SBI Apprentice

SBI Apprentice: A Launchpad for Your Banking Career

The SBI Apprentice program is a unique opportunity offered by the State Bank of India for young graduates to gain hands-on experience in the banking sector. [3] This one-year training program, governed by the Apprentices Act, 1961, is designed to provide practical knowledge and skills essential for a career in banking. [3] It is not a permanent job but serves as an excellent stepping stone, offering a stipend and invaluable exposure to the workings of India's largest public sector bank. For many, it is the first step towards a long and successful journey in the financial world.

Benefits of the SBI Apprentice Program

While the SBI Apprentice role is a temporary engagement, it offers significant advantages for aspiring banking professionals.

Stipend and Financial Support: Apprentices receive a fixed monthly stipend of ₹15,000 for the one-year duration of the program. [3] This financial support helps cover living expenses while gaining valuable experience. It is important to note that apprentices are not eligible for other allowances or benefits that permanent employees receive. [5]

Skill Development and Industry Exposure: The program provides unparalleled exposure to the day-to-day operations of a major bank. Apprentices learn about various banking products, customer service protocols, and internal processes. This hands-on training is highly valued in the industry and significantly enhances a candidate's resume.

Career Edge: Although the program does not guarantee a permanent job at SBI, the experience and training certificate gained are highly beneficial. [3] It gives candidates a competitive edge when applying for future banking jobs, including clerical and officer positions in SBI and other banks. The practical knowledge acquired is a strong foundation for a long-term career in the financial sector.

SBI Apprentice Selection Process

The selection for the SBI Apprentice program is a two-stage process designed to identify suitable candidates.

• Online Written Test: This is the first stage, a computer-based test comprising 100 objective questions. It covers four key areas: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude. The total duration is 60 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated to each section. [5, 6] There is a negative marking of 1/4th for each incorrect answer. [5]
• Test of Local Language: Candidates who qualify the online test must undergo a local language proficiency test for the state they have applied from. This test assesses their ability to read, write, speak, and understand the local language. Candidates who have studied the local language in their 10th or 12th standard are exempted from this test. [3, 6]

Key Eligibility Criteria

• Education: A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university is required. [3]
• Age Limit: Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years of age. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved categories as per government norms. [3]

How to Apply for the SBI Apprentice Exam

The application process for the SBI Apprentice program is conducted entirely online through the official SBI careers portal.

1. Visit the Official Website: Go to the SBI Careers page at sbi.co.in/careers. [5]
2. Find the Notification: Navigate to the 'Current Openings' section and find the link for “ENGAGEMENT OF APPRENTICES UNDER THE APPRENTICES ACT, 1961”. [5]
3. New Registration: Click on “Click here for New Registration” to create a profile by providing basic details like your name, mobile number, and email address. A provisional registration number and password will be generated and sent to you. [5, 11]
4. Fill the Application Form: Log in with your registration details and fill out the application form with your personal, academic, and other required information. [3]
5. Upload Documents: Upload a scanned copy of your recent photograph and signature in the prescribed format and size. [5]
6. Fee Payment: Pay the application fee of ₹300 (for General/OBC/EWS candidates) online. SC/ST/PwBD candidates are exempted from the fee. [5]
7. Final Submission: Preview your application to ensure all details are correct and then submit the form. It is recommended to save or print a copy of the final application for your records. [5]