New Delhi: State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest public sector bank, has announced plans to recruit around 16,000 employees during the current financial year (FY26) as part of its expansion strategy. The bank is expected to maintain a similar pace of hiring annually to support business growth and strengthen customer service operations.
The announcement was made by SBI Chairman C.S. Setty, who also revealed that the bank plans to expand its physical presence by opening 200–300 new branches across the country during this fiscal year.
Focus on Business Expansion and Customer Service
The large-scale recruitment drive is aimed at enhancing SBI’s workforce capacity across various verticals, including retail banking, corporate banking, digital services, and customer-facing roles. With growing demand for banking services and digital transactions, SBI is focusing on improving service delivery while ensuring adequate manpower at branch and operational levels.
Chairman C.S. Setty noted that the bank is actively identifying “white spaces” — regions with limited banking penetration — to strengthen its branch network and improve access to financial services, especially in underserved and emerging markets.
Ambitious Growth Target: ₹200 Lakh Crore Business Size
The hiring and branch expansion plans are part of SBI’s broader long-term strategy to double its business size to ₹200 lakh crore over the next six to seven years. The bank’s total business stood at around ₹100 lakh crore in the second quarter of FY26, and the management is confident of sustaining growth momentum through a balanced mix of digital expansion and physical infrastructure.
Industry experts believe that SBI’s aggressive expansion signals strong confidence in India’s economic growth, rising credit demand, and increased financial inclusion.
Employment Boost in the Banking Sector
SBI’s recruitment plan is expected to provide significant employment opportunities for banking aspirants, fresh graduates, and experienced professionals. Public sector bank hiring has remained a key source of stable employment in India, and SBI’s annual intake of around 16,000 employees will further strengthen the sector’s workforce pipeline.
The bank is expected to release recruitment notifications for various posts through its official website and career portals in phases during FY26.
Strengthening India’s Banking Infrastructure
With a combination of digital innovation and physical expansion, SBI aims to maintain its leadership position in India’s banking sector. The new branches and workforce expansion are expected to enhance customer outreach, improve service efficiency, and support the bank’s long-term growth ambitions.
Disclaimer: This news article is published for informational purposes only. Recruitment details, timelines, and eligibility criteria will be announced officially by SBI. Candidates are advised to refer to SBI’s official website for updates.
