What is SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Exam? - Age Limit, Pattern, Salary, Eligibility & Qualification
What is the SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) Exam?
SBI Junior Associate, also commonly known as SBI Clerk, is an entry-level government banking exam conducted by the State Bank of India. Through this exam, candidates are recruited for the post of Clerk (Junior Associate) in SBI branches across the country.
How to Become an SBI Clerk?
To become an SBI Clerk, candidates have to clear the SBI Junior Associate exam. This exam is conducted in three major stages, which are as follows:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
If you want to become an SBI Clerk, you have to clear all the three stages - Preliminary Exam, Main Exam and Language Proficiency Test.
Why Become an SBI Clerk?
State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest and most trusted government bank in India. It has a total of 20,000+ branches and more than 50 crore customers across the country, which is the highest compared to any private and other government banks.
Every year SBI releases many vacancies for bank clerks, which increases the number of opportunities and increases the chances of selection. In such a situation, the job of SBI clerk is not only prestigious but also a great way to secure the future.
What Does an SBI Junior Associate Do?
The role of an SBI Junior Associate mainly involves customer service and clerical work in an SBI branch. The following tasks are performed in it:
- Accounts Management
- Cash Deposits & Withdrawals
- Updating Passbooks
- Cheque Clearance
- Processing of Loan Applications
- Drafting & Data Entry
- Opening of New Accounts
- Resolving Customer Queries & Complaints
SBI Junior Associate Exam Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | SBI Junior Associates |
| Other Name | SBI Clerk Exam |
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Purpose | Recruitment of clerks (Junior Associates) post in SBI |
| Target Candidates | Graduates aspiring for clerical jobs in SBI |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Once year |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | Website |
SBI Clerk Exam Eligibility Criteria
Candidates have to fulfil certain eligibility criteria before applying for SBI Clerk Recruitment. These criteria are set by the State Bank of India (SBI).
1. SBI Clerk Educational Qualification
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Candidates in the final year/semester of their graduation may also apply.
2. SBI Clerk Age limit
The age limit of candidates for SBI Clerk recruitment has been set for different categories. Following are some age limits of SBI Clerk:
| Category | Age limit/Relaxation |
|---|---|
| General | 20 to 28 years |
| SC/ST | 5 years relaxation |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PWD (General) | 10 years |
| PWD (SC/ST) | 15 years |
| PWD (OBC) | 13 years |
SBI Clerk Exam Pattern
SBI Clerk Recruitment Exam is conducted in 3 main stages:
- Preliminary Exam
- Main Exam
- Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
1. SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam
SBI Clerk Preliminary Exam is the first stage of the SBI Junior Associate recruitment process. It is a screening test aimed at testing the basic aptitude and banking skills of the candidates. The exam is conducted in online mode and the duration is 1 hour. There are three sections in this exam and all the three papers are of 100 marks.
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Paper Name | Preliminary Exam |
| Question type | Objective-type (MCQ) |
| Section |
|
| Total questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 100 |
| Duration | 1 hour (60 minutes) |
2. SBI Clerk Main Exam
SBI Clerk Main Exam is the second and most important stage of the SBI Junior Associate recruitment process. Only those candidates who clear the preliminary exam are considered eligible for this exam. The main exam is of total duration of 2 hours 40 minutes. There are total 4 sections in this stage and all the four sections are of 200 marks.
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Paper Name | Main Exam |
| Question type | Objective-type (MCQ) |
| Section |
|
| Total questions | 190 |
| Total Marks | 200 |
| Duration | 2.40 Hours (160 minutes) |
3. SBI Clerk Language Proficiency Test (LPT)
Language Proficiency Test (LPT) is the third and final stage of the SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) selection process. This test is conducted to check the candidate's proficiency in the local language.
In this stage, the candidate is given a passage to read, write an essay or letter in the local language, conduct basic conversation and answer questions in that language. LPT is only qualifying; there is no merit in it. If a candidate fails in LPT, his/her selection is liable to be cancelled even if he/she has cleared the main exam.
Why is LPT required?
This test ensures that the candidate possesses the required speaking, writing and reading abilities in the local language of the State where he/she will be posted.
Eligibility for LPT
Only those candidates are eligible for LPT who clear the preliminary and main exams. This exam is not compulsory for all candidates.
For which candidates LPT is for?
LPT is for those candidates who have done their education in another state but have applied for another state.
Example: If a candidate has studied in Bihar but applied for Maharashtra, he/she will have to give LPT in Marathi language.
SBI Clerk Exam Selection Process
SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) recruitment process is a phased system in which candidates are selected on the basis of merit, performance and eligibility criteria. Below is the complete selection process to become an SBI Clerk:
- Preliminary Exam: This is the first stage of SBI JA (SBI Clerk) exam.
- Preliminary Exam Result: After the preliminary exam is over, the result is declared by SBI.
- Main Exam: Candidates who qualify the preliminary exam have to appear for the main exam.
- Merit List: A state-wise and category-wise merit list is prepared based on the performance of the candidates in the main exam.
- Medical Examination: Selected candidates have to submit a normal medical report.
- Document Verification: Successful candidates have to get their educational, identity and category related documents verified.
- LPT (Local Language Proficiency Test): Candidates have to demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the state they have applied for.
SBI Clerk Job Profile and Responsibilities
The job of an SBI Clerk is focused on providing high-quality customer service. SBI Clerks (SBI Junior Associate) are called the backbone of the bank as they directly interact with the customers and handle the day-to-day operations of the bank.
This is a clerical position which is very important for the customer service and branch operations of SBI. The role of the candidates selected for this position is not limited to the counter only, but they are also given the responsibility of customer service, cash handling, account management and administrative work of the bank in the future.
Key Functions of SBI Clerk
1. Junior Associate
- Resolving customer queries
- Providing account-related information
- Providing information on banking services and products
- Helping in improving customer experience
2. Cashier
- Handling the cash deposit and cash withdrawal process
- Keeping records of the day's transactions
- Ensuring security and reconciliation of cash
3. Loan Clerk
- Taking loan application and verifying documents
- Providing loan related information to customer
- Completing loan process as per bank policy
4. Deposit Clerk
- Opening new account like Savings Account, Current Account
- Verification and collection of KYC documents
- Processing account changes/updates
5. Customer Relations Executive
- Communicating directly with customers
- Giving priority to their complaints and suggestions
- Delivering personalized service to build loyalty
6. Checking Clerk
- Check clearance and verification
- Signature matching and overdraft checking
- Ensuring fast and accurate transactions
7. Other Responsibilities
- Providing passbook updates and mini statements
- Preparing demand drafts and challans
- Issuing ATM cards and resetting PIN
- Bank office data entry and record management
SBI Clerk Promotion and Career Growth
- Junior Associate (JA)
- Assistant Manager (SBI Probationary Officer - PO)
- Deputy Manager
- Manager
- Chief Manager
- Senior Manager
- AGM Assistant General Manager
- DGM Deputy General Manager
- GM General Manager
- CGM Chief General Manager
- DMD Deputy Managing Director
- MD Managing Director
- SBI Chairman
SBI Clerk Salary
The basic salary of SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) at the time of appointment is up to ₹19,900/- per month. With this, other allowances are added and the total salary ranges from ₹29,000/- to ₹32,000/- per month.
SBI Clerk Perks and Allowances
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Transport Allowance (TA)
- Medical Benefits
- Special Allowance
- Leave Benefits
- Provident Fund (PF)
- Pension
- Loan Benefits (Home Loan, Car Loan, Personal Loan)
- Insurance
SBI Clerk Exam Advantages
If you are interested in working in the banking sector, SBI clerk job offers many benefits that make it one of the most sought-after government jobs in India. Below are the major advantages of being an SBI clerk:
- Job Security: SBI being a reputed government bank, SBI clerks enjoy high job security.
- Transfer Options: SBI branches are spread all over India, so employees get the facility of transfer to their desired places. This facility is especially useful for women and married employees.
- Special Benefits for Women Employees: SBI has more number of women employees than male employees. Along with this, SBI provides special policies and facilities to women employees.
- Additional Facilities: SBI provides special facilities to clerks like Festival Advance, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), Maternity/Paternity Leave and Study Leave.
SBI Clerk Exam Disadvantages
While SBI Clerk job offers many benefits, it also has some drawbacks and challenges that are important to know. If you are thinking of becoming an SBI Clerk, considering these aspects can make your decision balanced.
- High Workload: State Bank of India (SBI) is the largest public sector bank in the country with a customer base of crores. The branches are extremely crowded, especially on Mondays or after holidays. This increases the workload of SBI clerks, which can lead to stress.
- Slow Promotion: It takes time and effort to rise from a junior position to a senior position in SBI. The internal promotion process is competitive. Many employees have to work in the same position for a long time until they clear the promotion exam.
- Limited Work Flexibility: Due to government rules and procedures, there is less flexibility in work as compared to the private sector.
SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) FAQ
Yes, SBI Clerk and SBI Junior Associate are the same post. The official name used by SBI is Junior Associate (Customer Support & Sales).
To become a Junior Associate in SBI, you must:
- Apply online when SBI releases the notification
- Appear for Preliminary Exam and then the Main Exam
- Qualify both to get selected (No interview required)
The job includes:
- Customer handling (deposits, withdrawals, inquiries)
- Cash transactions, passbook printing, issuing chequebooks
- Data entry, maintaining records
- Assisting with sales and services of banking products
The starting basic pay is around ₹19,900 (Pay Scale: ₹17,900 - ₹47,920). With allowances (DA, HRA, TA), the in-hand salary is approx. ₹29,000 - ₹32,000 per month, depending on location.
- Education: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university
- Age: 20 to 28 years (age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC/PwD as per rules)
- Must be an Indian citizen
Yes, it is a permanent central government job with job security, promotion opportunities, and benefits.
Yes, it offers:
- Stable government job
- Good salary and perks
- Growth opportunities through internal exams
- Transfers and benefits similar to other SBI staff
SBI provides a leased accommodation facility or House Rent Allowance (HRA) based on posting location. Own house is not given but rent is compensated.
It is moderately difficult. With regular practice in Quant, Reasoning, and English, and good speed and accuracy, it is very much achievable.
No, there is no interview for SBI Clerk/Junior Associate. Final selection is based on marks in the Mains Exam and document verification.