Banking Exams 2026: SBI Apprentice Open, IBPS Calendar Out

Latest Update: SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 7150 Posts

The State Bank of India (SBI) has released a significant notification for aspirants targeting Banking Exams 2026. The SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is now open for 7150 vacancies across the country. This is a prime opportunity for graduates to gain experience in the banking sector. The online application process began on May 19, 2026, and the last date to apply is June 8, 2026. The recruitment is for a one-year training program under the Apprentices Act, 1961.

Key Details of SBI Apprentice Recruitment 2026:

• Vacancies: 7150
• Application Period: May 19, 2026, to June 8, 2026
• Eligibility: Candidates must have a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Age Limit: The minimum age is 20 years and the maximum is 28 years as of April 30, 2026, with relaxations for reserved categories.
• Stipend: Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000.
• Selection Process: The selection will be based on an online written examination followed by a test of the local language.

What to do next: Interested and eligible candidates should apply online through the official SBI Careers portal at sbi.co.in/web/careers before the deadline of June 8, 2026. Ensure you have all necessary documents and details ready for the online application.

IBPS Calendar 2026-27: Your Roadmap for Upcoming Bank Exams

For those preparing for other major Banking Exams 2026, the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) has provided a clear timeline by releasing the official IBPS Exam Calendar for 2026-27. This calendar outlines the tentative dates for the preliminary and main examinations for various posts, including PO, Clerk, SO, and RRBs. Having these dates allows aspirants to structure their preparation effectively. The exams are scheduled to be held from August 2026 to January 2027.

Key IBPS Exam Dates for 2026-27:

• IBPS PO Prelims: August 22 & 23, 2026
• IBPS PO Mains: October 4, 2026
• IBPS Clerk Prelims: October 10 & 11, 2026
• IBPS Clerk Mains: December 27, 2026
• IBPS SO Prelims: August 29, 2026
• IBPS SO Mains: November 1, 2026

The detailed notifications for each of these exams, including vacancy details and the online application process, are expected to be released a few months before the respective exam dates. For the latest updates, keep an eye on the official IBPS website, www.ibps.in.

IBPS PO and Clerk: Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview

Understanding the structure and syllabus is the first step toward cracking the IBPS PO and Clerk exams. Both exams follow a two-tier selection process: a preliminary exam followed by a main exam. For the PO post, there is also a final interview stage.

IBPS PO Exam Pattern

• Prelims: This is a one-hour online exam with 100 questions covering English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability.
• Mains: The Mains exam has both objective and descriptive tests. The objective part includes sections on Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, General/Economy/Banking Awareness, English Language, and Data Analysis & Interpretation. The descriptive test consists of an essay and letter writing.
• Interview: Candidates who clear the Mains are called for an interview, which holds significant weight in the final selection.

IBPS Clerk Exam Pattern

• Prelims: Similar to the PO prelims, this is an online exam testing English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning Ability.
• Mains: The Mains exam for Clerks consists of four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.

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Upcoming SBI PO and SBI Clerk 2026 Notifications

Apart from the ongoing Apprentice recruitment, SBI is also expected to release notifications for its coveted Probationary Officer (PO) and Junior Associate (Clerk) positions later in the year.

SBI PO 2026 (Expected)

The SBI PO exam is one of the most sought-after banking jobs in India. The official notification is expected to be released around June 2026. The selection process consists of three phases: Prelims, Mains, and a Group Discussion/Interview. The syllabus for SBI PO is largely similar to that of IBPS PO, covering subjects like Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability, English, and General/Banking Awareness. The Mains exam also includes a descriptive paper.

SBI Clerk 2026 (Expected)

The notification for SBI Clerk (Junior Associate) is anticipated to be released around July/August 2026. The selection process for SBI Clerk involves a Preliminary and a Main examination. The final selection is based on the marks obtained in the Mains exam, subject to qualifying a test of the specified local language.

SBI Clerk Prelims Exam Pattern:

• Consists of 100 questions from three sections: English Language (30 questions), Numerical Ability (35 questions), and Reasoning Ability (35 questions).
• The total duration is 60 minutes, with sectional timings.

SBI Clerk Mains Exam Pattern:

• Comprises 190 questions from four sections: General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative Aptitude, and Reasoning Ability & Computer Aptitude.
• The total duration is 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Banking Exams 2026

Q. What is the basic educational qualification for bank exams?
A. For most bank PO and Clerk exams, including those conducted by SBI and IBPS, a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university is the minimum requirement.

Q. Is there negative marking in these exams?
A. Yes, both SBI and IBPS exams have a penalty for wrong answers. Typically, 0.25 marks are deducted for each incorrect response in the objective tests.

Q. Can final year students apply for these banking exams?
A. Yes, candidates in their final year/semester of graduation are generally allowed to apply provisionally. However, they must produce proof of having passed the graduation exam by a specified date mentioned in the official notification.

Q. Where can I find the official notifications for these exams?
A. All official notifications are released on the respective websites. For SBI exams, visit sbi.co.in/web/careers, and for IBPS exams, visit ibps.in.