The State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest public sector bank, has officially released the SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification under the Apprentices Act, 1961. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for graduates across the country to gain valuable banking experience through a one-year apprenticeship program.

According to the official advertisement, SBI has announced 7,150 apprentice seats across various states and union territories of India. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can submit their applications online through the official SBI career portal. The registration process commenced on 19 May 2026 and has been extended until 15 June 2026. The online examination is tentatively scheduled for July 2026.

The apprenticeship program is designed to provide practical exposure to banking operations, customer service, financial products, digital banking, and branch administration. Although the apprenticeship does not guarantee permanent employment, successful candidates receive training, a monthly stipend, and future recruitment benefits under SBI policies.

Overview of SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026

What Is SBI Apprentice Program?

The SBI Apprentice Program is a skill-development initiative conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961. The program aims to equip young graduates with practical banking knowledge and professional workplace experience.

Unlike permanent recruitment, apprentices are trainees who undergo structured learning and on-the-job training in SBI branches. They are exposed to customer interactions, banking software, operational processes, and financial services.

The program is especially beneficial for fresh graduates seeking entry into the banking industry.

Total Vacancies Announced

SBI has announced a total of 7,150 apprentice seats distributed across different states and union territories.

Some major state-wise vacancies include:

• Andhra Pradesh – 709
• Uttar Pradesh – 561
• Maharashtra – 504
• Telangana – 491
• West Bengal – 460
• Kerala – 403
• Tamil Nadu – 396
• Assam – 368
• Rajasthan – 350
• Punjab – 345
• Haryana – 320
• Jammu & Kashmir – 300
• Madhya Pradesh – 285
• Karnataka – 276

The number of vacancies may vary depending on SBI’s requirements.

SBI Apprentice Vacancy in Jammu and Kashmir

Candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have a significant opportunity this year as SBI has allocated 300 apprentice seats for the Union Territory.

District-wise distribution includes:

• Srinagar – 15
• Anantnag – 15
• Baramulla – 15
• Kupwara – 15
• Bandipora – 15
• Ganderbal – 15
• Budgam – 15
• Pulwama – 15
• Shopian – 15
• Kulgam – 15
• Jammu – 15
• Kathua – 15
• Samba – 15
• Udhampur – 15
• Reasi – 15
• Rajouri – 15
• Poonch – 15
• Ramban – 15
• Doda – 15
• Kishtwar – 15

This distribution ensures representation from every district of the Union Territory.

Important Dates

Applicants should carefully note the important dates related to the recruitment process:

Online Registration Begins

19 May 2026

Last Date for Online Application

15 June 2026

Fee Payment Deadline

15 June 2026

Online Examination

July 2026 (Tentative)

Candidates are advised not to wait until the last day to submit their applications.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Candidates must possess:

Graduation from a recognized University or Institute as on 01 April 2026.

Applicants awaiting final results are not eligible.

Graduates from any discipline can apply.

Age Limit

As per the notification, candidates must be:

• Minimum Age: 20 Years
• Maximum Age: 28 Years

Candidates should have been born:

• Not earlier than 02 April 1998
• Not later than 01 April 2006

Age relaxation is available as per Government of India rules for reserved categories.

Category-Wise Reservation

Reservation benefits are provided to:

• Scheduled Castes (SC)
• Scheduled Tribes (ST)
• Other Backward Classes (OBC)
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS)
• Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD)

The reservation policy follows Government of India guidelines.

Monthly Stipend

Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of:

₹15,000 Per Month

The stipend is payable throughout the one-year training period.

Candidates should note that:

• No DA will be paid.
• No HRA will be paid.
• No medical benefits will be provided.
• No employee benefits available to SBI staff will apply.

The stipend is intended solely for training purposes.

Duration of Apprenticeship

The apprenticeship training duration is:

One Year

During this period, candidates will undergo branch-level training and gain practical exposure to various banking operations.

Benefits After Completion

One of the major attractions of the SBI apprenticeship program is the possibility of obtaining recruitment benefits in future SBI Junior Associate recruitments.

According to the notification:

• Apprentices successfully completing training may receive weightage or relaxation in future Junior Associate recruitment processes.
• Candidates must complete training satisfactorily.
• They must pass the skill evaluation test.
• They must obtain the National Apprenticeship Certificate jointly issued by SBI and relevant authorities.

Selection Process

The SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 selection process consists of:

Stage 1: Online Written Examination

Stage 2: Local Language Test

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Final selection depends on fulfilling all eligibility requirements and clearing all stages.

SBI Apprentice Exam Pattern 2026

The online examination consists of objective-type questions.

Duration

60 Minutes

Each section has separate timing.

Negative Marking

Candidates should note:

• 1/4th mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
• There is no sectional cutoff.
• Merit will be prepared based on aggregate marks.

Local Language Test

Candidates must be proficient in the local language of the state for which they apply.

The language test assesses:

• Reading
• Writing
• Speaking
• Understanding

Candidates who have studied the specified language in Class 10th or 12th may be exempted from the language test after document verification.

Examination Centres

SBI has designated examination centres across India.

For Jammu & Kashmir, the centres include:

• Srinagar
• Jammu
• Samba

Candidates must select their preferred centre during application.

No requests for change of examination centre will be entertained later.

PwBD Reservation Details

SBI has provided reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities under:

• Visual Impairment (VI)
• Hearing Impairment (HI)
• Locomotor Disability (LD)
• Autism Spectrum Disorder
• Multiple Disabilities

Candidates must possess valid disability certificates issued by competent authorities.

Application Process

Applicants must complete the following steps:

Step 1

Register on the NAPS Portal.

Step 2

Visit the SBI Careers Portal.

Step 3

Fill out the online application form.

Step 4

Upload required documents.

Step 5

Pay the application fee.

Step 6

Submit the application and save a copy.

Candidates must ensure all details are correct before final submission.

Documents Required

Applicants should keep the following documents ready:

• Passport-sized photograph
• Signature
• Graduation certificate
• Mark sheets
• Aadhaar Card
• Category certificate (if applicable)
• PwBD certificate (if applicable)
• EWS certificate (if applicable)

Why SBI Apprenticeship Is a Great Opportunity

The SBI Apprentice Program offers numerous advantages:

Banking Experience

Candidates gain practical exposure to India’s largest banking network.

Skill Development

Training improves communication, customer service, and banking knowledge.

Career Enhancement

The apprenticeship adds value to resumes and improves employability.

Future Recruitment Benefits

Successful apprentices may receive advantages during future SBI recruitment drives.

National-Level Recognition

The apprenticeship certificate is recognized under the National Apprenticeship framework.

Preparation Tips for SBI Apprentice Exam 2026

Focus on Financial Awareness

Stay updated with:

• Banking news
• RBI policies
• Government schemes
• Current affairs

Improve Quantitative Aptitude

Practice:

• Percentages
• Ratio and proportion
• Profit and loss
• Time and work
• Data interpretation

Strengthen Reasoning

Work on:

• Puzzles
• Seating arrangement
• Coding-decoding
• Syllogism

Enhance English Skills

Read newspapers and practice grammar regularly.

Attempt Mock Tests

Mock tests improve speed and accuracy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many candidates lose marks because of avoidable mistakes.

Avoid:

• Incorrect category selection
• Wrong document uploads
• Missing deadlines
• Ignoring local language requirements
• Careless errors in online examination

The SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents a remarkable opportunity for graduates seeking exposure to India’s banking sector. With 7,150 apprentice seats, a monthly stipend of ₹15,000, extensive training opportunities, and potential future recruitment benefits, this engagement program is expected to attract lakhs of applicants nationwide.

Candidates should carefully review the official notification, verify eligibility criteria, prepare systematically for the online examination, and submit applications well before the deadline. Those who successfully complete the apprenticeship can gain valuable experience and improve their chances of building a long-term career in banking.

Official PDF Notification

Detailed Notification here