Can I apply for SBI Clerk if I already work in another bank or a government job?

Yes. Working in another bank, a PSU or a government office does not stop you from applying, as long as you meet the age, education and other conditions. There are two rules to know.

1. Discharge certificate at joining

The 2026 notification says candidates serving in Government or quasi-Government offices, Public Sector Undertakings including nationalised banks and financial institutions must produce a proper discharge certificate from the employer at the time of taking up the appointment, if selected. In practice, this means you resign or are relieved properly from your current job before joining SBI.

• Check your current employer's notice period and any bond or service agreement you signed there.
• Some employers ask you to inform them before applying for outside jobs. Follow your service rules to avoid a dispute later.

2. Current and former SBI clerks are not eligible

Candidates already working in SBI in the clerical cadre are not eligible under the Junior Associate project. Candidates who were earlier employed in SBI and resigned while in the clerical cadre are also not eligible. SBI clerks who want to move up have the internal promotion route and the SBI PO exam instead.

Private sector employees

If you work in a private bank or company, the discharge certificate clause in the notification does not apply in the same way, but you will still need to leave that job before joining SBI. Your new employer may also check your background as part of Know Your Employee (KYE) formalities.

Age relaxation for employees?

There is no general age relaxation for working candidates. Relaxations are given only for the categories in the notification (OBC, SC/ST, PwBD, ex-servicemen, certain women candidates and trained SBI apprentices).