1. Introduction - A Direct Message to Fellow Veterans

Leaving the Armed Forces and stepping into a structured civilian career is never simple. After years of disciplined service, fixed routines, and a clear chain of command, the civilian job market can feel confusing and uncertain.

The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Recruitment 2026 is one of the most practical opportunities currently available for Ex-Servicemen who are looking for a stable, respectable and long-term government banking career.

Although this recruitment is not exclusively reserved for Ex-Servicemen, it specifically allows age relaxation for veterans and welcomes experienced professionals with leadership background-qualities that military personnel naturally possess.

For JCOs, Senior NCOs, and even commissioned officers who wish to continue a structured post-retirement career, the role of Circle Based Officer can be an excellent second innings.

2. Verified Key Details (As Per Official Notification)

ParticularInformation
OrganizationState Bank of India (SBI)
Post NameCircle Based Officer (CBO)
Total Vacancies2273
QualificationGraduation in any discipline
Required ExperienceMinimum 2 years as Officer in Scheduled Commercial Bank or RRB
Salary ScaleRs. 48,480 - 85,920
Age Limit21 - 30 years
Age Relaxation for Ex-Servicemen5 Years
Application ModeOnline
Application Start Date29 January 2026
Application Last Date18 February 2026

3. Eligibility Explained - From an Ex-Servicemen Perspective

Educational Qualification

The notification requires:

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.

Most Ex-Servicemen already meet this criterion, especially those who completed degree programs during or after service.

Experience Requirement - The Main Challenge

This recruitment specifically demands:

  • Minimum 2 years experience as an Officer in a Scheduled Commercial Bank or Regional Rural Bank.

This is important to understand clearly:

  • Pure military experience does not directly substitute this requirement.
  • Only veterans who worked in banks after retirement (for example, as Probationary Officer, Assistant Manager, etc.) are directly eligible.

Who Among Ex-Servicemen Can Apply?

You are a strong candidate if:

  • You retired from the Forces,
  • Then joined a bank as an officer for at least two years,
  • And now wish to enter SBI through this recruitment.

Typical eligible profiles:

  • Ex-Servicemen currently working in Public Sector Banks
  • Veterans employed in RRBs after retirement
  • Short Service Commission officers who joined banks and now want to shift to SBI

Who Should NOT Apply?

You should avoid applying if:

  • You have only military experience but no banking officer experience
  • You are working in clerical cadre in a bank
  • You are employed in SBI clerical or supervisory roles
  • You resigned earlier from SBI as an officer

4. Understanding Ex-Servicemen Specific Benefits

Age Relaxation

  • Ex-Servicemen get 5 years upper age relaxation.

This means:

  • Maximum age becomes 35 years instead of 30 years.

This is extremely helpful for veterans who retired early and are trying to enter mainstream government employment.

Reservation Aspect

The notification does not specify exclusive reservation for ESM, but age relaxation gives veterans a competitive edge against general candidates.

Pay Fixation Reality

If selected:

  • Your salary will be fixed in Junior Management Grade Scale-I
  • Basic pay starts at Rs. 48,480
  • Additional allowances like DA, HRA, NPS, medical benefits etc. apply.

Important point:

  • Your military pension will continue separately.
  • This job does not interfere with pension entitlement.

For many veterans, this combination of pension + SBI salary creates excellent financial stability.

5. How Military Skills Fit Perfectly Into This Role

Even though direct banking experience is mandatory, Ex-Servicemen have natural advantages:

Military SkillBanking Role Requirement
LeadershipManaging branch teams
DisciplineRegulatory compliance
IntegrityHandling financial transactions
Stress ManagementCustomer handling
Decision MakingCredit and operations
AdministrationBranch operations

Veterans are already trained in responsibility and accountability-qualities highly valued in SBI.

6. Step-by-Step Application Walkthrough (Veteran Friendly)

Before You Start Applying, Keep These Ready:

  • Graduation certificates
  • Proof of banking officer experience (minimum 2 years)
  • Form-16 / salary slips
  • Experience certificates
  • Aadhaar and PAN
  • Passport size photograph and signature
  • Discharge book and ESM identity card (for age relaxation proof)

Application Steps

  1. Visit SBI careers portal
  2. Register with email and mobile number
  3. Fill personal and educational details
  4. Upload documents
  5. Pay application fee (Nil for SC/ST/PwBD categories)
  6. Submit and print application form

7. Common Problems Faced by Ex-Servicemen While Applying

Name Mismatch Issues

Often:

  • Discharge book name
  • Aadhaar name
  • Educational certificates

do not exactly match.

Solution:
Prepare an affidavit beforehand confirming all name variations belong to the same person.

Experience Proof Confusion

Many veterans fail to submit proper banking experience documents.

You must have:

  • Appointment letter
  • Joining letter
  • Relieving letter
  • Pay slips for 24 months

Without these, candidature may be rejected.

8. Salary, Growth and Work-Life Reality

Financial Picture

  • Basic Pay: Rs. 48,480
  • Plus DA, HRA, CCA
  • Medical benefits
  • NPS contribution

For a pensioner:

Pension + SBI Salary = Highly secure post-retirement income

Career Growth

  • Promotion opportunities up to senior management
  • Stable urban postings
  • Professional work environment

This is ideal for veterans seeking desk-based, respectable jobs after active field life.

9. Honest Pros and Cons for Ex-Servicemen

Advantages

  • Stable government job
  • Respectable officer post
  • Good salary and allowances
  • No impact on pension
  • Structured working hours
  • Utilizes leadership experience

Limitations

  • Mandatory banking officer experience
  • Competitive selection process
  • Transfer liability within circle
  • Computer and banking knowledge required

10. Preparation Strategy Tailored for Veterans

For the Online Examination

Focus on:

  • Basic computer knowledge
  • Banking awareness
  • General awareness
  • English writing skills

If you have been away from academics:

  • Start with 2 hours daily study
  • Use online mock tests
  • Revise banking terminology
  • Practice typing and essay writing

Discipline learned in Forces will help you prepare effectively.

11. Final Checklist Before Applying

  • Confirm minimum 2 years banking officer experience
  • Ensure age relaxation eligibility
  • Keep all documents scanned
  • Verify name consistency across records
  • Check local language requirement of chosen circle
  • Arrange NOC if currently employed

12. Practical Conclusion - Straight Advice

This recruitment is not for every Ex-Serviceman.

It is specifically suitable for:

  • Veterans already working in banking sector
  • Those with post-retirement banking officer experience
  • Personnel looking to shift from smaller banks to SBI

If you do not have banking officer experience, it is better to look for other government opportunities where pure military service is accepted.

For eligible veterans, however, this is a golden chance to enter India’s largest bank at an officer level.

Frequently Asked Questions (ESM Focused)

Q1. Can a military pensioner apply?

Yes. Drawing pension does not restrict you from applying. Pension will continue even after joining SBI.

Q2. How is age relaxation calculated?

Ex-Servicemen get 5 years relaxation over the general upper age limit.

Q3. Does my Army/Navy/Air Force experience replace the banking experience requirement?

No. The notification clearly requires 2 years experience as a bank officer. Military service alone is not considered equivalent.

Q4. What documents must an Ex-Serviceman keep ready?

  • Discharge book
  • Pension Payment Order
  • ESM Identity Card
  • Age proof
  • All banking employment documents

Q5. If my name differs slightly in service book and Aadhaar?

Prepare a notarized affidavit explaining the difference and keep it ready during verification.

Q6. Can I use ESM benefits multiple times?

Age relaxation can be used as per government norms, but reservation benefits depend on prevailing rules.

Apply Now

Apply Link: https://ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbicbonov25/