SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link
State Bank of India (SBI) has released the official notification (Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2025-26/06) for the recruitment of Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales) in the clerical cadre. This is one of the biggest opportunities for aspirants preparing for the banking sector, with a total of 5180 vacancies across different states and union territories.
Category Wise Reservation (out of total 5180 posts):
SC: 788
ST: 450
OBC: 1179
EWS: 508
GEN: 2255
Important Dates:
Event | Date |
---|---|
Release of Official Notification | 06th August 2025 |
Start of Online Registration & Fee Payment | 06th August 2025 |
Last Date to Apply Online & Fee Payment | 26th August 2025 |
Download of Preliminary Exam Call Letter | 10 days before exam date (September 2025) |
Preliminary Examination (Online) | September 2025 (Tentative) |
Prelims Result Declaration | October 2025 (Expected) |
Download of Main Exam Call Letter | 10 days before exam date (November 2025) |
Main Examination (Online) | November 2025 (Tentative) |
Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) | After Main Exam, before joining |
Final Result & Provisional Allotment | Expected in December 2025 / January 2026 |
Age Limit Details:
For SBI Clerk 2025, the minimum age required is 20 years, and the maximum age allowed is 28 years as on 01 April 2025. This means candidates must have been born between 02 April 1997 and 01 April 2005. Both dates are inclusive, which gives a clear age range for applicants. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Candidates belonging to the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category get a relaxation of 3 years. This means OBC aspirants can apply until the age of 31 years. Such age relaxations are granted as per Government of India rules. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
For Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) candidates, a relaxation of 5 years is applicable. Thus, SC/ST candidates can apply up to the age of 33 years. This reservation ensures wider representation in banking jobs. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) enjoy higher relaxation benefits. For General/EWS PwBD, the relaxation is 10 years, allowing them to apply up to 38 years. This makes banking jobs more inclusive.
PwBD candidates belonging to OBC get 13 years of relaxation, making their maximum age limit 41 years. Similarly, PwBD candidates under SC/ST are entitled to a 15-year relaxation, allowing them to apply until 43 years of age. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen receive relaxation equal to their service years in the defense forces plus 3 years. However, the maximum age for them is capped at 50 years. For SC/ST ex-servicemen, the relaxation extends up to 8 years. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
For Widows, Divorced Women, and women legally separated from their husbands who have not remarried, there is a 7-year relaxation. However, the final age cap is 35 years for General/EWS, 38 years for OBC, and 40 years for SC/ST candidates. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
A special provision is available for Trained Apprentices of SBI. Depending on the category, relaxation ranges from 1 year to 6 years for general categories and up to 16 years for PwBD categories. This recognizes their prior service to the bank. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
It is important to note that cumulative age relaxation is not allowed. Candidates cannot claim multiple relaxations together. For example, a PwBD who is also an Ex-Serviceman can only claim the highest applicable relaxation, not both. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
All candidates seeking relaxation must provide valid government-issued certificates at the time of joining. Without documentary proof, they will not be eligible for the extended age limits. Hence, aspirants should prepare their caste, disability, or service certificates before applying. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Educational Qualification Details:
Basic Educational Requirement for SBI Clerk 2025: The minimum educational qualification required to apply for the SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment is a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. This means that a candidate who has completed B.A., B.Com., B.Sc., BBA, B.Tech., or any equivalent degree is eligible to apply. The graduation should be from a recognized university under UGC/AICTE or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government of India.
This wide eligibility opens the door for lakhs of students from different academic backgrounds. Even candidates with professional degrees like CA, ICWA, or similar qualifications are accepted. Aspirants should note that the degree must be completed on or before 31st December 2025. If you are still in the final year of graduation, you can apply provisionally, but you must show proof of passing before the mentioned date. This is very important because the bank will not extend deadlines for document verification.
Candidates from open universities, correspondence courses, and distance learning institutes can also apply, provided their institution is government-recognized. This inclusive approach allows a wide section of Indian students to compete for these posts. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Final Year Students and Provisional Eligibility: One of the most frequently asked questions is whether final year students can apply. The answer is yes, but with conditions. Candidates who are in the final year or final semester of their graduation are allowed to apply for SBI Clerk 2025 provided they can produce proof of passing the graduation examination on or before 31st December 2025. This means that if your university declares the result after this date, you will not be eligible.
To avoid rejection, candidates must keep a provisional degree certificate, consolidated marksheet, or a letter from the university registrar as proof. During the document verification stage, SBI strictly checks these details. If you fail to provide valid proof of passing, your candidature will be cancelled, no matter how well you performed in the exam. This rule ensures that only qualified graduates are appointed to the clerical posts, maintaining the professionalism of the banking system. Therefore, final-year aspirants should plan their exam schedule and degree documentation carefully.
Recognition of Universities and Equivalence Rules: The graduation degree must be from a recognized university, whether central, state, or deemed. This includes institutions approved by UGC, AICTE, and Government of India. Degrees obtained from private universities are valid as long as the university is recognized. Similarly, distance education degrees from universities like IGNOU, Annamalai University, Osmania University, etc., are accepted. However, candidates must ensure that the course is approved under the Distance Education Council (DEC). (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
If a candidate holds a degree from a foreign university, they must produce a certificate of recognition from the Association of Indian Universities (AIU). Without this equivalence certificate, foreign degrees will not be considered valid. This rule ensures uniformity in academic standards for all applicants. Candidates are advised to verify the accreditation status of their college/university before applying. Applications from unrecognized institutions may be rejected at the verification stage, even if the candidate has cleared the exam.
Professional and Technical Degrees Accepted: SBI Clerk recruitment is not limited to traditional courses. Candidates with professional and technical degrees are also eligible. For example, graduates in Engineering (B.Tech, B.E.), Law (LLB), Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost Accounting (ICWA) can apply. The bank recognizes the importance of diverse knowledge and skill sets in modern banking, and therefore, candidates from professional courses are encouraged. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
For candidates with a CA qualification, there is no need for a separate graduation degree since it is considered equivalent to a bachelor’s degree. Similarly, other professional qualifications approved by the Government of India are treated at par with a graduate degree. This inclusion provides opportunities for students from commerce, law, and technical backgrounds to enter the banking industry.
Language Proficiency Requirement: In addition to graduation, candidates must also have proficiency in the local language of the state or union territory for which they are applying. Proficiency means the ability to read, write, speak, and understand the language. This is a crucial eligibility requirement, as clerks directly deal with local customers in branches. Candidates who have studied the local language at the 10th or 12th standard level are exempted from the local language test. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Others must clear the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) conducted after the mains exam. Failure to pass this test will lead to disqualification. Therefore, even if you have a graduation degree, you cannot be appointed unless you are comfortable in the regional language of the state you have applied for.
Special Provision for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-servicemen who have served in the defense forces are also eligible to apply, provided they hold an Army Special Certificate of Education (Class 10+2 equivalent). This certificate, along with minimum service years, makes them eligible for clerical posts even without a traditional graduation degree. This rule recognizes the valuable discipline and experience gained during military service. However, the maximum age and service relaxation limits apply as per government rules. Many ex-servicemen use this opportunity to enter the banking sector after completing their defense tenure.
No Minimum Percentage Requirement: Unlike some other competitive exams, SBI Clerk 2025 does not require any minimum percentage in graduation. Candidates who have simply passed their degree are eligible. This rule gives equal opportunity to students from all academic performance levels. Whether you have scored 50% or 80%, you can apply as long as you are a graduate. This inclusiveness is one of the main reasons SBI Clerk exams see lakhs of applications each year. However, candidates must still focus on building strong reasoning, aptitude, and English skills, as performance in the exam is what ultimately matters.
Computer Literacy and Digital Banking Knowledge: Although not a strict eligibility requirement, candidates are expected to have basic computer literacy. Since SBI clerks work on digital banking platforms, knowledge of computers, MS Office, and internet banking is important. Some universities already include computer literacy as part of graduation, but for others, short-term certification courses can be useful.
Candidates with prior computer skills may have an advantage during training and branch postings. Understanding digital payment systems, UPI, and mobile banking is also recommended.
Importance of Accurate Documentation: All candidates must ensure their educational certificates, marksheets, provisional degrees, and caste certificates (if applicable) are ready before the document verification stage. The details in the online application form must exactly match the documents. Any mismatch in names, dates, or marks can lead to disqualification. SBI is very strict in verification, and no request for time extension is entertained. Hence, candidates must double-check their certificates, signatures, and scanned copies before uploading them during the online application.
Conclusion on Educational Qualification: In summary, to be eligible for SBI Clerk 2025, you need at least a graduation degree from a recognized university, with or without any minimum marks requirement. Final year students can apply but must produce proof before the cutoff date. Local language proficiency is mandatory, and professional degrees are equally valid. This broad eligibility ensures that students from every academic stream get a fair chance to join India’s largest public sector bank. However, while the educational qualification is the gateway, the ultimate success depends on exam preparation, accuracy, and speed.
Application Fee Details:
Introduction to Application Fee: The application fee is one of the most important steps while applying for SBI Clerk Recruitment 2025. Without paying the fee, your online application will not be considered complete. The bank has clearly mentioned that only candidates who successfully pay the fee within the deadline will be allowed to appear for the exam. Hence, understanding category-wise fee rules is crucial before filling out the form. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Fee for General and OBC Candidates: For candidates belonging to the General and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories, the application fee is ₹750/-. This includes both the examination fee and intimation charges. Candidates must pay this fee online at the time of registration. Since SBI is a government-owned bank, the fee is much lower compared to private sector exams, making it affordable for lakhs of aspirants.
Fee for Economically Weaker Section (EWS) Candidates: The EWS category candidates also need to pay ₹750/-. The government introduced the EWS quota to provide opportunities to financially weaker candidates from the General category. However, unlike SC/ST or PwBD, they do not receive a fee exemption. Proof of EWS eligibility must be shown at the time of verification to avail the category benefits.
Fee for SC/ST Candidates: Candidates from the Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) categories are fully exempted from paying the application fee. This means they can apply for the SBI Clerk exam free of cost. This rule is in line with the Government of India’s reservation policy, ensuring equal chances for candidates from historically disadvantaged communities. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Fee for PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): Applicants falling under the PwBD category also enjoy a complete waiver of application fees. This is to encourage more participation of differently-abled candidates in the banking sector. The exemption covers all sub-categories of disability defined under government rules. Candidates must, however, provide valid medical disability certificates at the time of verification. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Fee for Women Candidates: One of the key highlights of SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment is the fee exemption for all women candidates. Whether they belong to General, OBC, EWS, SC, or ST categories, women are not required to pay any fee. This step promotes women’s empowerment and increases female participation in the banking workforce. Many female candidates see this as a golden opportunity to join India’s largest public sector bank. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Fee for Ex-Servicemen: Ex-Servicemen and Disabled Ex-Servicemen are also exempted from paying the application fee. Since they have already contributed to national service, this benefit encourages them to take up a second career in the banking sector. The relaxation makes it easier for retired defense personnel to smoothly transition into civilian jobs like clerical posts in SBI.
Mode of Payment: The SBI Clerk application fee must be paid online only. Candidates can use Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Net Banking, UPI, or mobile wallets for payment. No offline fee modes such as Demand Drafts, IPOs, or Cash Deposits at branches will be accepted. After a successful payment, an e-receipt and application form are generated, which must be saved for future reference.
Important Instructions on Fee Payment: The application fee once paid is non-refundable and non-transferable. Candidates must ensure correct entry of details before making the payment. If the transaction fails but the amount is deducted from the bank, the refund will be processed automatically to the same account within a few working days. Aspirants are advised not to wait till the last date, as heavy traffic on servers may result in failed transactions. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Final Note on Fee Exemptions: In summary, the application fee structure is designed to provide financial relief to reserved categories, women candidates, and ex-servicemen. While General, OBC, and EWS candidates must pay ₹750, all others are exempted. This balance ensures inclusivity and wider participation in the recruitment process. Aspirants must carefully check their category and pay the correct fee to avoid application rejection. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)
Exam Pattern & Syllabus:
Overview of the Exam Structure: The SBI Clerk 2025 selection process consists of two main stages – the Preliminary Examination and the Main Examination, followed by a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). There is no interview for clerical posts, making it a purely exam-based recruitment. Both prelims and mains are conducted in online mode, with objective-type multiple-choice questions. Candidates must clear both stages to qualify for final selection.
Preliminary Examination Pattern: The SBI Clerk Prelims Exam is a screening test, and marks scored in this phase are not counted for the final merit list. The exam has 100 questions divided into three sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. The duration of the exam is 1 hour, with each section timed separately. There is a negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer, so accuracy is crucial.
Detailed Syllabus for English Language (Prelims): The English Language section tests a candidate’s ability in grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary. The key topics include:
Reading Comprehension
Cloze Test
Fill in the Blanks
Para Jumbles
Error Detection
Sentence Improvement
This section carries 30 questions (30 marks). Candidates who are strong in reading habits generally find this section easier compared to reasoning and maths.
Detailed Syllabus for Numerical Ability (Prelims): The Numerical Ability (Quantitative Aptitude) section is considered one of the trickiest in prelims. It has 35 questions (35 marks) covering topics like:
Simplification & Approximation
Number Series
Quadratic Equations
Data Interpretation (DI)
Arithmetic Problems (Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Ratio, SI & CI, Percentage, etc.)
Speed and accuracy play a key role here since the time per question is very limited.
Detailed Syllabus for Reasoning Ability (Prelims): The Reasoning Ability section carries 35 questions (35 marks). Major topics include:
Puzzles and Seating Arrangement
Syllogism
Inequalities
Coding-Decoding
Blood Relations
Direction Sense
Input-Output
This section requires logical thinking and consistent practice, as puzzles form a major chunk of the exam.
Main Examination Pattern: The SBI Clerk Mains Exam is the deciding stage of selection. It consists of 190 questions worth 200 marks with a time duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. The sections are:
General/Financial Awareness (50 Qs, 35 mins)
General English (40 Qs, 35 mins)
Quantitative Aptitude (50 Qs, 45 mins)
Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (50 Qs, 45 mins)
Unlike prelims, the marks scored here are considered for the final merit list.
General/Financial Awareness Syllabus (Mains): This section is crucial because it requires continuous preparation. Topics include:
Current Affairs (last 6 months)
Static GK (countries, capitals, sports, awards, etc.)
Banking Awareness (RBI, SEBI, NITI Aayog, financial terms)
Economy & Budget Highlights
International Summits, Reports, and Government Schemes
This section is scoring for well-prepared candidates since it does not involve lengthy calculations.
Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus (Mains): In mains, the difficulty level of Quantitative Aptitude is higher than prelims. Key topics include:
Advanced Data Interpretation (Caselets, Missing DI, Bar/Line/Tabular Graphs)
Data Sufficiency
Probability
Permutation & Combination
Arithmetic Word Problems (Mixture, Allegation, Partnership, Boats & Streams, etc.)
This section requires a balance of speed and conceptual clarity, making mock tests essential.
Reasoning & Computer Aptitude Syllabus (Mains): This section combines reasoning puzzles with basic computer knowledge. Important topics are:
High-Level Puzzles & Seating Arrangement
Input-Output (Logical & Pattern-based)
Machine Input
Logical Reasoning (Cause-Effect, Statement-Conclusion, etc.)
Computer Basics (MS Office, Internet, Networking, Security, DBMS, etc.)
Since reasoning is lengthy, candidates must manage time wisely to attempt computer-based questions quickly.
Final Stage Local Language Test: Candidates who clear the main exam must pass the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). If a candidate studied the local language in 10th or 12th, they are exempted. Otherwise, they must qualify in a test conducted by SBI. This step ensures that clerks can communicate effectively with customers in their region. (SBI Junior Associate Clerk Recruitment 2025 Official Notification Vacancies Apply Link)