Punjab National Bank Apprentice Notification 2026 Overview
The PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification is officially out, and it brings a massive opportunity for graduates across India. Punjab National Bank (PNB), a premier Public Sector Bank, is hiring 5138 Apprentices for the Financial Year 2025-26. This recruitment drive is ideal for candidates seeking to enter the Banking and Financial Services Insurance (BFSI) sector. The application process is entirely online, starting from 08 February 2026 and closing on 24 February 2026.
This article serves as a complete guide, covering the PNB Apprentice 2026 Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Vacancy Breakdown, and Stipend details. Whether you are looking for Government Jobs in Banking or an apprenticeship to boost your career, this opportunity is not to be missed.
Key Highlights of PNB Apprentice Vacancy 2026
Below is a quick summary of the PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 for easy reference.
- Organization: Punjab National Bank (PNB)
- Recruitment Type: Apprenticeship (Under Apprentices Act, 1961)
- Post Name: Apprentice
- Total Vacancies: 5138 Posts
- Stipend: Rs. 12,300/- to Rs. 15,000/- per Month
- Job Location: All India (Circle/State-wise)
- Application Mode: Online via BFSI SSC Portal
- Registration Start Date: 08 February 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
- Exam Date: 1st Week of March 2026 (Tentative)
- Official Website: pnb.bank.in
State-Wise PNB Apprentice Vacancy Breakdown 2026
PNB has distributed the 5138 vacancies across almost all states and union territories. Candidates are advised to apply for the state where they are proficient in the local language.
| State / UT | Total Seats |
|---|---|
| Uttar Pradesh | 814 |
| West Bengal | 532 |
| Punjab | 462 |
| Delhi | 417 |
| Rajasthan | 363 |
| Haryana | 348 |
| Bihar | 310 |
| Maharashtra | 232 |
| Madhya Pradesh | 180 |
| Himachal Pradesh | 162 |
| Uttarakhand | 152 |
| Odisha | 142 |
| Gujarat | 138 |
| Assam | 132 |
| Tamil Nadu | 121 |
| Jharkhand | 95 |
| Chhattisgarh | 81 |
| Telangana | 69 |
| Karnataka | 64 |
| Chandigarh | 58 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 56 |
| Jammu & Kashmir | 53 |
| Tripura | 28 |
| Kerala | 20 |
| Manipur | 13 |
| Meghalaya | 8 |
| Goa | 7 |
| Mizoram | 3 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | 3 |
| Sikkim | 3 |
| Nagaland | 2 |
| Leh | 2 |
| Puducherry | 2 |
| Andaman & Nicobar | 1 |
| Dadra & Nagar Haveli | 1 |
| Daman & Diu | 1 |
| Total | 5138 |
PNB Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026
Before applying, ensure you meet the specific age and educational requirements set by the bank.
Educational Qualification (Cut-off Date: 01.01.2026)
- Graduate Degree: Candidates must possess a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a recognized University/Institute.
- Result Date: The final result of the graduation must have been declared on or before 31.12.2025. Candidates with results declared after this date are not eligible.
- Language Proficiency: Proficiency in the local language (Reading, Writing, Speaking, Understanding) of the applied State/UT is mandatory.
Age Limit (as on 01.01.2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 28 Years
- Birth Date Range: Candidate must be born between 02.01.1998 and 01.01.2006 (both dates inclusive).
Category-Wise Age Relaxation:
- SC / ST: 5 Years
- OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 Years
- PwBD (Persons with Benchmark Disabilities): 10 Years
- Widows/Divorced Women: Concession up to age 35 (Gen/EWS), 38 (OBC), 40 (SC/ST).
PNB Apprentice Salary & Job Profile
Many candidates ask, “Is PNB Apprentice a permanent job?” or “What is the PNB Apprentice Salary?”. Here is the detailed breakdown:
Stipend Structure: The stipend depends on the category of the branch location where you are posted.
- Metro Branches: Rs. 15,000/- per month.
- Rural / Semi-Urban / Urban Branches: Rs. 12,300/- per month.
Job Profile & Benefits:
- Duration: The engagement is strictly for one year.
- Role: Apprentices will be trained in general banking activities, customer service, and basic operations.
- Benefits: While there are no allowances like DA or HRA, apprentices get holidays and 1 casual leave per month.
- Career Value: Completing this apprenticeship provides a National Apprenticeship Certificate (NAC), which is highly valuable for interviews in private banks and future government job recruitments.
Selection Process & Exam Pattern 2026
The selection for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is based on a merit list drawn from an Online Written Test, followed by a Local Language Test and Medical Exam.
Phase 1: Online Written Examination
- Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
- Duration: 60 Minutes (Composite time)
- Total Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 100
- Negative Marking: Applicable for wrong answers.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General / Financial Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| General English | 25 | 25 |
| Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| Computer Knowledge | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Phase 2: Local Language Test
- Candidates who have studied the local language in 10th or 12th standard and produce a mark sheet/certificate are exempt from this test.
- Others must pass a proficiency test during document verification.
Phase 3: Medical Examination
- Candidates must be declared medically fit by a registered medical practitioner.
PNB Apprentice Syllabus 2026 (Topic Wise)
To crack the exam, candidates should focus on these high-weightage topics.
1. General / Financial Awareness:
- Banking Terms & Abbreviations
- RBI Monetary Policy
- Current Affairs (Last 4-6 months)
- Government Schemes (Financial Inclusion)
- Indian Economy Updates
2. Quantitative & Reasoning Aptitude:
- Data Interpretation (Graphs, Charts)
- Number Series & Simplification
- Blood Relations & Directions
- Seating Arrangement & Puzzles
- Coding-Decoding
3. General English:
- Reading Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Para Jumbles
4. Computer Knowledge:
- MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Basic Internet & Email
- Computer Hardware & Software
- Operating Systems
- Keyboard Shortcuts
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process involves registration on Apprenticeship portals followed by the BFSI SSC portal.
- Register on NAPS/NATS:
- NAPS (apprenticeshipindia.gov.in): Mandatory for most graduates. Register as a “Candidate”, search for “Punjab National Bank”, and apply for the opportunity.
- NATS (nats.education.gov.in): For non-engineering graduates who wish to apply through the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme.
- Go to BFSI SSC Portal: Visit bfsissc.com. This is where the actual exam application is filled.
- Fill the Form: Complete your profile with personal details, NAPS/NATS Registration Number, and educational data.
- Upload Documents:
- Passport Size Photo (JPEG, < 1MB)
- Signature & ID Proof
- Degree Certificate / Mark Sheets (PDF, < 1MB)
- Caste/PwBD Certificate (if applicable)
- Pay Fees: Complete the payment via the online gateway.
- Print Application: Save the system-generated application form for the document verification stage.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Date | 06 February 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 08 February 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 24 February 2026 |
| PNB Apprentice Exam Date | 1st Week of March 2026 (Tentative) |
Application Fees
The fee includes the examination and intimation charges. It is non-refundable.
| Category | Fee Breakdown | Total Amount |
|---|---|---|
| UR / OBC / EWS (Male) | Rs. 800 + GST | Rs. 944/- |
| UR / OBC / EWS (Female) | Rs. 600 + GST | Rs. 708/- |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Rs. 200 + GST | Rs. 236/- |
Essential Links for PNB Recruitment 2026
- Apply Online: Click Here to Apply
- Official Notification PDF: Download Notification
- Official Website: Visit PNB Website
- WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
- Telegram Channel for Government Jobs: Join Here
The PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 presents a fantastic entry point for aspiring banking professionals. With over 5,000 vacancies and a transparent selection process, it offers a level playing field for graduates across the country. Candidates are encouraged to read the official notification thoroughly, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and submit their applications well before the closing date. This apprenticeship not only provides financial support but also equips you with the practical skills needed to thrive in the competitive banking sector. Apply today and take the first step toward a promising career.