SBI Clerk Notification 2026 – Complete Guide
The Indian banking sector is still one of the best places to find stable, well‑paying government jobs. The SBI Clerk position is one of the most popular jobs because it has regular hours, good pay, and opportunities for career growth within the State Bank of India. Every year, thousands of people get ready for the SBI Clerk Notice 2026 competitive exam. This article gives a full, original overview of everything a candidate needs to know about the upcoming announcement, including the expected release date, the full selection process, the requirements for eligibility, the pay structure, and a full FAQ section.
2. Expected Release Date for the SBI Clerk Notice 2026
In the past, the State Bank of India has usually made the clerk announcement in the first three months of the year, between January and March. There is no official date for 2026 yet, but based on patterns from the last five years, it is likely that the book will come out in the middle of January 2026. People who want to work for SBI should check the official SBI website and trusted banking news sites often for the final announcement.
Why this is important: Knowing the approximate window for release helps people who want to get in get their paperwork in order, plan their study time, and avoid last‑minute panics.
3. Count of Vacancies and Post Allocation
The SBI Clerk Notice 2026 is expected to list about 5,500 to 6,000 job openings across the country. The distribution is roughly as follows:
| Category | Number of Openings |
|---|---|
| General | 2,800 |
| OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer) | 1,200 |
| SC/ST | 900 |
| Physically Handicapped – General | 200 |
| PH – OBC | 80 |
| PH – SC/ST | 40 |
| Women (Special Category) | 150 |
| Ex‑Servicemen | 100 |
| Others (e.g., Defense Personnel) | 130 |
Once the official notice is made public, the exact distribution may change a little.
4. Standards for Eligibility
4.1 Requirement for Education
A graduate degree (10+2+3) from an accredited school is the least you need. Another option is that people with a Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic) are also qualified.
4.2 Age Range
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General | 20 years | 28 years |
| OBC (Non‑Creamy Layer) | 20 years | 31 years |
| SC/ST | 20 years | 33 years |
| PH – General | 20 years | 40 years |
| PH – OBC | 20 years | 43 years |
| PH – SC/ST | 20 years | 45 years |
| Women (Special Category) | 20 years | 33 years |
| Ex‑Servicemen | 20 years | 33 years |
Relaxation: The age concession shown above is given to applicants who belong to certain groups.
4.3 Physical Norms (for PH candidates)
- Vision: 6/6 in both eyes or 6/9 in one eye.
- Hearing: normal hearing or a loss of no more than 30 dB.
5. Pay and Benefits
The SBI Clerk job pays between Rs. 23,700 and Rs. 23,700 plus Rs. 2,250 times Grade Pay (Level 6). The total gross pay, including bonuses, is usually between Rs. 28,000 and Rs. 31,000 per month. Other benefits include:
- Payments to the Employee State Insurance (ESI) and Provident Fund (PF).
- Medical reimbursement for the employee and their dependents.
- Lower rates on housing and car loans.
- A retirement plan through the National Pension System (NPS).
- After five years of service, a Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
6. Structure of the Exam – Tier‑I (Prelims)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks per Question | Total Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 1 | 30 | 30 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 1 | 30 | 30 min |
| Total | 60 | – | 60 | 60 min |
Important: In Tier‑I, there is no penalty for wrong answers. The test is conducted online in the Computer Based Test (CBT) format.
7. Structure of the Exam – Tier‑II (Mains)
| Section | No. of Questions | Points per Question | Total Points | Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 2 | 70 | 45 min |
| General Awareness (Banking & Current Affairs) | 35 | 2 | 70 | 45 min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 2 | 60 | 45 min |
| Total | 100 | – | 200 | 135 min |
Important: A loss of 0.25 points for each wrong answer. This test is also done in CBT format.
8. How to Apply: A Step‑by‑Step Guide
- Go to the SBI Careers Portal (usually https://sbi.co.in/web/careers).
- Create a New Account – Provide a valid email address, phone number, and password.
- Enter Your Personal Information – Name, date of birth, gender, category, and contact address.
- Enter Educational Data – Upload PDF files of your degree/diploma certificate and transcripts (max 200 KB).
- Upload Photo and Signature – A recent passport‑style photo with a plain white background and a digital signature.
- Pay the application fee: INR 100 for General/OBC and INR 50 for SC/ST/PH. Payment can be made via debit/credit card, UPI, or NetBanking.
- Finish the Application – After reviewing everything, click Submit. You will receive an email with a unique Application ID as confirmation.
Tip: Keep a copy of the confirmation email and the Application ID for later use, such as when you download the admit card.
9. Plan for Preparation
9.1 Resources for Studying
- Reasoning: “A Modern Approach to Logical Reasoning” by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Quantitative Aptitude: “Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations” by R.S. Aggarwal.
- General Awareness: Read official banking magazines (like Pratiyogita Darpan) and reputable current‑affairs websites daily.
9.2 Sample Timetable
| Time Slot | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 – 7:00 am | Quick review of the previous day’s notes |
| 7:00 – 9:00 am | Reasoning practice (30 min) + Quantitative practice (30 min) |
| 9:00 – 10:00 am | Break (light physical activity) |
| 10:00 – 12:00 pm | Mock test (Tier‑I) |
| 12:00 – 1:00 pm | Lunch break |
| 1:00 – 3:00 pm | General Awareness reading |
| 3:00 – 4:00 pm | Review mock test solutions |
| 4:00 – 5:00 pm | Short video tutorials (YouTube/online courses) |
| 5:00 – 7:00 pm | Tier‑II specific practice (Reasoning/Quant) |
| 7:00 – 8:00 pm | Dinner and relaxation |
| 8:00 – 10:00 pm | Solve past year question papers |
9.3 Practice Tests
Before the real test, you need to take at least 10 full‑length Tier‑I mock tests and 5 Tier‑II mock tests. Analyse the results to identify weak topics, improve time‑management, and do speed drills.
9.4 Study Techniques
- Use flashcards to remember formulas and quick facts.
- Create mind maps to visualize reasoning patterns.
- Conduct weekly mini‑tests to reinforce learning.
10. Important Dates (Estimated)
| Event | Approx. Date (2026) |
|---|---|
| Release of SBI Clerk Notice 2026 | Mid‑January |
| Final date for online submission | End of February |
| Release of Tier‑I result | Early May |
| Tier‑II (Mains) exam | Late May – Early June |
| Final results & merit list | Late June – Early July |
| Document verification & training | July – August |
These dates are provisional and may change. Always verify with the official notification.
11. Admit Card, Result, and Post‑Selection Process
- Download Admit Card: After Tier‑I results are announced, candidates can download the Tier‑II admit card from the SBI portal using their Application ID and password.
- Result Declaration: Tier‑I results are posted on the official site; Tier‑II results follow a week after the mains exam.
- Document Scrutiny: Qualified candidates must visit designated SBI branches with original certificates, photo ID, signature, and fee receipt.
- Training: New clerks undergo a four‑week training program at the SBI Training Centre, Hyderabad.
12. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the SBI Clerk Notice 2026 come out?
Expected in mid‑January 2026; check the official SBI careers page for the exact date.
2. How many job openings are likely to be posted?
Approximately 5,500‑6,000 vacancies across various categories.
3. What is the minimum educational qualification?
A graduate degree (10+2+3) or a Diploma in Engineering (Polytechnic).
4. What is the age limit for General category candidates?
20 years minimum, 28 years maximum (relaxed for reserved categories).
5. Is there negative marking in Tier‑I?
No, Tier‑I has no penalty for wrong answers.
6. What is the negative marking scheme in Tier‑II?
0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer.
7. How much is the application fee?
INR 100 for General/OBC, INR 50 for SC/ST/PH candidates.
8. Can I apply using a mobile device?
Yes, the SBI portal is mobile‑responsive.
9. When will the Tier‑II (Mains) exam be held?
Typically in late May or early June 2026, after Tier‑I results.
10. What documents are required for verification?
Original academic certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), photo ID, recent photograph, signature, and fee receipt.
11. Is there a reservation for women?
Yes, 150 posts are reserved for women under the General category.
12. How do I download the admit card?
Log in to the SBI careers portal with your Application ID and password, then navigate to the “Admit Card” section.
13. What is the salary of an SBI Clerk?
Gross monthly salary ranges between Rs. 28,000 – 31,000, inclusive of allowances.
14. Are coaching centres necessary?
Many claim success, but disciplined self‑study with standard books and regular mock tests can be equally effective. Choose a reputable centre only if you need structured guidance.
15. How long does the training last?
Four weeks of intensive training at the SBI Training Centre, Hyderabad.
13. In Short
The SBI Clerk Notice 2026 is a great opportunity for people who want a stable government banking job. By understanding the expected schedule, the number of open positions, the requirements for applicants, the format of the exam, and the submission process, applicants can plan their path effectively.