State Bank of India (SBI), through its Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD), Mumbai, has released Specialist Cadre Officer (SCO) — Law notification CRPD/SCO/2026-27/02 dated 24 June 2026 for 49 regular vacancies — 20 Assistant Manager (Law) on JMGS-I and 29 Deputy Manager (Law) on MMGS-II (including 2 ST backlog seats). LLB graduates with 2 or 4 years of post-enrolment legal practice or scheduled commercial bank legal department experience can apply online from 24 June 2026 to 14 July 2026.
Apply: 24 Jun – 14 Jul 2026 · Exam: Aug 2026 (tentative) · Selection: Online test + Interview (70:30) · Fee: ₹750 (SC/ST/PwBD exempt)
These are permanent Specialist Cadre Officer posts in India’s largest public sector bank — distinct from IBPS SO Law Officer (Scale I, 105 indicative vacancies, different eligibility). This guide covers the full SBI notification in one place so you can prepare and apply without cross-checking aggregator sites.
Browse more alerts on our Banking Jobs page and Latest Job Notifications.
Official Links — SBI SCO Law Officer 2026-27
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click here to apply online |
| Download Notification PDF | Click here to download notification PDF |
| SBI Careers — Current Openings | Click here to visit official website |
| Post Your Query | Click here — SBI careers contact |
Download the official PDF before choosing between Assistant Manager and Deputy Manager — experience requirements differ and you can apply for only one post.
SBI SCO Law Officer 2026-27 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Bank | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Department | Central Recruitment & Promotion Department (CRPD), Corporate Centre, Mumbai |
| Advertisement | CRPD/SCO/2026-27/02 (24 June 2026) |
| Posts | Assistant Manager (Law) · Deputy Manager (Law) |
| Grade | JMGS-I · MMGS-II |
| Nature | Regular Specialist Cadre Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 49 (provisional) |
| Cut-off Date | 31 May 2026 (age, qualification, experience) |
| Application | Online only |
| Selection | Online Written Test → Interview |
| Written Exam | August 2026 (tentative) |
Important Dates — SBI Law Officer 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 24 June 2026 |
| Online application & fee payment opens | 24 June 2026 |
| Last date to apply & pay fee | 14 July 2026 |
| Application / fee receipt reprint available till | 04 August 2026 |
| Online written test (tentative) | August 2026 |
| Interview | To be notified |
| Call letter | SBI website + SMS/email (no postal intimation) |
Registration is complete only after online fee payment (or fee exemption for SC/ST/PwBD). Do not wait until 14 July evening — SBI portals experience heavy load on closing days.
Vacancy Breakdown — 49 Posts
| Sl. | Post | Type | Grade | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Assistant Manager (Law) | Regular | JMGS-I | 20 |
| 2 | Deputy Manager (Law) | Regular | MMGS-II | 27 |
| Backlog (ST) | — | MMGS-II | 2 | |
| Grand Total | 49 |
Abbreviations: JMGS — Junior Management Grade Scale · MMGS — Middle Management Grade Scale · SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR — reservation categories · PwBD — horizontal quota within parent category.
Vacancies are distributed across SC, ST, OBC, EWS, and UR as per the official PDF category matrix. PwBD reservation is horizontal — included within the parent category vacancy. All figures are provisional and may vary with actual Bank requirements.
Eligibility Criteria — Post-Wise Requirements
All conditions are assessed as on 31 May 2026. Educational qualification stated is the minimum — you must also meet the mandatory experience bar.
Educational Qualification
| Post | Mandatory | Preferred |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Manager (Law) | Graduate with LLB / Law Graduate from a recognised Indian university | 5-year integrated law degree may be preferred |
| Deputy Manager (Law) | Graduate with LLB / Law Graduate from a recognised Indian university | 5-year integrated law degree may be preferred |
Mandatory Work Experience (After Bar Council Enrolment)
| Post | Experience Required |
|---|---|
| Assistant Manager (Law) | 2 years as practising advocate (enrolled with Bar Council) OR 2 years as Law Officer in the Legal Department of a Scheduled Commercial Bank OR 2 years combined advocate + bank legal department experience |
| Deputy Manager (Law) | 4 years under the same three pathways (advocate / bank legal / combined) |
Critical exclusions:
- Internship experience is not counted.
- Teaching or training experience is not counted.
- Experience must be after Bar Council enrolment as advocate.
- Experience certificates must explicitly state duties in the related legal field.
Age Limit (as on 31 May 2026)
| Post | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Manager (Law) | 25 years | 32 years |
| Deputy Manager (Law) | 25 years | 35 years |
Age Relaxation (Not Cumulative)
| Category | Relaxation |
|---|---|
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 3 years |
| SC / ST | 5 years |
| PwBD (UR / EWS) | 10 years |
| PwBD (OBC) | 13 years |
| PwBD (SC / ST) | 15 years |
| Ex-Servicemen / ECOs / SSCOs (5+ years service, released on completion) | 5 years |
No category change is permitted after online registration. Pick your category carefully at the time of application.
Nationality & Other Conditions
- Must be a citizen of India.
- CIBIL check: Candidates who have defaulted on loans/credit card dues with banks/NBFCs and have not regularised outstanding dues by the date of recruitment offer are ineligible for appointment.
- Government / PSU / nationalised bank employees need NOC at interview; failure disqualifies candidature.
- Serving employees must have informed their employer in writing about applying.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / EWS / OBC | ₹750 (non-refundable) |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Exempted (no fee, no intimation charges) |
Pay online via debit card, credit card, or internet banking. Bank transaction charges are borne separately by the candidate. Fee cannot be refunded or adjusted to any other SBI examination.
Salary & Benefits — JMGS-I vs MMGS-II
| Post | Basic Pay Scale | Starting Basic Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Manager (Law) — JMGS-I | ₹48,480 – 2000(7) – 62,480 – 2340(2) – 67,160 – 2680(7) – 85,920 | ₹48,480 |
| Deputy Manager (Law) — MMGS-II | ₹64,820 – 2340(1) – 67,160 – 2680(10) – 93,960 | ₹64,820 |
Additional benefits: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Provident Fund, NPS, Leave Fare Concession (LFC), medical facility, and other perquisites as per SBI rules.
In-hand salary is significantly higher than basic pay after allowances — varies by posting location and applicable DA revision.
Selection Process — Online Test + Interview
| Stage | Weightage |
|---|---|
| Online Written Test | 70% |
| Interview | 30% |
Marks are normalised before merit preparation. Adequate candidates are called for interview category-wise based on written test performance. Interview qualifying marks are decided by the Bank.
Stage 1: Online Written Test (100 Marks Total)
You must qualify in both objective and descriptive components individually.
Objective Test (50 Marks — 90 Minutes Total)
| Test | Questions | Marks | Time | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Test of Reasoning | 25 | 25 | 45 minutes (combined) | Qualifying only — not counted for merit |
| English Language | 35 | 35 | (same 45 min block) | Qualifying only — not counted for merit |
| Professional Knowledge (Law) | 50 | 50 | 45 minutes | Counted for merit |
Key exam rules:
- Only Professional Knowledge objective marks count toward merit (along with descriptive marks).
- General Aptitude (Reasoning + English) must be cleared but scores are not added to merit.
- No negative marking for wrong answers.
- Call letters uploaded on sbi.bank.in with SMS/email intimation.
Descriptive Test (50 Marks — 45 Minutes)
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Format | Answer any 5 out of 8 questions |
| Marks | 10 marks × 5 = 50 |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Nature | Legal writing / analysis — counted for merit |
Written test merit = Professional Knowledge (objective) + Descriptive Test combined, before 70% weightage is applied.
Stage 2: Interview (100 Marks)
- 100 marks — 30% weightage in final merit.
- Qualifying standard set by SBI.
- Outstation candidates called for interview may claim economy class airfare reimbursement up to ₹10,000 (round trip, shortest route) on submission of original tickets/invoice and boarding pass. Local transport is not reimbursed.
Tie-Breaking Rule
If candidates score identical cut-off marks in the final merit list, higher age ranks first (descending age order).
Professional Knowledge Syllabus — Indicative Topics
The syllabus is indicative, not exhaustive — SBI may set questions beyond these areas.
| Subject Area | Coverage |
|---|---|
| Constitutional Law | Fundamental concepts, issues, current developments |
| Administrative Law | Fundamental concepts, issues, current developments |
| Financial Sector Laws | Banking regulation, RBI Act, SARFAESI, DRT, IBC, NI Act — concepts & updates |
| Procedural Laws | CPC, CrPC, Evidence Act — core principles and application |
| New Labour Codes | Wage, industrial relations, social security, OSH codes — overview & compliance |
| Statutory Interpretation & Legal Drafting | Principles of construction, drafting notices, agreements, pleadings |
Preparation Strategy for August 2026
| Priority | Action |
|---|---|
| 1. Professional Knowledge | Revise banking litigation, SARFAESI, IBC, DRT, NI Act, contract law, labour codes |
| 2. Descriptive practice | Write 5 legal answers in 45 minutes — case analysis, legal opinions, drafting |
| 3. Qualifying aptitude | Basic reasoning and English — clear cut-off without over-investing study time |
| 4. Current legal updates | Supreme Court and High Court judgments affecting banking sector (last 12 months) |
How to Apply Online — Step-by-Step
- Visit sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings.
- Select SCO Law Officer 2026-27 recruitment.
- Click Apply Online → redirected to ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbiscoljun26/.
- New Registration — enter name, email, mobile; note Registration ID (RID) and password.
- Fill personal, educational, and experience details — verify each section with Save and Next.
- Upload all mandatory documents (see table below).
- Capture live photograph via webcam or mobile QR scan.
- Complete Registration — no edits permitted after this step.
- Pay ₹750 fee online (if applicable) → Submit.
- Save confirmation page — reprint available till 4 August 2026.
One post only. Multiple applications → only the last completed RID is valid; earlier fees are forfeited.
Documents to Upload (Online Application)
| Document | Format / Size |
|---|---|
| Passport-size colour photograph | JPG/JPEG, 20–50 KB (200×230 px preferred) |
| Live photograph | Captured during registration |
| Signature (black ink, not capitals) | JPG/JPEG, 10–20 KB (140×60 px) |
| Brief resume | |
| ID proof | |
| Proof of date of birth | |
| Educational certificates & mark sheets | |
| Bar Council enrolment proof | |
| Experience certificates | |
| Caste / EWS certificate (if applicable) | |
| PwBD certificate (if applicable) | |
| Preferred qualification / certification | |
| Form-16 / offer letter / latest salary slip |
Documents for Interview (If Called)
- All originals matching uploaded documents
- Valid caste certificate (reserved categories) in Central Government format
- OBC NCL certificate issued between 01 April 2026 and interview date
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate for FY 2025-26 (on or before last application date)
- PwBD certificate dated on or before registration closing date
- NOC from current employer (govt/PSU/nationalised bank)
- Photo ID in original (passport, Aadhaar, PAN, driving licence, voter ID, bank passbook)
- Discharge / relieving certificate from current employer at joining (if selected)
SBI SCO Law Officer vs IBPS SO Law Officer 2026
| Factor | SBI SCO Law 2026 | IBPS CRP SPL-XVI Law 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Bank | SBI only | 11 participating PSBs |
| Vacancies | 49 | 105 (indicative) |
| Grade | JMGS-I / MMGS-II | Scale I |
| Experience | 2 / 4 years mandatory | Post-wise (often fresher-eligible) |
| Age | 25–32 / 25–35 | 20–30 (general) |
| Apply portal | ibpsreg.ibps.in/sbiscoljun26 | ibpsreg.ibps.in/crpspxvimy26 |
| Last date | 14 July 2026 | 21 July 2026 |
| Exam | Single online test + interview | Prelims → Mains → Interview |
Eligible candidates may apply to both if they meet each notification’s criteria — but submit separate applications on the respective portals.
Important Instructions — Do Not Ignore
- Online only — no hard copy application to CRPD Mumbai.
- One post per candidate — AM (Law) or DM (Law), not both.
- No correction window after final submission.
- Provisional admission to exam/interview — final eligibility confirmed at document verification.
- Internship and teaching experience will not count toward eligibility.
- SBI does not endorse any coaching institute or consultancy claiming guaranteed selection.
- All updates, results, and shortlists appear only on sbi.bank.in — not third-party sites.
- Legal jurisdiction for disputes: Mumbai courts/tribunals only.
Common Mistakes That Cause Rejection
- Applying for both AM and DM posts simultaneously.
- Counting internship or teaching toward the 2/4-year experience requirement.
- Experience certificate without rank, duties, and duration clearly stated.
- OBC certificate without NCL clause or dated before 01 April 2026.
- CIBIL defaults unresolved before offer of appointment.
- Skipping employer intimation or NOC for serving government/PSU/bank employees.
- Uploading signature in capital letters or wrong file format.
- Waiting until 14 July 11:59 PM when the IBPS portal is overloaded.
Frequently Asked Questions
I have 3 years as a bank Law Officer. Which post should I apply for?
With 3 years post-enrolment experience, you qualify for Assistant Manager (Law) (2-year bar) but not Deputy Manager (Law) which requires 4 years. Verify your Bar Council enrolment date on experience certificates.
Does the reasoning and English section affect my merit rank?
No. Reasoning and English are qualifying only. Your merit rank depends on Professional Knowledge (objective) + Descriptive Test scores, weighted at 70% combined with 30% interview.
Can fresh LLB graduates without practice experience apply?
No. Both posts require mandatory post-enrolment experience — either as advocate or bank legal officer. Fresh graduates should consider IBPS SO Law Officer if they meet that notification’s criteria.
Will SBI provide a separate admit card for objective and descriptive tests?
Call letters for the online written test (objective + descriptive in one session) are released on the SBI careers portal. Check sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings regularly from late July 2026.
What happens if I submit two applications for Assistant Manager (Law)?
Only the last completed application with the higher RID is retained. The fee paid on the earlier registration is not refunded or adjusted.
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EasyApplications.in publishes this guide for informational purposes only. State Bank of India is the sole authority on eligibility, vacancy numbers, exam dates, and selection rules. Always verify details in the official notification PDF and apply only through the official IBPS portal before 14 July 2026.