SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026: 1,538 Posts for SC/ST/OBC Candidates — Everything Explained Simply

Let's go through this recruitment step by step, the same way we break down a tough chapter before an exam. Read every section once before you start filling the form — that way you won't miss anything important.

⏰ Most important point first: The form closes on 27 August 2026. And this drive is open only to SC, ST, and OBC candidates — General and EWS candidates cannot apply for this particular recruitment.

📌 Quick Summary

Who Is This Recruitment For?

This is a special drive to fill positions that were reserved for SC, ST, and OBC candidates but stayed vacant over the years. Because of that, only these three categories can apply this time. If you belong to the General or EWS category, this particular form is not for you — but SBI is expected to release a regular Clerk recruitment open to all categories soon, so keep an eye out for that.

Here's something worth noticing: out of 1,538 posts, 1,219 are reserved for ST candidates alone. That's nearly 80% of all the seats. If you're an ST candidate, this is a genuinely strong opportunity — don't skip it just because it's labelled a "backlog" drive.

📅 Important Dates

• Application starts: 7 August 2026
• Last date: 27 August 2026
• Preliminary exam: Tentatively September 2026 (exact date to be announced)
• Mains exam: Tentatively October/November 2026

✅ Eligibility — What You Need

• A graduate degree in any discipline (final-year students can apply, but the degree must be complete by 31 December 2026)
• Age between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (OBC gets 3 years relaxation, SC/ST gets 5 years)
• Working knowledge of the local language of the state you apply to — this is tested later, so choose carefully

💡 Good to know: You can apply to only one state, and you can't switch later. Pick a state where you're confident about the local language.

💰 Application Fee

📝 Selection Process

1. Preliminary Exam — 100 marks, objective type, 60 minutes
2. Mains Exam — 200 marks (General/Financial Awareness, English, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning + Computer Aptitude)
3. Local Language Test — for the state you applied to

Note: 1/4 mark is deducted for every wrong answer, so avoid guessing unless you're reasonably sure.

📋 Checklist Before You Apply

• ☑️ Keep your category certificate (SC/ST/OBC) ready
• ☑️ Keep your graduate degree/marksheet scanned and ready
• ☑️ Prepare photo and signature in the correct size and format
• ☑️ Choose your state carefully — this decision is final
• ☑️ Read the notification only from the official website, sbi.bank.in

⚠️ Important: This form is only for SC/ST/OBC candidates. If a General or EWS candidate applies by mistake, the application will be rejected at the scrutiny stage. Confirm your category before you start.

Final Word

Filling this form correctly, on time, and with the right documents matters just as much as preparing for the exam itself. This is a large opportunity — especially strong for ST candidates given the vacancy split. Take your time, get your papers in order, and start your preparation early. Good luck!

Information compiled from sources available as of 10 August 2026. Please check the official notification at sbi.bank.in before applying, as dates and rules can change.