SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026, Check Step By Step Procedure

The SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026 is designed to recruit eligible candidates for the post of Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) in the State Bank of India. Candidates who apply for the recruitment must clear multiple stages of the selection process before being appointed to one of India’s largest public sector banks.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026

The recruitment process includes the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT) (where applicable), and Document Verification. Unlike SBI PO recruitment, there is no interview in the SBI Clerk selection process. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained in the Main Examination, subject to qualifying the Local Language Proficiency Test wherever applicable.

SBI Clerk Selection Process: Overview

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026: Prelims Phase

The SBI Clerk prelims exam is an online objective test of 100 marks and 60 Minutes duration.

1. There is a Sectional time limit in the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam. In the exam, each section i.e. Reasoning Ability, Numerical Ability, and English Language, will have a separate time of 20 minutes.
2. There is no sectional cutoff in the prelim exam. 
3. The aspirants will get a deduction of 1/4th mark for the incorrect answer.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026: Mains Phase

The number of candidates to be shortlisted for SBI Clerk Mains will be decided by the SBI. In each category, approximately 10 times the number of vacancies, the candidates will be selected for the Mains phase.

1. In the Mains examination, there is no Sectional Cut off) for each section.
2. There is the requirement of the overall cutoff for the SBI Clerk Mains Exam. The candidates are required to score minimum percentage marks on aggregate.
3. The aspirants will get a deduction of 1/4th mark for the incorrect answer.

The merit list of successful candidates in SBI Clerk Mains will be prepared in States and Categories.

SBI Clerk Selection Process 2026: Language Proficiency Test

1. The candidates who will qualify SBI Clerk Mains Examination will be eligible for the next phase of recruitment i.e., the Local Language Test.
2. Those candidates who can produce the 10th or 12th Certificate, evidencing that they have studied the opted local language need not appear for the Language Test.
3. In the case of others (qualified for selection), specified opted local language tests will be conducted after provisional selection but before joining. Candidates not found proficient in the specified opted local language would be disqualified.

SBI Clerk 2026 Provisional Selection

The State Bank of India will upload the provisional merit list after all three stages are completed by the candidate. The SBI Clerk provisional merit list will be released category and state-wise. The SBI will give the posting to the candidates as per the preference of the states and cities, given by them during the SBI Clerk registration process. After completing the joining process, the aspirants will not be transferred for the next 5 years.

SBI Clerk Waiting List

The SBI Clerk Waiting List is valid for 1 year from the date of declaration of the SBI Clerk Result. When there are vacancies available in case of non-joining or resignation by the candidates from the current Batch only, then the candidates will be released from the waitlist on a quarterly basis.

SBI Clerk Probation Period

The selected candidates will have to serve a 6-month probation period and during that period, the employees will need to complete 15 authorized e-lessons.

1. If the aspirants will fail to complete the 15 allotted e-lessons, then the probation period will be automatically extended.
2. Once the allotted e-lessons are completed, the performance of the newly hired clerks will be assessed as per the SBI Clerk Junior Associate Selection Process.