SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 2273 Vacancies | Eligibility & Exam Date

The State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's largest public sector bank, has officially released the SBI CBO Notification 2026. This is a massive opportunity for experienced banking professionals looking to switch to a stable and prestigious career with SBI.

The bank has announced a total of 2273 vacancies for the post of Circle Based Officer (CBO). Unlike the probationary officer (PO) recruitment which is open to freshers, this unique drive targets candidates who already have prior experience in Scheduled Commercial Banks or Regional Rural Banks. The biggest attraction? It falls under the rare category of single exam bank jobs where there is no Preliminary exam—only a single Online Written Test followed by an Interview.

If you have been waiting for sbi recruitments 2026, this is your moment. The online application window is open from January 29, 2026, to February 18, 2026. In this comprehensive guide, we will cover everything you need to know about the SBI CBO Recruitment 2026, including the circle-wise vacancy breakdown, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, salary structure, and the step-by-step application process.

SBI CBO Recruitment 2026: Overview

Before we dive into the minute details, let's look at the key highlights of this recruitment drive.

Important Dates for SBI CBO 2026

To ensure you don't miss out on any deadline, mark these dates in your calendar.

• Notification Release Date: 28 January 2026
• Online Application Starts: 29 January 2026
• Last Date to Apply & Pay Fee: 18 February 2026
• Call Letter Download: March 2026 (Tentative)
• Online Examination Date: March 2026 (Tentative)
• Result Declaration: April 2026 (Expected)

SBI CBO Vacancy 2026: Circle-Wise Breakdown

SBI has released vacancies across various circles (states). Remember, you can apply for only one Circle. Once selected, you will be posted in that circle and will generally not be eligible for inter-circle transfer for 12 years.

Regular Vacancies (Total 2050):

Note: There are an additional 223 Backlog Vacancies across various circles. Please refer to the official notification PDF for the backlog distribution.

Eligibility Criteria for SBI CBO 2026

Before filling out the form, ensure you meet the specific eligibility requirements. Since this is an experienced-based hiring, the criteria are stricter than standard exams.

1. Educational Qualification

• Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University or any equivalent qualification recognized by the Central Government.
• The cut-off date for qualification is 31.12.2025.

2. Work Experience (Crucial)

• You must have a minimum of 2 years' experience (as on 31.12.2025) as an officer in any Scheduled Commercial Bank or any Regional Rural Bank.
• Proof Required: You will need to submit a job profile certified by your employer showing that you worked in a role similar to a Scale-I Generalist Officer.

3. Age Limit (As on 31.12.2025)

• Minimum Age: 21 Years
• Maximum Age: 30 Years
• (Candidate must have been born not later than 31.12.2004 and not earlier than 01.01.1996).

Age Relaxation:

• SC/ST: 5 Years
• OBC (NCL): 3 Years
• PwBD (Gen/EWS): 10 Years
• Ex-Servicemen: 5 Years

4. Local Language Proficiency

• You must be proficient in reading, writing, and understanding the local language of the Circle you are applying for (e.g., Gujarati for Ahmedabad, Tamil for Chennai).
• Exemption: If you have studied the local language in 10th or 12th standard and can produce the mark sheet, you will not be required to undergo the language test. Others will have to pass a language test before joining.

SBI CBO Application Fee

The application fee must be paid online. It is non-refundable.

Step-by-Step Application Process

Follow these steps to apply for sbi cbo recruitment 2026:

1. Visit the Official Portal: Go to sbi.bank.in/web/careers or click the direct link below.
2. New Registration: Click on "Click here for New Registration". Enter your Name, Mobile Number, and Email ID.
3. Upload Documents:
   • Photograph: Recent passport size (4.5cm x 3.5cm).
   • Signature: On white paper with Black Ink pen.
   • Left Thumb Impression: On white paper with Black or Blue ink.
   • Hand Written Declaration: (Text provided in notification Annexure-II).
   • Experience Certificate: Proof of 2 years of service.
   • Resume/CV: Brief details of your job profile.
   • Salary Slip/Form 16: As proof of employment.
4. Fill Details: Enter your personal, educational, and experience details carefully. Select your Circle preference wisely.
5. Preview: Check every detail before final submission. No changes are allowed later.
6. Payment: Pay the fee via Debit/Credit card or Net Banking.
7. Print Application: Save the e-receipt and the final application form for future reference.

SBI CBO Exam Pattern 2026

The selection process consists of an Online Written Test followed by Screening and Interview.

Stage 1: Online Written Test

This stage has two parts: Objective and Descriptive. Both are conducted in a single session.

A. Objective Test (120 Marks | 2 Hours)

B. Descriptive Test (50 Marks | 30 Mins)

• Subject: English Language (Letter Writing & Essay)
• Questions: 2 Questions (Total 50 Marks)
• Mode: Typed on Computer immediately after the objective test.

Stage 2: Screening

The applications and documents of candidates who qualify the Online Test will be scrutinized. The committee will verify if the candidate's job profile matches the required Scale-I Generalist Officer profile.

Stage 3: Interview (50 Marks)

Candidates qualified in the Online Test and Screening will be called for an interview. The final merit list is prepared by combining Online Test marks (converted to 75) and Interview marks (converted to 25).

SBI CBO Salary & Perks 2026

The salary package is one of the main reasons why this sbi cbo 2026 notification is trending.

• Basic Pay: ₹48,480/- (Scale JMGS-I)
• Pay Scale: 48480-2000/7-62480-2340/2-67160-2680/7-85920
• Increments: You get 2 Advance Increments upon joining (unlike POs who start at basic).
• Allowances: DA, HRA, City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Medical, etc.
• Gross Salary: Approximately ₹75,000 - ₹80,000+ per month depending on the posting location.

Preparation Strategy for SBI CBO 2026

Since you are already a working professional, managing time is key.

1. Focus on Banking Knowledge: This section carries the highest weightage (40 Marks). Since you have practical experience, focus on RBI circulars, Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms, and latest banking products.
2. General Awareness: Read current affairs related to the economy and banking sector for the last 6 months.
3. Descriptive Writing: Practice typing letters and essays on a keyboard. Speed matters here.
4. No Negative Marking: Develop a strategy to attempt all questions intelligently. Even guesses should be calculated.

The SBI CBO Recruitment 2026 is a career-defining opportunity. With no Prelims and no negative marking, the odds are in your favor if you prepare smartly. Don't wait for the last date—apply now and start your journey towards becoming an SBI Officer.