India’s eight public sector banks have added 13,223 employees in FY26, leaving their combined workforce at over 6.28 lakh with State Bank of India (SBI) at the lead.

The comparative figure in the year-ago period was 6.15 lakh.

According to data compiled by PTI from banks’ annual reports, the staff strength in eight of the total 12 public sector banks stood at 6,28,203 at the end of 31 March 2026 compared with 6,14,980 in FY25

The eight banks include SBI, Bank of Baroda, Canara Bank, Punjab National Bank, Bank of India, Indian Bank, UCO Bank and Bank of Maharashtra.

Four other public sector lenders -- Punjab and Sind Bank, Union Bank of India, Central Bank of India and Indian Overseas Bank -- have not yet released their annual reports.

As per the report, SBI led the workforce expansion among the tracked lenders, adding 8,905 employees during the year.

The country's largest lender's employee strength rose to 2,45,131 in FY26 from 2,36,226 in FY25.

SBI's contribution to the increase was significant, accounting for nearly 67% of the total workforce addition among the eight tracked banks.

Bank of Baroda added 1,685 employees, taking its workforce to 76,693 from 75,008 a year ago, PTI reported. 

Bank of Maharashtra reported an increase of 1,005 employees, with its employee strength rising to 15,596 in FY26 from 14,591 in FY25.

Canara Bank added 567 employees during the year, taking its workforce to 81,827, while Punjab National Bank increased its employee strength by 527 to 96,738.

Bank of India's workforce rose by 446 employees to 51,010, while Indian Bank added 153 employees to reach 40,224.

The increase in employees' numbers in the eight banks come despite rapid digitalisation and automation in banking operations, PTI reported. 

The addition of employees comes as public sector banks report improved financial performance, stronger balance sheets and higher business growth, prompting lenders to strengthen manpower across functions, including technology, risk management, operations and branch banking.