The State Bank of India (SBI) has reached a significant human resources milestone, with its total workforce climbing to a five-year high of 245,131 employees.
This expansion follows a robust recruitment drive in the 2026 financial year (FY26), during which the public sector banking giant added nearly 9,000 new professionals to its ranks.
SBI Strengthening the Ranks and Diversity
The recent hiring surge is part of a broader strategic initiative to bolster the bank’s operational scale and customer service capabilities.
Notably, the bank has made significant strides in gender diversity; women now constitute approximately 29% of the total workforce.
This shift reflects an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive corporate culture while scaling up to meet the demands of a dynamic financial environment.
The recruitment drive spanned various roles, with a heavy emphasis on Junior Associates and specialized officers to support the bank’s digital and tech-aligned growth.
Earlier in the fiscal year, Chairman C.S. Setty announced plans to recruit around 18,000 personnel across various categories, including Probationary Officers and System Officers, to ensure a future-ready workforce.
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Financial Performance and Rising Costs
The expansion of the workforce comes alongside record-breaking financial results.
SBI reported its highest-ever annual net profit of ₹80,032 crore for FY26, marking a 13% year-on-year increase.
The bank’s total business also surpassed a historic milestone of ₹109 lakh crore.
However, the increase in headcount has naturally led to higher operational expenses.
Total employee costs reached ₹65,724 crore in FY26, accounting for more than half of the bank’s total operating expenses.
Driving the Digital Agenda
A primary focus for the new hires is supporting SBI’s massive digital transformation.
The bank’s digital platform, YONO, now boasts over 10.02 crore registered users, with 66% of new savings accounts opened through the app in FY26.
By empowering its growing team with continuous training and digital tools, SBI aims to maintain its 22% domestic market share and lead the shift toward alternate banking channels.
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About the Author
Sahiba Sharma
Contributing Writer