The State Bank of India (SBI) released the SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026 on September 21, 2026, for candidates appearing in the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) examination. Candidates can access their official call letter on the SBI careers portal (sbi.co.in/web/careers) ahead of the nationwide online test scheduled for September 26 and 27, 2026.
“Candidates who successfully registered under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 must download their hall tickets immediately using their registration number/roll number and password or date of birth. Verify all test details early to prevent last-minute technical glitches.” — State Bank of India Recruitment Board Official Notice
SBI Clerk Call Letter 2026 Key Highlights
The official recruitment drive seeks to fill 9,766 Junior Associate vacancies across various regional branches. According to official recruitment data, approximately 13.1 lakh candidates applied for the preliminary examination, making this one of the most competitive public sector bank recruitment tests of the year.
| Key Feature | Recruitment Detail |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Post Title | Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 |
| Total Vacancies | 9,766 Posts |
| Total Applicants | ~13.1 Lakhs |
| Admit Card Release Date | September 21, 2026 |
| Prelims Exam Dates | September 26 and 27, 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Official Website | sbi.co.in/web/careers |
Step-by-Step Guide to Download SBI Clerk Prelims Call Letter 2026
Candidates must follow these exact official steps to retrieve their hall ticket without error:
- Visit the official SBI Careers Portal at sbi.co.in/web/careers.
- Navigate to the “Current Openings” tab located on the homepage.
- Select “RECRUITMENT OF JUNIOR ASSOCIATES (CUSTOMER SUPPORT & SALES)” under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17.
- Click on the “Download Preliminary Examination Call Letter” link.
- Select your preferred login language (English or Hindi).
- Enter your Registration Number / Roll Number and Password / Date of Birth (DD-MM-YY).
- Enter the security captcha code shown on screen and click Submit.
- The SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026 will display on screen.
- Download the PDF and take a minimum of 2 hard copies for official exam entry.
Critical Details Printed on SBI Clerk Hall Ticket
Upon downloading the document, candidates must thoroughly inspect every single text line. In case of any typographic errors or discrepancies in identity credentials, candidates must contact SBI Recruitment Helpdesk immediately.
The admit card officially validates the following operational details:
- Candidate’s Full Name and Registration Number
- Roll Number and Password for Exam Portal Login
- Assigned Exam Date (Sept 26 or Sept 27, 2026)
- Shift Timing and Exact Reporting Time
- Exact Examination Centre Address and Venue Code
- Candidate’s Uploaded Photograph and Signature Space
- Important Instructions Regarding Exam Day Rules
SBI Clerk Prelims 2026: Comprehensive Exam Pattern and Sectional Timing
The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination is conducted as a computer-based online test comprising 100 objective-type questions totaling 100 marks. Candidates are granted a strict overall time limit of 60 minutes.
The examination follows a sectional timer format, allocating exactly 20 minutes per section. Candidates cannot switch between sections until the specific 20-minute window concludes.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 35 Marks | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes |
Important Marking Rules:
- Negative Marking: Each incorrect answer carries a penalty of 0.25 marks (1/4th of the total marks assigned to that question).
- Unanswered Questions: No marks are deducted for unattempted questions.
- Qualifying Criteria: SBI does not enforce minimum sectional cut-off marks; candidates are shortlisted for the Mains exam based entirely on their overall aggregate performance.
Essential Documents to Carry to the SBI Clerk Exam Venue
Entry inside the examination hall is strictly contingent upon presenting valid physical documents. Candidates missing any of the following items will be disqualified from taking the test:
- Printed Copy of SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026 with a recent passport-size photograph pasted on it.
- Original Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License).
- One Photocopy of the same Photo ID proof attached behind the call letter.
- Two Additional Passport-Size Photographs identical to the one uploaded during registration.
- Simple Transparent Blue/Black Ballpoint Pen.
Mandatory Instructions for SBI Clerk Prelims Test Takers
The bank mandates strict discipline across all test centers nationwide. Candidates must strictly follow all guidelines listed on their admit card.
- Reporting Time: Candidates must report strictly according to the time printed on their call letter. Latecomers will not be granted entry under any circumstance.
- Prohibited Items: Electronic devices, smartwatches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, books, notebooks, and metallic items are completely banned inside the test premises.
- Venue Familiarization: SBI advises candidates to visit or locate their examination venue address a day prior to ensure smooth travel on exam day.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: Where can I download the SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026?
Answer: You can download the SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026 directly from the official State Bank of India careers portal at sbi.co.in/web/careers. Navigate to current openings under advertisement CRPD/CR/2026-27/17 and enter your registration credentials to access your call letter PDF.
Q2: What are the exam dates for the SBI Clerk Prelims 2026?
Answer: The SBI Clerk Preliminary Examination 2026 will be held on September 26 and September 27, 2026, across multiple online exam centers nationwide. Your exact exam date, allocated shift, and reporting time are explicitly detailed on your downloaded preliminary call letter.
Q3: How many vacancies are being filled through SBI Clerk Recruitment 2026?
Answer: State Bank of India is conducting this recruitment drive to fill 9,766 vacancies for Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) posts. Over 13.1 lakh candidates have applied for these positions, making overall score competition exceptionally high across state circles.
Q4: Is there any negative marking in the SBI Clerk Prelims Exam 2026?
Answer: Yes, the SBI Clerk Prelims 2026 exam includes negative marking for incorrect answers. One-fourth of the marks (0.25 marks) assigned to a question will be deducted for every wrong response, while unanswered questions carry no penalty deduction.
Q5: What credentials are needed to log in for the SBI Clerk Admit Card?
Answer: Candidates require their Registration Number or Roll Number alongside their Password or Date of Birth (DD-MM-YY) to access the login portal. Ensure you enter the exact login details created during the initial application process to successfully generate your hall ticket.
Analytical Summary & Next Steps
The release of the SBI Clerk Prelims Admit Card 2026 marks the final countdown for 13.1 lakh aspirants competing for 9,766 clerical seats. With the examination taking place on September 26 and 27, candidates must immediately focus on downloading call letters, verifying test venue addresses, and completing final revision passes.
Following the completion of the preliminary test, SBI will compile normalized aggregate performance scores to shortlist candidates for the SBI Clerk Mains Examination 2026. Candidates are advised to keep their preliminary call letter safe even after the exam, as it may be required during subsequent verification rounds. Stay tuned to sbi.co.in for real-time post-exam answer key updates and result announcements.