Ex-servicemen get relaxation equal to their actual period of service in the defence forces plus 3 years (8 years for disabled ex-servicemen from SC/ST), subject to a maximum age of 50, as per the 2026 notification.
For ex-servicemen (XS) and disabled ex-servicemen (DXS), the 2026 notification gives upper age relaxation equal to the actual period of service rendered in the defence services plus 3 years. For disabled ex-servicemen belonging to SC/ST, the extra is 8 years. In every case the maximum age is capped at 50 years.
Worked example
Say you served 15 years and your age on 1 April 2026 (the cut-off date in the 2026 cycle) was 41. Your limit is 28 + 15 + 3 = 46, which is under the cap of 50, so you are eligible on age.
Who counts as an ex-serviceman
Only candidates who meet the Government of India definition of ex-serviceman (as amended from time to time) are treated as XS. The notification also says Territorial Army personnel are treated as ex-servicemen with effect from 15 November 1986.
- Already released or retired: submit your discharge certificate or book, or a certificate in Proforma A if you do not have it.
- Still serving: you can apply if your specific period of engagement ends on or before the date given in the notification (31 August 2027 for the 2026 cycle). You will need a certificate in Proforma B and an undertaking in Proforma C, and if selected you must be released and join by the date given (31 October 2027 for the 2026 cycle).
- On extended assignment: a certificate in Proforma D is needed.
Other benefits for ex-servicemen
- No application fee (nil for XS and DXS).
- Reservation: 10% of vacancies for ex-servicemen plus 4.5% for disabled ex-servicemen and dependents of servicemen killed in action, as horizontal reservation within the parent categories.
- Matriculate ex-servicemen with the Indian Army Special Certificate of Education (or the Navy/Air Force equivalent) after at least 15 years of service are also eligible on education.
- 5% relaxation in the minimum qualifying aggregate in the Main exam.
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
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