1. Introduction

For many banking aspirants from Assam, government jobs are not just about salary-they represent stability, social respect, and a chance to work close to home. Over the years, candidates from the state have faced limited local vacancies, delayed exams, and intense competition from metro-centric candidates.

The SBI Circle Based Officer (CBO) Recruitment 2026 is significant because it offers circle-level posting with language preference, which directly benefits candidates who already understand the banking ecosystem in Assam and the North-East.

However, this is not a freshers’ exam. This recruitment is strictly meant for experienced banking officers. Many Assam candidates misunderstand this point and apply unnecessarily. This article will help you decide clearly.

2. Key Details Table (Verified from Official Notification)

ItemDetails
Recruiting BankState Bank of India
Post NameCircle Based Officer (CBO)
Total Vacancies2273 (2050 Regular + 223 Backlog)
Assam / NE CircleGuwahati Circle
Vacancies for Guwahati Circle85
Educational QualificationGraduation in any discipline
ExperienceMinimum 2 years as Officer in SCB or RRB
Age Limit21-30 years (as on 31-12-2025)
Application ModeOnline only
Start Date2026-01-29
Last Date2026-02-18
Exam MonthMarch 2026 (Tentative)
Official Websitehttps://sbi.bank.in

Anything not mentioned above is not available in the official notification.

3. Post-Wise Eligibility - Ground Reality Explained

This post is ONLY for experienced officers.

  • You must already be working (or have worked) as an officer in:

    • A Scheduled Commercial Bank, or
    • A Regional Rural Bank (RRB)

  • Clerks, customer service associates, contractual staff, and SBI clerical employees are not eligible.

For Assam candidates specifically:

  • Experience from Assam Gramin Vikash Bank, regional RRBs, or PSU banks strengthens suitability.
  • Private bank officers can apply only if their annual gross salary is ₹9.5 lakh or more, with proof.
  • Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Manipuri, Garo, Khasi, Mizo, Kokborok, or English language proficiency is mandatory for the Guwahati Circle.

Who this post suits best in Assam

  • Officers stuck in RRBs with slow promotions
  • Officers from private banks wanting PSU stability
  • Candidates seeking long-term posting within Assam/NE

Who should NOT apply

  • Fresh graduates
  • Bank clerks without officer experience
  • Candidates aiming for quick inter-state transfers
  • Those uncomfortable with rural/semi-urban postings

4. How to Apply - Assam-Focused Guidance

Step-by-step

  1. Visit SBI careers → Current Openings
  2. Register with a valid email & mobile number
  3. Choose only one circle (Guwahati for Assam)
  4. Upload documents carefully
  5. Pay fees and submit

Common Assam-specific mistakes

  • Uploading PRC instead of language proof (PRC is not required here)
  • Assuming Assamese medium education automatically clears language test (10th/12th proof required)
  • Name mismatch between Aadhaar, certificates, and bank records
  • Uploading unclear experience certificates without officer designation

5. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook

Starting Pay

  • Basic Pay: ₹48,480
  • Approx in-hand (Assam posting): ₹75,000-₹85,000/month after allowances

Career Growth

  • Entry at JMGS-I with 2 advance increments
  • Promotion pathway similar to PO channel
  • No inter-circle transfer until SMGS-IV or 12 years

Practical Reality

  • Stable career
  • Moderate work pressure compared to metros
  • Strong social standing in Assam districts

6. Preparation Plan & Study Strategy (Assam Perspective)

Exam Focus Areas

  • Banking Knowledge (most scoring for experienced officers)
  • Economy & General Awareness (national + banking-related)
  • English (descriptive section is crucial)
  • Computer Aptitude (basic, do not ignore)

Daily Plan (for working candidates)

  • 1.5 hrs: Banking concepts & current banking updates
  • 1 hr: GA/Economy (last 6-8 months)
  • 30 mins: English writing practice (letters, essays)

Assam GK is not asked, but awareness of NE banking issues helps in interview.

7. Pros & Cons - Honest Assessment

Pros

  • Assam/NE circle-specific vacancy
  • PSU bank security
  • Officer-level respect and authority
  • Good salary-growth balance

Cons

  • Very limited Assam vacancies (85)
  • Heavy competition from experienced officers
  • No inter-circle transfer flexibility
  • Interview performance matters significantly

8. Applicant Checklist (Assam-Specific)

  • Graduation certificate
  • Officer experience certificate (minimum 2 years)
  • Salary proof (Form-16 / payslips if private bank)
  • 10th/12th language proof for Assamese/Bengali/etc.
  • OBC-NCL / EWS certificate (latest format only)
  • Clear scanned documents (as per SBI specs)

9. Conclusion - Apply or Skip?

Apply if:

  • You are already a bank officer
  • You want long-term stability in Assam/NE
  • You meet language and experience conditions

Skip if:

  • You are a fresher or clerk
  • You want fast transfers outside Assam
  • You cannot clear interview-level banking questions

This is a career consolidation opportunity, not an entry-level chance. Treat it accordingly.

10. FAQs (Real Assam Aspirant Doubts)

Q1. Is PRC mandatory for Assam candidates?
No. PRC is not mentioned in the official notification.

Q2. Is Assamese compulsory?
No. Any one listed local language of the Guwahati Circle is acceptable.

Q3. Can SBI clerks apply?
No. SBI clerical or supervisory cadre employees are explicitly excluded.

Q4. Is there negative marking?
No negative marking in the objective test.

Q5. Can I apply for multiple circles?
No. Only one circle is allowed.