Yes. You must read, write, speak and understand the local language of the State/UT you apply for. If your 10th or 12th mark sheet shows you studied it, no test is needed; otherwise you take a language test after Mains.
Yes. SBI requires candidates applying for vacancies of a State/UT to be proficient in reading, writing, speaking and understanding the specified local language of that State/UT. The language for each State/UT is listed in the vacancy table of the notification, and you have to opt for one language in the online application if more than one is listed.
How proficiency is checked
- Studied the language in school: if you produce a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet or certificate showing that you studied the specified language, you do not have to take any language test.
- Did not study it: you take the Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT) after qualifying the Main exam but before joining. If you fail it, you will not be offered appointment.
Examples of languages from the 2026 notification
| State/UT | Specified language(s) |
|---|---|
| Maharashtra | Marathi |
| Tamil Nadu | Tamil |
| Karnataka | Kannada |
| Gujarat | Gujarati |
| Odisha | Odia |
| West Bengal | Bengali / Nepali |
| Telangana | Telugu / Urdu |
| Uttar Pradesh | Hindi / Urdu |
| Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh | Hindi |
| Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland | English |
The LLPT has to be taken at a centre in the State you applied for, decided by the Bank, at your own expense. Its pattern and qualifying marks are explained on our LLPT page.
Why SBI is strict about this
Junior Associates handle customers at the counter, make customer calls and sell products. The notification states that candidates will be posted in the State they applied for, and in the 2026 notification inter-state transfer is not available before 5 years of service. You will be working in that language daily.
- SBI Junior Associates 2026 detailed advertisement (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)
- SBI JA 2026 Preliminary Exam 'Acquaint Yourself' booklet
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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