SBI has declared the SBI PO Prelims Cutoff 2026 — category-wise qualifying marks to determine candidates eligible for the Mains exam. This guide consolidates the official cutoff table, important dates, 5-year trends, calculation method, and FAQs to help you plan next steps.
SBI PO Prelims 2026: Category-Wise Qualifying Marks Released for the Mains Exam
Quick overview
The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the qualifying marks from the Preliminary examination for SBI PO 2026. These category-wise minimum scores determine which candidates are shortlisted to appear in the Mains exam. Below you will find the official qualifying marks, detailed timelines, trend analysis for recent years, the method used to compute cutoffs, and actionable advice for candidates moving to the Mains stage.
Important dates & timeline
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| SBI PO 2026 Notification Released | As per official bulletin |
| Prelims Exam Conducted | June 2026 (session details as per admit card) |
| Prelims Result & Cutoff Declared | Cutoff released along with prelims result (official) |
| Mains Exam Scheduled | August 2026 (check official schedule on admit card) |
| Interview & Final Result | September–October 2026 (tentative window) |
Note: Exact dates (admit card release, reporting times) will be on official communications. Candidates should track their registered email and SBI careers portal for updates.
Category-wise qualifying marks for Mains (Prelims Cutoff 2026)
The following table lists the minimum aggregate marks (out of 100) in SBI PO Prelims required to be shortlisted for the Mains exam for each category.
| Category | Qualifying Marks (Prelims out of 100) |
|---|---|
| General (GEN) | 54.75 |
| Economically Weaker Section (EWS) | 50.00 |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC) | 52.25 |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) | 44.50 |
| Scheduled Tribe (ST) | 39.75 |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PWD - OH) | 34.00 |
| Visually Impaired (VI) | 34.00 |
| Hearing Impaired (HI) | 18.00 |
SBI releases category-wise cutoffs based on number of vacancies, exam difficulty, normalization of scores and reservation policy. Above marks are the official minimum required for mains stage selection.
How SBI calculates Prelims cutoffs (brief)
- Raw scores in Prelims are considered and, if required, normalized across shifts using the official normalization formula.
- Cutoffs are decided based on the total vacancies for mains (category-wise), number of candidates, exam difficulty, and reservation rules.
- SBI publishes the shortlist size for mains (typically 10–20 times the number of vacancies, subject to rule changes).
5-year trend: Prelims qualifying marks (General category)
Understanding year-on-year trends helps set realistic targets. The table below summarizes General category prelims qualifying marks for the past five cycles leading to 2026.
| Year | General Cutoff (Prelims, out of 100) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | 55.00 |
| 2023 | 58.25 |
| 2024 | 60.50 |
| 2025 | 52.00 |
| 2026 | 54.75 |
Trends fluctuate due to exam difficulty and number of test-takers; a one-year drop or rise is common.
What to do if you cleared Prelims
- Download and read the Mains admit card and instructions immediately.
- Prioritize high-weight topics for Mains: Reasoning & Decision Making, Data Analysis & Interpretation, English Language (descriptive), and Banking & Financial Awareness.
- Practice descriptive writing for the Mains (essay & letter) — scoring well here significantly improves aggregate rank.
- Take mock tests under timed conditions and analyse mistakes; focus on accuracy and time management.
If you missed the cutoff — options and next steps
- Review sectional performance and topic gaps; create a targeted study plan for the next cycle.
- Attempt sectional tests and revise basic banking concepts and current affairs monthly.
- Consider taking online test series to simulate exam pressure and improve test-taking strategies.
Detailed timeline (What to expect up to final result)
| Stage | Action / Output | Typical timeframe after Prelims |
|---|---|---|
| Prelims Result & Cutoff | Shortlist for Mains | Same day / within a few days |
| Mains Admit Card | Download & verify details | 2–3 weeks before Mains |
| Mains Exam | Objective + Descriptive papers | August 2026 (as scheduled) |
| Mains Result | Shortlist for Interview (merit list) | 2–4 weeks after Mains |
| Interview (Personality Test) | Final selection stage | Within 1–2 months after Mains |
| Final Result & Joining | Merit list with final allotment | September–October 2026 |
Common reasons for a higher-than-expected cutoff
- Multiple shifts with one or more easier shifts increases average scores.
- More high-performing candidates in that year (higher competition).
- Lower number of vacancies while applications remain constant.
FAQ
Where can I find the official prelims cutoff notification?
Check the official SBI careers portal and the Prelims result PDF where the cutoff table is published along with instructions.
Are Prelims sectional cutoffs applicable?
SBI historically uses an overall qualifying mark for prelims to shortlist candidates for mains. Sectional requirements vary by year and notification; always consult the official notification for that cycle.
Does normalization affect final shortlisting?
Yes. If prelims are conducted in multiple shifts, raw scores are often normalized; the normalized score is used to determine cutoffs and shortlisting.
If I belong to OBC/EWS/SC/ST, can I expect lower cutoffs?
Yes, cutoffs are category-wise and typically lower for reserved categories; however actual marks vary with overall performance and vacancy distribution.
How many candidates are shortlisted for Mains?
SBI usually shortlists candidates to the extent of multiples of vacancies for mains (this multiplier can change). The exact number for 2026 is specified in the official result/notification.
Can prelims marks be used in final merit?
Prelims marks are generally used only for shortlisting to mains. Final merit is based on Mains and Interview scores combined, as per the official marking scheme.
Closing guidance
Clearing the prelims is a major step. Use the time between prelims and mains to strengthen weak sections, practice descriptive writing, and simulate full-length mains tests. Keep documents ready, follow the official schedule, and monitor notifications for any updates to the selection process.
Disclaimer: The category-wise cutoff values and timeline presented here summarize official announcements and standard exam procedures. Candidates should verify exact dates and figures from the official SBI documentation and result PDFs released for SBI PO 2026.
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