SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 Compared to 2025, 2024 and 2023: What Changed?

The SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026 picture is notably different from the previous few recruitment cycles because SBI has issued two separate notifications this year. The regular recruitment carries 9,766 vacancies, while a separate Special Recruitment Drive has announced 1,538 backlog vacancies, taking the combined 2026 figure to 11,304 vacancies if both notifications are considered together. This makes 2026 a much stronger vacancy year than 2025, although it still falls short of the exceptionally high 13,735 vacancies announced in 2024.

SBI Clerk Vacancy 2026

The year-wise vacancy numbers show that SBI Clerk recruitment has fluctuated significantly rather than following a steady upward or downward trend. The highest figure in this four-year comparison was recorded in 2024 with 13,735 vacancies, while 2025 saw a sharp reduction to 6,589 vacancies. With 9,766 regular vacancies plus 1,538 backlog vacancies in 2026, the current year’s recruitment represents a substantial recovery from 2025.

SBI Clerk Notification 2026 Out

SBI Clerk Vacancy Trend: 2023 to 2026

For 2026, the 9,766 regular and 1,538 backlog vacancies come from two separate notifications, so they should not be treated as a single notification figure. The 1,538-post drive is specifically for SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies.

SBI Clerk 2026 Recruitment: A Game-Changing Approach

The most significant change in 2026 is the dual-notification strategy. Unlike previous years where regular and backlog vacancies were clubbed into a single notification, SBI issued two distinct announcements in 2026:

Regular Recruitment Notification (9,766 Posts)

SBI released a notification for 9,766 regular Clerk posts under Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. This recruitment is open to all categories, including General, EWS, OBC, SC, and ST candidates. The online application process began on August 11, 2026, and will continue till August 31, 2026.

Special Backlog Recruitment Notification (1,538 Posts)

Prior to the regular notification, SBI launched a dedicated Special Recruitment Drive on August 7, 2026, to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC candidates. These backlog positions were reserved for Scheduled Caste (207), Scheduled Tribe (1,219), and Other Backwards Class (112) candidates. The application window for this drive was open from August 7 to August 27, 2026.

How Much Did SBI Clerk Vacancies Change?

A simple comparison makes the movement easier to understand. The 2025 figure of 6,589 was the lowest among the four years listed here, while 2024’s 13,735 was the highest. The 2026 combined figure of 11,304 sits between these two extremes and is closer to the 2024 high than to the 2025 low.

• 2026 vs 2025: +4,715 vacancies, considering both 2026 notifications.
• 2026 vs 2024: -2,431 vacancies.
• 2026 vs 2023: +2,531 vacancies.
• 2026 regular vs 2025: +3,177 vacancies.
• 2026 regular vs 2024: -3,969 vacancies.
• 2026 regular vs 2023: +993 vacancies.

Why Are There Two SBI Clerk Notifications in 2026?

One of the major changes this year is the way the vacancies have been announced. SBI has issued a regular recruitment notification for 9,766 Junior Associate vacancies and a separate notification for 1,538 backlog vacancies under a Special Recruitment Drive. The latter recruitment is specifically intended to fill backlog positions for SC, ST and OBC candidates.

Implications for Aspirants

For General Category Candidates

The 9,766 regular vacancies in 2026 offer a substantial opportunity, though still lower than 2024’s peak. The separate backlog notification does not affect general category candidates, as backlog vacancies are exclusively for SC, ST, and OBC candidates.

For SC/ST/OBC Candidates

The dual-notification structure is particularly advantageous. Reserved category candidates can apply for both the regular recruitment (9,766 posts) and the special backlog drive (1,538 posts), effectively doubling their chances of selection.