Admit Card Now Live: What You Need to Know
State Bank of India has released admit cards for its flagship apprenticeship programme under the Apprentices Act, 1961. All eligible candidates who submitted their applications by the extended deadline of 15 June 2026 can now download their call letters from the official SBI career portal. The online written examination is set for 11 July 2026, and here's everything you need to prepare.
This recruitment cycle represents one of the largest apprenticeship drives by any public sector bank in recent years. With 7,150 provisional training seats spread across every state and union territory, the programme aims to build a skilled workforce pipeline for the banking sector. The stakes are high, and getting your preparation right matters.
The Scale: Where the Vacancies Are
SBI has distributed vacancies strategically across India, with the highest concentration in southern and northern states. Andhra Pradesh leads with 709 positions, closely followed by Uttar Pradesh (561), Maharashtra (504), and Telangana (491). States like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal also have significant allocations—403, 396, and 460 vacancies respectively.
| Region/State | Number of Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Andhra Pradesh | 709 |
| Uttar Pradesh | 561 |
| Maharashtra | 504 |
| Telangana | 491 |
| West Bengal | 460 |
| Tamil Nadu | 396 |
| Kerala | 403 |
| Rajasthan | 350 |
| Punjab | 345 |
| Haryana | 320 |
Even smaller union territories have representation. Ladakh and Chandigarh each have 15 seats, while Manipur has the smallest allocation at just 6 positions. This geographical spread means almost every candidate can find an examination centre within reasonable reach.
Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 19 May 2026 |
| Application Window Opens | 19 May 2026 |
| Original Application Deadline | 8 June 2026 |
| Extended Application Deadline | 15 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 30 June 2026 |
| Online Written Examination | 11 July 2026 |
Application Fee: Who Pays What
The fee structure is straightforward and follows standard Government of India guidelines. General, OBC, and EWS candidates pay Rs. 300. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are completely exempt. Payment was made online through the integrated gateway during application submission, and all fees were non-refundable.
The Exam: Structure and Strategy
The written test is your first hurdle. It consists of 100 objective-type multiple-choice questions, all to be completed in exactly 60 minutes. That's less than 40 seconds per question—speed and accuracy are both essential.
The test is divided into four sections, each with 25 questions and a 15-minute time limit:
- General and Financial Awareness (25 marks)
- General English (25 marks)
- Quantitative Aptitude (25 marks)
- Reasoning Ability and Computer Aptitude (25 marks)
Negative marking applies: you lose 0.25 marks for every incorrect answer. This means wild guessing will hurt you. There's no subject-wise minimum qualifying score, but you must achieve an aggregate minimum percentage set by the bank. SC, ST, OBC, and PwBD candidates get a 5% relaxation on this aggregate cutoff.
Here's a practical tip: don't spend more than 12 minutes on any single section. If a question seems impossible, flag it and move on. You can return if time permits. Attempting 75-80 questions accurately will likely put you in the qualifying range.
After the Written Test: Two More Hurdles
If you clear the written exam, you face the local language test. This is straightforward—it assesses whether you can read, write, and communicate in the official language of your chosen state. If your 10th or 12th certificate proves you already know that language, you skip this step entirely.
The final stage is a medical examination. SBI will verify your overall fitness as per its prescribed standards. This is rarely a barrier unless you have undisclosed health conditions that impact your ability to work.
Downloading Your Admit Card
The admit card went live on 30 June 2026. Visit https://www.sbi.co.in/careers and look for the apprenticeship recruitment section. Log in using your registration number and password (issued during application). Download your hall ticket and the "Acquaint Yourself" booklet immediately. Print both documents.
Check your exam centre location carefully. SBI has set up centres across the country—from Port Blair to Leh, Mumbai to Kolkata, Chennai to Bengaluru. Major cities have multiple centres. If your assigned centre is inconvenient, contact SBI's helpline before 10 July to request a change (approvals are not guaranteed, but it's worth trying).
Important Web-Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Exam Pattern | Click Here |
| Centres of Examination | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Download PDF |
| New Notice | Download PDF |
| Check Result | To be updated soon |
| Official Website | Visit |
| Join Our Whatsapp Channel | Visit |
| Join Our Facebook Page | Visit |
| Join Our Telegram Channel | Visit |
| Photo & Signature Resizer Tool (Free) | Visit |
What to Bring on Exam Day
Carry a valid original photo ID—Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID. Make a photocopy as backup. Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, and all electronic devices are strictly prohibited. You'll be frisked and your belongings will be checked.
If you belong to EWS, OBC, or PwBD categories, bring your valid original certificates. You'll need them for document verification later.
Document Checklist: Get These Ready Now
If you've already submitted your application, you're good. But if you're still in the process, here's what SBI requires—all in specific digital formats:
- Passport-size colour photograph (4.5 cm × 3.5 cm, 200×230 pixels, 20-50 KB)
- Signature in black ink (140×60 pixels, 10-20 KB)
- Thumb impression—left or right if left unavailable (240×240 pixels, 20-50 KB)
- Handwritten declaration (800×400 pixels, 50-100 KB)
- Graduation degree certificate
- Date of birth proof (birth certificate or school leaving certificate)
- Category certificate if applicable (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwBD)
- Valid identity proof (Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID)
All documents must be uploaded during the online application itself. You cannot submit them later.
Monthly Stipend and Training Duration
Selected apprentices receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 15,000 during the training period. No additional allowances, bonuses, or benefits are provided. The training duration isn't explicitly stated in the notification, but standard apprenticeships under the Apprentices Act typically run for 1-2 years. Confirm the exact duration with SBI during the joining process.
Getting Help: Contact Information
SBI's Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD) manages this recruitment. The helpline is 022-22820427, available 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM on working days. Email crpd@sbi.co.in for written queries. Both the official SBI career portal and the NAPS portal (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in) will publish all updates, results, and corrigenda. Check these sites regularly—don't rely on third-party sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I apply for multiple states?
No. You can apply for only one state and submit a single application. Multiple applications will be rejected automatically.
Q: What if I miss downloading my admit card before the exam?
Contact SBI's helpline immediately. They may issue a duplicate, but don't risk it—download as soon as possible.
Q: Is work experience mandatory?
No. Fresh graduates are welcome. The requirement is a graduation degree only.
Q: What happens if I fail the local language test?
You won't proceed further in the selection process. If you're unsure about your proficiency, consider applying for a state where you're more confident in the language, or ensure you have a 10th/12th certificate to claim exemption.
Q: Can I change my exam centre after receiving the admit card?
Contact SBI's helpline before 10 July. Changes are not guaranteed and depend on seat availability.
Q: What's the salary after apprenticeship?
This notification covers only the apprenticeship period. Future employment terms depend on SBI's policies at that time and are not guaranteed by this recruitment.
Q: Is the NAPS registration fee separate from the SBI application fee?
NAPS registration is free. The Rs. 300 fee (if applicable) is only for the SBI application.
Q: Can I use a scanned copy of my ID at the exam centre?
No. You must carry the original photo ID. Photocopies are not accepted.
Final Reminders
Your admit card is your gateway to the exam. Treat it as precious. Verify all details—name, date of birth, exam centre, and timing—before you leave home on 11 July. Arrive early. Stay calm during the exam. Remember that this is your first step into a potential banking career with one of India's largest financial institutions.
All official notifications, updates, and results will be published only on https://www.sbi.co.in/careers and https://apprenticeshipindia.gov.in. Bookmark these sites and check regularly. Ignore rumours and unverified claims on social media. Stick to official sources.
Good luck with your preparation.
