PNB Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for 5138 Jobs

Key Highlights

Here are the key takeaways from the PNB Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026, one of the major opportunities in public sector banks India:

1. Punjab National Bank has announced a massive recruitment drive for 5,138 apprentice posts, strengthening manpower across public sector banks India.
2. The application process is entirely online, starting on February 8, 2026, and ending on February 24, 2026.
3. To be eligible, you must be a graduate between 20 and 28 years of age as of January 1, 2026.
4. The official notification contains all crucial details about eligibility criteria, vacancy distribution, and important dates for aspirants targeting public sector banks India.
5. Selection is based on an online written test, local language proficiency test, and medical examination.

PNB Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Overview

The PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a fantastic chance for young graduates to gain practical banking experience in one of the most trusted public sector banks India. Punjab National Bank has initiated this recruitment under the Apprentices Act, 1961, offering structured training along with a monthly stipend.

This opportunity is spread across various states and union territories, making it accessible to candidates nationwide who aspire to work in public sector banks India.

Official Notification Details and Important Dates

The official notification for the PNB Apprentice Recruitment was released on February 5, 2026, providing complete information about this opportunity in public sector banks India. Candidates must carefully review the notification to understand all requirements before applying.

The online exam is tentatively scheduled for the first week of March 2026, so early preparation is highly recommended for aspirants targeting careers in public sector banks India.

Here is a summary of the key dates:

Number of Vacancies and State-Wise Distribution

This recruitment drive offers a substantial 5,138 apprentice vacancies across various states and union territories. Such a large intake reflects the growing demand for skilled manpower in public sector banks India.

The state-wise distribution allows candidates to apply in their preferred region while meeting local language requirements—an important aspect of customer-facing roles in public sector banks India.

Here is a glimpse of the state-wise distribution for some states:

Eligibility Criteria for PNB Apprentice 2026

Before applying, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria prescribed by Punjab National Bank, a major institution among public sector banks India. These criteria are mandatory and include educational qualification, age limit, and language proficiency.

Age Limit and Educational Qualification

To be eligible for the PNB Apprentice position, you must meet a specific age limit. Your age should be between a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 28 years as of January 1, 2026. This means you must have been born not earlier than January 2, 1998, and not later than January 1, 2006.

PNB provides age relaxation for reserved categories in line with Government of India guidelines. For instance, SC/ST candidates receive a 5-year relaxation, OBC candidates get 3 years, and Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD) are eligible for a 10-year relaxation.

Regarding educational qualification, you must possess a graduation degree in any discipline from a university or institute recognized by government bodies like AICTE or UGC. It is important that your final result was declared on or before January 1, 2026. You will need to produce your mark sheets and degree certificate as proof during the selection process.

Language Requirements and Other Essential Criteria

Proficiency in the local language of the state you apply for is mandatory. This ensures effective communication with customers and colleagues, a key responsibility in public sector banks India.

The local language test is qualifying in nature and must be cleared to move ahead in the selection process.

Application Process for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026

Applying for the PNB Apprentice vacancy is a simple online process. You can fill out the application form directly through the designated portal. Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary documents and information handy to avoid any last-minute rush.

The online application involves registration, filling in your details, uploading documents, and paying the fee. Following the steps carefully will ensure your application is submitted successfully. Let's explore the step-by-step guide and tips for a smooth application submission.

Steps for Online Application and Required Documents

To start your online application, visit the official Punjab National Bank website at www.pnbindia.in and navigate to the ‘Career/Recruitment’ section. Find the link for the "Recruitment For 5138 Posts Of Apprentices" and click on the apply online link for new registration. Fill out the registration form with your basic details to create your login credentials.

Once registered, log in to complete the application form with your personal, educational, and contact details. You will need to upload scanned copies of several required documents in the specified format. After filling in all the information, review the form carefully before proceeding to pay the application fee using a debit card, credit card, or other online payment methods.

Here are the documents you'll need for the online form:

1. Aadhaar card
2. Valid personal email ID and mobile number
3. Passport-size photograph and signature
4. Qualifying degree certificate and mark sheets
5. Caste/EWS/PwBD certificate (if applicable)

Tips for a Successful Application Submission

A successful application submission requires careful attention to detail. Rushing through the process can lead to errors that might disqualify your candidature. Take your time to read all instructions and ensure the information you provide in the application form is accurate and matches your official documents.

The application window for this recruitment drive is limited, so it's wise to apply well before the deadline to avoid technical glitches that can occur during peak hours. Keep a copy of the submitted application form and the payment receipt for future reference.

Here are some quick tips for a smooth submission:

1. Ensure all uploaded documents are clear and in the prescribed format and size.
2. Double-check your name, date of birth, and other personal details before final submission.
3. Use a stable internet connection to prevent interruptions.
4. Do not wait until the last day to submit your application.
5. Keep your registration number and password safe for future logins.

Selection Process and Exam Pattern

The selection process for the PNB Apprentice recruitment is designed to identify the most suitable candidates. The primary stage is an online written test that assesses your knowledge across various subjects. Candidates who qualify in the written test will move on to the subsequent stages of the selection criteria.

The process also includes a test of the local language and a medical examination to ensure you meet all the requirements for the role. Understanding the exam pattern and the different stages will help you prepare effectively for this recruitment process.

Stages of Selection and Exam Structure

The selection process for the PNB Apprentice recruitment aims to identify capable candidates for training in public sector banks India. It includes:

1. Online Written Test
2. Local Language Proficiency Test
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination

The exam is conducted by BFSI SSC and follows a transparent, merit-based process common across public sector banks India recruitments.

Cut-Off Marks and Result Declaration

After the apprentice exam, Punjab National Bank will determine the cut-off marks required to qualify for the next stage. These cut-off scores are the minimum marks you need to secure in the online written test. The bank decides these marks based on several factors, including the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the overall performance of the candidates.

The result declaration will take place on the official PNB website. Candidates who meet or exceed the cut-off marks will be shortlisted for the subsequent stages of the selection process. The final merit list will be prepared based on performance in the online written test, subject to qualifying the local language test and medical examination.

The entire process is managed transparently, with the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India overseeing the examination. Keep an eye on the official website for updates on cut-off marks and result announcements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find the official notification for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

You can find the official notification for the PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 on the Punjab National Bank official website. Navigate to the "Recruitments/Careers" section at the bottom of the homepage to download the detailed advertisement, which contains all important dates and complete information about the recruitment.

What is the age limit and eligibility for PNB Apprentice 2026?

The eligibility criteria for the PNB Apprentice 2026 require you to have a minimum age of 20 and a maximum age of 28 as of January 1, 2026. For educational qualification, you must hold a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

How can I check my application status for PNB Bank Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

To check your application status for the PNB Apprentice Recruitment, you can log in to the application portal on the official website. Use the registration ID and password created during the registration form submission to access your dashboard and view the current status of your application.