Punjab National Bank Announces 5,138 Apprentice Vacancies for 2025-26: Apply Online by February 24

New Delhi, February 6, 2026: Punjab National Bank (PNB), one of India's leading public sector banks, has released a comprehensive notification for the engagement of 5,138 apprentices across various states and union territories for the financial year 2025-26. The apprenticeship program, conducted under the Apprentices Act, 1961, offers a one-year training opportunity for graduate candidates across the country.

Key Dates and Application Process

The online registration process will commence on February 8, 2026, and conclude on February 24, 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official PNB website (www.pnb.bank.in) or directly through the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India portal (www.bfsissc.com). The tentative date for the online written examination is the first week of March 2026.

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit: Candidates must be between 20 and 28 years as of January 1, 2026. The upper age limit is relaxed for reserved categories - SC/ST candidates receive 5 years relaxation, OBC (non-creamy layer) get 3 years, and Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD) receive 10 years relaxation. Special provisions have also been made for widowed, divorced, or legally separated women.

Educational Qualification: Applicants must possess a graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university or institute, with results declared on or before December 31, 2025. For candidates registered under the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS), the graduation date should not be more than four years prior to the cutoff date of January 1, 2026.

Language Proficiency: Candidates must be proficient in the local language of the state or union territory they are applying for, which will be tested during the selection process unless they have studied the language at the 10th or 12th standard level.

State-wise Seat Distribution

The apprenticeship opportunities are spread across multiple states and circles, with the highest number of seats allocated to:

• Uttar Pradesh: 814 seats across 23 circles

• West Bengal: 532 seats across 16 circles

• Punjab: 462 seats across 11 circles

• Delhi: 417 seats across four circles

• Haryana: 348 seats across nine circles

• Bihar: 310 seats across 10 circles

• Rajasthan: 363 seats across 10 circles

• Maharashtra: 232 seats across seven circles

The total reservation breakdown includes 887 seats for Scheduled Castes, 294 for Scheduled Tribes, 1,110 for Other Backward Classes, 464 for Economically Weaker Sections, and 2,383 for the Unreserved category. Additionally, 205 seats are reserved for Persons with Benchmark Disabilities across various disability categories.

Selection Process

The selection will be based on a four-stage process:

1. Online Written Test: A 60-minute computer-based test comprising 100 multiple-choice questions covering General/Financial Awareness, General English, Quantitative and Reasoning Aptitude, and Computer Knowledge.

2. Document Verification: Shortlisted candidates will be called for verification of original documents at their own expense.

3. Test of Local Language: Candidates who cannot produce proof of having studied the local language in 10th or 12th standard will undergo a language proficiency test.

4. Medical Examination: Selected candidates must produce a medical fitness certificate from a registered MBBS doctor.

Application Fees

The fee structure varies by category and gender:

• GEN/OBC/EWS (Male): Rs. 944 (inclusive of 18% GST)

• GEN/OBC/EWS (Female): Rs. 708 (inclusive of 18% GST)

• SC/ST/PwBD/Transgender: Rs. 236 (inclusive of 18% GST)

Stipend and Benefits

Selected apprentices will receive a monthly stipend of:

• Rs. 12,300 for Rural, Semi-Urban, and Urban branches

• Rs. 15,000 for Metro branches

The apprenticeship duration is one year, including two weeks of basic training and 50 weeks of on-the-job training. Upon successful completion and final assessment, apprentices will receive an Apprenticeship Certificate.

Important Terms and Conditions

The bank has clearly stated that apprentices will not be treated as regular employees and will have no right to claim permanent employment after training completion. Candidates who have previously undergone apprenticeship training or have work experience of one year or more after graduation are not eligible to apply.

Important Note: Candidates must register on both the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) portal and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) portal, if applicable, and provide their enrollment numbers during the application process.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit www.bfsissc.com and complete the registration process under the "Apprenticeship Opportunities" section. Required documents include Aadhaar card, passport-size photograph, educational certificates, caste certificate (if applicable), and PwBD certificate (if applicable).

All communications regarding call letters, results, and further instructions will be sent via email to the registered email ID. Candidates are advised to regularly check the PNB website and BFSI SSC portal for updates.

For complete details, candidates can refer to the detailed notification available on PNB's official website under the Recruitment section.