SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive 2026: 1,538 Backlog Vacancies for SC/ST/OBC

The State Bank of India has officially released a special recruitment drive for 1,538 backlog vacancies of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This recruitment is exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC candidates under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16. The vacancies are spread across 21 States/UTs with specific local language requirements for each region. Online registration begins on 7th August 2026 and closes on 27th August 2026. The preliminary examination is tentatively scheduled in September 2026, followed by the main examination in October/November 2026. This is a golden opportunity for SC/ST/OBC candidates seeking a career in India’s largest public sector bank. The starting emoluments for selected candidates at metro locations will be around ₹46,000 per month.

Based on official notification by State Bank of India. Verified: August 2026.

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Important Dates

State-Wise Vacancy Details

The vacancies are distributed across 21 States/UTs. Candidates can apply for only one State/UT and must be proficient in the specified local language of that State/UT.

Vacancy Analysis:

Gujarat has the highest number of vacancies with 289 posts, followed by Maharashtra with 165 posts, Madhya Pradesh with 134 posts, and Jharkhand with 133 posts. ST category has the maximum reservation with 1,219 posts, followed by SC with 207 posts and OBC with 112 posts. This special drive is specifically designed to fill backlog vacancies for reserved categories.

With 1,538 total vacancies, this is a significant recruitment drive. Candidates should carefully choose their State/UT based on their local language proficiency. The competition will vary by state, with states having higher vacancies like Gujarat and Maharashtra offering relatively better selection chances. ST candidates have the highest number of reserved seats, improving their selection odds significantly.

Salary and Emoluments

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

Salary Breakdown (Approx. at Metro like Mumbai):

• Basic Pay: ₹26,730 (including two advance increments for graduates)
• Dearness Allowance (DA): ~₹7,000 (as per current rates)
• HRA: ~₹5,000 (depending on city classification)
• Transport Allowance: ~₹4,000
• Other Allowances: ~₹3,000
• Total: ~₹46,000 per month

Benefits Beyond Salary: Employees are eligible for Provident Fund, Pension under the New Pension Scheme (Defined Contribution Benefit), Medical benefits, Leave-Fare allowances, and other perks as per Bank rules.

Application Fee

Important: OBC candidates must belong to the “Non-Creamy Layer” to be eligible. OBC certificate with “Non-Creamy Layer” clause should be issued on or after 01.04.2026. Fee once paid will NOT be refunded.

Age Limit (As on 01.04.2026)

Eligibility Criteria

Note: Matriculate Ex-servicemen with Indian Army Special Certificate of Education or corresponding certificate (after 15 years of service) are also eligible.

Selection Process

Phase-I: Preliminary Examination (100 Marks, 1 Hour)

Note: Negative marking of 1/4th mark for each wrong answer. No minimum qualifying marks prescribed. Approximately 10 times the vacancies will be shortlisted for the Main Exam.

Phase-II: Main Examination (200 Marks, 2 Hours 40 Minutes)

Note: Negative marking of 1/4th mark for each wrong answer. Minimum qualifying marks on aggregate will be decided by the Bank.

Bonus for Trained Apprentices: 2.5% of maximum marks (5 marks out of 200) will be added to the aggregate score if apprenticeship started on or after 01.01.2022 and one year experience successfully completed.

Phase-III: Local Language Proficiency Test

Candidates who have not studied the specified local language in 10th/12th standard must appear in LLPT. The test pattern includes non-verbal and verbal tests. Minimum qualifying marks will be decided by the Bank.

How to Apply for SBI Clerk Special Drive 2026

Follow these steps to submit your application online:

1. Visit the Official SBI Careers Page: Go to sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
2. Find the Recruitment Link: Click on “Special Recruitment drive for Junior Associates 2026.”
3. Register Yourself: Complete the registration process with basic details. Note down the provisional registration number and password.
4. Scan Documents: Scan photograph, signature, left hand thumb impression, and handwritten declaration as per specifications.
5. Fill Application Form: Enter all required personal, educational, and category details. Select ONE State/UT and ONE local language.
6. Upload Documents: Upload photograph (20-50 KB), signature (10-20 KB), left thumb impression (20-50 KB), and handwritten declaration (50-100 KB).
7. Pay Application Fee: OBC candidates pay ₹750 online through debit card/credit card/Internet Banking. SC/ST/PwBD pay NO fee.
8. Verify and Submit: Review all details carefully and submit the application. No changes will be allowed after submission.

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Important Notes for PwBD Candidates

• Scribe Facility: Available for candidates with 40%+ disability who have physical limitation to write.
• Compensatory Time: 20 minutes for every hour of examination.
• Eligible Disabilities: Blindness, Low Vision, Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Locomotor Disabilities (OA, BA, OL, BL), Leprosy Cured, Dwarfism, Acid Attack Victims, Muscular Dystrophy, Specific Learning Disability, Mental Illness, Autism Spectrum Disorder (Mild), Multiple Disabilities.
• Functional Requirements: S-Sitting, W-Walking, MF-Manipulation by Fingers, RW-Reading and Writing, SE-Seeing, H-Hearing, C-Communication.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the salary for SBI Clerk Junior Associate?

Starting basic pay is ₹26,730 (including two advance increments for graduates). Total emoluments at metro locations is approximately ₹46,000 per month including DA, HRA, and other allowances.

What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk Special Drive 2026?

The last date for online registration is 27th August 2026. Applications must be submitted and fee paid (if applicable) before this date.

How many vacancies are there in SBI Clerk Special Drive?

A total of 1,538 backlog vacancies have been announced: SC-207, ST-1,219, and OBC-112 across 21 States/UTs.

What is the minimum educational qualification?

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University. Final year students can apply provisionally but must pass by 31st December 2026.

Is there any application fee for SBI Clerk Special Drive?

SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen candidates pay NO fee. OBC candidates pay ₹750. Fee is non-refundable.

Can General category candidates apply for this drive?

No, this is a special recruitment drive specifically for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies. General category candidates are not eligible.

What is the selection process for SBI Clerk?

Three phases: Preliminary Examination (100 marks), Main Examination (200 marks), and Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) for candidates who haven’t studied the local language in 10th/12th.

Is there negative marking in SBI Clerk exam?

Yes, 1/4th mark is deducted for each wrong answer in both Preliminary and Main Examinations.

What is the local language requirement?

Candidates must be proficient in the specified local language of the State/UT they are applying for. 10th/12th mark sheet evidencing local language study exempts from the LLPT.

Can I apply for multiple states?

No, candidates can apply for vacancies in ONE State/UT only. There is no provision for Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfer.