includes 39 backlog vacancies, taking the Karnataka total to 799 vacancies.

The online application process has started on 11 August 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications and pay the applicable fee up to 31 August 2026. The SBI Junior Associate Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026, while the Main Examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – Overview

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

The notification states that candidates can apply for vacancies in one State/UT only and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project. Merit lists will be prepared State-wise and category-wise, and selected candidates will be posted in the State for which they applied.

Important Dates for SBI JA Recruitment 2026

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SBI has not specified an exact examination date or final-result date in this detailed advertisement. Therefore, candidates should treat September and November as tentative months and regularly check the SBI careers portal for updates.

SBI JA Vacancy 2026 – State/UT Wise

The official notification contains 7,680 regular vacancies and 1,444 backlog vacancies, making the combined vacancy count 9,124. The vacancies are provisional and may vary depending on the actual requirement of the Bank.

Important correction for Arunachal Pradesh: The regular vacancy is 55 and the notification’s final backlog total for that row is 17, making 72 combined vacancies. The state-wise totals above are calculated from the final backlog-total column in the official vacancy table.

SBI Clerk Karnataka Vacancy 2026

Karnataka candidates have a major opportunity under the Bengaluru Circle.

The official vacancy table shows:

• Regular vacancies: 760
• Backlog vacancies: 39
• Combined vacancies: 799
• Local language: Kannada
• Circle: Bengaluru
• Regular category-wise vacancies: SC 121, ST 53, OBC 205, EWS 76 and General 305.

Karnataka Regular Vacancy

The notification also provides horizontal reservation details for PwBD and Ex-Servicemen categories within the applicable parent categories.

For Karnataka applicants, Kannada is the specified local language. The examination medium for Karnataka is English, Hindi and Kannada.

SBI Junior Associate Eligibility Criteria 2026

Candidates should carefully check the eligibility conditions before submitting the application.

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

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

Therefore, graduates from disciplines such as BA, BCom, BSc, BBA, BE, BTech, BBM and other recognized degree programmes can apply, provided they satisfy the remaining eligibility requirements.

Important Point for Final-Year Students

Final-year candidates are allowed to apply provisionally. But simply appearing in the final semester is not enough. The candidate must have passed the graduation examination by 31 December 2026 if provisionally selected.

SBI JA Age Limit 2026

The age limit is calculated as on 1 April 2026.

Candidates must:

• Be at least 20 years old
• Not be more than 28 years old
• Have been born between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006, both dates inclusive.

SBI JA Age Relaxation

For trained SBI apprentices, the notification provides different relaxation limits depending on category. The apprentice must meet the specified conditions, including the required branch experience and successful completion of apprenticeship training.

Cumulative age relaxation is not permitted under the notification.

Local Language Requirement – Very Important for Karnataka Candidates

One of the most important conditions in SBI JA Recruitment 2026 is the local language requirement.

A candidate applying for a particular State/UT must be proficient in the specified local language of that State/UT, including reading, writing, speaking and understanding.

For Karnataka, the specified language is Kannada.

Candidates who studied the specified local language in Class 10 or Class 12 and can produce the relevant marksheet/certificate will not have to appear for the local language test.

Candidates who have not studied the specified language in Class 10 or 12 but are otherwise provisionally selected will have to qualify the Local Language Proficiency Test before joining.

Failure to qualify the local language test will result in non-appointment.

SBI JA Selection Process 2026

The selection process consists of three stages:

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

The Preliminary Examination is qualifying in nature for shortlisting purposes, while the Main Examination is used for preparation of the final merit list.

Phase I – SBI JA Preliminary Exam Pattern

Each section has separate timing.

There is a 1/4th negative marking for every wrong answer. SBI has not prescribed minimum qualifying marks for individual sections or for the aggregate in the Preliminary Examination. Approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, subject to availability, may be shortlisted for the Main Examination.

Phase II – SBI JA Main Exam Pattern

There is 1/4th negative marking for wrong answers in the Main Examination.

SBI will decide the minimum aggregate qualifying marks. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates receive the prescribed 5% relaxation on the minimum aggregate qualifying marks. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for individual subjects.

Does SBI JA Prelims Score Count in Final Selection?

No.

This is an important point for candidates preparing for the examination.

The marks obtained in the Preliminary Examination are not added to the final selection score. Only the aggregate marks obtained in the Main Examination are considered for preparation of the final merit list.

The merit list is prepared State-wise and category-wise.

Therefore, candidates should use the Preliminary Examination mainly as the gateway to the Main Examination and focus strongly on Main Examination preparation from the beginning.

SBI JA Local Language Proficiency Test

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

The notification specifies:

• Non-Verbal Test – Objective
• Non-Verbal Test – Subjective
• Verbal Test

Candidates must obtain the minimum qualifying marks prescribed by SBI. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates receive the prescribed 5% relaxation.

For Karnataka applicants, this means that Kannada proficiency is extremely important.

Special Benefit for SBI Trained Apprentices

SBI trained apprentices who meet the conditions mentioned in the notification will receive 5 bonus marks out of 200 in the Main Examination.

This is equivalent to 2.5% of the maximum Main Examination marks.

The benefit is available only to eligible SBI apprentices who meet the specified engagement date, one-year branch experience, satisfactory conduct/performance and apprenticeship completion requirements.

SBI Junior Associate Salary 2026

The official pay scale 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 is ₹26,730, which includes two advance increments available to graduates.

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

Actual allowances can vary according to the place of posting.

Employees are also eligible for various facilities and benefits such as:

• Provident Fund
• Pension under the New Pension Scheme
• Medical benefits
• Leave Fare
• Other applicable perquisites and facilities

SBI JA 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 the e-lessons prescribed by SBI for confirmation.

If the required e-lessons are not completed, probation may be extended. SBI may also extend probation if an employee’s performance does not meet the Bank’s expectations.

SBI JA Application Fee 2026

The application fee/intimation charges are non-refundable.

The fee can be paid online through the available payment gateway using debit card, credit card or Internet Banking.

Documents Required for SBI JA Application

Candidates should keep the following ready before starting the online application:

• Recent passport-size colour photograph
• Signature
• Left thumb impression
• Handwritten declaration
• Graduation details
• Valid email ID
• Active mobile number
• Category certificate, wherever applicable
• EWS Income & Asset Certificate, wherever applicable
• OBC Non-Creamy Layer certificate, wherever applicable
• PwBD certificate, wherever applicable
• Ex-Servicemen documents, wherever applicable
• Valid identity details

SBI specifically requires candidates to upload the photograph, signature, left thumb impression and handwritten declaration in the prescribed format.

SBI JA Photo and Document Upload Specifications

Photograph

• Recent passport-style colour photograph
• Preferred dimensions: 200 × 230 pixels
• File size: 20 KB to 50 KB
• Photograph size: approximately 4.5 cm × 3.5 cm
• Light-coloured, preferably white background
• Face should be clearly visible
• Caps, hats and dark glasses are not permitted, except permitted religious headwear that does not cover the face

SBI also requires candidates to capture/upload a live photograph through webcam or mobile phone during the application process.

Signature

• Black ink on white paper
• Preferred dimensions: 140 × 60 pixels
• File size: 10 KB to 20 KB
• Signature must be clearly visible

Left Thumb Impression

• 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
• Black ink on white paper
• JPG/JPEG format
• Preferred dimensions: 800 × 400 pixels at 200 DPI
• File size: 50 KB to 100 KB

The signature and handwritten declaration must not be written in CAPITAL LETTERS. They must belong to the candidate.

Handwritten Declaration Text

Candidates should write the declaration exactly as prescribed in the notification:

“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. I will present the supporting documents as and when required. The signature, photograph and left thumb impression is of mine”.

The notification also states that candidates without a left thumb may use their right thumb.

How to Apply for SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Candidates can apply only through online mode.

Step 1: Visit the SBI Careers Website

Go to the official SBI careers/current openings page and locate the Recruitment of Junior Associates 2026 link.

Step 2: Register Online

Enter the required personal and educational information and complete the initial registration.

If the application is saved before completion, the system generates a provisional registration number and password. Candidates should save these details carefully.

Step 3: Fill the Application Form

Enter:

• Personal details
• Address details
• Educational qualifications
• Category information
• State/UT preference
• Examination centre preference
• Local language details
• Other required information

Candidates should remember that they can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT.

Step 4: Upload Documents

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

Step 5: Pay the Application Fee

Pay the applicable fee through debit card, credit card or Internet Banking.

Step 6: Submit the Application

Review every detail carefully before final submission.

Once submitted, changes or corrections will not normally be accepted.

Step 7: Save the Application

After successful payment, an e-receipt and application form will be generated. Candidates should take a printout or save a copy for future reference. The printout does not have to be sent to SBI.

Important Application Instructions

Candidates should pay special attention to the following:

• Submit only one application.
• Multiple applications can result in cancellation/forfeiture of fees for earlier applications.
• The category cannot be changed after registration.
• Keep the registered mobile number active.
• Keep the registered email ID active.
• Apply well before the last date.
• Check uploaded images before final submission.
• Keep the registration number and password safe.
• Take a printout of the submitted application.
• Do not wait until the last day because technical or website-related issues may occur.

SBI Clerk Exam Centre and Call Letter

The Preliminary Examination is tentatively scheduled for September 2026.

Candidates can select their preferred examination centre, but SBI reserves the right to change, cancel or allot another centre depending on administrative requirements.

No request for change of examination centre, date or session will be entertained.

Call letters will be available online. SBI will not send hard copies of Preliminary or Main Examination call letters 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.

Identity Proof Required at Examination

Candidates must carry an original valid photo identity proof along with a self-attested photocopy.

Acceptable identity documents mentioned in the notification include:

• Passport
• Aadhaar
• PAN Card
• Driving Licence
• Voter ID
• Bank Passbook with attested photograph
• Identity card issued by a school/college
• Identity card issued by a Gazetted Officer on official letterhead

Candidates without the required identity proof may not be permitted to appear for the examination.

Candidates should also carry the required photographs. SBI advises candidates to retain around eight copies of the same photograph uploaded during the application process for future stages.

SBI JA Job Role and Responsibilities

The Junior Associate post is not limited to desk-based clerical work.

According to the notification, newly recruited Junior Associates should have an aptitude for marketing and may be required to:

• Handle customer service
• Make customer calls
• Provide banking services
• Provide advisory services
• Cross-sell banking products
• Work inside and outside Bank premises
• Undertake outdoor travel when required
• Work flexible hours or shifts depending on operational requirements

Therefore, candidates should understand that the Customer Support & Sales role can involve both branch-based customer service and sales-related responsibilities.

SBI Clerk Transfer Policy

A major condition candidates should understand before applying is the transfer restriction.

There is no provision for Inter Circle Transfer or Inter State Transfer before completion of five years of service for Junior Associates recruited under this project.

After five years, transfer requests may be considered only in exceptional situations such as extreme compassionate grounds or spouse grounds, and only at SBI’s discretion under the applicable transfer policy.

Therefore, candidates should select their State/UT carefully.

For Karnataka candidates who want to build their career in Karnataka, selecting the Bengaluru Circle is particularly important.

Pre-Examination Training

SBI will arrange online pre-examination training for eligible candidates belonging to:

• SC
• ST
• OBC
• Ex-Servicemen
• PwBD

Candidates who want to use this facility should select the relevant option while filling the online application.

Training schedule information will be communicated through registered email and SMS.

Preparation Strategy for SBI JA 2026

Candidates should not wait for the Preliminary Examination notification or call letter before starting preparation.

A practical strategy is to divide preparation into three stages.

Stage 1: Build Prelims Speed

Focus on:

• Basic arithmetic
• Simplification
• Number series
• Data interpretation
• Reasoning puzzles
• Seating arrangement
• Inequality
• Syllogism
• Coding-decoding
• English grammar
• Reading comprehension
• Cloze tests
• Vocabulary

Because each Preliminary section has only 20 minutes, speed and accuracy are equally important.

Stage 2: Start Main Preparation Early

The Main Examination carries 200 marks, and its score determines the final merit list.

Candidates should therefore study:

• Banking awareness
• Current affairs
• Financial awareness
• Quantitative aptitude
• Reasoning and computer aptitude
• English language

Stage 3: State and Local Language Preparation

Candidates who have not studied the specified language in Class 10 or 12 should not ignore the language requirement.

For Karnataka, candidates should ensure that they can comfortably read, write, speak and understand Kannada.

Why SBI JA Recruitment 2026 Is Important

SBI Junior Associate is one of the most sought-after banking recruitment opportunities for graduates.

This recruitment is particularly attractive because:

• Candidates from any recognized graduation discipline can apply.
• There are more than 9,000 combined vacancies.
• Karnataka alone has 799 combined vacancies.
• Graduate candidates receive two advance increments.
• Starting basic pay is ₹26,730.
• Starting emoluments at a metro location are around ₹46,000 according to the notification.
• SBI provides various employee benefits.
• The job offers long-term career opportunities in India’s largest public-sector bank.

However, candidates should also understand that competition is expected to be high and the final merit is based on the Main Examination score.

Who Can Apply for SBI JA 2026?

A candidate can consider applying if he or she:

• Is an Indian citizen meeting the notification requirements
• Is between 20 and 28 years of age as on 01 April 2026, subject to applicable relaxation
• Has completed or will complete graduation by the specified date
• Meets the local-language requirement of the selected State/UT
• Is not already working in SBI clerical cadre
• Does not fall under any of the disqualifying conditions mentioned by SBI
• Can satisfy the document verification and medical requirements

Candidates should independently verify their exact category, age relaxation and qualification before applying.

Important Points for Karnataka Candidates

For Karnataka aspirants, the most important facts are:

SBI JA Karnataka 2026

• Circle: Bengaluru
• Post: Junior Associate
• Regular vacancies: 760
• Backlog vacancies: 39
• Total: 799
• Local language: Kannada
• Examination medium: English, Hindi and Kannada
• Qualification: Graduation
• Age: 20–28 years, subject to relaxation
• Application deadline: 31 August 2026
• Preliminary Exam: September 2026 tentative
• Main Exam: November 2026 tentative

The Karnataka vacancy details are directly based on the Bengaluru Circle vacancy table in the official notification.

Important Links – SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026

Also Check: IOB LBO Recruitment 2026: 250 Local Bank Officer Posts, Apply Online

All future announcements relating to this recruitment will be published by SBI through its authorized website.

SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 – FAQs

Final Words

The SBI Junior Associate Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates looking for a stable banking career. With 9,124 combined vacancies, including 799 vacancies for Karnataka, this recruitment is especially significant for candidates preparing for public-sector bank jobs.

Karnataka aspirants should pay particular attention to the Kannada language requirement, while all candidates should carefully check the age, qualification, State/UT selection and document requirements before submitting the application.

The most important point to remember is that Prelims is only the shortlisting stage; the Main Examination determines the merit score for final selection. Candidates should therefore begin Main-level preparation alongside their Preliminary preparation rather than waiting until after Prelims.