SBI Clerk Prelims Eligibility Criteria 2026

Educational Qualifications and Eligibility

Candidates aspiring for the Junior Associate role must meet the following academic requirements:

• Basic Degree: A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India.
• Final Year Students: Candidates currently in the final year or semester of their degree can apply provisionally, provided they can produce proof of graduation on or before 31st December 2026.
• Integrated Dual Degree (IDD): Candidates holding an IDD must have passed their final exam on or before 31st December 2025.
• Ex-Servicemen: Matriculate ex-servicemen are eligible if they possess an 'Indian Army Special Certificate of Education' or equivalent from the Navy/Air Force, having completed at least 15 years of service.

Age Limit and Calculation Criteria

Eligibility in terms of age is strictly enforced by the State Bank of India to maintain a balanced workforce. Candidates must adhere to the following requirements to be considered for the Junior Associate position:

• Minimum Age: 20 years.
• Maximum Age: 28 years.
• Cut-off Date: The age calculation is based on April 1, 2025.
• Date of Birth Range: Candidates must have been born no earlier than April 2, 1997, and no later than April 1, 2005 (both dates inclusive).

This age bracket ensures that candidates entering the clerical cadre are at an appropriate stage in their professional and personal development to undergo the necessary training and job responsibilities required by the bank.

Selection Process Breakdown

The selection process for the SBI Clerk 2026 exam is structured into three clear phases designed to evaluate a candidate’s aptitude, knowledge, and language proficiency:

• Phase 1 (Preliminary Exam): An objective, computer-based test that is qualifying in nature. Candidates must pass this stage to qualify for the Mains.
• Phase 2 (Mains Exam): A high-weightage objective test where performance determines the candidate's place in the final merit list.
• Phase 3 (Local Language Proficiency Test - LLPT): This test assesses the candidate's fluency in the regional language of the state or union territory they have applied for. Candidates without documentary proof of having studied the local language in school must pass this stage to be considered for final appointment.

Please note that no Inter-Circle or Inter-State transfers are permitted after recruitment, ensuring that selected candidates are committed to their assigned regions.

Category-wise Age Relaxation

In line with government directives, age relaxation is provided to various reserved categories. The upper age limit is relaxed as follows:

• SC / ST: 5 years.
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years.
• PwBD (General / EWS): 10 years.
• PwBD (OBC): 13 years.
• PwBD (SC / ST): 15 years.
• Ex-Servicemen / Disabled Ex-Servicemen: The actual period of service in the Defence forces plus 3 years (8 years for SC/ST disabled ex-servicemen), provided that the candidate’s age does not exceed 50 years.