Can I legally refuse promotion and rejoin my previous SBI post?

Advocate Ayantika Mondal Answered: 06 Aug 2026

Dear client, You cannot legally demand to revert to your previous post as an absolute right once you have accepted and joined a promotion. In the State Bank of India (SBI), returning to a lower cadre after promotion is classified as reversion, which is entirely at the management's discretion and permitted only under exceptional circumstances like severe medical or compassionate grounds, usually within a strict initial window which is usually 1 to 3 years. Thank you for contacting us. If you have any further queries, kindly do not hesitate to contact us again. Thank you!

Advocate A M Iktear Uddin (anik) Answered: 06 Aug 2026

Dear Client , The ability to demote from the position of Officer to Clerk will depend mostly on the State Bank of India Service Rules, the promotion policy applicable and the conditions for which the promotion was granted. The acceptance and implementation of a promotion does not automatically guarantee the right to revert back to the person who was previously the holder of the position. The first step should be to make a detailed representation to the competent authority, stating the relevant service rules, and the reasons for seeking reversion. If the objection is filed and you are unhappy with their decision because it is a violation of the rules in question, or because of other reasons, you can appeal the decision to the relevant court (High Court, as appropriate to your case).

Advocate By LEAD INDIA Answered: 05 Aug 2026

Whether you can revert to your previous post depends on the SBI service rules and the terms of your promotion. Submit a written representation to the competent authority explaining your reasons. If your request is rejected contrary to the applicable service rules, you may seek appropriate legal remedies after consulting a lawyer experienced in service matters. For further legal assistance contact us on our helpline number.