SBI Opens 7,150 Apprenticeship Seats Across India This June
The State Bank of India has just released one of the year's largest apprenticeship drives. SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 invites fresh graduates to join a structured one-year training programme across all states and union territories. The notification (CRPD/APPR/2026-27/07) dropped on 19 May 2026, and the online window is now live. You have until 15 June 2026 to submit your application—that's your hard deadline.
This is a genuine opportunity for anyone holding a graduation degree who wants hands-on banking experience before stepping into a permanent role. No prior work experience is needed (in fact, it disqualifies you). The stipend is Rs. 15,000 per month for the full year, which helps offset living costs while you train.
Quick Snapshot
- Organisation: State Bank of India (SBI)
- Post: Apprentice (one-year training)
- Total Vacancies: 7,150 seats pan-India
- Application Deadline: 15 June 2026 (extended)
- Written Exam Date: 11 July 2026
- Monthly Stipend: Rs. 15,000
- Application Fee: Rs. 300 (General/OBC/EWS); Free for SC/ST/PwBD
- Apply Online: sbi.co.in/careers
Who Should Apply: Eligibility Essentials
You must hold a graduation degree from a recognized university or institute. This is non-negotiable. You also need to be an Indian citizen aged between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026 (so your birth date must fall between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006, inclusive).
Here's the critical part: you cannot have completed any apprenticeship before. If you've already done an apprenticeship elsewhere, you're ineligible. SBI's rule is clear—this programme is for first-time apprentices only.
You must also register yourself on the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in before or during the SBI application window. This is not optional. Additionally, you need to be proficient in the local language of the state where you want to work, since a local language test is part of the selection process.
Age relaxation applies to SC/ST, OBC (Non-Creamy Layer), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Ex-Servicemen, as per Government of India guidelines. Horizontal reservation for PwBD candidates (covering locomotor disability, visual impairment, hearing impairment, and other specified disabilities) is available under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
Vacancy Distribution: Where the Seats Are
All 7,150 seats are spread across India. The category-wise split shows how SBI has reserved vacancies:
| Category | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 3,086 |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 1,672 |
| Unreserved (UR) | 1,107 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 699 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 586 |
| Total | 7,150 |
Notice that ST candidates get the largest share at 3,086 seats. This reflects SBI's commitment to inclusive recruitment. If you belong to SC, ST, or EWS categories, your chances are proportionally stronger because more seats are reserved for you.
State-wise, Andhra Pradesh leads with 709 seats, followed by Uttar Pradesh (561), Maharashtra (504), Telangana (491), and West Bengal (460). Smaller states and union territories like Manipur (6), Meghalaya (8), and Chandigarh (15) have fewer openings. Check the state where you want to train and verify the seat count before applying.
Application Timeline: Dates You Cannot Miss
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 19 May 2026 |
| Online Application Window Opens | 19 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 15 June 2026 (extended) |
| Online Written Examination | 11 July 2026 |
The original deadline was 8 June 2026, but SBI extended it to 15 June 2026. This is your extended window—do not assume further extensions. If you miss 15 June, your application will not be accepted. Apply early to avoid server congestion on the final day.
Fee Structure: What It Costs to Apply
The application fee depends on your category:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General | Rs. 300 |
| OBC | Rs. 300 |
| EWS | Rs. 300 |
| SC | Free (Nil) |
| ST | Free (Nil) |
| PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities) | Free (Nil) |
If you belong to SC, ST, or PwBD categories, you pay nothing. For others, Rs. 300 is a reasonable charge. Payment is made through SBI's integrated online payment gateway during the application process. The fee is non-refundable once submitted.
Selection Process: Three Rounds You Must Clear
Selection happens in three stages, and you must qualify all three to get through.
Stage 1: Online Written Examination (11 July 2026)
This is a 60-minute objective test with 100 questions carrying 100 marks total. The exam has four equal sections, each with 25 questions and 25 marks, with 15 minutes per section:
- General and Financial Awareness (15 minutes, 25 marks)
- General English (15 minutes, 25 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude (15 minutes, 25 marks)
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (15 minutes, 25 marks)
Negative marking applies: you lose 1/4th mark (0.25 marks) for every wrong answer. This discourages wild guessing—accuracy matters as much as speed. The qualifying marks are set by SBI as an aggregate minimum percentage with no subject-wise cut-off. SC/ST/OBC/PwBD candidates get a 5% relaxation in the qualifying percentage.
Stage 2: Local Language Test
After clearing the written exam, you face a test in the local language of the state you selected. If you hold a 10th or 12th standard certificate proving proficiency in that language, you are automatically exempted from this test. Otherwise, you must appear and pass it.
Stage 3: Medical Fitness Examination
The final hurdle is a medical fitness check as per SBI's standards. This ensures you are physically and mentally fit for the apprenticeship role. Details of this examination will be shared later by SBI.
How to Apply for SBI Apprentice 2026 Apply Online
The process is entirely online. Here is the step-by-step workflow:
- Register on NAPS Portal First: Go to apprenticeshipindia.gov.in and register yourself. You will get a login ID. Do this before or during the SBI application window.
- Visit SBI Career Portal: Open sbi.co.in/careers and locate the SBI Apprentice 2026 Apply Online link for the recruitment.
- Fill Personal Details: Enter your name, contact information, and NAPS registration ID.
- Enter Educational and Category Information: Provide your graduation details, category (UR/OBC/SC/ST/EWS/PwBD), and state preference.
- Upload Documents: You must upload scanned copies of:
- Passport-size photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, 200 × 230 pixels, 20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Signature (140 × 60 pixels, 10-20 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Left thumb impression (240 × 240 pixels, 20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Hand-written declaration (800 × 400 pixels, 50-100 KB, JPG/JPEG format)
- Pay Application Fee: If applicable, pay Rs. 300 through the online gateway. SC/ST/PwBD candidates skip this.
- Submit and Confirm: Click submit. You will receive a confirmation e-receipt with your application number. Save this for future reference.
Important: You can apply for only one state and submit only one application. Multiple applications will be rejected outright. Choose your state carefully before hitting submit.
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Official Website | Visit |
| VacancyWallah Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp | Click Here |
| Follow on Facebook | Click Here |
| Free Photo & Signature Resizer | Click Here |
Exam Centres and What to Bring
SBI will conduct the written examination on 11 July 2026 across numerous centres in all states and union territories. Your admit card will specify the exact centre. When you go to the exam, bring a valid original photo ID proof (Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or driving licence). Electronic devices including mobile phones, calculators, and smartwatches are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall.
Why This Matters: The Real Opportunity
A SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 seat opens doors. You get one year of structured training at India's largest bank, earning Rs. 15,000 monthly while you learn. Many apprentices convert to permanent roles after successful completion, though that is not guaranteed by this notification. Even if you don't get permanent placement, a year at SBI on your resume is gold for banking and financial services careers.
The 7,150 vacancies mean reasonable odds compared to typical SBI officer recruitment. The application fee is low or free depending on your category. The written test is straightforward—no surprise tricks if you prepare basics in awareness, English, maths, and reasoning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not apply without registering on NAPS first. SBI will cross-check your NAPS ID, and a mismatch will lead to rejection. Do not upload documents in the wrong format or size—the system is strict. Do not submit multiple applications; the second one gets cancelled. Do not forget to carry your original ID to the exam centre. Do not apply for a state where you cannot work due to language constraints; the local language test is real.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 if I have already completed one apprenticeship?
A: No. Candidates who have already undergone apprenticeship training are ineligible. This programme is for first-time apprentices only.
Q: What is the age limit for SBI Apprentice 2026 Apply Online?
A: You must be between 20 and 28 years as on 1 April 2026. Your date of birth must fall between 2 April 1998 and 1 April 2006 (inclusive). SC/ST, OBC, PwBD, and Ex-Servicemen get age relaxation as per Government of India guidelines.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No. Once you pay Rs. 300 and submit your application, the fee is non-refundable. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates do not pay any fee.
Q: Do I need work experience to apply?
A: No. In fact, prior work experience is not required and candidates with work experience are not preferred. This is an entry-level apprenticeship for fresh graduates.
Q: What if I don't have a 10th or 12th standard certificate in the local language of my chosen state?
A: You must appear for the local language test as part of the selection process. Only candidates with a valid 10th or 12th certificate proving proficiency in that language are exempted.
Q: How much is the monthly stipend during the apprenticeship?
A: You will receive Rs. 15,000 per month for the entire one-year training period. No additional allowances or benefits are provided.
Q: What is the negative marking in the written exam?
A: For every wrong answer, 1/4th mark (0.25 marks) is deducted. There is no penalty for unanswered questions.
Q: Can I apply for multiple states in SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026?
A: No. You can apply for only one state and submit only one application. Multiple applications will be rejected.
Q: Where do I find the official notification and apply online?
A: Visit sbi.co.in/careers for the official notification and the online application portal. You can also check apprenticeshipindia.gov.in for NAPS registration.
Q: What documents do I need to upload?
A: You must upload a passport-size photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and a hand-written declaration, all in JPG/JPEG format and within the specified pixel and file size limits.
What to Do Right Now
First, verify your eligibility. Check your graduation certificate, confirm your age as on 1 April 2026, and check if you've done an apprenticeship before. If you tick all boxes, move to step two: register on the NAPS portal at apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. This takes 10-15 minutes and is essential. Once registered, prepare your documents (photo, signature, thumb impression, hand-written declaration) in the correct format and size. Then, head to sbi.co.in/careers, start your application, and complete it before 15 June 2026. Do not wait until the last day.
For any technical issues, contact SBI's helpline at 022-22820427 or email crpd@sbi.co.in during working hours. All official updates and corrigenda will be published only on sbi.co.in/careers and apprenticeshipindia.gov.in, so check these regularly.
This is a solid opportunity. Thousands of graduates apply, but 7,150 seats mean real chances for those who prepare well and submit on time. Start your NAPS registration today.
