State Bank of India (SBI) has announced major expansion plans aimed at strengthening its national footprint, enhancing customer service capacity and advancing financial inclusion. The country’s largest lender is set to hire around 16,000 employees and open 200 to 300 new branches by the end of the 2025–26 financial year.
The large-scale hiring push also comes at a time when job creation remains a key focus in the financial sector.
The recruitment drive will span operations, customer service, digital banking support and frontline branch roles. The bank is expected to onboard a mix of fresh graduates and experienced professionals to meet rising service demands and support branch-level operations, especially across semi-urban and rural markets.
The planned branch expansion marks a renewed emphasis on physical banking after years of digital-led growth. Additionally, the upcoming branches are expected to be strategically located across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, emerging markets and regions with low banking penetration.
The bank reiterated that its growth strategy is centred on a hybrid delivery model — integrating robust digital services with an expanded physical presence. New hires will be trained to support both traditional branch operations and customers transitioning to digital channels, helping ensure seamless, high-quality service across touchpoints.
SBI’s expansion initiative aligns with broader efforts in the banking sector to widen access to credit, savings and essential financial products. By increasing its workforce and extending branch coverage, the bank aims to boost financial inclusion, support small businesses and contribute to economic growth in underserved areas.
