SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 for 2273 Circle Based Officer Posts
Advertisement No. CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18: The State Bank of India (SBI) has invited online applications for the recruitment of 2,273 Circle Based Officers (CBO) across its various circles in India. This is a major opportunity for experienced officers working in other Scheduled Commercial Banks or Regional Rural Banks to join SBI. The online application window is open from January 29, 2026, to February 18, 2026.
The State Bank of India, the country's largest public sector bank, has announced a significant recruitment drive for the position of Circle Based Officer (CBO). This recruitment aims to fill a total of 2,050 regular and 223 backlog vacancies, bringing the total to 2,273 posts. Unlike probationary officer roles, this position is for candidates who already possess a minimum of two years of experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or a Regional Rural Bank. The selected candidates will be posted in the specific circle they apply for and will not be eligible for inter-circle transfers for a significant period.
The selection process is a comprehensive four-stage procedure designed to select the most suitable candidates. It includes an Online Examination (comprising both Objective and Descriptive tests), a Screening of applications to verify experience, a Personal Interview, and a Local Language Proficiency Test. The starting basic pay is attractive, with two advance increments in the JMGS-I scale. This is a golden opportunity for experienced banking professionals to join the prestigious State Bank of India.
SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 (Important Points)
Candidates must take note of the crucial dates and other important details for this specialized recruitment drive.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Organization | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Advertisement Number | CRPD/CBO/2025-26/18 |
| Post Name | Circle Based Officer (CBO) |
| Total Vacancies | 2273 (2050 Regular + 223 Backlog) |
| Application Start Date | 29 January 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 18 February 2026 |
| Online Test Date (Tentative) | March 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Job Type | Permanent Bank Job (for experienced officers) |
| Job Location | Various Circles across India |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in/web/careers |
Circle-wise Vacancy and Language Details
The recruitment is being conducted for specific circles. Candidates must apply for one circle only and must be proficient in one of its specified local languages.
| Circle | State/UT | Local Language(s) | Total Vacancies (Regular + Backlog) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amaravati | Andhra Pradesh | Telugu/Urdu | 98 |
| Bengaluru | Karnataka | Kannada | 211 |
| Bhopal | Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh | Hindi | 114 |
| Bhubaneswar | Odisha | Odia | 81 |
| Chandigarh | J&K, Ladakh, HP, Haryana, Punjab | Urdu/Hindi/Punjabi | 107 |
| Chennai | Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry | Tamil | 204 |
| Gandhinagar | Gujarat, D&N Haveli, Daman & Diu | Gujarati | 236 |
| Guwahati | Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura | Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, etc. | 79 |
| Hyderabad | Telangana | Telugu/Urdu | 80 |
| Jaipur | Rajasthan | Hindi | 108 |
| Kolkata | West Bengal, A&N Islands, Sikkim | Bengali/Nepali/Hindi | 231 |
| Lucknow | Uttar Pradesh | Hindi/Urdu | 221 |
| Mumbai Metro | Maharashtra, Goa | Marathi/Konkani | 145 |
| Maharashtra | Maharashtra | Marathi | 204 |
| New Delhi | Delhi, Uttarakhand, Haryana, UP | Hindi | 82 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | Kerala, Lakshadweep | Malayalam | 80 |
| Total | 2273 |
Application Fee (Non-Refundable)
- For General, EWS, and OBC candidates: ₹750/-
- For SC, ST, and PwBD candidates: NIL (No Fee)
The fee must be paid online. Candidates working in SBI in the clerical or supervisory cadre are not eligible to apply.
Eligibility Criteria (as on 31.12.2025)
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions regarding education, experience, and age to be considered for the post.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government. This includes qualifications like Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant, etc. |
| Experience | Minimum 2 years' experience (post essential academic qualification) as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or any Regional Rural Bank as listed in the Second Schedule of the RBI Act. |
| Age Limit |
|
| Local Language | Must be proficient (reading, writing, and understanding) in one of the specified local languages of the circle for which they are applying. A language test will be conducted for those who cannot provide proof of having studied the language in their 10th or 12th standard. |
Selection Process
The selection process for the CBO post is a comprehensive 4-phase procedure.
- Phase 1: Online Examination: This consists of an Objective Test (120 marks) and a Descriptive Test (50 marks). The marks from both tests will be considered for the final merit list.
- Phase 2: Screening: The online applications and supporting documents of candidates who qualify in the online test will be screened by a committee to verify their eligibility and match their job profile with that of an SBI Scale-I Generalist Officer.
- Phase 3: Interview: Candidates who clear the screening phase will be called for a personal interview, which will be for 50 marks.
- Phase 4: Local Language Proficiency Test (LPT): Provisionally selected candidates (based on merit from online test and interview) will have to undergo a language test. This is qualifying in nature.
The final merit list will be prepared by aggregating the normalized marks from the Online Test (out of 75) and the Interview (out of 25).
Exam Pattern
The online examination consists of two parts, conducted one after another.
1. Objective Test
| Section | No. of Questions | Max. Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Banking Knowledge | 40 | 40 | 40 minutes |
| General Awareness/Economy | 30 | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Computer Aptitude | 20 | 20 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 120 | 120 | 2 Hours |
Important: There is NO penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Tests.
2. Descriptive Test
- Duration: 30 minutes
- Total Marks: 50
- Content: A test of English Language with two questions (Letter Writing & Essay).
- Mode: The test is conducted online immediately after the objective test, and candidates have to type their answers on the computer.
PET (Physical Efficiency Test)
There is no Physical Efficiency Test (PET) or Physical Standard Test (PST) applicable for the post of Circle Based Officer.
How to Prepare for the Exam
A smart preparation strategy is required, focusing on the specific demands of the CBO exam.
- Banking Knowledge is Key: This section has the highest weightage. As an experienced officer, you should already have a strong foundation. Revise RBI circulars, banking regulations (like Negotiable Instruments Act, SARFAESI), and general banking principles.
- General Awareness/Economy: Focus on economic and banking-related current affairs from the last 6-8 months. Pay attention to union budgets, economic surveys, and major government schemes.
- Descriptive English: Practice typing essays and formal letters on banking and economic topics. Since this test is online, improving your typing speed and accuracy is crucial.
- Prepare Your Job Profile Document: The screening stage is critical. Prepare a detailed job profile document and get it certified by your employer. Ensure it accurately reflects your duties and aligns with the responsibilities of a generalist officer.
Best Books for Preparation
Candidates can refer to these standard resources.
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How to Apply Online
The application process is entirely online through the SBI careers page.
- Visit the SBI careers website: https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
- Find the advertisement for "RECRUITMENT OF CIRCLE BASED OFFICERS" and click on "Apply Online".
- Register on the portal by providing your basic information to generate a provisional registration number and password.
- Log in and fill out the detailed application form with your personal, educational, and experience details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, ID proof, date of birth proof, resume, educational certificates, experience certificates, and other required documents as per the notification.
- Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway.
- Review the application carefully before final submission and take a printout of the final form and e-receipt for your records.
Documents Needed to Apply (for Uploading)
Candidates must have clear, scanned copies of the following documents ready in PDF format (unless specified otherwise):
- Recent Photograph and Signature (jpg/jpeg).
- ID Proof (e.g., Aadhaar Card, PAN Card).
- Proof of Date of Birth (e.g., 10th Certificate).
- Brief Resume detailing your qualifications and experience.
- All Educational Certificates (Degree/Marksheets).
- All Experience Certificates from previous/current employers.
- Job Profile certified by your employer.
- Latest Salary Slip and Form-16.
- Caste/PwBD certificate, if applicable.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
(FAQs)
- Q1: I work as an officer in an NBFC. Am I eligible to apply?
No, the eligibility criteria specifically require a minimum of 2 years of experience as an officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or a Regional Rural Bank only.
- Q2: Is there any negative marking in the online objective test?
No, the official notification clearly states that there will be no penalty for wrong answers in the Objective Tests.
- Q3: Can I get a transfer to another circle after joining?
No, the selected candidates will not be entitled to any inter-circle transfer until their promotion to SMGS-IV Grade or 12 years of service, whichever is later.
- Q4: I have not studied my state's local language in 10th or 12th. Can I still apply?
Yes, you can apply. However, if you are provisionally selected, you will have to appear for and qualify a Local Language Proficiency Test before you can be appointed.
