SBI Clerk 2026 — Eligibility Criteria
Age limit, educational qualification, age relaxation, reservation and domicile — everything you need to confirm before you apply.
Age limit
20–28 yrs
Qualification
Graduation in any discipline (as on 31.12.2026)
Age as on
1 April 2026
This is a Special Recruitment Drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies — only SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) candidates can apply; PwBD and Ex-servicemen candidates apply under their respective parent category. A candidate must be an eligible Indian citizen aged 20–28 as on 01.04.2026 (born 02.04.1998 to 01.04.2006, both inclusive) and a graduate in any discipline as on 31.12.2026. Candidates working in SBI's clerical cadre, or who earlier resigned from SBI while in clerical cadre, are not eligible.
Age
Age limit
Minimum age
20yrs
Maximum age
28yrs
Age is calculated as on 1 April 2026. Upper age limit is before category relaxation.
Relaxation
Age relaxation by category
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 yrs |
| SC / ST | +5 yrs |
| PwBD (OBC) | +13 yrs |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | +15 yrs |
| Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen — actual defence service + 3 years (8 years for Disabled ESM of SC/ST), subject to max age 50 | +3 yrs |
| Widows, divorced women and women judicially separated & not remarried — up to max age 38 (OBC) / 40 (SC/ST) | +7 yrs |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI (OBC) | +4 yrs |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI (SC/ST) | +6 yrs |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI (PwBD-OBC) | +14 yrs |
| Trained Apprentices of SBI (PwBD-SC/ST) | +16 yrs |
Qualification
Educational qualification
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University, or an equivalent qualification recognised by the Central Government, as on 31.12.2026.
- Final-year / final-semester candidates may apply provisionally, subject to producing proof of passing on or before 31.12.2026.
- Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) holders must have passed on or before 31.12.2026.
- The date of passing is the date appearing on the mark sheet/certificate (or the date the result was posted on the University website, certified by the institution).
- Matriculate Ex-servicemen with the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or Navy/Air Force equivalent) and at least 15 years of service in the Armed Forces are also eligible — certificate dated on or before 31.12.2026.
Nationality
Applications are invited from eligible Indian citizens. Cumulative age relaxation is not available under multiple items; category cannot be changed after registration; relaxation certificates are submitted at the time of joining.
Reservation
Reservation details
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Castes)207 backlog vacancies. Caste certificate on Govt. of India format submitted during document verification. | 0% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribes)1,219 backlog vacancies — the bulk of this drive. Caste certificate on Govt. of India format required. | 0% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer)112 backlog vacancies. Creamy-Layer OBC candidates are NOT eligible; NCL certificate issued on or after 01.04.2026 up to the date of appointment. | 0% |
| PwBD & Ex-servicemenNo separate vacancies — apply under the respective parent category (SC/ST/OBC). No horizontal reservation; PwBD concessions (scribe, compensatory 20 min/hour) available with 40%+ disability certificate dated on or before last registration date. | 0% |
| General / EWSNOT eligible — this drive covers SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies only. The regular SBI Clerk notification is expected separately. | 0% |
Figures show each category's share of total vacancies. Women's reservation is horizontal — it applies within each category, not as a separate row.
Answers
Frequently asked questions
Can General or EWS candidates apply for SBI Clerk 2026 backlog recruitment?
No. This drive is exclusively for SC, ST and OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) backlog vacancies. PwBD and Ex-servicemen/Disabled Ex-servicemen candidates can apply, but only under their respective parent category. OBC candidates in the Creamy Layer are also not eligible.
What is the age limit for SBI Clerk 2026?
Not below 20 and not above 28 years as on 01.04.2026 — born between 02.04.1998 and 01.04.2006, both days inclusive. Upper-age relaxation: OBC 3 years, SC/ST 5 years, PwBD (OBC) 13 years, PwBD (SC/ST) 15 years, Ex-servicemen actual service + 3 years up to age 50, widows/divorced women 7 years, and trained SBI apprentices 4–16 years by category. Cumulative relaxation is not available.
Do I have to take the local language test for SBI Clerk?
Only if you did not study the specified opted local language in Class 10th or 12th. Provisionally selected candidates without that certificate appear for the Local Language Proficiency Test (non-verbal objective 15 marks + subjective 15 marks, verbal 20 marks) after provisional selection but before joining; failing it means no appointment. Producing the 10th/12th mark sheet showing the language gives full exemption.
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