The State Bank of India has rolled out a Special Recruitment Drive to fill long-pending backlog vacancies for Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe, and Other Backward Classes candidates in the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) clerical cadre. If you've been waiting for a fresh opportunity to join the country's largest public sector bank, this notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) is worth your full attention.
Here's a complete breakdown of the vacancy, dates, eligibility conditions, and everything else you need to plan your application.
Key Dates
Online registration and fee payment window: 7th August 2026 to 27th August 2026
Mark these dates immediately — SBI recruitment drives typically don't extend deadlines, so don't leave your application to the last day.
Exam Schedule (Tentative)
Preliminary Examination: September 2026
Main Examination: October/November 2026
Since these dates are tentative, candidates should keep checking SBI's official careers page (sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings) for confirmed schedules and updates.
Total Vacancies: 1,538 Posts
This drive is specifically meant to clear backlog reservation vacancies, and the numbers show it — of the 1,538 total posts, a striking 1,219 are reserved for ST candidates, alongside 207 for SC and 112 for OBC
| Category | Vacancies |
| SC | 207 |
| ST | 1219 |
| OBC | 1538 |
PwBD and Ex-servicemen/Disabled Ex-servicemen candidates can apply under their respective parent category.
Important Rules Every Applicant Must Know
1. One State, One Chance
You can apply for vacancies in only one State/UT, and you get to appear for the test only once under this project. Choose carefully.
2. Local Language Is Mandatory
You must be proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding the local language of the State/UT you apply for. A dedicated language test is conducted after you qualify the Main Examination but before joining the bank — and failing it means you won't be offered the job. However, if you've studied that language up to 10th or 12th standard (and have the mark sheet to prove it), you're exempt from this test.
3. No Inter-State Transfers
Unlike some other recruitment cycles, there is no provision for Inter Circle or Inter State transfer for Junior Associates recruited under this drive. The only exceptions are intra-state transfers between:
Delhi Circle and Lucknow Circle (within Uttar Pradesh), and
Mumbai Metro Circle and Maharashtra Circle (within Maharashtra)
4. Merit List Is State-Wise and Category-Wise
Your candidature is considered only against the State/UT you've applied for, and posting will be in that same State based on a state-wise, category-wise merit list.
5. Exam Centre Flexibility, Language Test Fixed
You may appear for the written exam at any notified centre of your choice, but the local language test must be taken at a centre within the State/UT you applied for — at your own expense.
Special Notes for UP and Maharashtra Applicants
If you're applying under Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow Circle) or Maharashtra (Maharashtra Circle/Mumbai Metro Circle), check the specific operational areas on SBI's website before applying, since vacancies for UP fall under Lucknow Circle only, and Maharashtra spans two circles.
Quick Recap
Apply between: 7 – 27 August 2026
Total posts: 1,538 (backlog drive for SC/ST/OBC only)
Cadre: Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales), clerical
Selection stages: Prelims → Mains → Local Language Test
One state, one application, one attempt under this drive
If you belong to the SC, ST, or OBC category and have been eyeing a stable government banking career, this backlog drive is a rare, focused opportunity with disproportionately high vacancies in several states. Get your documents — especially local language proof — ready well before the registration window opens.
This post is based on SBI's official advertisement (CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16). Always cross-check final details, eligibility criteria, and updates on SBI's official careers portal before applying.
HOW TO APPLY: Candidates can apply online and no other mode of application
will be accepted.
Candidates will be required to register themselves online through Bank's website
https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings -
Special Recruitment drive for Junior Associates 2026. After registration candidates
are required to pay the requisite application fee through online mode by using
debit card/ credit card/ Internet Banking.
Helpdesk: In case of any problem in filling up the form, payment of fee/ intimation
charges or receipt of Admission/call letter, queries may be made at telephone no.
022-22820427 (between 11:00 AM and 05:00 PM only on Bank working days)
or lodge his/her query on http://cgrs.ibps.in
Candidates are advised not to forget to mention ‘Special Recruitment drive for
Junior Associates 2026’ in the subject of the email.
Pre-requisites for Applying Online: Candidates should have valid email ID &
mobile no. which should be kept active till the declaration of results. It will help
him/ her in getting call letter/ advice etc. by email/ SMS.
