SBI Recruitment 2026: 18,000 Vacancies for Clerk, PO, LBO, and SO Posts

The State Bank of India (SBI), the largest public sector bank in the country, has announced a major recruitment drive for the financial year 2026. As confirmed by SBI Chairman CS Setty, the bank will hire around 18,000 candidates for various clerical and officer-level posts. This is a golden opportunity for banking aspirants looking to start or advance their careers with one of the most prestigious banks in India.

The upcoming recruitment will include positions for Clerical Staff (Clerk), Probationary Officers (PO), Local Based Officers (LBO), and System Officers/Specialist Officers (SO). Candidates across the country can expect the official notification to be released soon on SBI’s official career portal.

Vacancy Breakdown

Here’s a breakdown of the total 18,000 vacancies expected in FY 2026:

Job Profiles & Responsibilities

Clerical Staff (Clerk)

Clerical staff are the front-line employees of the bank and handle most of the day-to-day banking operations. Their duties include:

• Managing cash transactions at bank counters
• Updating passbooks and account ledgers
• Assisting customers in account-related services
• Handling documentation and daily record keeping
• Supporting the bank’s branch-level operations

This role is ideal for fresh graduates who want to begin their career in the banking sector.

Probationary Officer (PO)

A Probationary Officer is one of the most sought-after positions in banking. After selection, POs undergo a 6-month structured training program. Key responsibilities include:

• Managing customer relationships and queries
• Processing loans and evaluating creditworthiness
• Supervising branch functions
• Handling daily banking operations and cross-selling products
• Preparing reports and supporting decision-making processes

Local Based Officer (LBO)

LBOs are appointed to support regional banking and outreach initiatives. They play a vital role in:

• Coordinating branch-level operations within a local district
• Promoting financial inclusion and rural banking services
• Addressing local banking needs and customer issues
• Supporting government schemes and welfare programs in rural areas

System Officer / Specialist Officer (SO)

This role is designed for candidates with specific expertise in fields such as IT, law, marketing, risk, agriculture, or cyber security. The responsibilities depend on the domain but generally include:

• Designing and implementing technology solutions
• Ensuring cybersecurity and data protection
• Legal documentation and regulatory compliance
• Sector-specific lending and financial analysis
• Managing IT infrastructure and project management

Eligibility Criteria

While the detailed eligibility will be provided in the official notification, here’s a general idea of the expected requirements:

Educational Qualification:

• Clerk/PO/LBO: A Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized university
• Specialist Officer: A degree or post-graduate qualification relevant to the specific field (e.g., Engineering, Law, Agriculture, IT, MBA, CA, etc.)

Age Limit:

• Clerk: 20 to 28 years
• PO/LBO: 21 to 30 years
• SO: 21 to 35 years (varies by role)
  Age relaxation will be applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Nationality:

• The candidate must be an Indian citizen.

Selection Process

The recruitment process will include multiple stages depending on the post applied for:

For Clerical Staff and PO:

1. Preliminary Examination
   • Objective test (Reasoning, Quantitative Aptitude, English)
2. Main Examination
   • Objective and descriptive test covering General Awareness, Data Interpretation, Computer Aptitude, and more
3. Interview (For PO only)
   • Group discussion and personal interview to assess communication and leadership skills

For Specialist Officers:

• Shortlisting Based on Profile and Written Test (if required)
• Interview Round based on technical/domain knowledge and experience

The final selection will be based on cumulative performance in all stages.

Application Process

Candidates interested in applying will have to follow the steps below once the notification is out:

1. Visit the official SBI Careers portal at www.sbi.co.in/careers
2. Select the relevant recruitment notification and read it thoroughly
3. Register online using a valid email and mobile number
4. Fill in the application form with accurate details
5. Upload required documents including photograph and signature
6. Pay the application fee online (debit/credit card/net banking)
7. Submit the form and take a printout for future reference

Important Dates (Tentative)

These dates are subject to change based on official notification.

Salary and Benefits

Clerical Staff (Clerk):

• Starting Basic Pay: ₹19,900
• Gross Monthly Salary (including allowances): ₹29,000 – ₹32,000 approx.

Probationary Officer (PO)/LBO:

• Basic Pay: ₹41,960
• Gross Monthly Salary: ₹55,000 – ₹60,000 approx.

Specialist Officer (SO):

• Salary depends on the post and grade, ranging from ₹36,000 to ₹78,230

Common Benefits Across Posts:

• Dearness Allowance (DA)
• House Rent Allowance (HRA)
• Medical Insurance for employee and dependents
• Leave Travel Concession
• Provident Fund & Pension
• Performance-based bonuses
• Staff housing loans at concessional rates

Career Growth and Training

SBI offers one of the best career growth trajectories in the Indian banking sector. Employees get opportunities to:

• Appear for internal promotion exams regularly
• Take on higher managerial and leadership roles
• Undergo continuous learning via training modules and workshops
• Participate in foreign postings and cross-functional roles

Specialized training centers and e-learning platforms are available for all SBI staff to enhance their professional development.

Diversity and Inclusion

SBI is committed to equal employment opportunity and inclusive hiring. The recruitment process includes reservations for:

• SC, ST, OBC, and EWS categories
• Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
• Ex-servicemen
• Women candidates are encouraged to apply and grow within SBI’s supportive work environment

Final Thoughts

The upcoming SBI Recruitment 2026 is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to become part of India’s most trusted banking institution. Whether you’re a fresh graduate looking for stability or a specialist seeking to apply your domain skills in a respected environment, this drive caters to a broad spectrum of career aspirations.

Stay updated by visiting the SBI Careers page regularly and begin your preparation early to increase your chances of selection.

Don’t miss this opportunity—your journey to a rewarding banking career begins here.

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