PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Notification Out for 5138 Vacancies – Apply Online, Eligibility, Exam Pattern & Salary

The Punjab National Bank (PNB) Apprentice Recruitment 2026 notification has officially been released, announcing 5138 apprentice vacancies across multiple states and union territories in India. This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for young graduates to gain hands-on experience in the banking sector while earning a monthly stipend.

Conducted by Punjab National Bank, one of India’s leading public sector banks, this apprenticeship program aims to train candidates in real-time banking operations, customer handling, financial awareness, and administrative processes. The online application process has already begun and will remain open until 24 February 2026.

If you are a graduate between 20 and 28 years of age and aspire to build a career in banking, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know — eligibility, vacancy details, application process, exam pattern, selection stages, salary structure, and more.

PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 – Overview

Here’s a quick summary of the recruitment drive:

• Organization Name: Punjab National Bank (PNB)
• Post Name: Apprentice
• Advertisement No.: HRD/APPRENTICE/ADVT/2025-26
• Total Vacancies: 5138
• Application Mode: Online
• Official Website: www.pnbindia.in
• Application Start Date: 8 February 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 24 February 2026
• Exam Date: 1st week of March 2026

This apprenticeship program provides structured training and real-time banking exposure, making it ideal for fresh graduates looking to enter the financial sector.

PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 Important Dates

Candidates must carefully track the key dates to avoid missing deadlines.

Event	Date
Notification Release	5 February 2026
Online Application Starts	8 February 2026
Last Date to Apply	24 February 2026
Online Exam Date	1st Week of March 2026

Make sure to complete your application well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

Total Vacancy Details – 5138 Posts

Punjab National Bank has announced 5138 apprenticeship seats distributed across various states and union territories. These vacancies include reservations for SC, ST, OBC, EWS, UR, and PwBD categories as per Government of India norms.

Some of the major states with high vacancy counts include:

• Uttar Pradesh – 814 posts
• West Bengal – 532 posts
• Punjab – 462 posts
• Delhi – 417 posts
• Rajasthan – 363 posts
• Haryana – 348 posts
• Bihar – 310 posts

This large-scale recruitment makes it one of the biggest apprenticeship drives in the banking sector for 2026.

PNB Apprentice Eligibility Criteria 2026

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the required eligibility conditions.

Educational Qualification

• Candidates must have completed Graduation from a recognized University/Institute approved by AICTE/UGC or Government authorities.

There is no specific percentage requirement mentioned, but applicants must possess a valid degree certificate or provisional certificate at the time of application.

Age Limit (As on 01/01/2026)

• Minimum Age: 20 years
• Maximum Age: 28 years

Candidates must fall within this age bracket to be eligible.

Age Relaxation

Reserved category candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per government rules:

• SC/ST: 5 years
• OBC (Non-Creamy Layer): 3 years
• PwBD: 10 years
• Widows/Divorced Women/Legally Separated Women (Not Remarried):
  • General/EWS: Up to 35 years
  • OBC: Up to 38 years
  • SC/ST: Up to 40 years

PNB Apprentice Application Form 2026 – How to Apply?

The application process is conducted online via the BFSI Sector Skill Council of India portal.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Visit the official website: www.pnbindia.in
2. Go to the “Career/Recruitment” section.
3. Click on “Recruitment For 5138 Posts Of Apprentices.”
4. Select “Apply Online.”
5. Complete new registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
6. Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
7. Upload required documents:
   • Aadhaar Card
   • Passport-size Photograph
   • Graduation Certificate
   • Signature
8. Pay the application fee online.
9. Submit the form and download a copy for future reference.

Tip: Double-check all details before final submission, as corrections may not be allowed later.

Application Fee Details

The application fee varies by category and gender.

Male Candidates

• GEN/OBC/EWS: Rs. 800 + 18% GST = Rs. 944
• SC/ST/PwBD: Rs. 200 + 18% GST = Rs. 236

Female Candidates

• GEN/OBC/EWS: Rs. 600 + 18% GST = Rs. 708
• SC/ST/PwBD: Rs. 200 + 18% GST = Rs. 236

Transgender Candidates

• Rs. 200 + 18% GST = Rs. 236

Payment Mode: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI
Note: The fee is non-refundable.

PNB Apprentice Selection Process 2026

The selection process consists of three stages:

Stage 1: Online Written Test (CBT)

Candidates must qualify for the computer-based examination.

Stage 2: Test of Local Language

Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the local language of the state they applied for.

Stage 3: Medical Examination & Document Verification

Final selection depends on:

• Medical fitness
• Verification of eligibility documents

PNB Apprentice Exam Pattern 2026

The online test will consist of 100 objective-type questions.

Subject	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

• Duration: 60 minutes
• Medium: English & Hindi (Except English section)
• No sectional timing

Candidates should prepare thoroughly across all four sections for better performance.

PNB Apprenticeship Duration

The apprenticeship training will last 1 year (52 weeks):

• Basic Training: 2 Weeks
• On-the-Job Training: 50 Weeks

During this period, candidates will gain exposure to real banking operations such as customer service, documentation, digital banking systems, and financial products.

PNB Apprentice Salary Structure 2026

Selected apprentices will receive a fixed monthly stipend depending on branch location:

• Rural / Semi-Urban / Urban Branches: Rs. 12,300 per month
• Metro Branches: Rs. 15,000 per month

This stipend provides financial support while gaining professional experience in one of India’s top public sector banks.

Why Apply for PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026?

Here are some strong reasons:

✔ Work experience in a reputed nationalized bank
✔ Exposure to real banking processes
✔ Structured one-year training program
✔ Attractive monthly stipend
✔ Boosts resume for future banking exams
✔ Nationwide vacancy distribution

This apprenticeship can significantly enhance your employability in the BFSI sector.

Preparation Tips for PNB Apprentice Exam 2026

• Revise basic banking and financial awareness topics.
• Practice quantitative aptitude daily.
• Improve English grammar and vocabulary.
• Focus on computer fundamentals.
• Attempt mock tests regularly.

Time management will play a key role in cracking the 60-minute exam.

Conclusion

The PNB Apprentice Recruitment 2026 is a major opportunity for graduates seeking entry into the banking sector. With 5138 vacancies announced by Punjab National Bank, this apprenticeship drive offers hands-on training, practical exposure, and a steady monthly stipend.

Candidates must ensure they meet eligibility criteria and submit their applications before 24 February 2026. Since the exam is scheduled for the first week of March 2026, preparation should begin immediately.

If you are serious about building a career in banking, this apprenticeship could serve as a stepping stone toward future banking exams and permanent roles in financial institutions.

Don’t miss this chance — apply early and prepare smartly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)