SBI Launches Major Recruitment Drive for Circle Based Officer Positions
The State Bank of India, the country's largest public sector bank, has officially commenced its much-anticipated recruitment process for Circle Based Officer (CBO) posts for the year 2026. This significant hiring initiative aims to strengthen the bank's operational capabilities across various regions by filling a substantial number of vacancies.
Vacancy Details and Application Timeline
The recruitment drive seeks to fill 2,050 vacancies throughout the organization, presenting a remarkable opportunity for banking aspirants nationwide. The online application window opened on January 29, 2026, and will remain accessible until February 18, 2026. Interested candidates must submit their applications exclusively through SBI's official website at sbi.co.in within this specified period.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
To qualify for these positions, candidates must meet specific educational and age requirements:
- Educational Qualification: Applicants must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university or hold an equivalent qualification approved by the Central Government. This includes Integrated Dual Degree (IDD) holders. Additionally, candidates with professional qualifications such as Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, or Cost Accountant are also eligible to apply.
- Age Limit: Candidates must be between 21 and 30 years of age as of December 31, 2025. This translates to candidates born between January 1, 1996, and December 31, 2004, inclusive of both dates.
Comprehensive Selection Process
The selection methodology for SBI Circle Based Officer positions involves a rigorous three-stage process designed to identify the most suitable candidates:
- Online Examination: This computer-based test comprises two distinct parts. The Objective Test carries 120 marks, while the Descriptive Test accounts for 50 marks. The Descriptive Test, which follows immediately after the Objective Test, requires candidates to type their responses on the computer. This 30-minute section evaluates English language proficiency through letter writing and essay composition.
- Screening: Candidates who perform well in the online examination proceed to the screening stage.
- Interview: The final stage involves a personal interview to assess candidates' overall suitability for the role.
Important Note: While there are no sectional cut-off marks, candidates must achieve the minimum aggregate score determined by the bank to advance in the recruitment process.
Application Fee Structure
The application fee varies according to candidate categories:
- General, EWS, and OBC candidates: ₹750
- SC, ST, and PwBD candidates: Exempted from payment
Payments can be made online using debit cards, credit cards, or internet banking facilities. Candidates are responsible for bearing any transaction charges incurred during the payment process.
Step-by-Step Application Procedure
Prospective applicants can follow these detailed steps to complete their registration:
- Visit the official SBI website at sbi.co.in
- Navigate to the Careers section on the homepage
- Locate and click on the Circle Based Officer recruitment link
- Complete initial registration with basic details to generate login credentials
- Log in using the created credentials
- Fill out the comprehensive application form with accurate information
- Upload all required documents in specified formats
- Pay the applicable application fee (if required)
- Submit the completed application form
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application for future reference
Significance of This Recruitment Drive
With over two thousand positions available, this recruitment initiative represents one of the most substantial hiring exercises in the Indian banking sector for 2026. It offers aspiring banking professionals an exceptional opportunity to join India's premier financial institution and build a rewarding career in the public sector banking domain.
Pro Tip: Applicants are strongly advised to complete their registration well before the February 18 deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues or server congestion. Regular monitoring of SBI's official website is recommended for any updates or notifications regarding the recruitment process.
