The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the much-anticipated SBI CBO Notification 2026 for recruitment to Circle Based Officer (CBO) posts. This recruitment drive is a major hiring opportunity for graduates with relevant banking experience who want to join India’s largest public sector bank at the officer level. Below you’ll find a clear, plagiarism-free breakdown of everything in the official notification, the important dates, vacancy and eligibility details, step-by-step application guidance, selection process, salary and career prospects — plus practical preparation tips to give you the best chance of success.
At a glance — SBI CBO Notification 2026 (quick facts)
- Organisation: State Bank of India (SBI).
- Advertisement No.: CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18 (as given in the official PDF).
- Post: Circle Based Officer (CBO), JMGS-I (Junior Management Grade Scale-I).
- Total vacancies (reported across sources): ~2,050–2,273 (different sources report totals; refer to the official notification PDF for circle-wise breakup).
- Online application window: 29 January 2026 — 18 February 2026 (dates provided in the official advertisement).
- Tentative online test/admit card timeline: Admit cards and online exam are tentatively scheduled for March 2026.
Who should apply? — SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 eligibility essentials
According to the official notification, the CBO role is intended for candidates who meet minimum education, experience, age and nationality requirements. Key eligibility points summarized from the official advertisement:
- Educational qualification: A bachelor’s degree (graduation) in any discipline from a recognised university or an equivalent qualification recognized by the Government of India/appropriate authority.
- Experience: The CBO recruitment typically requires prior experience in a Scheduled Commercial Bank/Regional Rural Bank/recognized financial institution as specified in the notification. Exact experience cut-offs (for example minimum 2 years in certain earlier drives) vary by advertisement and must be checked in the PDF for this cycle.
- Age limit: Check the notification for the upper and lower age bounds and category-wise relaxations; many recent CBO drives used a lower age limit of 21 and upper limit around 30 years, with relaxations for reserved categories — confirm exact cut-off dates in the official doc.
- Nationality: Indian citizen or otherwise as specified under Indian recruitment law (refer to the notification).
Always read the official PDF before applying — the advert is the final authority for eligibility, vacancies and application rules.
Vacancy details — how many CBO posts and where?
Different summary sites list slightly different totals (2,050; 2,273; 2,440 etc.) because preliminary counts may be updated or some sites aggregate circle-wise vacancies differently. The official notification PDF contains the definitive circle-wise and category-wise vacancy list; candidates must consult it for the exact number of posts relevant to their preferred circle.
Important dates — SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 timeline
These are the key dates published in the advertisement and reflected across multiple reputable news summaries:
- Notification / PDF release: Late January 2026 (advertisement published 28–29 January 2026).
- Online registration & fee payment: 29 January 2026 to 18 February 2026.
- Download of call letters for online test (tentative): March 2026.
- Online test (tentative): March 2026 (see notification for exact dates/slots once released).
Because exam and interview dates can be updated, bookmark the official SBI recruitment page and check call letter releases.
How to apply for SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 — step-by-step
- Read the official PDF carefully. Confirm your eligibility, preferred circle, and required documents.
- Visit the official SBI careers portal (SBI’s recruitment page) or the link provided in the advertisement.
- Register / Create login: Use a valid email and mobile number to register. Save your registration number and password.
- Fill the online application form: Enter personal, educational, employment and circle preference details as requested. Double-check spellings and category information.
- Upload documents: Scanned photograph, signature, and other documents as per the specified file format and size.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) and submit the form. Keep the fee receipt/transaction ID for records.
- Print the application: Download and print a copy of the completed application for future reference.
Several reputable exam portals and news outlets (Times of India, Careers360) published direct application start announcements when the window opened. Use only the official SBI portal to submit your application.
Selection process — what to expect in SBI CBO recruitment 2026
The selection process for CBO typically includes:
- Online Test (objective): A written online exam testing banking awareness, reasoning, quantitative aptitude, English language, and professional knowledge where applicable. Admit card and exact exam pattern will be detailed in the PDF.
- Shortlisting / Screening: Based on online test performance, candidates may be shortlisted for further rounds depending on the number of vacancies and the circle’s requirements.
- Interview / Local language test (if applicable): Some circles include interviews and/or local language proficiency requirements as laid out in the advertisement.
- Document verification & medical: Final appointment is subject to document verification and medical fitness.
Exact weightage, sectional timings and marking scheme are in the official notification; download and retain a copy.
Check Details : View deatils
Pay scale, perks and post details
CBOs are generally appointed in JMGS-I with a pay scale and allowances as per SBI service rules. Typical take-home pay varies by circle, location (metro vs non-metro), and allowances (HRA, DA, special allowances). The notification and subsequent appointment letters provide exact pay structure, probation period and other service conditions. Refer to the official advertisement for definitive salary figures and probation details.
Preparation strategy — practical tips for SBI CBO Recruitment 2026
- Master the syllabus: Download the syllabus from the PDF and map topics to study slots. Prioritize sections that carry more weight.
- Practice mock tests: Time management in objective tests is decisive. Use mock tests and past CBO papers to build speed and accuracy.
- Banking awareness: Read RBI/SBI releases, current banking trends, recent policy changes and financial news for the last 6–12 months. Questions may target practical banking knowledge.
- Local language: If the circle requires local language proficiency, practice reading and speaking that language.
- Document readiness: Keep experience certificates, educational certificates, identity proofs and photograph/signature scans ready in the specified formats.
Also Read : RPSC Junior Chemist Admit Card 2026 — How to Download Your Hall Ticket (Complete Guide)
Common FAQs — SBI CBO Recruitment 2026
Q: Where can I download the official SBI CBO notification 2026 PDF?
A: From the SBI recruitment/careers portal; the official PDF is linked in the advertisement (Advertisement No. CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18).
Q: What is the last date to apply?
A: The official application window closes on 18 February 2026 (apply before midnight IST on that date). Confirm times on the portal while submitting.
Q: How many vacancies are there?
A: Vacancy counts reported by different portals range from ~2,050 to ~2,273; consult the official PDF for circle-wise details.
Q: Is experience mandatory?
A: Yes, past CBO vacancies typically require prior banking experience; check the notification for exact experience criteria and effective dates used to compute experience.
Final checklist before you hit “Submit”
- Read the official PDF fully and note any circle-specific conditions.
- Verify your eligibility (age/experience/education) using the exact cut-off dates mentioned in the advertisement.
- Keep scanned documents ready in correct format and size.
- Use the official SBI recruitment page to apply and keep proof of submission and fee payment.
Conclusion — why SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 matters
SBI’s CBO drives are a gateway to an officer’s career in one of India’s most prestigious banks — combining responsibility, learning and steady career progression. The SBI CBO Notification 2026 opens a window for experienced graduates to step into a permanent officer role in their home circle. If you meet the eligibility, prepare methodically and apply within the window (29 Jan–18 Feb 2026). Read the official advertisement carefully, follow the application steps, and start focused preparation right away. Good luck!