India’s public sector banks are set to recruit approximately 50,000 employees during the financial year 2025–26, as officially confirmed by the Ministry of Finance and the banks themselves. The hiring initiative will strengthen branch-level operations, support digital banking expansion, and meet growing service demands across the country.
In a written statement issued earlier this year, the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance, acknowledged the rising need for fresh manpower across state-owned banks.
“Public sector banks have been advised to assess staffing requirements based on business expansion plans, digital service delivery goals, and retirement cycles. Appropriate hiring will be undertaken to maintain operational efficiency,” the Ministry stated.
SBI to Lead with 20,000+ Appointments
Among the banks, the State Bank of India (SBI) has confirmed that it will be the largest recruiter this year. In a formal disclosure to the government, SBI stated:
“To meet business growth and customer service expectations, SBI is targeting the induction of over 20,000 employees across officer and associate grades during FY2025–26.”
This includes:
Probationary Officers (POs) Junior Associates (Clerks) Specialist Cadre Officers (SCOs) for IT, Risk, and Digital Banking
Other banks such as Punjab National Bank, Central Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, and Union Bank of India have also submitted hiring projections as part of the Ministry’s quarterly human resource review.
21,000 Officer-Level Posts to Be Filled
According to the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), over 21,000 officer-level vacancies will be filled this year. These include roles in general banking, credit analysis, compliance, and digital product management.
The IBA noted in its June 2025 bulletin:
“Public sector banks have collectively estimated a requirement of around 50,000 fresh recruits during the financial year, primarily due to business expansion, natural attrition, and ongoing digitization efforts.”
Eligibility and Selection Process
Recruitment for these posts will be conducted through:
The Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) for most banks SBI’s standalone recruitment portal for its PO and Clerk roles Regional Rural Bank (RRB) recruitment conducted via IBPS for rural branches
Minimum Eligibility:
Education: Graduation in any discipline from a recognized Indian university Age: 20 to 30 years for most roles (age relaxation as per government norms) Computer Literacy: Basic proficiency is expected for most positions Local Language Proficiency: Required for clerical posts
The official notifications for IBPS and SBI exams are available on www.ibps.in and www.sbi.co.in/careers, respectively.
How to Improve Your Chances of Selection
Banking exams are highly competitive, and preparation must be systematic. Based on recommendations from the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) and IBA advisory materials, candidates can enhance their chances as follows:
1. Follow Official Exam Syllabus
Stick to verified syllabi from IBPS and SBI covering:
Quantitative Aptitude Logical Reasoning English Language General & Banking Awareness Computer Knowledge
2. Take Government-Recognized Training
Enrolling in NSDC-affiliated skilling programs or online certification courses in financial literacy, Excel, or retail banking can strengthen your profile.
3. Stay Consistent with Mock Practice
Regularly attempt mock tests under timed conditions. Resources offered through the NCS portal and Swayam platform by the Government of India are useful for practice.
4. Understand Real-World Banking
Use RBI’s “Financial Literacy” modules, and stay updated with monthly economic bulletins to prepare for interview rounds.
5. Prepare Documents in Advance
Have scanned copies of your degree, ID proof, caste/income certificates (if applicable), and passport-sized photographs ready for online form submissions.
