State Bank of India Plans to Hire 16,000 People Every Year and Open 200–300 New Branches in the Financial Year 2026

The State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, has announced a major expansion plan for the upcoming financial year starting from 2026. In a recent interview with the press, SBI Chairman C.S. Setty confirmed that the bank will hire around 16,000 new employees every year starting from FY 2026 and thereafter. The main purpose of this latest development is to support business growth, expansion, and improved customer service. Also, 200-300 new branches will be opened across various towns and cities. Read more here to know what’s in there for job seekers.

State Bank of India to Hire 16000 New Employees Every Year

SBI’s recruitment process for this year is almost complete, and around 16,000 new employees are expected to join soon. The bank hires this number almost every year to strengthen its workforce across PO, SO, Clerk, and other Subordinate Staff roles.

• SBI had 2.36 lakh employees as of March 2025
• Around 28% of the workforce are women
• Employee costs increased by 11% YOY in H1FY26

SBI to Open 200 to 300 New Branches in FY 2026

The Chairman said in his interview that, there are “white spaces” or newly established towns or colonies, where SBI will open branches. So, not to miss this opportunity, SBI has decided to fill the gaps and the bank will:

• Add 200 – 300 new branches in FY26
• Increase ATMs based on footfall analytics
• The branch and ATM expansion is linked to SBI’s goal of doubling its business size to Rs. 200 lakh crore in the next 6 – 7 years.

State Bank Operations Support Services (SBOSS) Help in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas

SBI also plans to scale up the role of its wholly owned subsidiary SBOSS, which is already working in rural and semi-urban regions, helping with government scheme beneficiaries and applications in agriculture and small business segments. SBOSS introduced ‘ATM Mitras’ who:

• Monitor ATM uptime and availability
• Ensure maintenance and cleanliness
• Take care of over 60,000 ATMs across India
• The bank will deploy 6,000 people for floor coordination and support activities in its branches.

What’s In It for the Bank Job Aspirants?

SBI’s new plans are great news for people looking for bank jobs. Here’s why:

• Big Hiring Opportunity: SBI will hire around 16,000 new employees every year from 2026 in roles like PO, Clerk, SO, and other staff.
• Jobs Across Remote Places: With 200-300 new branches opening in towns and cities, there are chances for candidates from small towns and rural areas too.
• Support Jobs with SBOSS: SBI’s subsidiary SBOSS will hire people for branch support, ATM Mitras, and floor coordination.
• Women-Friendly Hiring: About 28% of SBI employees are women, so female candidates also have good chances.