SBI Recruitment 2026: Bank to Hire 16,000 Employees and Open 300 New Branches
Big update for banking job aspirants! The State Bank of India plans to recruit approximately 16,000 new employees annually starting in FY 2026 to strengthen its reach across rural and urban markets. Additionally, the bank will launch 200–300 new branches to enhance nationwide accessibility.
The State Bank of India (SBI), the nation's premier public sector lender, has unveiled an ambitious growth strategy for the 2026 fiscal year. In a recent media briefing, SBI Chairman C.S. Setty confirmed the bank’s commitment to hiring 16,000 new professionals annually from FY 2026 onwards. This initiative aims to drive business scalability, operational efficiency, and superior customer service. Furthermore, the bank will establish 200–300 new branches in emerging urban and semi-urban hubs. Continue reading to learn more about upcoming job opportunities at SBI.
State Bank of India to Hire 16000 New Employees Every Year
While the current recruitment cycle is nearing completion, the bank anticipates inducting 16,000 new hires shortly. SBI consistently maintains this hiring volume to reinforce its human capital across critical roles, including Probationary Officers (PO), Specialist Officers (SO), clerks, and administrative staff.
- SBI had 2.36 lakh employees as of March 2025
- Around 28% of the workforce are women
- Employee costs increased by 11% YOY in H1FY26
SBI to Open 200 to 300 New Branches in FY 2026
Chairman C.S. Setty highlighted that SBI is targeting "white spaces"—newly developed townships and expanding residential colonies—for its branch network expansion. To bridge these service gaps, the bank has committed to the following initiatives:
- Add 200 – 300 new branches in FY26
- Increase ATMs based on footfall analytics
- The branch and ATM expansion is linked to SBI’s goal of doubling its business size to Rs. 200 lakh crore in the next 6 – 7 years.
State Bank Operations Support Services (SBOSS) Help in Rural and Semi-Urban Areas
SBI also intends to amplify the footprint of its wholly-owned subsidiary, SBOSS, which focuses on delivering financial services to rural and semi-urban regions. This includes managing government scheme disbursements and supporting agricultural and small business credit applications. SBOSS has already introduced ‘ATM Mitras’ who:
- Monitor ATM uptime and availability
- Ensure maintenance and cleanliness
- Take care of over 60,000 ATMs across India
- The bank will deploy 6,000 people for floor coordination and support activities in its branches.
What’s In It for the Bank Job Aspirants?
The expansion of SBI’s network and workforce signals a robust outlook for banking sector career seekers. Here is why this development is significant:
- Big Hiring Opportunity: SBI will hire around 16,000 new employees every year from 2026 in roles like PO, Clerk, SO, and other staff.
- Jobs Across Remote Places: With 200-300 new branches opening in towns and cities, there are chances for candidates from small towns and rural areas too.
- Support Jobs with SBOSS: SBI’s subsidiary SBOSS will hire people for branch support, ATM Mitras, and floor coordination.
- Women-Friendly Hiring: About 28% of SBI employees are women, so female candidates also have good chances.