It is a separate Junior Associate recruitment only for SC, ST and OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates to fill unfilled reserved vacancies. In 2026 it was advertised as CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 with 1,538 vacancies.
Besides the regular Junior Associate recruitment, SBI sometimes runs a Special Recruitment Drive to fill backlog vacancies reserved for SC, ST and OBC candidates. The post, pay and exam pattern are the same as the regular recruitment, but only candidates from those categories can apply.
The 2026 special drive at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16 |
| Registration | 7 August to 27 August 2026 |
| Vacancies | 1,538 (SC 207, ST 1,219, OBC 112) across several states |
| Who can apply | SC, ST and OBC (non-creamy layer) candidates; PwBD and ex-servicemen under their parent category |
| Fee | Rs 750 for OBC; nil for SC/ST/PwBD/XS/DXS |
| Main exam | Scheduled on 29 October 2026 as per SBI's careers page |
How it differs from the regular recruitment
- General and EWS candidates cannot apply. OBC candidates in the creamy layer are not eligible.
- Its vacancies are separate. The regular 2026 notification says its own backlog vacancies are net of those advertised in the special drive.
- Transfer wording differs: the special drive notification allows intra-state transfer between two circles in the same state (Delhi and Lucknow circles in Uttar Pradesh, and Mumbai Metro and Maharashtra circles in Maharashtra).
What stays the same
Age limit (20-28 as on 1 April 2026 with category relaxation), graduation by 31 December 2026, Prelims of 100 marks in one hour, Mains of 200 marks, negative marking of one-fourth, the local language requirement and the Rs 26,730 starting basic pay.
- SBI Junior Associates special drive for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies 2026 (CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16)
- SBI Junior Associates 2026 detailed advertisement (CRPD/CR/2026-27/17)
- SBI Careers - current openings (official)
Rules can change with each notification. Confirm on sbi.bank.in/web/careers.
More application questions
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