J&K Bank Recruitment 2026: 1,397 Probationary Officer (PO) & Banking Associate (Clerk) Posts
Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. (J&K Bank) has officially issued four separate detailed recruitment notifications inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens domiciled in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and the Union Territory of Ladakh for recruitment to 1,397 vacancies of Probationary Officer (PO) and Banking Associate (Clerk). The online competitive examinations will be conducted nationwide by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS).
The total vacancy breakup comprises 343 Probationary Officers (323 in J&K, 20 in Ladakh) and 1,054 Banking Associates (1,033 in J&K, 21 in Ladakh). Candidates holding a Bachelor's Degree (Graduation in any discipline) from a recognised university, completed by 26 November 2026, and aged between 20 and 30 years as on 01 January 2026 are eligible to apply. Under a special dispensation (GAD Order No. 280-LA(GAD) of 2025), candidates applying for PO Ladakh are granted an additional one-time 5-year age relaxation (up to a maximum age cap of 56 years).
The online registration and fee payment window opened on 07 November 2026 and closes on 26 November 2026. Candidates must apply online exclusively through the official IBPS registration portal at ibpsreg.ibps.in/jkbvpocto26 or via the J&K Bank Careers portal.
J&K Bank Recruitment 2026: Overview & Key Particulars
Candidates must carefully review the recruitment overview below before proceeding with the online application form:
| Organisation | Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. (J&K Bank) |
|---|---|
| Posts Advertised | Probationary Officer (PO) and Banking Associate (Clerk) |
| Notifications Covered | 4 Separate Notifications: PO (UT of J&K), PO (UT of Ladakh – No. JKB/HR/Rectt/2026-494), Banking Associate (UT of J&K), and Banking Associate (UT of Ladakh) |
| Total Vacancies | 1,397 Vacancies (343 PO + 1,054 Banking Associate) |
| Minimum Educational Qualification | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University (completed on/before 26.11.2026) |
| Domicile Requirement | Must be a domicile of the respective Union Territory (UT of J&K or UT of Ladakh) |
| Mode of Application | Online only via IBPS application portal |
| Application Starting Date | 07 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online & Pay Fee | 26 November 2026 |
| Examination Conducting Agency | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) |
| Job Locations | Branches & Offices in UT of Jammu & Kashmir and UT of Ladakh |
| Official Website | https://jkb.bank.in/ |
J&K Bank Vacancy Details 2026 (Post-wise & Domicile-wise)
The recruitment is structured across two distinct banking cadres across the two Union Territories. The 32-page official notification for PO Ladakh (No. JKB/HR/Rectt/2026-494) officially confirms 20 vacancies for Probationary Officers in the Ladakh Zone:
| Post Name | UT of Jammu & Kashmir | UT of Ladakh | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Probationary Officer (PO) | 323 | 20 | 343 |
| Banking Associate (Clerk) | 1,033 | 21 | 1,054 |
| Total Recruitment Vacancies | 1,356 | 41 | 1,397 |
⚠️ Important Domicile Rule:
Vacancies are subject to the applicable Union Territory statutory reservation rules and recruitment conditions. Candidates must apply strictly under the notification corresponding to their valid domicile. A candidate cannot apply for Ladakh vacancies with a J&K domicile certificate, and vice versa.
J&K Bank Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
All four official notifications follow the unified application timeline specified below:
| Recruitment Event / Stage | Official Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Release Date | 07 November 2026 |
| Online Application Starting Date | 07 November 2026 |
| Age Calculation Reference Date | 01 January 2026 |
| Cut-off Date for Completing Graduation | 26 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Online Application | 26 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Fee Payment | 26 November 2026 |
| PO Preliminary Online Exam Date | To be notified separately by J&K Bank / IBPS |
| PO Mains Examination Date | To be notified separately |
| Banking Associate Online Exam Date | To be notified separately |
| Online Exam Call Letter / Admit Card Release | To be notified (typically 7–10 days before exam) |
| PO Interview Date | To be notified following Mains result |
| Provisional Selection & Allotment | To be announced on J&K Bank website |
J&K Bank Eligibility Criteria 2026
1. Mandatory Domicile Requirement
UT of Jammu & Kashmir (PO & Banking Associate)
Candidates applying under the J&K notifications must be domiciles of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. They must possess a valid Domicile Certificate issued by the designated Tehsildar/competent authority on or before the registration closing date.
UT of Ladakh (PO & Banking Associate)
Candidates applying under the Ladakh notifications must be domiciles of the Union Territory of Ladakh. A valid Ladakh Resident / Domicile Certificate issued by the competent authority of Leh or Kargil district is compulsory.
* Candidates cannot apply cross-regionally. All applications submitted without matching domicile status are liable for summary rejection at document verification.
2. Educational Qualification (Both PO & Banking Associate)
- Educational Qualification: A Graduation Degree (Bachelor's Degree in any discipline) from a University recognised by the Government of India, or any equivalent qualification recognised as such by the Central Government or UGC.
- Passing Cut-off Date: The candidate must have passed the qualifying graduation examination on or before 26 November 2026.
- Proof of Qualification: Candidates must possess a valid degree certificate or marksheet showing the date of declaration of result on or before 26.11.2026.
- No Minimum Percentage Threshold: There is no minimum percentage requirement (such as 50% or 60%) prescribed in the official notifications. Simple pass graduates are eligible.
Official Graduation Percentage Calculation Rules:
- The percentage marks must be calculated to two decimal places and accurately entered in the online application.
- Where CGPA / OGPA is awarded, it must be converted into percentage according to the university's approved conversion formula. Candidates must produce a certificate from the appropriate university authority confirming the conversion formula.
- Calculation formula: Divide the total marks obtained in all subjects across all semesters/years by the aggregate maximum marks and multiply by 100.
- No Rounding Off: Fractions are ignored. For instance, 59.99% will be treated as less than 60%, and 54.99% will be treated as less than 55%.
J&K Bank Age Limit & Special Age Relaxations
The crucial reference date for age calculation for all four notifications is 01 January 2026.
| Parameter | Standard Criterion (Basic Age Limit) |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years (completed as on 01.01.2026) |
| Maximum Age (Basic) | 30 Years (as on 01.01.2026) |
| Permissible Date of Birth Range | 01 January 1996 to 01 January 2006 (Both dates inclusive) |
PO Ladakh: Additional 5-Year Special Dispensation Age Relaxation
According to General Administration Department (GAD) Order No. 280-LA(GAD) of 2025 dated 30 June 2025 incorporated into Notification No. JKB/HR/Rectt/2026-494:
- An additional one-time age relaxation of 5 years is granted for recruitments conducted in recruitment years 2025 and 2026.
- This special 5-year relaxation is admissible to ALL candidates domiciled in Ladakh, including Unreserved (General) and Reserved category candidates.
- Maximum Upper Age Cap: The maximum age of a candidate after applying all relaxations must not exceed 56 years.
Category-Based Age Relaxation Structure
| Notification & Category | Standard Category Relaxation | Special Dispensation (If Applicable) | Maximum Overall Cap |
|---|---|---|---|
| PO Ladakh – General / Unreserved | 0 Years | +5 Years (Special GAD Order) | 35 Years |
| PO Ladakh – SC / ST / ALC / SEBC | +5 Years | +5 Years (Special GAD Order) | Subject to 56 Yrs Cap |
| PO Ladakh – PwBD Candidates | +10 Years (Cumulative with SC/ST/ALC) | +5 Years (Special GAD Order) | Subject to 56 Yrs Cap |
| PO Ladakh – EWS Candidates | No category relaxation | +5 Years (Special GAD Order) | 35 Years |
| PO J&K & Banking Associate (SC / ST) | +5 Years | Not Applicable | 35 Years |
| PO J&K & Banking Associate (OBC / SEBC / RBA / ALC) | +3 Years | Not Applicable | 33 Years |
| PO J&K & Banking Associate (PwBD Candidates) | +10 Years | Not Applicable | 40 Years |
| Banking Associate – Ex-Servicemen | As per Govt / Bank guidelines | Not Applicable | As per rules |
* Note: Do not automatically apply the special 5-year Ladakh PO dispensation to Banking Associates or J&K notifications, as each recruitment is strictly governed by its respective notification terms.
J&K Bank Reservation Structure 2026
The reservation structures for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh are governed by separate statutory rules and must not be mixed:
A. UT of Jammu & Kashmir Reservation
| Category | Quota |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 8% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) – Existing List | 10% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) – Added in 2024 | 10% |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 8% |
| Residents of Areas Adjoining ALC / IB | 4% |
| Residents of Backward Areas (RBA) | 10% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 4% (Horizontal) |
B. UT of Ladakh Reservation (PO & BA)
| Category | Quota |
|---|---|
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | 1% |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | 80% |
| SEBC – Residents of areas adjoining ALC | 4% |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | 10% |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) | 4% (Horizontal) |
* Reservation in Ladakh follows UT of Ladakh Reservation Rules, 2005 (as amended under S.O. 77 dated 27 June 2025). The 4% PwBD reservation covers Section 34 categories under the RPwD Act 2016.
J&K Bank Selection Process 2026
🏛️ Probationary Officer (PO) Selection Process
The PO selection process for both J&K and Ladakh is identical and consists of three successive stages:
- Preliminary Examination: 100-mark screening test. Candidates shortlisted at approximately 10 times the number of vacancies in each category are called for the Mains.
- Mains Examination: 225-mark composite test (200 marks objective + 25 marks descriptive). Candidates shortlisted at approximately 3 times the vacancies in each category qualify for the interview.
- Personal Interview: 100-mark interview evaluating personality, banking awareness, and leadership traits.
💼 Banking Associate (Clerk) Selection Process
The selection process for Banking Associate in both J&K and Ladakh is straightforward and merit-driven:
- Single Online Written Examination: 100-mark computer-based objective examination conducted across three sections.
- Merit List & Document Verification: Candidates meeting aggregate and sectional qualifying marks are ranked strictly on online exam scores.
- Provisional Selection & Appointment Formalities: Final appointment upon verification of certificates and medical fitness.
J&K Bank PO Exam Pattern 2026 (Prelims & Mains)
The examination structure is identical for both PO (UT of J&K) and PO (UT of Ladakh).
A. PO Preliminary Examination Pattern
| Subject / Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Sectional Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 Minutes (1 Hour) |
* Each test is separately timed. Candidates must qualify in each test with minimum aggregate qualifying marks of 40% for General and 35% for Reserved categories.
B. PO Mains Examination Pattern (Objective + Descriptive)
| Subject / Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning | 40 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| General / Economy / Banking Awareness / Digital & Financial Awareness (incl. RBI Circulars) | 50 | 60 | 35 Minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 35 Minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 40 | 60 | 45 Minutes |
| Subtotal (Objective Test) | 170 | 200 | 160 Minutes (2 Hrs 40 Min) |
| Descriptive Paper (Essay & Comprehension) | 2 | 25 | 30 Minutes |
| Grand Total (Mains Composite) | 172 | 225 | 190 Minutes (3 Hrs 10 Min) |
Penalty for Wrong Answers:
In both Preliminary and Mains objective tests, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as penalty for every incorrect answer. Unanswered questions attract zero penalty.
Interview & Final Merit Weightage:
Interview carries 100 marks (qualifying: 40% for General, 35% for Reserved). Final merit list is formulated with an 80:20 weightage ratio between Mains marks and Interview marks.
J&K Bank Banking Associate Exam Pattern 2026
The Banking Associate examination consists of a single-phase online objective test of 100 marks:
| Test Name / Subject | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 30 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 35 | 30 | 20 Minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 35 | 40 | 20 Minutes |
| Total | 100 Questions | 100 Marks | 60 Minutes |
- All three tests are separately timed for 20 minutes each.
- Candidates must qualify in each test with minimum aggregate qualifying marks of 40% for General candidates and 35% for Reserved category candidates, subject to overall cut-off.
- Negative Marking: 0.25 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
- There is no descriptive paper and no interview for Banking Associate posts.
J&K Bank Application Fee 2026
The application fee structure differs between Probationary Officer and Banking Associate posts:
| SC / ST / SEBC / PwBD Candidates | ₹1,000 + GST |
| All Other Candidates (General, EWS, etc.) | ₹1,200 + GST |
| SC / ST / SEBC / PwBD / Ex-Servicemen | ₹600 + GST |
| All Other Candidates | ₹800 + GST |
Payment Mode: Online only using Debit Cards (RuPay/Visa/MasterCard/Maestro), Credit Cards, Internet Banking, IMPS, or UPI.
Non-Refundable: Intimation charges and application fees once paid are non-refundable under any circumstances. Applicable bank transaction charges are payable by the applicant.
J&K Bank Salary & Pay Scale 2026
Probationary Officer (JMGS-I)
Officer CadreStarting Basic Pay: ₹48,480 per month
Official Pay Scale: ₹48,480–2,000/7–62,480–2,340/2–67,160–2,680/7–85,920
Perks & Allowances: Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA) or Leased Accommodation, City Compensatory Allowance (CCA), Special Allowance, Medical reimbursement, Leave Fare Concession (LFC), and retirement benefits as per Junior Management Grade Scale-I.
Banking Associate (Clerical)
Clerical CadreStarting Basic Pay: ₹24,050 per month
Official Pay Scale: ₹24,050–1,340/3–28,070–1,650/3–33,020–2,000/4–41,020–2,340/7–57,400–4,400/1–61,800–2,680–64,480
Perks & Allowances: DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Special Pay, Provident Fund, Pension/NPS, Gratuity, and healthcare benefits as applicable to Banking Associates in clerical cadre.
* Note: Basic pay does not represent final in-hand salary. In-hand earnings vary based on station of posting, city classification, applicable DA revisions, and statutory deductions.
Mandatory 5-Year Zone Posting Conditions
Candidates must strictly note the mandatory initial posting restriction stipulated across all four official notifications:
PO – UT of Jammu & Kashmir: Selected candidates must remain posted within the branch/office of the initially allotted Zone for a minimum continuous period of 5 years. No transfer request outside the initially allotted Zone is entertained prior to completion of 5 years.
PO – UT of Ladakh: Selected candidates must remain posted within the branch/office of the Ladakh Zone for a minimum period of 5 years. No transfer outside the Ladakh Zone, on any ground whatsoever, shall be permitted before completing this 5-year tenure.
Banking Associate – UT of J&K: Appointed associates must serve within their initially allotted Zone for a minimum continuous period of 5 years.
Banking Associate – UT of Ladakh: Appointed associates must serve in the Ladakh Zone branches for a minimum continuous tenure of 5 years.
PO Probation Period & ₹2 Lakh Service Bond
- Joining Deadline: Selected Probationary Officers must report for duty within 45 days from the date of issuance of the provisional appointment letter.
- Probation Duration: A Probationary Officer remains on continuous probation for two (2) years from the date of joining.
- Confirmation Evaluation: Confirmation in the Bank's permanent service is subject to satisfactory conduct, work performance, and successful clearance of an internal evaluation examination (qualifying criteria: 40% for General, 35% for Reserved categories).
- Service Bond Commitment: At the time of joining, the selected candidate must execute a financial service indemnity bond of ₹2,00,000 (Rupees Two Lakh only) promising to serve the Bank for a minimum continuous period of two years. If an officer resigns prior to completing 2 years, the bond will be invoked.
* Note: The probation evaluation and ₹2 Lakh service bond conditions are exclusive to Probationary Officers and do not apply to Banking Associates.
J&K Bank Examination Centres 2026
PO (UT of Jammu & Kashmir) Centres
Candidates must choose six (6) examination centres during registration.
⚠️ Mandatory Rule: At least three (3) of the six chosen centres must be located outside the UT of Jammu & Kashmir.
Centres within J&K include Srinagar, Jammu, Baramulla, Anantnag, Samba, etc. Outside centres include Delhi NCR, Chandigarh/Mohali, Amritsar, Jalandhar, Patiala, etc.
PO (UT of Ladakh) Centres
Candidates must choose six (6) examination centres during registration.
⚠️ Mandatory Rule: At least four (4) of the six chosen centres must be situated outside the UT of Ladakh.
Within Ladakh: Leh, Kargil
Outside Ladakh: Delhi NCR, Patiala, Mohali, Mumbai/Navi Mumbai/Thane, Amritsar, Pathankot, Jalandhar, Pune, Ludhiana, Bengaluru, Phagwara, etc.
How to Apply Online for J&K Bank Recruitment 2026
Eligible candidates should complete their online application through IBPS by following these step-by-step instructions:
Visit the Official Portal
Navigate to the official J&K Bank website (jkb.bank.in) and open the Careers section, or directly access the IBPS recruitment registration portal at ibpsreg.ibps.in/jkbvpocto26.
Select Post & Domicile Notification
Choose the exact post (Probationary Officer or Banking Associate) matching your Union Territory domicile (UT of J&K or UT of Ladakh).
Complete Basic Registration
Click "Click here for New Registration", enter your full legal name, active mobile number, and valid email ID. Note down the system-generated Provisional Registration Number and Password.
Fill Application Details & Upload Scanned Documents
Fill in personal details, domicile details, category, educational qualifications, marks, and examination centre preferences. Upload photograph, signature, left thumb impression, handwritten declaration, and supporting documents in prescribed dimensions.
Preview Application & Verify Entries
Thoroughly review all details in the preview window. Ensure names, dates of birth, and marks match official certificates. No alterations are permissible after final submission.
Pay Application Fee & Print Confirmation
Pay the non-refundable fee online. On successful payment, download and print two copies of the e-receipt and filled application form for future document verification and interview.
Documents Required & Upload Specifications
Candidates must keep the following documents ready for uploading and physical verification:
Key Supporting Documents (PDF Max 500 KB):
- Class 10 Certificate / Marksheet (Proof of Date of Birth).
- Graduation Degree Certificate / Consolidated Marksheets (PDF max 500 KB).
- Valid Domicile Certificate of UT of J&K or UT of Ladakh.
- Category Certificate (SC / ST / OBC / ALC / RBA / SEBC), if applicable.
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate in the prescribed format.
- PwBD Disability Certificate (40% or more), if applicable.
- Apprenticeship Completion Certificate, if applicable.
- Ex-Servicemen Discharge Book / Service Certificate, where applicable.
Image Upload Specifications (PO Ladakh & IBPS):
- Photograph: 200 × 230 pixels, file size 20 KB to 50 KB (JPG/JPEG). A live photograph is also captured via webcam/mobile facility.
- Signature: Black ink on white paper, 140 × 60 pixels, file size 10 KB to 20 KB. No CAPITAL letters.
- Left Thumb Impression: 240 × 240 pixels at 200 DPI, file size 20 KB to 50 KB.
- Handwritten Declaration: 800 × 400 pixels at 200 DPI, file size 50 KB to 100 KB in English. No CAPITAL letters.
Prescribed Handwritten Declaration Text (English):
"I, _______ (Name of the candidate), hereby declare that all the information submitted by me in the application form is correct, true and valid. I will present the supporting documents as and when required."
PO Ladakh Notification 2026: Special Administrative Instructions
The 32-page official Ladakh PO notification (Notification No. JKB/HR/Rectt/2026-494) outlines key instructions:
- Strict Domicile: Only candidates possessing a valid domicile certificate of the UT of Ladakh are eligible to apply.
- Character & Antecedents: Candidates must provide a self-declaration of character and antecedents. Any misrepresentation or conviction in criminal offences involving moral turpitude leads to immediate cancellation.
- Aadhaar Number: Providing an Aadhaar number or Aadhaar Enrolment number is optional in the application form.
- Valid Photo ID Proof: Ration Card and Learner's Driving Licence are NOT accepted as valid photo identity proof.
- Biometric Data & IRIS Capture: Biometric thumb impression and photograph will be captured and matched at each stage of the selection process.
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J&K Bank Recruitment 2026: Official Direct Links
| Document / Direct Portal | Action / Direct URL |
|---|---|
| J&K Bank PO Notification 2026 PDF (UT of J&K) | Download J&K PO PDF |
| J&K Bank PO Notification 2026 PDF (UT of Ladakh) | Download Ladakh PO PDF |
| J&K Bank Clerk Notification 2026 PDF (UT of J&K) | Download J&K Clerk PDF |
| J&K Bank Clerk Notification 2026 PDF (UT of Ladakh) | Download Ladakh Clerk PDF |
| J&K Bank Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online (IBPS Portal) | Apply Online Direct Link |
| Jammu & Kashmir Bank Ltd. Official Website | Visit jkb.bank.in |