The Central Bank of India (CBI) — one of India’s oldest and most trusted public sector banks — has officially announced a massive recruitment drive for 4,500 Apprentice positions under the Apprentices Act, 1961, for the Financial Year 2026-27. This recruitment is under the Apprentices Act, 1961, and as per the Apprenticeship Policy of the Bank. The period of engagement is 12 months, and selected candidates will be placed in branches and offices across respective regions at the discretion of the bank. Let me walk you through everything you need to know — eligibility, how to apply, exam pattern, stipend, and my honest take on whether this is worth your time.
Central Bank of India Apprentice 2026 — Key Highlights
| Organization | Central Bank of India |
| Post Name | Apprentice |
| Total Training Seats | 4500 |
| Financial Year | 2026-27 |
| Notification Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Apply Start Date | 12 June 2026 |
| Apply Last Date | 22 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Window | 12 June 2026 to 22 June 2026 |
| Online Examination | First Week of July 2026 (Tentative) |
| Training Duration | 12 Months |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹15,000/- |
| Official Website | centralbankofindia.co.in |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a UGC/AICTE recognized university. The degree must be completed before the date of application. Final-year students waiting for results are generally not eligible, so check the official notification carefully on this point.
Age Limit
The age limit is not below 20 years and not above 28 years. Based on the established pattern of this recruitment, age is calculated as on a cut-off date mentioned in the official notification. Age relaxation is applicable for reserved category candidates as per Government of India rules.
| Category | Age Relaxation |
|---|---|
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC (NCL) | 3 years |
| PwBD | 10 years |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt. norms |
| J&K Domicile (1980–89 period) | 5 years |
Other Requirements: You must be registered on the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal. Proficiency in the local language of the applied state is important (there will be a test for it).
Vacancy Distribution — 4500 Seats Across India
The 4500 training seats are distributed across the bank’s various regional offices spanning the country. Seats are allocated state-wise and region-wise. The number of seats for apprentices and the number of reserved seats is provisional and may vary according to the bank’s requirements.
Category-wise reservation follows Government of India norms:
| Category | Reservation |
|---|---|
| SC (Scheduled Caste) | 15% |
| ST (Scheduled Tribe) | 7.5% |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 27% |
| EWS (Economically Weaker Section) | 10% |
| UR (Unreserved/General) | 40.5% |
| PwBD | 4% horizontal reservation |
Selection Process
The selection process for Central Bank of India Apprentice 2026 involves the following stages:
Stage 1 — Online Written Examination
The online exam is tentatively scheduled in the first week of July 2026. It typically covers:
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Reasoning Ability | Logical, verbal, and analytical reasoning |
| Numerical Ability | Arithmetic, data interpretation, number series |
| English Language | Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary |
| General Awareness | Current affairs, banking awareness, static GK |
Stage 2 — Document Verification
Shortlisted candidates based on exam merit are called for document verification.
Stage 3 — Final Merit List
The final selection is based on performance in the online examination, subject to document verification and meeting eligibility criteria.
Stipend and Benefits
Apprentices are eligible for a stipend of ₹15,000 per month for the engagement period of one year. The apprentices are not eligible for any other allowances or benefits.
How to Apply — Step-by-Step Guide
- Register on NATS Portal — Visit nats.education.gov.in and complete your registration if you haven’t already.
- Visit the Official Website — Go to centralbankofindia.co.in
- Navigate to Careers/Recruitment Section — Look for the Apprentice Recruitment 2026-27 notification link.
- Download and Read the Official Notification — Read all eligibility conditions, instructions, and fee details carefully before proceeding.
- Click on “Apply Online” — Fill in your personal, educational, and contact details accurately.
- Upload Documents — Photograph, signature, and required certificates in the prescribed format and size.
- Pay the Application Fee — Use Net Banking / UPI / Debit Card / Credit Card.
- Submit the Application — Click submit and download/print the confirmation page for future reference.
Official Links
| Official Website | centralbankofindia.co.in |
| Apply Online | Apply Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Check Here |
| NATS Portal | nats.education.gov.in |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can I apply if I am in my final year of graduation?
No. You must have completed your degree and possess the final mark sheet/degree certificate by the cut-off date.
Q2. Is there negative marking in the online exam?
No. There is no negative marking for wrong answers, which makes this exam less risky.
Q3. What is the mode of the examination?
The exam is conducted online (Computer-Based Test) at designated examination centers.
