The application fee is Rs. 175/- (inclusive of GST) for SC/ST/PwBD/ESM/DESM candidates. For all other categories, the fee is Rs. 850/- (inclusive of GST). Candidates are also responsible for bank transaction charges for online payment.

As on August 01, 2026, candidates must be a minimum of 20 years and a maximum of 28 years old. This means a candidate must have been born not earlier than August 02, 1998, and not later than August 01, 2006 (both dates inclusive). Age relaxations are applicable for reserved categories as per government norms.

Applicants must possess a Degree (Graduation) in any discipline from a University recognized by the Government of India as of August 21, 2026. Additionally, proficiency in the specified local language of the State/UT applied for (reading, writing, speaking, and understanding) and computer literacy (Certificate/Diploma/Degree in computer operations/Language or having studied Computer/IT as a subject) are mandatory.

The selection process for IBPS CRP CSA-XVI involves a two-tier online examination: an Online Preliminary Examination and an Online Main Examination. Candidates who qualify in both exams will then undergo a Local Language Proficiency Test (LLPT). Final selection is based on merit in the Main Examination and performance in LLPT, leading to provisional allotment to a participating bank.

The Online Preliminary Examination is an objective test of 60 minutes duration, comprising 100 questions for a total of 100 marks. It includes three sections: English Language (30 Questions, 30 Marks, 20 minutes), Numerical Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 minutes), and Reasoning Ability (35 Questions, 35 Marks, 20 minutes). Candidates must qualify in each test by securing cut-off marks.

The Online Main Examination is an objective test with a total duration of 125 minutes, consisting of 160 questions for 200 marks. The sections are General/Financial Awareness (40Q, 50M, 20 min), General English (40Q, 40M, 35 min), Reasoning Ability (40Q, 60M, 35 min), and Quantitative Aptitude (40Q, 50M, 35 min). Each section has separate time limits.

Yes, there is a penalty for wrong answers in both the Online Preliminary and Online Main Examinations. For each question for which a wrong answer is given, one-fourth (0.25) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted as a penalty. There is no penalty for questions left blank.

The basic pay for a Customer Service Associate (CSA) starts at ₹ 24050 per month. The detailed pay scale is ₹ 24050-1340/3-28070-1650/3-33020-2000/4-41020-2340/7-57400-4400/1-61800-2680/1-64480. In addition to the basic pay, CSAs are eligible for various allowances and perquisites as per the rules of the respective Participating Bank.

The notification provides indicative state-wise and category-wise vacancies for the financial year 2027-28. For instance, Andaman & Nicobar has 18 vacancies, Andhra Pradesh has 186, and Uttar Pradesh has 1731. The total number of vacancies varies by state and participating bank, and candidates should refer to Annexure I of the official notification for a detailed breakdown.