SBI Apprentice Eligibility 2026

Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university as on the cut-off date. Final-year/semester candidates are typically NOT eligible — graduation must be complete. Knowledge of computer operations is mandatory. Candidates with full-time post-graduate qualifications are still eligible to apply for the Apprentice programme provided they meet the age criteria.

20 to 28 years as on the cut-off date specified in the notification (typically 1 April of the recruitment year). Age relaxation: SC/ST +5 years (up to 33), OBC (non-creamy layer) +3 years (up to 31), PwBD (General/EWS) +10 years, PwBD (OBC) +13 years, PwBD (SC/ST) +15 years, Ex-Servicemen +5 years (subject to ceiling), Widows/Divorcees/Women legally separated and not remarried +9 years. EWS candidates receive NO age relaxation.

Citizen of India, or subject of Nepal or Bhutan, or Tibetan refugee who came to India before 1 January 1962 with intent to permanently settle, or person of Indian origin who has migrated from specified countries to permanently settle in India. Non-Indian citizens must produce an eligibility certificate from the Government of India.

Candidates who have previously been engaged as apprentices with SBI or any other bank under the Apprentices Act 1961 are NOT eligible to apply again. Each candidate can be engaged as a bank apprentice only ONCE in a lifetime under the Apprentices Act framework. The candidate must also not have prior service experience exceeding the limits set under the Apprentices Act. Application fee is typically Rs 300 (some notifications waive for SC/ST/PwBD/Ex-Servicemen) paid online.

Always check against the official State Bank of India Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD) notification — eligibility rules can change from one cycle to the next. The official links are at the bottom of this page.