SBI Junior Associate Backlog Recruitment 2026

SBI Junior Associate Backlog Recruitment 2026 offers 1,538 clerical-cadre vacancies through a special drive for eligible SC, ST and OBC applicants. Online registration closes on 27 August 2026, and the official application page remains active.[1][3]

This drive is separate from SBI's regular Junior Associate recruitment. Its vacancies cover 21 listed States and Union Territories, with one State or UT choice allowed per candidate.[2]

Why this SBI clerk window needs a separate check

The notice carries advertisement number CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16. Registration, application editing and online fee payment all end on 27 August 2026.[2][3]

The application portal allows printing through 11 September 2026. That later printing date does not extend registration, editing or fee payment beyond 27 August.[3]

Treat this vacancy count separately from the regular drive. The forms, advertisement numbers, closing dates and vacancy tables differ.

Where the 1,538 backlog vacancies are placed

SBI's official table totals 207 SC vacancies, 1,219 ST vacancies and 112 OBC vacancies. These three columns produce the published total of 1,538.[2]

A blank category column means this special advertisement offers no vacancy for that category in the corresponding State. Read across your State row before registering.

Gujarat has the largest single allocation with 289 ST vacancies. Maharashtra lists 165 ST posts, while Jharkhand lists 14 SC and 119 ST posts.[2]

The category rule comes before general SBI eligibility

This notification is limited to the SC, ST and OBC backlog categories shown in its vacancy table. OBC applicants must belong to the non-creamy layer.[2]

An OBC certificate must use the Government of India format and include the non-creamy-layer clause. The notice sets its permitted issue period from 1 April 2026 until appointment.

Degree result and final-year applicants

Applicants need graduation in any discipline from a recognised university, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government. The qualification date is 31 December 2026.

Final-year or final-semester students may apply provisionally. A provisionally selected candidate must later prove graduation was completed by 31 December 2026.[2]

Age measured on 1 April 2026

The standard age range is 20 to 28 years. Eligible birth dates run from 2 April 1998 through 1 April 2006, with both dates included.

The stated upper-age relaxation is three years for OBC candidates and five years for SC or ST candidates. Separate concessions cover eligible PwBD and ex-servicemen applicants.[2]

One geography and one language choice

Every candidate must select one listed State or Union Territory. SBI prepares State-wise and category-wise merit lists, then posts selected candidates within the chosen geography.

Applicants also select one specified local language where alternatives appear. Reading, writing, speaking and understanding are part of the stated proficiency requirement.[2]

Class 10 or Class 12 evidence can exempt a selected candidate from the language test. Other provisionally selected candidates must qualify before appointment.

What the three selection stages actually decide

The preliminary examination contains 100 questions for 100 marks and lasts one hour. English, numerical ability and reasoning each receive a separate twenty-minute slot.

SBI uses the preliminary stage to shortlist candidates for the main examination. Its marks do not enter the final merit list.[2]

The main examination carries 200 marks across 190 questions. It covers financial awareness, English, quantitative aptitude, reasoning ability and computer aptitude over 160 minutes.

Wrong answers in both online examinations lose one quarter of the marks assigned to that question. An unanswered question receives no penalty.

Final ranking uses the main examination aggregate within the relevant State and category. Appointment still depends on eligibility verification and the local-language condition.[2]

Starting basic pay and category-wise fee

The notified clerical pay scale begins at ₹24,050. Two advance increments for graduates create a stated starting basic pay of ₹26,730.[2]

Allowances vary by posting location. Candidates should treat the basic-pay figure separately from changing allowances and deductions.

SBI describes the paid fee as non-refundable. Applicants should verify their State, category and uploaded documents before completing payment.[2]

A form checklist for the correct special drive

1. Download advertisement 16 and read your complete State row first.
2. Confirm that your SC, ST or OBC category has listed vacancies.
3. Check the local language attached to the selected State or Union Territory.
4. Open the dedicated special-drive registration page linked below.
5. Register with an active personal email address and mobile number.
6. Enter names and certificate details exactly as the records show.
7. Upload the specified photograph, signature, thumb impression and handwritten declaration.
8. Preview every field before using the final submission control.
9. Pay the applicable fee before 27 August 2026.
10. Save the completed form and electronic receipt after submission.

The special-drive portal and regular-drive portal look similar but serve different advertisements. Check the page heading for advertisement 16 before entering personal information.

Use only SBI's careers page or its linked IBPS registration route. Unofficial summaries cannot change a category, date, vacancy or eligibility condition.

Official evidence and direct application route

The SBI Current Openings page confirms the application period and identifies the dedicated advertisement. Check that page again for any later correction.[1]

Readers comparing both current clerk windows can open our regular SBI Junior Associate recruitment guide. Other public-sector bank updates appear in the Bank Jobs section.

Questions candidates are asking about the backlog drive

Who can apply for SBI clerk backlog vacancies?

Only eligible SC, ST and OBC applicants can use this special drive. The chosen category must have a vacancy in the candidate's selected State or Union Territory.

Can a General category candidate apply?

No General or EWS vacancy appears in advertisement 16. This special recruitment drive covers only the listed SC, ST and OBC backlog vacancies.[2]

Can one applicant choose two States?

No applicant can choose two States or Union Territories. SBI considers candidature only against the selected geography and the corresponding category vacancies.

Is the SBI backlog form open until 31 August?

No, that later date belongs to the separate regular recruitment. This special-drive application closes on 27 August 2026, including editing and fee payment.[1][3]

Do final-year students qualify?

Final-year and final-semester students may apply provisionally. They must produce proof of passing graduation by 31 December 2026 if SBI provisionally selects them.

Is the local language test compulsory for everyone?

No, selected candidates with Class 10 or Class 12 evidence for the chosen language receive an exemption. Other selected candidates must pass SBI's language test.

Choose the vacancy row before the exam centre

Match your State, category and local-language combination before registering. The examination centre does not replace the geography selected for merit and posting.

Read advertisement 16, verify your documents, then use the dedicated form by 27 August. Save the submitted application because later stages depend on those entries.

Sources

1. SBI Current Openings
2. SBI Junior Associate Special Recruitment Drive advertisement
3. Official SBI special-drive application portal