Overview
State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, is inviting applications for Circle Based Officer (CBO) positions across 16 major circles nationwide. This is a golden opportunity for working professionals with banking experience to join one of India’s most prestigious institutions. The recruitment is open for both regular and backlog vacancies, offering competitive salary and excellent career growth prospects.
π’ Organization Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Name | Circle Based Officer (CBO) |
| Total Vacancies | 2273 (2050 Regular + 223 Backlog) |
| Post Type | Regular/Permanent Position |
| Job Type | Full-time, Banking Sector |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in/ |
π Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | 29 January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 18 February 2026 |
| Call Letter Download | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Test Date | March 2026 (Tentative) |
π Vacancy Distribution Across Circles
Here’s where the 2273 positions are distributed:
| Circle | Language(s) | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Amaravati | Telugu/Urdu | 101 |
| Bengaluru | Kannada | 236 |
| Bhopal | Hindi | 118 |
| Bhubaneswar | Odia | 85 |
| Chandigarh | Urdu/Hindi/Punjabi | 108 |
| Chennai | Tamil | 208 |
| Gandhinagar | Gujarati | 249 |
| Guwahati | Assamese/Bengali/Bodo/Manipuri/Garo/Khasi/Mizo/Kokborok/English | 85 |
| Hyderabad | Telugu/Urdu | 80 |
| Jaipur | Hindi | 113 |
| Kolkata | Bengali/Nepali/Hindi | 242 |
| Lucknow | Hindi/Urdu | 221 |
| Maharashtra | Marathi | 204 |
| Mumbai Metro | Marathi/Konkani | 152 |
| New Delhi | Hindi | 83 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Malayalam | 83 |
| TOTAL | 2273 |
π Educational Qualifications Required
You need to have a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a recognized university or an equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government. The following qualifications also make you eligible:
- Any Bachelor’s Degree (B.A, B.Com, B.Sc, etc.)
- Engineering Degree (B.Tech / B.E)
- Medical Qualification
- Chartered Accountant (CA)
- Cost Accountant (CMA)
- Any Integrated Dual Degree (IDD)
πΌ Professional Experience Required
You must have a minimum of 2 years of work experience as on 31 December 2025 in one of the following roles:
- Officer position in any Scheduled Commercial Bank
- Officer position in any Regional Rural Bank (RRB)
Special Condition for Private Sector Bank Candidates: If you’re coming from a private or non-PSB bank, you must have been drawing a minimum annual gross salary of Rs. 9.50 lacs for each year of service. You’ll need to provide:
- Form-16 (Income Tax Certificate)
- Annual Income Statement (AIS)
- Last 24 months salary slips
- Employment certificate from your employer
β³ Age Limit (as on 31 December 2025)
General Eligibility:
- Minimum Age: 21 years
- Maximum Age: 30 years
Age Relaxation Benefits:
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 Years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 Years |
| PwBD (SC/ST) | 15 Years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 Years |
| PwBD (General/EWS) | 10 Years |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | 5 Years |
Note: You cannot combine multiple age relaxationsβonly one will apply to you.
π° Salary & Financial Benefits
Starting Salary Package: Highly competitive and lucrative
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | Rs. 48,480/- per month |
| Pay Scale | 48480-2000/7-62480-2340/2-67160-2680/7-85920 |
| Designation | Junior Management Grade Scale-I |
| Additional Increments | 2 Advance Increments |
Additional Allowances & Benefits You’ll Receive:
- Dearness Allowance (D.A.)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Lease Rental
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Provident Fund (PF) contribution
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Leave Facility Credit (LFC)
- Comprehensive Medical Facility
- Other perquisites as per SBI rules
Total In-Hand Salary: Expected to be around Rs. 60,000-70,000/- per month (including all allowances)
π΅ Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General/EWS/OBC | Rs. 750/- |
| SC/ST/PwBD | FREE (No Fee) |
Payment Options:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
Important: Fees once paid are non-refundable and cannot be held in reserve for other exams.
π― Selection Process – 4 Phases
Phase 1: Online Examination (Qualifying Round)
Objective Test:
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 2 hours
- Sections:
- English Language (30 marks, 30 minutes)
- Banking Knowledge (40 marks, 40 minutes)
- General Awareness/Economy (30 marks, 30 minutes)
- Computer Aptitude (20 marks, 20 minutes)
Descriptive Test:
- Total Marks: 50
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Content: Letter Writing & Essay in English
- Format: Test of English Language skills
Total Test Duration: 2.5 hours | Total Marks: 170
Important Notes:
- No negative marking for wrong answers
- Sectional cutoffs will NOT be maintained
Phase 2: Screening (Document Verification)
A screening committee will verify:
- Your eligibility criteria (experience, qualifications)
- Whether you match the job requirements
- Your job profile alignment with SBI’s Scale-I Generalist Officer role
Shortlisting: Top candidates (approximately 3 times the number of vacancies) will be called for the interview.
Phase 3: Interview (Personality & Communication Round)
- Total Marks: 50
- Minimum Score: You must achieve qualifying marks to proceed
- Evaluation: Communication skills, job knowledge, confidence, and suitability for the role
Phase 4: Local Language Proficiency Test (Before Joining)
Candidates must prove proficiency in the opted circle’s local language (reading, writing, understanding).
Exemption: If you have studied the language in 10th or 12th standard, you’re exempt from this test (just submit your mark sheet).
π Final Merit List Calculation
Your Final Score = (Online Test Marks Γ 0.75) + (Interview Marks Γ 0.25)
- Online Test (out of 170 marks) β Converted to 75 marks
- Interview (out of 50 marks) β Converted to 25 marks
- Merit lists prepared separately for each circle and category
π How to Apply – Step-by-Step Guide
Before You Start:
Have these documents ready in digital format:
- Photograph (scanned copy)
- Signature (digital image)
- Left thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- ID Proof (Aadhaar, Passport, PAN, Driving License, Voter ID, Bank Passbook)
- Date of Birth Proof
- Educational Certificates/Degrees
- Experience Certificate
- Form-16 (Last 2 years)
- Recent Salary Slips
- Job Profile description
- Resume/CV
Application Steps:
- Visit SBI’s Official Website: Go to https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
- Find Current Openings: Look for “Circle Based Officer 2026” recruitment notification
- Click Apply Online: Open the online application form
- Fill Your Details: Complete all sections carefully:
- Personal information
- Educational qualifications
- Professional experience
- Select your preferred circle
- Select your preferred local language
- Upload Documents: Attach all required digital documents as per specifications
- Review & Submit: Double-check everything, then submit your form
- Pay Application Fee: Use the integrated payment gateway:
- Debit Card / Credit Card / Internet Banking
- You’ll receive an e-receipt and confirmation
- Print Confirmation: Save and print your application form and e-receipt
Important Tips:
- Apply only for ONE circle of your choice
- Keep your email and mobile active until final results
- Keep your registration number and password safe
- Do NOT submit multiple applications (only the last one will be considered)
βοΈ Key Documents Required
During Application:
- Scanned Photograph
- Digital Signature
- Left Thumb Impression
- Handwritten Declaration
- Educational Certificates
- Experience Certificate
- Employment Documents (Form-16, Salary Slips)
- Job Profile Document
- Resume/CV
During Interview: Bring these ORIGINAL documents plus photocopies:
- One photo identity proof (any of these):
- Passport
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Driving License
- Voter’s ID Card
- Bank Passbook with photograph
During Local Language Test (if applicable):
- 10th or 12th standard mark sheet (if claiming exemption)
β Eligibility Checklist – Are You Eligible?
Before applying, ensure you meet ALL these criteria:
- I have a graduation degree from a recognized university
- I have minimum 2 years experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or RRB
- I’m between 21-30 years old (as on 31 Dec 2025)
- I can read, write, and understand the local language of my chosen circle
- I haven’t defaulted on any bank loan or credit card dues
- I don’t have any criminal record or character issues
- I’m not working in SBI clerical/supervisory cadre
- I haven’t been in a subsidiary of any bank on contract basis
- I haven’t previously resigned from officer grade in SBI/Associate Banks
- I have not worked in a non-PSB bank OR I have all salary documents (if from private bank)
If any answer is NO, you cannot apply.
β Who Cannot Apply?
You’re NOT eligible if you:
- Don’t have a graduation degree
- Have less than 2 years banking experience
- Are outside the age limit (even with relaxation)
- Have defaulted on any bank loan, credit card, or NBFC lending
- Have criminal record or adverse character report
- Are currently working in SBI in clerical or supervisory grade
- Were engaged on contract basis with any bank
- Previously resigned from officer grade in SBI or Associate Banks
- Cannot read/write the required local language
- Are applying for multiple circles (allowed for only one circle)
π Important Information
Key Points to Remember:
- One Circle Only: You can apply for vacancies in only ONE circle. Applications for multiple circles will result in disqualification.
- Posting Policy: Once selected, you’ll be posted in the circle of your choice for a minimum period until promotion to SMGS-IV Grade or 12 years of service (whichever is later).
- Probation Period: You’ll be on probation for 6 months after joining. Continuous assessment will be done during this period.
- Designation: Selected candidates will be called “Circle Based Officers” (CBOs).
- Inter-Circle Transfer Restrictions: No transfers/postings to other circles, Corporate Centre, or foreign postings until your promotion or completion of 12 years.
- No Multiple Applications: Don’t apply twice. Only your last completed application will be considered. Multiple applications = disqualification.
- Call Letters: Download your call letter from the official website using registration number and password. No physical copies will be sent by post.
- Travel Reimbursement: If called for interview from another city, railway AC-III fare (shortest route) or actual expenses (whichever is lower) will be reimbursed.
- Pre-Exam Training: Free online pre-examination training will be arranged for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates.
- OBC Certificate: OBC candidates must submit “Non-Creamy Layer” certificate issued between 01.04.2025 to date of interview.
- EWS Certificate: EWS candidates must have Income & Asset Certificate for FY 2024-25.
- No Objection Certificate: Government/PSU employees must bring NOC from employer at interview.
π Customer Support & Help
Got Questions? Need Help?
SBI Helpdesk Contact:
- Phone: 022-22820427
- Working Hours: 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Working Days Only)
- Online Query: http://cgrs.ibps.in
- Subject Line: “RECRUITMENT OF CIRCLE BASED OFFICERS IN STATE BANK OF INDIA-2026”
π Important Links
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbicbonov25/ |
| Official Notification PDF | https://sbi.bank.in/documents/77530/52947104/28012026_Advertisement+-+Final.pdf |
| SBI Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in/ |
| Query/Help Portal | http://cgrs.ibps.in |
β Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What is the total number of jobs? A: There are 2273 total vacancies (2050 regular + 223 backlog) distributed across 16 SBI circles nationwide.
Q2: What’s the minimum experience required? A: You need minimum 2 years experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank as on 31 December 2025.
Q3: Can I apply from a private bank? A: Yes, but you must have drawn a minimum annual gross salary of Rs. 9.50 lacs and provide proof (Form-16, salary slips, or employment certificate).
Q4: Can I apply for multiple circles? A: No. You can apply for only ONE circle. Applying for multiple circles will lead to disqualification.
Q5: What’s the selection process? A: It’s a 4-phase process: (1) Online Exam, (2) Screening, (3) Interview, (4) Local Language Test.
Q6: Is there negative marking in the exam? A: No negative marking for wrong answers in objective tests.
Q7: What’s the salary? A: Basic pay starts at Rs. 48,480/- per month with additional allowances. Total in-hand salary expected around Rs. 60,000-70,000/- per month.
Q8: What if I fail to pay the application fee? A: Your application won’t be considered valid. Fee payment is mandatory (except for SC/ST/PwBD candidates).
Q9: Can I transfer to another circle after joining? A: No inter-circle transfer until promotion to SMGS-IV Grade or completion of 12 years of service.
Q10: Is there age relaxation? A: Yes. SC/ST: 5 years, OBC: 3 years, PwBD: 10-15 years, Ex-Servicemen: 5 years.
β οΈ Important Warnings
SBI’s Official Notice: State Bank of India does NOT associate with any external coaching platforms, consultancies, or individuals claiming to provide guaranteed selection or inside information. Avoid such fraudulent sources.
Canvassing: Any form of canvassing or unfair means will result in permanent disqualification.
Legal Jurisdiction: Any legal disputes regarding this recruitment can only be filed in Mumbai courts.
π― Your Next Steps
- β Verify your eligibility using the checklist above
- β Gather all required documents in digital format
- β Visit https://sbi.bank.in/ on 29 January 2026
- β Fill the online application form carefully
- β Upload documents and pay the fee (if applicable)
- β Keep your registration number safe
- β Monitor the website for admit card (March 2026)
- β Prepare for the online exam
π‘ Pro Tips for Success
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the last date to apply. Apply within the first few days.
- Check Local Language: Ensure you’re proficient in the chosen circle’s local language.
- Prepare Well: The online test includes banking knowledge, which requires preparation.
- Review Documents: Double-check all documents before submission.
- Keep Records: Save your e-receipt and application confirmation.
- Monitor Email: Check your registered email for important updates and notifications.
Last Updated: 29 January 2026



