In a landmark move set to redefine the scale of public sector banking employment, the State Bank of India (SBI) has announced its plan to recruit approximately 18,000 new employees during the financial year 2025–26 (FY26). This ambitious hiring initiative marks the bank’s most extensive recruitment drive in the past ten years.
The announcement was made by SBI Chairman Dinesh Kumar Khara, signaling the bank’s proactive approach to strengthen its workforce amid growing customer demands and operational expansion. According to Khara, the upcoming recruitment is not just about replacing retirees but also about creating capacity for future growth, especially in the realms of digital banking, customer service, and regional outreach.
Driving Factors Behind the Massive Hiring:
Several key factors are contributing to this large-scale recruitment plan:
- Anticipated Retirements: A substantial portion of the bank’s current employees is nearing retirement. As a result, SBI is planning ahead to ensure seamless operations and continuity of service across its branches and digital platforms.
- Business Growth: With SBI expanding its physical and digital presence nationwide, the need for a more robust workforce is evident. The bank has already announced plans to open over 600 new branches in FY25, further intensifying the need for trained personnel.
- Digital Transformation: The bank’s shift toward greater technological integration and digital banking requires professionals skilled in areas such as IT, cybersecurity, and data analytics. This hiring spree will help bring in fresh talent to support these evolving domains.
A Golden Opportunity for Aspirants
The upcoming recruitment drive will span various roles, including clerical and officer-level positions, with specific emphasis on roles that support both traditional banking and tech-driven operations. For job seekers preparing for government and banking exams, this development opens up a significant number of opportunities.
SBI has consistently been a top recruiter in the banking sector, and this upcoming drive is expected to surpass previous recruitment efforts in both volume and diversity of roles.
What to Expect Next
While the detailed notification for the 18,000 vacancies is expected closer to FY26, candidates are advised to keep a close watch on SBI’s official career portal and start their preparations early. The selection process is likely to follow SBI’s standard recruitment pattern involving preliminary exams, mains, and interviews for officer roles.