Complete exam guide
SBI Clerk — Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales), Clerical Cadre
SBI Clerk is the State Bank of India's recruitment for Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre: the branch-counter and customer-service staff of India's largest bank.
2026 cycle — status
✓ Verified 6 Oct 2026The Mains stage is next. The notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) was released on 11 August 2026 and the application window closed on 31 August 2026. The Preliminary examination was scheduled tentatively for September 2026 (prelims call letters were issued through the SBI careers page; media reports dated September 2026 put the exam on 26 and 27 September). The Main examination is tentatively scheduled for November 2026. SBI announces exact dates only through call letters and its careers page, so confirm your dates there.
- Notification (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)Done11 August 2026
- ApplicationsDone11 to 31 August 2026
- Preliminary examinationDoneSeptember 2026 (tentative; media reports 26-27 September)Confirm the exact date only from your call letter
- Main examinationUpcomingNovember 2026 (tentative)Exact date will be known through the mains call letter
7,680 regular plus 1,444 backlog vacancies, 9,124 in total, across SBI's 17 circles. The backlog figures are net of the separate Special Recruitment Drive (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16) for SC/ST/OBC candidates. You may apply for vacancies of one State/UT only and can appear in the test only once under this project. There is no inter-circle or inter-state transfer for the first 5 years of service. Vacancies are provisional and may vary. The merit list is drawn state-wise and category-wise, and a wait list of up to 50% of vacancies is kept valid for one year.
About this exam
It is a State-wise recruitment. You choose one State or Union Territory while applying, compete only for that State's vacancies, and must be proficient in that State's specified local language, which is tested (qualifying) before joining. There is no interview: a speed-based Preliminary exam (100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour with 20-minute sectional timing) screens candidates, and the Main exam (190 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours 40 minutes) alone decides the final state-wise, category-wise merit list. Prelims marks are not added to the merit. The syllabus overlaps heavily with IBPS Clerk (English, Quant, Reasoning, plus General/Financial Awareness and Computer Aptitude in Mains), so preparation for one largely covers the other. Earlier notifications used the job title 'Customer Service Associate'; the current advertisement says 'Customer Support & Sales'.
More on SBI Clerk (Junior Associate)
Dates, syllabus and results for SBI Clerk (Junior Associate)
Exam pattern
Phase I — Preliminary Examination (screening) Screening (shortlists for Mains)
Online CBT · 60 min · 1 mark per correct answer, 1/4 mark deducted per wrong answer
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Strict 20-minute sectional timing for each of the three sections; you cannot move between sections. No minimum qualifying marks are prescribed for any individual test or for the aggregate, and section-wise marks are not maintained. About 10 times the vacancies in each category (as decided by the Bank, subject to availability) are shortlisted for Mains in descending order of aggregate prelims marks. Numerical Ability and Reasoning Ability papers are available bilingually (English and the state's medium); English Language is in English only. Prelims marks are not counted in the final merit.
Phase II — Main Examination (merit-deciding) Merit-deciding
Online CBT · 160 min · 1/4 mark deducted per wrong answer
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 |
| General English | 40 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 |
| Total | 190 | 200 |
Each section carries its own timing (35 + 35 + 45 + 45 minutes) and cannot be swapped. Notice that Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude carries 60 marks for 50 questions, so the site's computer subject is tested inside this section rather than as a separate paper. You must score a minimum percentage on aggregate (as decided by the Bank, with 5% relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD/XS/DXS candidates); no minimum for individual subjects. The final merit list is drawn from the Mains aggregate only, state-wise and category-wise. Trained Apprentices of SBI (engagement start date on or after 1 January 2022, one year of branch experience completed by 31 August 2026) get a bonus of 5 marks out of 200 (2.5% of maximum marks) added to the aggregate.
Phase III — Local Language Proficiency Test (qualifying) Qualifying (before appointment)
Written test at a centre of the State applied for
Provisionally selected candidates who did not study the specified opted local language in Class 10 or 12 must take this test; those who can produce a 10th or 12th standard marksheet or certificate showing they studied the language are exempt. The test has a non-verbal part (objective, 15 questions, 15 marks, and subjective, 15 questions, 15 marks) and a verbal part (20 marks). You must score minimum qualifying marks decided by the Bank (5% relaxation for reserved categories). Candidates who fail are not offered appointment. The test is held at a centre of the State applied for, at the candidate's own expense.
Eligibility
Eligible Indian Citizens (the advertisement's wording), as per the standard central recruitment clauses of the notice.
Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University, or any equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, as on 31 December 2026. Final-year/semester students may apply provisionally but must produce proof of passing on or before 31 December 2026. Integrated dual degree (IDD) candidates must have the passing date on or before 31 December 2026.
Matriculate ex-servicemen who obtained the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or the corresponding Navy/Air Force certificate) after at least 15 years of service in the Armed Forces are also eligible; the certificate must be dated on or before 31 December 2026.
| OBC (non-creamy layer) | +3 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years |
| PwBD (Gen/EWS) | +10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | +13 years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | +15 years |
| Ex-servicemen / Disabled ex-servicemen | Actual defence service period + 3 years (8 years for disabled ex-servicemen belonging to SC/ST), subject to a maximum age of 50 years |
| Widows, divorced women, women judicially separated and not remarried | +7 years (maximum age 35 for General/EWS, 38 for OBC, 40 for SC/ST) |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI | +1 year (Gen/EWS), +4 (OBC), +6 (SC/ST); PwBD +11/+14/+16. Applies only to apprentices whose engagement started on or after 1 January 2022 and who completed one year of specified branch experience in SBI by 31 August 2026 |
Cumulative age relaxation is not available across categories. Local language proficiency (reading, writing, speaking and understanding) in the specified language of the State/UT applied for is essential and is tested before joining; a Class 10 or 12 marksheet showing the language exempts you from the test. OBC candidates need a non-creamy-layer certificate issued between 1 April 2026 and the date of joining. EWS candidates need the Income and Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26, valid for 2026-27. Serving or resigned SBI clerical-cadre employees are not eligible. Candidates against whom there is an adverse report on character and antecedents are not eligible.
Posts, pay & who should apply
| Post | Department | Group | Pay level | Approx. in-hand |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) | State Bank of India, clerical cadre, across 17 circles | Clerical | 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 · starting basic pay ₹26,730 (₹24,050 plus two advance increments admissible to graduates) | Total starting emoluments around ₹46,000 per month at a metro centre like Mumbai, inclusive of DA and allowances at current rates and two additional increments for newly recruited graduate Junior Associates; allowances vary by posting place |
Special requirements: Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) — Posting in the State/UT applied for; no inter-circle or inter-state transfer for the first 5 years; minimum probation of 6 months with prescribed e-lessons; local language test before joining
Selection process
Preliminary exam (screening) → Main exam (merit) → Local Language Proficiency Test (where applicable) → provisional selection → verification of eligibility → appointment. Prelims marks are not added to the merit. The final merit list is drawn from the Mains aggregate, state-wise and category-wise, and selected candidates are posted in the State they applied for. There is no interview. A wait list of up to 50% of vacancies (state-category wise) is maintained for one year from the final result and is released quarterly against non-joining and resignation from the current batch only.
Normalisation (why your raw score ≠ final score)
The advertisement does not mention any normalisation of scores across shifts. SBI prescribes no minimum qualifying marks for individual prelims sections; shortlisting for Mains (about 10 times the vacancies, category-wise) is done on the aggregate prelims score, and the merit list uses the Mains aggregate with a Bank-decided minimum on aggregate (5% relaxation for reserved categories). Do not compare raw scores with candidates of other shifts or states; the exact evaluation method, if any, is described only in the 'Acquaint Yourself' booklet issued with the call letter. Check the official notice for the final word.
Preparation topics
Every topic below has full notes, formulas, shortcut tricks and practice — tap in.
- Number System
- Simplification
- HCF & LCM
- Percentage
- Ratio, Proportion, Partnership & Ages
- Average
- Interest (SI & CI)
- Profit, Loss & Discount
- Mixtures & Alligation
- Time & Work
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Mensuration (2D)
- Mensuration (3D)
- Trigonometry
- Heights and Distances
- Statistics
- Data Interpretation
- Permutation, Combination & Probability
- Sequences & Progressions
- Set Theory & Venn Diagrams
- Functions, Graphs & Logarithms
- Analogy
- Classification (Odd One Out)
- Series (Number & Letter)
- Coding - Decoding
- Mathematical Operations
- Missing Number
- Blood Relations
- Direction & Distance
- Order & Ranking
- Seating Arrangement
- Syllogism
- Venn Diagrams
- Dictionary Order & Alphabet
- Statement & Conclusion
- Counting Figures
- Mirror & Water Images
- Paper Folding & Cutting
- Embedded Figures
- Cube & Dice
- Figure Series
Notification dates history
| Year | Vacancies | Notification | Exam | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 9124 | 11 Aug 2026 (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17) | Tentatively September 2026 (media reports: 26-27 Sep) | — |
| 2025 | 6589 | 6 Aug 2025 (CRPD/CR/2025-26/06) | Held in September 2025 (reported 20, 21 and 27 September) | 27 February 2026 (provisionally selected list) |
| 2024 | 13735 | 17 Dec 2024 (CRPD/CR/2024-25/24) | Held in February-March 2025 (reported 22, 27, 28 February and 1 March) | Provisional selection announced in 2025; wait lists continued into early 2026 |
FAQs
Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk?
Yes. In both the Preliminary and Main exams, 1/4 of the mark assigned to a question is deducted for every wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no penalty.
What is the prelims and mains pattern?
Prelims: 100 questions, 100 marks, 1 hour — English Language 30, Numerical Ability 35, Reasoning Ability 35, each with 20-minute sectional timing. Mains: 190 questions, 200 marks, 2 hours 40 minutes — General/Financial Awareness 50 (35 min), General English 40 (35 min), Quantitative Aptitude 50 (45 min), Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude 50 questions for 60 marks (45 min).
Do prelims marks count in the final merit?
No. The preliminary exam only screens: about 10 times the vacancies in each category are shortlisted on prelims aggregate. The final merit list is built from the Mains aggregate only, state-wise and category-wise.
Is there any interview in SBI Clerk?
No. The selection process is the online prelims, the online mains and the test of the specified opted local language, followed by verification of eligibility. There is no interview or group discussion.
Who has to take the local language test?
Only provisionally selected candidates who did not study the specified opted local language in Class 10 or 12. If your 10th or 12th marksheet or certificate shows that you studied the language of the State you applied for, you are exempt. Candidates who fail the test are not offered appointment.
What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026?
20 to 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (born not earlier than 2 April 1998 and not later than 1 April 2006), with relaxations: OBC +3, SC/ST +5, PwBD +10 to +15 depending on category, ex-servicemen as per service plus 3 years, and 7 years for widows, divorced and judicially separated women (not remarried).
What is the application fee and is it refunded?
₹750 for General/OBC/EWS and Nil for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS. The fee is an intimation-plus-application charge and is not refundable on any account, unlike some railway exams where part of the fee comes back after appearing.
What is the SBI Clerk salary?
The starting basic pay is ₹26,730 (₹24,050 plus two advance increments for graduates) in the scale of ₹24,050 to ₹64,480. Total starting emoluments at a metro centre like Mumbai are around ₹46,000 per month including DA and allowances at current rates, and they vary with the posting location. There is also PF, pension under the defined-contribution NPS, medical and leave-fare benefits.
Can I apply for vacancies of two States?
No. You may apply for vacancies of one State/UT only and can appear for the test only once under this recruitment project. Your candidature is considered only against the vacancies of the State/UT you opted for, and the merit list is state-wise, so choose your State carefully, factoring in the local language requirement.
Is there any bonus for SBI apprentices?
Yes. Trained Apprentices of SBI (engagement start date on or after 1 January 2022, with one year of specified branch experience completed by 31 August 2026 and satisfactory conduct and performance) get 5 bonus marks out of 200 (2.5%) in the Main exam, plus a relaxation in the upper age limit of 1 to 6 years depending on category.
Documents for document verification
For the application: recent passport photograph (4.5 x 3.5 cm, 20-50 kb; retain at least 8 copies of the same photo, it is needed at every stage), scanned signature (10-20 kb), left thumb impression (or the right thumb if needed) and the hand-written declaration in English. At the exam: the prelims call letter (get it authenticated at the centre and retain it for the mains), an original photo ID (passport, Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, voter card, bank passbook with photo, or school/college ID) with a self-attested photocopy, and two additional photographs identical to the one on the call letter. At verification and joining: Class 10 or 12 marksheet/certificate proving study of the opted local language (if claiming exemption from the language test), graduation marksheets and degree (proof of passing needed by 31 December 2026), category certificates (SC/ST on the central government format; OBC non-creamy-layer certificate issued between 1 April 2026 and joining; EWS Income and Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26, valid for 2026-27), PwBD disability certificate issued by the competent authority, and ex-servicemen documents (discharge book, or Proforma B/C/D for serving personnel) where applicable. SBI may capture thumb impression or IRIS biometrics at various stages, so keep your hands free of mehendi, ink or chemicals.