Overview
State Bank of India (SBI), India’s largest bank, is recruiting 2,273 Circle Based Officers to strengthen its banking operations across the country. This is a golden opportunity for any graduate who has at least 2 years of banking experience. The recruitment process is entirely online, making it convenient for candidates to apply from anywhere. With an attractive salary starting at Rs. 48,480 per month and numerous growth opportunities, this is a coveted position in the banking sector.
🏢 Organization Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Industry | Banking & Financial Services |
| Job Category | Permanent Officer Position |
📊 Total Vacancies
2,273 Posts Available
- Regular Vacancies: 2,050
- Backlog Vacancies: 223
💼 Post Type & Job Details
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Circle Based Officer (CBO) |
| Job Type | Permanent / Full-time |
| Employment Nature | Regular Officer Grade |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings |
📅 Important Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | 29th January 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 18th February 2026 |
| Call Letter Download | March 2026 (Tentative) |
| Online Exam/Interview | March 2026 (Tentative) |
⏰ Important: Mark your calendar! You have approximately 20 days to submit your application. Don’t miss this opportunity!
📍 Vacancy Distribution Across Circles
SBI has spread vacancies across 16 circles (regional zones) throughout India. Here’s the breakdown:
| Circle | Language(s) | Total Posts |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2,273 |
💡 Note: You can apply for vacancies in only ONE circle of your choice.
🎓 Educational Qualifications Required
To be eligible for this position, you must meet the following educational requirements:
Essential Qualification:
- Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in ANY discipline from a recognized university
- Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) holders are also eligible
- Candidates with specialized degrees like Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant (CA), or Cost Accountant are also welcome
Experience Requirement:
- Minimum 2 years of banking experience as an officer
- Experience must be in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank (as on 31.12.2025)
- For candidates from non-PSB/RRB banks: Must be drawing a minimum annual gross salary of Rs. 9.50 lacs (with proof)
Local Language Proficiency: You must be proficient in reading, writing, and understanding at least one local language specified for the circle you’re applying to.
💰 Salary & Benefits (What You’ll Earn)
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | Rs. 48,480 per month |
| Salary Scale | 48,480 – 2,000/7 – 62,480 – 2,340/2 – 67,160 – 2,680/7 – 85,920 |
| Advance Increments | +2 advance increments applicable |
Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) / Lease Rental
- City Compensatory Allowance (CCA)
- Provident Fund (PF)
- National Pension System (NPS)
- Leave Fare Concession (LFC)
- Medical Facility for you and your family
- Other allowances and perquisites as per bank rules
Career Growth: After successful probation, you’ll have excellent opportunities for promotion and career advancement within the bank.
🎯 Selection Process (4 Phases)
The selection of Circle Based Officers involves a rigorous but fair four-phase process:
Phase 1: Online Examination (Objective & Descriptive)
The online exam tests your banking knowledge and English proficiency.
Objective Test:
- Total Marks: 120
- Duration: 2 hours
- 4 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
- Focus: English Language (Letter Writing & Essay Writing)
Total Marks in Phase 1: 170 marks
Important: There’s NO negative marking for wrong answers!
Phase 2: Screening (Document Verification)
After the online exam, SBI screens applications to verify:
- You meet all eligibility criteria (experience, qualifications, etc.)
- Your job profile matches the Circle Based Officer position
- All documents are in order
Selection for Interview: Approximately 3 times the number of vacancies (per circle and category) will be called for the next phase.
Phase 3: Interview
- Total Marks: 50
- A panel will assess your banking knowledge, communication skills, and suitability for the position
- You MUST score the minimum qualifying marks to proceed
Phase 4: Local Language Proficiency Test
- Conducted ONLY for provisionally selected candidates before joining
- Exception: If you studied the required local language in your 10th or 12th standard (with proof), you’re exempted from this test
Final Selection: How Merit List is Prepared
Your final rank is based on a combination of your exam and interview performance:
- Online Exam Marks (converted to 75 marks): 75% weightage
- Interview Marks (converted to 25 marks): 25% weightage
Example: If you score 120/170 in exam and 40/50 in interview, your final score will be calculated with these proportions.
⏳ Age Limit (As on 31st December 2025)
Minimum Age: 21 years (Born on or after 01.01.1996) Maximum Age: 30 years (Born on or before 31.12.2004)
Age Relaxation Available for:
| Category | Additional Years |
|---|---|
| SC/ST (General) | 5 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| PwBD (Person with Benchmark Disability) – SC/ST | 15 years |
| PwBD – OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 13 years |
| PwBD – General/EWS | 10 years |
| Eligible Ex-Servicemen | 5 years |
⚠️ Important Note: You cannot claim cumulative age relaxation – only one relaxation benefit applies.
📋 Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General (Open) | Rs. 750 |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | Rs. 750 |
| OBC (Other Backward Class) | Rs. 750 |
| SC/ST (Scheduled Caste/Tribe) | FREE (No Fee) |
| PwBD (Person with Disability) | FREE (No Fee) |
Payment Method: Online payment only (Debit Card, Credit Card, or Internet Banking) Refund Policy: Once paid, fees CANNOT be refunded under any circumstances Transaction Charges: You’ll bear any transaction charges
📑 Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Summary)
✅ You CAN Apply If:
- You hold a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
- You have at least 2 years of banking experience as an officer
- You meet the age requirements
- You’re a proficient in one of the specified local languages for your chosen circle
- Your character and background are clean
❌ You CANNOT Apply If:
- You’re working in a subsidiary of a Scheduled Commercial Bank
- You’re currently employed as clerical/supervisory staff at SBI
- You’re on contract basis with any bank
- You’ve resigned from an officer position in SBI or its associate banks
- You’ve defaulted on any bank loan, credit card, or NBFC loan (and haven’t repaid)
- You have adverse reports regarding character or conduct
- You’re not proficient in the required local language for your chosen circle
📝 How to Apply (Step-by-Step Guide)
Important: Online applications ONLY from 29th January to 18th February 2026
Before You Start:
Gather these documents in digital format (scanned images):
- Recent photograph (digital copy)
- Signature
- Left thumb impression
- Handwritten declaration
- ID Proof (Passport/Aadhaar/PAN/Driving License/Voter ID/Bank Passbook)
- Date of Birth Proof (10th/12th mark sheet)
- Job Profile (describing your current role)
- Resume/CV
- Educational Certificates
- Experience Certificate
- Form 16 (for last 24 months)
- Salary Slips
Application Steps:
- Visit the SBI Website: Go to https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings or https://ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbicbonov25/
- Register: Create your account with a valid email ID and mobile number (Keep these active throughout the process)
- Fill Application Form: Carefully fill all details – Name, Address, Contact Information, Educational Qualifications, Work Experience
- Select Your Circle: Choose ONE circle for which you want to apply
- Upload Documents: Upload all required documents in the specified format
- Pay Application Fee: Use your debit/credit card or internet banking to pay the fee
- Get Confirmation: You’ll receive an e-receipt and your application form – save and print this
- Verify Details: Review everything before final submission
Important Tips:
- Use a valid, active email ID and mobile number
- Submit only ONE application (if you apply multiple times, only your last completed application will be considered)
- Don’t wait until the last day – apply early to avoid technical issues
- Keep your registration number safe – you’ll need it to download admit cards
Download Your Admit Card:
Once the exam date is announced (March 2026), download your admit card using your registration number and password/date of birth from SBI’s website. Hard copies won’t be sent by mail.
For the Exam/Interview:
Bring a valid photo ID (Passport/Aadhaar/Driving License/Voter ID/PAN/Bank Passbook) in original + one self-attested photocopy
⚙️ Key Documents You Must Have
Educational Documents:
- Graduation certificate and mark sheets
- Any other degree certificates (Engineering, CA, MBA, etc.)
Experience & Employment:
- Experience letter from current/previous employers
- Job profile/job description
- Form 16 or Income Statement (AIS) for last 24 months
- Recent salary slips (last 2-3 months)
Identification & Personal:
- Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, Driving License, or Voter ID
- Birth certificate or 10th/12th mark sheet (for DOB proof)
Category-Specific (If Applicable):
- OBC Certificate (Non-Creamy Layer) – issued between 01.04.2025 to interview date
- EWS Certificate – Income & Asset Certificate for FY 2024-25
- SC/ST Certificate
- PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Ex-Serviceman discharge certificate
For Employed Candidates:
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current employer if working in Government/PSU/Nationalised Bank/RRB
📘 Important Links (Direct Access)
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification (PDF) | Read Full Details |
| SBI Main Website | Visit SBI |
| SBI Careers Page | Browse Jobs |
| Help & Support | Call: 022-22820427 (11 AM – 5 PM, Weekdays) or Submit Query |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I apply for more than one circle? ❌ No, you can apply for ONLY ONE circle. Once you’ve chosen, you cannot change it.
Q2: What’s the total salary I’ll get in hand? Basic pay starts at Rs. 48,480, but your actual take-home will be higher after adding DA, HRA, CCA, and other benefits. The exact amount depends on your posting location and personal circumstances.
Q3: Is there negative marking in the online exam? ✅ No! There’s NO negative marking for wrong answers. This means you can attempt all questions without fear.
Q4: What if I fail in Phase 2 screening? If you don’t meet the eligibility criteria or experience requirements at the screening stage, you won’t be called for interview, but you’ll be notified.
Q5: How long is the probation period? Successful candidates will be on probation for 6 months from joining. Your performance during this period will determine confirmation.
Q6: Will I get transferred after joining? No, you cannot be transferred to another circle for the first 12 years of service or until you’re promoted to Senior Management Grade Scale (SMGS-IV), whichever comes later.
Q7: What if I don’t have Form 16? Can I use salary slips instead? ✅ Yes, you can provide Annual Income Statement (AIS), salary slips, or a certificate from your employer showing your annual gross salary.
Q8: Is there training for exam preparation? ✅ Yes! SBI will arrange free pre-examination training (PET) in online mode for SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates in accordance with government guidelines.
Q9: Will outstation candidates get travel reimbursement for interview? ✅ Yes, Railway AC-III fare (shortest route) or actual expenses, whichever is lower, will be reimbursed for candidates called for interview.
Q10: What should I do if I face technical issues while applying? 📞 Contact the helpdesk at 022-22820427 (11 AM to 5 PM, working days) or submit your query at http://cgrs.ibps.in with the subject: “RECRUITMENT OF CIRCLE BASED OFFICERS IN STATE BANK OF INDIA-2026”
🎁 Additional Information
Important Announcements:
- No Coaching Endorsement: SBI does not endorse or associate with any external coaching platform or consultancy claiming to provide guaranteed selection
- Legal Jurisdiction: Any legal matter related to this recruitment will be handled in Mumbai courts only
- Reservation: PwBD (Benchmark Disability) reservation is horizontal and follows Government of India guidelines
- Right to Cancel: SBI reserves the right to cancel or modify this recruitment at any stage
✨ Why Apply?
✅ Join India’s largest and most trusted bank ✅ Attractive salary and comprehensive benefits package ✅ Job security and permanent position ✅ Career growth opportunities ✅ Exposure to banking sector innovation ✅ Work-life balance and employee welfare programs ✅ Pension and retirement benefits
🎯 Final Checklist Before Applying
- Check if you have a Bachelor’s degree
- Verify you have 2+ years banking experience
- Confirm your age (21-30 years as on 31.12.2025)
- Check if you’re proficient in one of the local languages for your circle
- Gather all required documents (certificates, ID proofs, experience letters, salary slips)
- Have valid email ID and active mobile number
- Calculate your application fee (Rs. 750 or FREE based on your category)
- Plan to apply between 29 Jan – 18 Feb 2026
- Set reminder for admit card download in March 2026
Good Luck! 🌟
This is a fantastic opportunity to advance your banking career. Start preparing now and give your best in the selection process!
Last Updated: January 29, 2026 Application Deadline: February 18, 2026 Contact for Queries: 022-22820427 or http://cgrs.ibps.in



