The State Bank of India (SBI) is conducting a special recruitment drive for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) positions with 1,538 vacancies reserved for SC/ST/OBC candidates. This comprehensive guide covers the complete SBI Junior Associate 2026 syllabus and exam pattern to help you prepare effectively.
Overview
SBI's special recruitment drive for Junior Associate positions follows a three-stage selection process consisting of a Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and Local Language Proficiency Test. The recruitment is specifically designed to fill backlog vacancies under SC/ST/OBC categories, with 1,219 vacancies for ST, 207 for SC, and 112 for OBC candidates.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Registration & Fee Payment | 7 August 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Registration & Fee Payment | 27 August 2026 |
| Preliminary Examination | Tentatively September 2026 |
| Main Examination | Tentatively October/November 2026 |
Vacancy Details
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,538 |
| SC Vacancies | 207 |
| ST Vacancies | 1,219 |
| OBC Vacancies | 112 |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
Selection Process
The SBI Junior Associate recruitment follows a structured three-stage selection process. Candidates must qualify each stage sequentially to proceed to the next level. The complete process includes a Preliminary Examination to filter candidates, followed by a Main Examination for comprehensive evaluation, and finally a Local Language Proficiency Test for successful candidates.
Preliminary Exam Syllabus & Pattern
The Preliminary Examination is the first stage of selection, consisting of 100 objective-type questions worth 100 marks, to be completed in 1 hour. This exam tests basic competencies across three key areas and candidates must score the minimum qualifying marks to advance to the Main Examination.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Numerical Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 hour |
Preliminary Exam Subjects
- English Language: Tests reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and language skills
- Numerical Ability: Covers simplification, arithmetic operations, number series, and data interpretation
- Reasoning Ability: Includes logical reasoning, series completion, coding-decoding, and puzzles
Main Exam Syllabus & Pattern
Candidates who qualify the Preliminary Examination will appear for the Main Examination, which is more comprehensive and tests deeper knowledge across banking, English, mathematics, and reasoning. The Main Exam comprises 190 questions carrying 200 marks, to be completed in 2 hours and 40 minutes, with balanced time allocation across sections.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General/Financial Awareness | 50 | 50 | 35 minutes |
| General English | 40 | 40 | 35 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude | 50 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| Total | 190 | 200 | 2 hours 40 min |
Main Exam Subjects
- General/Financial Awareness: Current affairs, financial system knowledge, banking awareness, and economic concepts
- General English: Advanced reading comprehension, grammar rules, error detection, and sentence improvement
- Quantitative Aptitude: Advanced arithmetic, data interpretation, number series, and mathematical operations
- Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude: Logical reasoning, puzzles, computer fundamentals, and IT knowledge
Local Language Proficiency Test
After clearing the Main Examination, candidates will appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test. This test comprises both objective and subjective components to assess the candidate's proficiency in the local language of the state where they will be posted. The test ensures candidates can serve customers effectively in the regional language.
| Test Type | Section | Questions/Components | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-Verbal Test | Objective | 15 | 15 |
| Non-Verbal Test | Subjective | 15 | 15 |
| Verbal Test | — | — | 20 |
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the registration start date for SBI Junior Associate 2026?
A. Online registration and fee payment started on 7 August 2026, with the last date being 27 August 2026.
Q. Can candidates from OBC category apply for this recruitment?
A. Yes, this is a special recruitment drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies with 112 vacancies specifically reserved for OBC candidates out of the total 1,538 positions.
Q. What is the medium of examination for Numerical Ability in Preliminary Exam?
A. The medium for Numerical Ability is English/Hindi as per the state where the candidate is applying.
Q. Which section carries maximum marks in the Main Examination?
A. The Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude section carries the maximum marks of 60 out of 200 total marks in the Main Examination.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details on the official SBI website before applying.