1. Introduction - From a PWD Job Seeker’s Perspective

For many Persons with Disabilities (PWD), banking jobs represent stability, dignity, and long-term career security. Among public sector opportunities, the State Bank of India (SBI) Circle Based Officer (CBO) recruitment is one of the most respected and well-paid options.

However, unlike clerical bank jobs, this is an officer-level role requiring prior banking experience. Therefore, this recruitment is particularly relevant for PWD candidates who are already working in banks and wish to move into SBI with better growth prospects.

This article explains-honestly and practically-whether this recruitment is truly suitable for you as a PWD applicant.

2. Official Job Overview

ParticularDetails
OrganizationState Bank of India (SBI)
Post NameCircle Based Officer (CBO)
Total Vacancies2273
Pay Scale₹48,480 - ₹85,920 per month
QualificationAny Graduate
Experience RequiredMinimum 2 years as Bank Officer
Age Limit21 to 30 years
Application ModeOnline
Application Period29 Jan 2026 - 18 Feb 2026

3. PWD-Specific Eligibility Analysis

Are PWD Candidates Eligible?

Yes. The notification clearly states:

Reservation for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) is available as per Government of India rules.

This means:

  • Candidates with minimum 40% disability (benchmark disability) are eligible for reservation and relaxations.
  • The reservation is horizontal, meaning PWD quota is applied across all categories (General, OBC, SC, ST).

Disability Categories Generally Covered

Although the notification does not list specific disability subcategories, SBI recruitments normally recognize:

  • OH - Orthopedically Handicapped
  • VH - Visually Handicapped
  • HH - Hearing Handicapped
  • ID - Intellectual Disabilities
  • Multiple Disabilities

Important Reality Check:

Since this is an officer-level banking job involving customer interaction, field visits, and operational responsibilities, some disabilities may find the role easier to manage than others.

Most Suitable Disability Types

  • Locomotor disabilities with reasonable mobility
  • Mild to moderate hearing impairment
  • Low vision candidates using assistive technology
  • Candidates with speech impairment but strong written communication

Less Suitable Profiles

  • Severe mobility restrictions that limit branch movement
  • Severe visual impairment without assistive adaptability
  • Disabilities making computer-based work difficult

Final Word:
Eligibility is legally open to all benchmark disabilities, but practical job suitability varies.

4. Reservations, Relaxations & Benefits for PWD

Fee Concession

CategoryApplication Fee
PwBDNIL (No Fee)

This is a major financial relief for PWD applicants.

Age Relaxation

PWD candidates get significant relaxation:

CategoryRelaxation
PwBD (General/EWS)10 years
PwBD (OBC)13 years
PwBD (SC/ST)15 years

This means:

  • A PwBD General candidate can apply up to age 40
  • A PwBD OBC candidate up to 43
  • A PwBD SC/ST candidate up to 45

Exam Concessions

As per government norms, PWD candidates are generally entitled to:

  • Extra time in online exams
  • Use of scribe (where applicable)
  • Accessible exam centers

Official notification does not specify detailed scribe rules - candidates must confirm at the time of call letter download.

5. Realistic Job Suitability Check

Before applying, every PWD candidate must evaluate:

Nature of Work

  • Customer handling
  • Branch operations
  • Loan processing
  • Team management
  • Occasional travel within circle

Physical & Functional Requirements

  • Regular computer usage
  • Interaction with customers
  • Movement inside branch
  • Possible transfers within circle

Workplace Environment

SBI branches are generally:

  • Partially accessible
  • Technology-driven
  • Inclusive toward PWD staff

However:

  • Not every branch has perfect infrastructure
  • Field visits may be required in some roles

6. Who Should Definitely Apply

This recruitment is IDEAL for PWD candidates who:

  • Already work as bank officers
  • Want better salary and career growth
  • Prefer SBI over current employer
  • Can manage branch-based work environment
  • Meet experience criteria

7. Who Should Avoid Applying

Do NOT apply if:

  • You do not have 2 years officer-level banking experience
  • Your disability makes regular branch duties difficult
  • You cannot relocate within the applied circle
  • You are not comfortable with customer-facing roles

8. How to Apply - PWD Focused Guidance

Documents Every PWD Candidate Must Prepare

  1. Valid Disability Certificate (40%+)
  2. UDID Card (if available)
  3. Recent photograph and signature
  4. Experience certificates
  5. Proof of salary documents
  6. ID proof
  7. Educational certificates

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Uploading outdated disability certificate
  • Wrong category selection
  • Incomplete experience proof
  • Applying for multiple circles

Remember:
You can apply for ONLY ONE circle.

9. Salary, Growth & Career Outlook

Why This Job is Valuable for PWD Candidates

  • Permanent government-backed job
  • High salary from Day 1
  • Structured promotions
  • Medical facilities
  • Pension benefits (NPS)
  • Social security

Long-term, this is one of the most stable white-collar careers in India for qualified PWD professionals.

10. Exam Preparation Strategy for PWD Candidates

The selection involves:

  • Online Objective Test
  • Descriptive Test
  • Interview
  • Local Language Test

Practical Tips

  • Use screen readers and assistive tools early
  • Practice mock tests with extra time settings
  • Focus on banking awareness
  • Prepare typing skills for descriptive test

11. Pros & Cons for PWD Applicants

Pros

  • No application fee
  • Age relaxation
  • Reputed organization
  • High salary
  • Respectable work profile

Cons

  • Experience requirement limits freshers
  • Possible mobility demands
  • Inter-circle transfer restrictions
  • Competitive selection process

12. PWD Application Checklist

Before submitting form, ensure:

  • Benchmark disability certificate (40%+)
  • UDID card
  • Correct PwBD category selected
  • All documents scanned properly
  • Local language proficiency proof
  • Correct circle chosen
  • Experience proofs uploaded

13. Honest Final Advice

This recruitment is excellent for experienced PWD banking professionals, but not suitable for fresh graduates with disabilities.

If you already work as a bank officer and seek better prospects, this is a golden opportunity.

If you do not meet experience requirements, wait for SBI Clerk/PO recruitments instead.

Frequently Asked Questions - PWD Focus

Q1. Is my disability type eligible?

If you have a government-issued benchmark disability certificate (40% or more), you are eligible under PwBD category.

Q2. Can I get a scribe?

Usually yes, subject to SBI exam rules. Exact provisions will be mentioned in the exam call letter.

Q3. I have disability but less than 40%. Can I apply as PWD?

No. Only benchmark disabilities (40%+) qualify for reservation.

Q4. Will SBI provide accessible posting?

SBI generally accommodates PWD employees, but posting depends on administrative requirements.

Q5. Is there separate cutoff for PWD?

Yes, PwBD candidates are considered under relaxed standards as per government norms.

Apply Now

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