With over 9 lakh registrations for only 6,589 Junior Associate vacancies, the SBI Clerk recruitment remains highly competitive. Based on the latest RTI data, here is a detailed breakdown of candidate participation across the Prelims and Mains examinations.
The State Bank of India has officially disclosed applicant statistics for the SBI Junior Associate (Clerk) 2025 recruitment via an RTI response. With approximately 9.01 lakh registrations vying for 6,589 posts, the SBI Clerk exam stands as one of the most sought-after opportunities in India's banking sector. These 2025 figures highlight the intense competition, underscoring that securing a position requires exceptional preparation to outperform a vast pool of candidates.
While the 2025 turnout was significant, the 2026 recruitment cycle is expected to be even more challenging, with projections suggesting that the number of applicants could exceed 10 lakh for the upcoming vacancies.
SBI Clerk 2025 Applicants’ Data
Out of 9,00,771 registered candidates for the SBI Clerk 2025 exam, 6,43,828 (71.48%) appeared for the Preliminary stage, meaning roughly 2.57 lakh registrants were absent. Subsequently, only 1,20,006 (18.64%) qualified for the Mains, with 1,14,052 candidates actually taking the test. Through the SBI Clerk 2025 recruitment process (CRPD/CR/2025-26/06), these 6,589 Junior Associate positions were successfully filled.
| Particulars | No. of Applicants |
| Registered Candidates | 9,00,771 |
| Candidates Appeared in Prelims | 6,43,828 |
| Prelims Qualified Candidates | 1,20,006 |
| Candidates Appeared in Mains | 1,14,052 |

10 Lakh+ Applications Expected for SBI Clerk 2026
As India's largest lender, the State Bank of India offers unparalleled career growth, making its annual Junior Associate recruitment highly competitive. The selection process consists of a Preliminary exam, a Mains exam, and a mandatory Language Proficiency Test. With applicant numbers approaching 10 lakh, aspiring bankers must initiate their preparation early to stay ahead of the curve before the next notification and vacancy cycle is announced.
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