SBI Clerk Prelims 2026: Official Exam Schedule Awaited for September

The State Bank of India (SBI) is preparing to conduct the Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales) Preliminary Examination, with the process currently slated for September 2026. While the official recruitment notification identifies September as the tentative window for the preliminary stage, the bank has yet to release a definitive, date-wise schedule for the examination.

Following the conclusion of the online application process on August 31, 2026, candidates are now awaiting further instructions regarding the specific testing dates, admit card availability, and designated test centres. As the recruitment process moves forward, applicants are encouraged to rely solely on official communications from the State Bank of India to avoid confusion caused by speculative reports.

Official Guidance on Exam Dates and Admit Cards

In recent weeks, various reports and coaching platforms have circulated potential dates for the preliminary examination. However, the bank has clarified that no specific dates have been finalised or officially announced. Candidates should treat any information regarding exam schedules found on third-party websites as unofficial and unconfirmed until the bank publishes a formal notice on its careers portal.

Once the official schedule is released, eligible candidates will be able to download their admit cards using their registration credentials. The call letter will serve as a mandatory document for entry into the examination hall and will contain critical information, including the candidate's roll number, the exact date and shift of the exam, the assigned test centre address, and specific reporting instructions. It is expected that these documents will be made available to candidates shortly before the examination commences.

Exam Structure and Selection Process

The Preliminary Examination is designed as an online test consisting of 100 objective-type questions, with a total weightage of 100 marks. The assessment is structured to be completed within a 60-minute timeframe. The test is divided into three distinct sections: English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability. Each section is allotted a specific time limit of 20 minutes, requiring candidates to manage their time effectively while maintaining accuracy.

The recruitment process for Junior Associates is a multi-stage endeavour. Candidates who successfully qualify in the Preliminary Examination will be shortlisted for the Main examination. Furthermore, as part of the final selection criteria, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the State or Union Territory for which they have applied. Further updates regarding the progression of the 2026 recruitment cycle will be provided by the bank through its official channels.