Can I apply for both the backlog and regular SBI Clerk vacancies in 2026?

Add as a preferred source on Google
Published on 12 August 2026 by
Can I apply for both the backlog and regular SBI Clerk vacancies in 2026?

Yes, eligible candidates can apply for both the SBI Clerk backlog and regular vacancies in 2026, as SBI has released two separate recruitment notifications for Junior Associates (Customer Support & Sales).

SBI Clerk Notification 2026

The first SBI Clerk Notification was released on 7 August 2026 for a special recruitment drive to fill 1,538 backlog vacancies reserved for eligible SC, ST, and OBC candidates. The second notification was released on 11 August 2026 for the regular SBI Clerk recruitment, which includes 7,680 regular vacancies along with backlog vacancies listed under that recruitment notification.

Since the 7 August Special Recruitment Drive and the 11 August regular recruitment are separate recruitment projects with different advertisement numbers, candidates who meet the eligibility conditions can apply separately under both. However, candidates must follow the application rules of each recruitment and can choose only one State/UT in each application.

SBI Clerk Backlog and Regular Recruitment 2026

Candidates should understand the difference between the two SBI Clerk recruitment notifications before applying.

ParticularsSBI Clerk Special Recruitment DriveSBI Clerk Regular Recruitment
Notification Date7 August 202611 August 2026
PDF LinkDownload NowDownload Now
Advertisement No.CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16CRPD/CR/2026-27/17
Vacancies1,5389,766*
NatureSpecial recruitment for backlog vacanciesRegular recruitment
Eligible CategoriesSC, ST and OBCAs per regular notification
Application Start Date7 August 202611 August 2026
Last Date to Apply27 August 202631 August 2026
ApplicationSeparate applicationSeparate application

*The regular notification advertises 7,680 regular vacancies and 2,086 backlog vacancies, totalling 9,766 vacancies. The 1,538 vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive are a separate recruitment and should not be confused with the backlog vacancies listed in the regular notification.

download SBI Clerk PYPs

Can I apply for both the backlog and regular SBI Clerk vacancies in 2026?

Yes. An eligible candidate can apply for both recruitment drives because SBI has issued them as separate advertisements.

The 7 August 2026 notification is for the Special Recruitment Drive for Junior Associates and covers 1,538 SC/ST/OBC backlog vacancies. The application window is from 7 August to 27 August 2026. The 11 August 2026 notification is for the regular Junior Associate recruitment. Its application window is from 11 August to 31 August 2026. Therefore, an SC/ST/OBC candidate who satisfies the eligibility criteria of the Special Recruitment Drive can submit the following:

  • One application under the 7 August Special Recruitment Drive, and
  • One separate application under the 11 August regular recruitment.
Apply for SBI Clerk 2026

Why can candidates apply for Both?

The key point is that SBI has issued two different advertisements. The special recruitment drive carries Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/SPLDRIVE/2026-27/16, while the regular recruitment carries Advertisement No. CRPD/CR/2026-27/17. They also have different application windows:

  • Backlog Special Drive: 7 to 27 August 2026
  • Regular Recruitment: 11 to 31 August 2026

Can I choose different states in the two SBI clerk applications?

This point requires careful attention. For each recruitment project, SBI allows candidates to apply for vacancies in only one state/UT. The regular notification explicitly states that candidates can apply for vacancies in one state/UT only. The Special Recruitment Drive notification also states that candidates can apply for vacancies in only one state/UT. Therefore, candidates applying under both recruitment drives should carefully check the State/UT restriction separately for each application and should not assume that they can submit multiple applications within either recruitment.

check sBI Clerk state wise vacancies

Things to remember while applying for both SBI Clerk Recruitments

Candidates planning to apply for both should keep the following points in mind:

  1. Check eligibility separately for the Special Recruitment Drive and regular recruitment.
  2. Submit one application for the backlog special recruitment drive if eligible.
  3. Submit one separate application for the regular recruitment if eligible.
  4. Do not submit multiple applications under the same recruitment project.
  5. Select the state/UT carefully in each application.
  6. Check the specified local language requirement for the selected state/UT.
  7. Pay the applicable application fee separately for each recruitment, wherever applicable.
  8. Keep the registration details and payment confirmation of both applications safely.
Free Exam Preparation PDFsDownload Link
Last 6 Months Current Affairs in Hindi & EnglishClick Here
Monthly Current AffairsClick Here
Weekly Current AffairsClick Here
Daily Current AffairsClick Here
Speed Math KitClick Here

FAQs

Q1. Can I apply for both SBI Clerk backlog and regular vacancies in 2026?

Ans: Yes. Eligible candidates can apply separately for the SBI Clerk Special Recruitment Drive released on 7 August 2026 and the regular recruitment released on 11 August 2026, as these are separate recruitment projects.

Q2. How many backlog vacancies were released by SBI on 7 August 2026?

Ans: SBI released 1,538 Junior Associate backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive for eligible SC, ST and OBC candidates.

Q3. What is the last date to apply for SBI Clerk backlog vacancies?

Ans: The last date to apply for the 1,538 backlog vacancies under the Special Recruitment Drive is 27 August 2026.

Q4. What is the last date to apply for the regular SBI Clerk recruitment?

Ans: Candidates can apply for the regular SBI Clerk recruitment from 11 August to 31 August 2026.

Q5. Can I apply for two states under the SBI Clerk recruitment?

Ans: No. SBI allows candidates to apply for vacancies in only one state/UT under each recruitment project. Candidates must also satisfy the specified local language requirement for their selected State/UT.