Are you a fresh graduate eager to make your mark in the highly competitive banking sector? The State Bank of India (SBI) is offering an incredible stepping stone for your career! The bank has officially announced a massive nationwide recruitment drive for the engagement of Apprentices under the Apprentice Act, 1961. With a staggering 7,150 vacancies distributed across various states in India, this is an unmatched opportunity to gain practical banking experience and enhance your employability.

The SBI Apprentice program is not just a training stint; it is a gateway to learning the intricate workings of India's largest public sector bank. During this one-year engagement, candidates will receive hands-on training in banking operations, customer relationship management, and digital banking services. This invaluable experience significantly boosts a candidate's resume and provides a distinct advantage in future banking examinations, especially with SBI recently introducing weightage for trained apprentices in its Junior Associate (Clerk) recruitment.

The online registration process is already underway, and eager candidates must act swiftly. The application portal will close on June 8, 2026, making it crucial to gather your documents and apply without delay. Do not miss out on this fantastic chance to learn, earn, and grow with the nation's premier banking institution!

About the Recruiter

The State Bank of India (SBI) is an Indian multinational, public sector banking and financial services statutory body headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra. With a rich heritage and legacy of over 200 years, SBI is the largest bank in India, boasting a massive market share, millions of customers, and an extensive network of branches globally. It is a Fortune 500 company and is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and secure organizations to work with in the Indian financial landscape.

Posts and Breakdown: Qualification, Age, & Salary Overview

The SBI Apprentice recruitment focuses purely on the engagement of apprentices for a period of one year. Below is a detailed look at the eligibility criteria and the financial remuneration offered during the training period:

• Post Name: Apprentice

  • Qualifications: Graduation from a recognized University or Institute in any discipline. Candidates must possess a valid degree certificate/mark sheet establishing that they are a graduate as of the crucial date mentioned in the notification.

  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and maximum 28 years as of the cut-off date. Standard government age relaxations are applicable: 3 years for OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), 5 years for SC/ST, and 10 years for PwBD candidates.

  • Salary / Stipend: Apprentices are engaged for a training period of one year. During this tenure, they are paid a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹15,000/-.

    • Note: Since apprentices are trainees and not direct employees of the bank, they are not eligible for other allowances or benefits (like DA, HRA, PF, etc.) that regular employees receive.

Detailed Overview of the Job Profile

The role of an SBI Apprentice revolves around practical learning and assisting branch operations. Core responsibilities and learning areas include:

• Customer Service & Assistance: Greeting customers, guiding them with basic banking queries, assisting them in filling out forms, and helping them use digital banking channels (ATMs, passbook printing machines, YONO app).

• Branch Administration Support: Assisting the clerical and officer staff in daily branch operations, managing documentation, and organizing files.

• Marketing and Sales: Gaining exposure to the marketing of various financial products, cross-selling bank services, and participating in customer outreach campaigns under the supervision of senior staff.

• Skill Development: The primary goal of the profile is holistic skill development, equipping the candidate with real-world banking knowledge that is highly sought after in the financial job market.

Important Dates

How to Apply

Candidates must apply online via the official SBI Careers portal. Please follow this step-by-step guide carefully:

1. Visit SBI Careers: Go to the official website sbi.co.in/web/careers or bank.sbi/careers.

2. Find the Advertisement: Under the "Latest Announcements" section, click on "Engagement of Apprentices under the Apprentices Act, 1961" and select "Apply Online."

3. New Registration: Click on the "Click here for New Registration" tab. Enter your basic details (Name, Contact Details, Email ID) to generate your Registration Number and Password.

4. Fill the Form: Log in and fill in the detailed application form, carefully selecting the state you wish to apply for and your preferred local language.

5. Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph and signature as per the strictly specified dimensions and file sizes.

6. Pay Application Fee: Pay the non-refundable examination fee online. (General/OBC/EWS candidates: ₹300/-. SC/ST/PwBD candidates are completely exempt from fee payment).

7. Final Submission: Preview all details thoroughly. Submit the form and immediately download the e-receipt and the final application form. Print a copy for your records.

Selection Process

The selection of apprentices is based on a transparent, two-stage process:

1. Online Written Examination: An objective-type test consisting of 100 questions (100 marks) with a duration of 1 hour. It covers four sections:

   • General/Financial Awareness

   • General English

   • Quantitative Aptitude

   • Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude (Note: There is a negative marking of 1/4th mark for every incorrect answer.)

2. Test of Local Language: Candidates who qualify the online written test will undergo a test of the specified opted local language. Exception: Candidates who can produce a 10th or 12th standard mark sheet/certificate showing they have already studied the opted local language will be exempted from this test.

3. Medical Examination: Final engagement is strictly subject to the candidate being declared medically fit as per the bank's requirements.

Important Links

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is the SBI Apprentice a permanent bank job? No, this is not a permanent employment opportunity. It is purely an apprenticeship training program for a fixed duration of one year under the Apprentice Act, 1961.

2. Can final year graduation students apply for this recruitment? Generally, candidates must have completed their graduation and possess the final degree or mark sheet on or before the crucial cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Final year students awaiting results are typically not eligible.

3. What is the stipend offered during the apprenticeship? Selected candidates will receive a consolidated monthly stipend of ₹15,000 for the entire one-year engagement period.

4. Are there any other allowances like HRA or DA provided? No. Apprentices are not employees of the bank. Therefore, they are not entitled to any other allowances, benefits, or perks such as House Rent Allowance (HRA), Dearness Allowance (DA), or provident fund.

5. Can I apply for vacancies in multiple states? No, a candidate can apply for engagement in only one state. Applying for multiple states will lead to the cancellation of your candidature.

6. Is there any negative marking in the online exam? Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers. 1/4th of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as negative marking for each incorrect answer.

7. Is the Local Language Test mandatory for everyone? It is mandatory for those who clear the written exam. However, if you have studied the local language of the state you applied for in your 10th or 12th standard and possess the mark sheet as proof, you are exempted from taking the language test.

8. Does this apprenticeship give me an advantage for permanent SBI jobs in the future? Yes, it can. SBI has recently amended its recruitment rules to provide specific weightage and relaxations to successfully trained SBI Apprentices when they apply for Junior Associate (Clerical) vacancies in the bank.

9. What is the application fee for the SBI Apprentice form? The application fee is ₹300 for General, OBC, and EWS category candidates. Candidates belonging to SC, ST, and PwBD categories are exempted from paying any application fee.

10. Do I get a certificate after completing the one-year program? Yes, upon successful completion of the apprenticeship training, candidates are awarded an apprenticeship certificate, which adds significant value to their resume for future endeavors in the financial sector.