SBI Recruitment Drive FY26 – The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its largest recruitment drive in a decade for the financial year 2025-26 (FY26), aiming to hire approximately 18,000 employees across various roles. This historic initiative, revealed by SBI Chairman CS Setty on May 4, 2025, reflects the bank’s commitment to strengthening its workforce, enhancing digital capabilities, and supporting India’s evolving banking landscape. The recruitment drive includes opportunities for SBI clerical staff, SBI probationary officers (POs), SBI local bank officers (LBOs), and SBI specialist cadre officers, with a significant focus on technology-driven roles. This article provides a detailed overview of the SBI Recruitment Drive FY26, covering vacancy details, eligibility, selection process, and more.
toc=#(table of content)
Overview of SBI Recruitment Drive FY26
The FY26 recruitment drive is a landmark effort by SBI, the nation’s largest public sector bank, to bolster its operational and technological capabilities. With 18,000 vacancies, the drive is designed to address the bank’s growing needs in customer service, branch operations, and digital transformation. The recruitment spans multiple categories, offering opportunities for fresh graduates, banking professionals, and tech experts.
| Category | Number of Vacancies | Key Roles |
|---|---|---|
| Clerical Staff | 13,500–14,000 | Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Officers | 3,000 | Probationary Officers (POs), Local Bank Officers (LBOs) |
| System Officers | 1,600 | Specialist Cadre Officers (IT/Systems) |
| Total | 18,000 |
Note: The exact vacancy distribution may vary by state and category (General, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, etc.), with details to be confirmed in the official notification expected by mid-2025.
Key Highlights of the Recruitment Drive
- Technology Focus: SBI is prioritizing digital innovation by recruiting 1,600 system officers, the first significant hiring in this category in nearly a decade. These roles will strengthen the bank’s IT infrastructure, mobile banking platforms, and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Clerical Recruitment: Approximately 13,500–14,000 clerical staff will be hired to support customer operations across SBI’s extensive branch network, enhancing service delivery.
- Officer-Level Positions: Around 3,000 positions for Probationary Officers (POs) and Local Bank Officers (LBOs) will focus on management training, branch operations, and customer relations.
- Career Opportunities: The drive offers stable government jobs with competitive salaries, benefits, and growth prospects, making it a golden opportunity for banking and tech aspirants.
- Strategic Alignment: Chairman CS Setty emphasized that the recruitment aligns with SBI’s tech-driven transformation and long-term goal of maintaining leadership in India’s banking sector.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility varies by role, but general requirements based on previous SBI recruitments and announcements include:
- Clerical Staff (Junior Associates):
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
- Age Limit: 20–28 years (age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/EWS/ex-servicemen as per government norms).
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the local language of the applied state is mandatory.
- Probationary Officers (POs) and Local Bank Officers (LBOs):
- Educational Qualification: Graduation in any discipline; final-year students may apply provisionally.
- Age Limit: 21–30 years (with relaxations for reserved categories).
- Skills: Leadership, communication, and analytical skills are preferred.
- System Officers (Specialist Cadre):
- Educational Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or related fields; MCA or equivalent.
- Experience: Relevant work experience (1–4 years) may be required for senior roles.
- Age Limit: Varies by post, typically 21–35 years (with relaxations).
Note: Candidates must check the official notification for post-specific eligibility, including educational qualifications, age limits, and experience requirements, expected to be released in mid-2025.
Selection Process
The selection process for SBI Recruitment FY26 will vary by role but typically includes the following stages:
| Role | Selection Stages |
|---|---|
| Clerical Staff (Junior Associates) | Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, Local Language Test (if applicable) |
| Probationary Officers (POs) | Preliminary Exam, Mains Exam, Psychometric Test, Group Exercises, Interview |
| Local Bank Officers (LBOs) | Written Test, Interview |
| System Officers | Shortlisting based on qualifications, Interview (may include a written test) |
- Preliminary Exam: Objective-type test (100 marks, 1 hour) covering English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. No sectional cut-off; negative marking applies (1/4th mark per wrong answer).
- Mains Exam: Objective and descriptive tests (200–250 marks) covering Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, General Awareness, and English. Clerical Mains includes Computer Aptitude.
- Interview/Group Exercises: For officer roles, assesses personality, leadership, and communication skills.
- Local Language Test: Candidates not proficient in the state’s local language may need to clear a test post-Mains.
Competition: With over 10 lakh applicants expected for clerical and PO posts, the selection process is highly competitive.
Application Process
The application process for SBI Recruitment FY26 is expected to be online, with the detailed notification likely released by mid-2025. Here’s a general guide based on past recruitments:
- Visit the official SBI Careers portal: sbi.co.in/web/careers.
- Locate the “SBI Recruitment FY26” notification under “Current Openings.”
- Click “Apply Online” and complete the registration by providing personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, certificates) in the specified format.
- Pay the application fee (approximately ₹750 for General/OBC/EWS; exempted for SC/ST/PwBD/ex-servicemen) via online modes (debit card, credit card, net banking).
- Submit the form and save a copy for reference.
Stay Scam-Free: Apply only through the official SBI website (sbi.co.in). Beware of fraudulent websites or agents promising jobs. SBI never publishes selected candidates’ names publicly; only roll numbers are shared via SMS/email.
Salary and Benefits
SBI offers competitive salaries and benefits, making it a sought-after employer. Expected salary details for FY26 roles include:
- Clerical Staff (Junior Associates): Starting basic pay of ₹26,730, with a pay scale of ₹24,050–₹64,480. Total in-hand salary in metro cities like Mumbai is approximately ₹46,000 per month, including allowances (DA, HRA, etc.).
- Probationary Officers (POs): Starting basic pay of ₹36,000–₹41,000, with a pay scale of ₹36,000–₹63,840. In-hand salary is around ₹65,000–₹70,000 per month in metro cities.
- System Officers: Varies by grade; Assistant Manager (Systems) starts at ₹36,000–₹63,840, while senior roles (Deputy Manager) may offer ₹50,000–₹80,000 monthly.
Benefits: Medical insurance, pension, provident fund, leave travel allowance, and promotion opportunities. Clerical staff undergo a 6-month training/probation period, while POs receive management training at SBI’s learning institutes.
Why This Recruitment Drive Matters
The SBI Recruitment Drive FY26 is more than a hiring exercise—it’s a strategic move to position SBI as a tech-driven, customer-centric financial powerhouse. Key reasons include:
- Digital Transformation: The hiring of 1,600 system officers underscores SBI’s focus on mobile apps, AI-powered services, and blockchain-based systems.
- Employment Opportunities: With 18,000 vacancies, the drive offers significant job creation, especially for youth and tech professionals.
- Financial Stability: SBI’s FY25 performance, with operating profit exceeding ₹1 lakh crore and a net NPA ratio of 0.47%, supports its ability to invest in human capital.
- Inclusivity: SBI promotes diversity through policies targeting marginalized groups, ensuring representation across communities.
This drive aligns with SBI’s vision of balancing traditional banking with modern innovation, offering candidates a chance to join a legacy institution trusted by millions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does SBI recruit every year?
Yes, SBI conducts recruitment drives annually for various posts, including Junior Associates (Clerical Cadre), Probationary Officers (POs), and Specialist Cadre Officers (SOs). The number of vacancies varies based on the bank’s manpower requirements. For example, SBI announced 14,191 clerical vacancies in 2025 and 600 PO vacancies in 2024. The FY26 drive, with 18,000 vacancies, is exceptionally large.
What is the highest salary of SBI employees?
The highest salary at SBI is for senior executive roles, such as Chief General Manager (CGM) or Deputy Managing Director, with a pay scale of ₹76,520–₹96,000 (basic pay). Including allowances (DA, HRA, etc.), the in-hand salary can exceed ₹1.5–₹2 lakh per month. For FY26 roles, system officers at senior levels (e.g., Deputy Manager) may earn ₹80,000–₹1 lakh monthly, while clerical staff start at ₹46,000 in metro cities.
Who is eligible for Specialist Cadre Officer in SBI?
Eligibility for Specialist Cadre Officer (SO) roles, such as System Officers in FY26, typically includes:
- Educational Qualification: B.E./B.Tech in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, or related fields; MCA, MBA, or equivalent for specific roles.
- Experience: 1–4 years of relevant experience for roles like Assistant Manager or Deputy Manager (Systems).
- Age Limit: 21–35 years (varies by post, with relaxations for SC/ST/OBC/ex-servicemen).
For FY26, the 1,600 system officer roles may require expertise in IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, or digital banking solutions. Candidates must check the official notification for detailed criteria.
Is SBI Junior Associate a permanent job?
Yes, the SBI Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) position is a permanent job in the clerical cadre. Selected candidates undergo a 6-month probation/training period at the State Bank Institute of Learning and Development, after which they are confirmed as permanent employees, subject to satisfactory performance. The role offers job security, benefits, and promotion opportunities to officer grades over time.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article about the SBI Recruitment Drive FY26 is based on publicly available sources, including web reports and announcements as of May 7, 2025. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, details such as vacancy numbers, eligibility criteria, and application processes are subject to change. Candidates are advised to verify all information through the official SBI website (sbi.co.in) or the careers portal (sbi.co.in/web/careers) once the official notification is released. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice or endorsement by the State Bank of India.
