State Bank of India (SBI) has revealed ambitious expansion plans that will significantly boost hiring and branch growth across the country. The bank plans to recruit around 16,000 new employees and open 200–300 new branches by the end of the financial year 2025-26reinforcing its efforts to strengthen physical banking presence and improve customer service.
SBI’s Chairman, CS Settyshared these details during a recent discussion on the bank’s strategic roadmap. According to the leadership, this growth initiative is aimed at deepening financial inclusion, improving reach in underserved areas, and supporting India’s expanding economy.
Recruitment Drive to Support Growth
The planned hiring of 16,000 personnel will focus on various roles across operations, customer service, digital banking support, and frontline branch functions. SBI aims to recruit both fresh graduates and experienced professionals to ensure a balance of new talent and industry expertise within its workforce. This move is expected to create substantial employment opportunities in the financial sector at a time when job creation remains a key priority.
With increased staffing, SBI will be better equipped to handle the demands of a growing customer base, particularly in semi-urban and rural markets where access to quality banking services is vital.
Expanding Branch Network
Opening 200 to 300 new branches by FY26 marks a strategic shift in SBI’s operations after several years of digital-first emphasis. While digital banking adoption has surged, the bank believes that physical branches still play a crucial role in fostering trust, assisting customers with complex financial needs, and catering to clients who prefer in-person service.
The new branches will be strategically located to enhance accessibility for customers in emerging markets, tier-2 and tier-3 cities, and areas with lower banking penetration. This expansion is expected to not only improve convenience but also accelerate the pace of financial inclusion by bringing formal banking services closer to more people.
Balancing Digital and Physical Services
SBI has been strengthening its digital offerings, introducing new mobile and online banking features to serve tech-savvy users. However, the bank’s leadership recognises that a hybrid approach — combining robust digital platforms and expanded physical presence — will address diverse customer preferences and support long-term growth.
Chairman CS Setty emphasised that new hires will be crucial in delivering high-quality customer interactions, both at branches and through digital touchpoints. Employees will also be trained to assist customers with digital banking tools, blending human support with technology.
Boosting Financial Inclusion and Economic Growth
SBI’s expansion plans come at a time when India’s banking sector is increasingly focused on extending services to remote regions, small businesses, and underserved populations. New branches and additional staff will help deliver loans, savings products, financial literacy, and payment services to communities that remain on the periphery of formal banking.
This initiative reinforces SBI’s role as a backbone of India’s financial ecosystem and reflects its commitment to national development goals through job creation and expanded access to financial services.
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