SBI Plans to Hire 16,000 Employees Annually, to Open Up to 200-300 Branches in FY26

SBI is set to boost its workforce with the addition of approximately 16,000 new hires in the current financial year, as announced by Chairman C. S. Setty. The bank plans to maintain a similar recruitment pace in the coming years to enhance its operations and deliver better customer service. With a current staff strength of around 2.36 lakh employees (as of March 2025), this expansion will play a key role in supporting SBI’s growth and service objectives.

SBI to Hire 16,000 Annually & Open 200-300 Branches in FY26

For FY26, SBI is set to expand its on-ground presence by opening around 200–300 new branches across the country. The focus will be on micro-markets and underserved regions, as identified through the bank’s internal assessments. This initiative supports SBI’s goal of reaching emerging residential hubs and growing areas, enhancing accessibility and improving service for customers nationwide.

SBI Workforce Profile & Cost Update

As of March 2025, SBI’s workforce totaled around 2.36 lakh employees across Officers, Associates, and Subordinate Staff roles, with women representing roughly 28% of the team. In the first half of FY26, employee-related expenses rose by 11% to ₹36,837 crore, underscoring the bank’s continued focus on strengthening manpower and supporting operational needs.

Why This Is Good News for Candidates

SBI’s updated hiring outlook signals steady opportunities for those preparing for banking jobs. With consistent yearly recruitment, candidates can look forward to openings in clerical roles, PO positions, and various specialist posts. The plan to add 200–300 new branches in FY26 will further increase the need for staff in customer-facing and support functions, particularly in semi-urban and rural areas where the bank is expanding its presence.

SBI’s Plans for ATM Support & Outsourcing

SBI will strengthen its ATM network through its subsidiary State Bank Operations Support Services (SBOSS). The bank is introducing “ATM Mitras”, local staff who will oversee ATM uptime, cleanliness, and maintenance. SBOSS will also support government schemes, handle application sourcing in agriculture and small business sectors, and monitor over 60,000 ATMs. Additionally, SBI plans to deploy 6,000 support staff across branches for on-ground coordination.

SBI’s Long-Term Growth Target

SBI is planning a strategic expansion to not just improve customer service but also achieve its ambitious goal of doubling its business in the next 6–7 years. The bank’s growth plan focuses on targeted recruitment, branch expansion, and smart use of data for decision-making.

Key Highlights:

• Annual Hiring: Around 16,000 new staff every year to support growth and operations.
• Branch Expansion: Opening 200–300 new branches in underserved and emerging areas.
• Data-Driven Planning: Identifying “white spaces” and micro-markets to decide branch and ATM locations.
• ATM & Support Staff Expansion: Deploying ATMs and local support staff (“ATM Mitras”) to improve accessibility and service.
• Business Doubling Goal: All efforts are aligned with SBI’s target to reach ₹200 lakh crore in business within 6–7 years.