The SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 (individual marks/scorecard) was released on 1 September 2026 at sbi.bank.in. The official Prelims cut off for General category is 66.25 out of 100, and 15,802 candidates have been shortlisted for the SBI PO Mains 2026 exam held on 12 September 2026.
SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 is officially available on the State Bank of India’s careers portal. Candidates who appeared for the SBI PO Preliminary Examination on 1 and 2 August 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 can now download their individual scorecards, check section-wise marks, and compare their performance against the official cut off. This guide is for the 11 lakh+ banking aspirants who sat for SBI PO Prelims 2026 and want to know their score, qualifying status, and what comes next. We cover the complete answer key process, official cut off marks for all categories, how to download the scorecard, Mains exam details, and the Rs.80,000+ monthly salary that awaits selected candidates.
- Advertisement No.: CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 (dated 18 June 2026)
- Total Vacancies: 1,500 Probationary Officers
- Prelims Exam Dates: 1 and 2 August 2026
- Prelims Result Date: 28 August 2026
- Scorecard / Marks Released: 1 September 2026
- Candidates Shortlisted for Mains: 15,802
- Total Applicants: ~11 lakh
- General Category Cut Off (Official): 66.25 out of 100
- Mains Exam Date: 12 September 2026
- Official Portal: sbi.bank.in
📋 Table of Contents
- What Is SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026?
- Who Should Read This Guide?
- SBI PO Prelims Scorecard and Marks 2026
- How to Download SBI PO Scorecard 2026 – Step-by-Step
- SBI PO Prelims Official Cut Off 2026 – Category-Wise
- SBI PO Cut Off Trend – Last 5 Years Comparison
- SBI PO Salary 2026 – In-Hand Pay, Pay Scale & Allowances
- SBI PO Mains 2026 – Exam Pattern and Marks Structure
- SBI PO vs IBPS PO 2026 – Key Differences
- Advantages and Disadvantages of SBI PO 2026
- Important Terms Related to SBI PO Prelims Answer Key
- Important Links
- Conclusion
- Key Takeaways
- Frequently Asked Questions
What Is SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026?
The SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 refers to the official response sheet and individual scorecard released by the State Bank of India, which shows each candidate’s section-wise marks, total marks secured, and qualifying status for the SBI PO Mains examination. Unlike some competitive exams, SBI does not release a separate question-wise answer key PDF — instead, the bank publishes personalised scorecards that display the candidate’s overall and sectional performance alongside the official cut off marks.
The response sheet was made available for the Preliminary Examination held on 1 and 2 August 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09. Candidates can access their individual marks by logging in at sbi.bank.in using their Registration Number or Roll Number and Date of Birth. Both qualified and non-qualified candidates are able to view their scores, making the scorecard an essential self-assessment tool for future exam preparation.
The scorecard lists three key data points: section-wise marks (English Language, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning Ability), total marks out of 100, and the official category-wise cut off, so candidates know exactly how many marks above or below the threshold they scored.
Who Should Read This Guide?
- 🎓 Qualified candidates who need to download their SBI PO scorecard and prepare for the Mains exam scheduled for 12 September 2026.
- ❌ Non-qualified candidates who want to check their marks, understand where they fell short, and plan for the next SBI PO cycle.
- 📊 Aspirants comparing their score against the official General, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST cut off marks for 2026.
- 🏦 Banking job seekers who want to know the SBI PO salary structure, pay scale, and career growth path.
- 📚 First-time SBI PO aspirants who want to understand the complete selection process, exam pattern, and what to expect at every stage.
- 🔄 Repeat SBI PO applicants tracking year-on-year cut off trends to calibrate their 2027 preparation strategy.
- 📱 Family members and coaches who are helping a candidate navigate the SBI PO result and Mains preparation timeline.
- 💼 Career counsellors comparing SBI PO with IBPS PO and other banking recruitment options for clients.
SBI PO Prelims Scorecard and Marks 2026
The SBI PO Prelims Scorecard 2026 was officially activated on 1 September 2026 on the SBI Careers portal. The scorecard allows candidates to check their performance in all three sections of the Preliminary Examination, which was held on 1 and 2 August 2026. Out of nearly 11 lakh candidates who appeared, 15,802 candidates have been shortlisted for the Mains examination.
| Section | Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 minutes |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 minutes |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 60 minutes |
Important: The SBI PO Prelims carries negative marking of 0.25 marks for each wrong answer. There is no sectional cut off in the Preliminary Examination — SBI draws the merit list based on aggregate marks alone, which means a weaker section can be compensated by a stronger performance in another. This is a key difference from IBPS PO, which enforces sectional minimums.
How to Download SBI PO Scorecard 2026 – Step-by-Step
Downloading the SBI PO Prelims Scorecard 2026 takes under 2 minutes. Follow these verified steps from the official SBI portal to access your marks:
- Visit the official SBI Careers website at sbi.bank.in/web/careers on any browser or mobile device.
- Go to the Recruitment Results section — click “Join SBI” in the navigation menu and then select “Recruitment Results.”
- Find the SBI PO 2026 notification — look for “Recruitment of Probationary Officers (ADVERTISEMENT NO: CRPD/PO/2026-27/09)” in the list.
- Click on the Marks / Scorecard link — a direct portal link is available at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/popre-results-2026.
- Enter your credentials — input your Roll Number or Registration Number, Date of Birth, and the CAPTCHA verification code shown on screen.
- Click Submit — your personalised scorecard will appear, showing section-wise marks, total marks, and qualifying status.
- Download and save — take a screenshot or use the browser’s print-to-PDF function to save your scorecard for future reference.
Keep your SBI PO scorecard PDF saved in at least two locations (cloud + device). You will need it to verify your score during the Mains admit card process and at the exam centre. Candidates who lose their scorecard login credentials should contact SBI’s careers helpdesk at the email ID mentioned on the official notification.
SBI PO Prelims Official Cut Off 2026 – Category-Wise
The SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2026 was published on 1 September 2026 alongside the individual scorecards. The official cut off is the minimum aggregate score a candidate must achieve to qualify for the SBI PO Mains examination. As per the official data from sbi.bank.in, the category-wise qualifying marks are as follows:
| Category | Official Prelims Cut Off 2026 (Out of 100) | 2025 Cut Off (For Reference) |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | 66.25 | 66.75 |
| OBC | 66.00 | 65.50 |
| EWS | 64.75 | 64.50 |
| SC | 58.75 | 59.25 |
| ST | 52.75 | 51.50 |
The 2026 cut offs are remarkably close to the 2025 figures, indicating consistent exam difficulty. The General category cut off dropped marginally by 0.5 marks (from 66.75 to 66.25), while OBC cut off actually rose slightly. Candidates scoring above these marks in their respective categories have been shortlisted among the 15,802 who cleared Prelims.
SBI PO Cut Off Trend – Last 5 Years Comparison
Understanding the year-on-year cut off trend helps aspirants calibrate their preparation targets for future SBI PO cycles. The data below covers the official Prelims cut offs from 2022 to 2026 for the General category:
| Year | General | OBC | EWS | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 66.25 | 66.00 | 64.75 | 58.75 | 52.75 |
| 2025 | 66.75 | 65.50 | 64.50 | 59.25 | 51.50 |
| 2024 | 61.75 | 60.50 | 60.25 | 55.00 | 49.00 |
| 2023 | 59.25 | 59.25 | 59.25 | 53.00 | 47.50 |
| 2022 | 64.50 | 61.25 | 59.50 | 52.50 | 47.75 |
The trend shows a sharp rise in General category cut off from 59.25 in 2023 to 66.25 in 2026 — a jump of 7 marks in three years. This reflects both rising competition and a more level-headed approach to exam preparation among aspirants. Candidates preparing for SBI PO 2027 should target a safe score of 70+ marks for General/EWS and 68+ for OBC to ensure a comfortable margin above the cut off.
SBI PO Salary 2026 – In-Hand Pay, Pay Scale & Allowances
One of the biggest reasons SBI PO attracts over 11 lakh applicants is the salary package. A selected Probationary Officer joins the Junior Management Grade Scale-I (JMGS-I) with an effective starting basic pay of Rs.56,480 per month (base pay Rs.48,480 plus four advance increments of Rs.2,000 each). The annual CTC as per the official SBI PO 2026 notification is approximately Rs.21.97 lakh per annum.
| Salary Component | Monthly Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (effective starting) | Rs. 56,480 |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | Variable (linked to CPI) |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA – Metro) | Rs. 29,500 (approx.) |
| Special Allowance | Included in gross |
| Petrol / Fuel Allowance | Rs. 1,100 – Rs. 1,250 |
| Gross Monthly Salary (Metro) | Rs. 93,000 – Rs. 95,000 |
| Net In-Hand Salary | Rs. 80,000 – Rs. 82,000 |
| Annual CTC | Rs. 21.97 lakh |
After promotion to MMGS-II (approximately Year 5–7), the in-hand salary exceeds Rs.1 lakh per month. The pay scale runs from Rs.48,480 to Rs.85,920 at the JMGS-I level, with increments of Rs.2,000 per year for the first seven years. In addition to the salary, SBI POs receive medical benefits, retirement benefits under the pension scheme, subsidised housing loans, education loans, and performance-linked incentives — making the total value package significantly higher than the in-hand figure.
SBI PO Mains 2026 – Exam Pattern and Marks Structure
The SBI PO Mains 2026 exam was held on 12 September 2026. The Mains is the primary selection stage — its marks carry 75% weightage in the final merit list. The revised 2026 Mains pattern includes an important change: the Descriptive Test has been reduced from 50 marks to 30 marks, making the total Mains marks 230 (200 Objective + 30 Descriptive).
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 60 | 50 minutes |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| General Awareness / Economy / Banking | 60 | 60 | 45 minutes |
| English Language | 40 | 20 | 40 minutes |
| Descriptive Test (Email + Analysis) | 3 tasks | 30 | 30 minutes |
| Total (Mains) | 173 | 230 | 3 hrs 30 min |
| Group Exercise + Interview (Phase III) | — | 50 | — |
The final merit is calculated as: Mains 75% weightage + GE & Interview 25% weightage. The Prelims marks are discarded after shortlisting. Expected Mains cut off for General category is 72–82 marks out of the normalised 100, with a safe target of 90+ marks for candidates aiming to clear comfortably.
SBI PO vs IBPS PO 2026 – Key Differences
Banking aspirants frequently compare SBI PO and IBPS PO. Both are prestigious officer-level roles, but the two exams differ significantly in pattern, selection process, salary, and career trajectory. Here is a comprehensive comparison:
| Parameter | SBI PO 2026 | IBPS PO 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Conducting Body | State Bank of India | Institute of Banking Personnel Selection |
| Vacancies (2026) | 1,500 | ~4,000+ (multiple banks) |
| Starting In-Hand Salary | Rs. 80,000 – 82,000/month | Rs. 52,000 – 58,000/month |
| Prelims Sectional Cut Off | No sectional cut off | Yes – sectional cut off required |
| Mains Total Marks | 230 marks (revised 2026) | 225 marks |
| Phase III | Group Exercise + Interview (50 marks) | Interview only (100 marks) |
| Promotion Speed | Faster (MMGS-II in ~5–7 years) | Slower across PSU banks |
| Brand Prestige | Highest among public sector banks | Varies by participating bank |
| Annual CTC | Rs. 21.97 lakh | Rs. 8–12 lakh (bank-dependent) |
| Best For | High salary + fastest growth | More vacancies + easier selection |
SBI PO is the better long-term career choice for aspirants who can afford the higher competition (cut off 66.25 vs IBPS PO ~55–60). The salary difference is enormous — SBI PO in-hand pay is approximately Rs.25,000 more per month than the average IBPS PO starting salary. If you qualify for both, prioritise SBI PO. If not, IBPS PO offers more seats and a valid entry into banking with a clear upgrade path.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Choosing SBI PO as a Career
Appearing for SBI PO is a major career decision. Here is a balanced assessment of the pros and cons based on the 2026 cycle:
✅ Advantages of SBI PO
- Highest salary among entry-level bank officer roles: Rs.80,000–82,000/month in-hand, with an annual CTC of Rs.21.97 lakh.
- No sectional cut off in Prelims: Candidates can compensate a weaker section with a stronger performance elsewhere, unlike IBPS PO.
- Faster promotions: SBI POs typically reach MMGS-II (Rs.1 lakh+ monthly salary) in 5–7 years, faster than most public sector banks.
- Pan-India presence and job security: Government employment with transfers across 22,000+ branches nationwide.
- Excellent perks: Housing, medical, fuel, education, and pension benefits over and above the salary.
❌ Disadvantages of SBI PO
- Highly competitive: Over 11 lakh applicants for just 1,500 vacancies — a selection ratio of 1 in 73.
- Multi-stage process: Prelims, Mains (with Descriptive Test), Group Exercise, and Interview — the full process spans 3–6 months.
- Service bond of Rs.2 lakh: Candidates who leave before completing the stipulated probation period must pay a bond penalty.
Important Terms Related to SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026
Understanding the following key terms will help you interpret your scorecard accurately and prepare effectively for the next stage:
- Prelims Cut Off: The minimum aggregate score required to qualify for Mains. The 2026 official cut off is 66.25 for General, 66.00 for OBC, 64.75 for EWS, 58.75 for SC, and 52.75 for ST.
- Normalisation: SBI conducts Prelims across multiple shifts and normalises scores to account for difficulty variation. Your scorecard shows normalised marks.
- JMGS-I (Junior Management Grade Scale-I): The grade at which an SBI PO joins — starting pay Rs.56,480 basic.
- MMGS-II (Middle Management Grade Scale-II): The first promotion grade, typically reached in 5–7 years, at which salary exceeds Rs.1 lakh/month.
- Descriptive Test: The written component of SBI PO Mains (30 marks in 2026), testing email writing and situational analysis skills.
- Group Exercise (GE): A Phase-III activity carrying 20 marks, assessing candidates on teamwork, communication, and leadership.
- Service Bond: A Rs.2 lakh bond applicable during the two-year probation period; candidates who resign forfeit this amount.
- E-SAAT (Electronic Scoring): The online platform through which SBI conducts and scores the objective sections of the exam.
- CRPD: Central Recruitment & Promotion Department — the SBI division that manages all officer-level recruitment including PO.
- Merit List (Roll Number PDF): The PDF released on 28 August 2026 listing roll numbers of all 15,802 candidates shortlisted for SBI PO Mains 2026.
Important Links – SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| SBI PO Scorecard / Marks 2026 (Official) | sbi.bank.in – Download Scorecard |
| SBI Careers Official Portal | sbi.bank.in/web/careers |
| SBI PO Official Notification PDF | SBI Current Openings – CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 |
| SBI Recruitment Results Archive | SBI Recruitment Results Page |
| National Career Service Portal (Govt.) | ncs.gov.in – Job Alerts |
Conclusion
The SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 (individual scorecard) is now live at sbi.bank.in, with official cut offs confirmed at 66.25 for General, 66.00 for OBC, 64.75 for EWS, 58.75 for SC, and 52.75 for ST out of 100 marks. Out of 11 lakh aspirants, 15,802 have cleared the bar and will compete in the Mains, which was held on 12 September 2026. If you are among the qualifiers, focus all your energy on the Mains objective test (200 marks), the revised 30-mark Descriptive Test, and the Group Exercise + Interview (50 marks). The Rs.80,000+ monthly in-hand salary and Rs.21.97 lakh annual CTC make the SBI PO one of the most rewarding entry-level government positions in India — the effort is absolutely worth it. Bookmark this page for the latest SBI PO Mains result, cut off, and final selection updates as they are released.
- SBI PO Prelims Scorecard 2026 was released on 1 September 2026 at sbi.bank.in — download it using Registration Number + Date of Birth.
- Official Prelims cut off: 66.25 (General), 66.00 (OBC), 64.75 (EWS), 58.75 (SC), 52.75 (ST) — out of 100 marks.
- 15,802 candidates out of 11 lakh applicants cleared the Prelims for 1,500 SBI PO vacancies (2026-27 cycle).
- SBI PO starting in-hand salary is Rs.80,000–82,000/month with an annual CTC of Rs.21.97 lakh — highest among PSU banks.
- The Mains exam (held 12 September 2026) carries 230 marks; target 90+ for a safe General category qualifying score.
Frequently Asked Questions About SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026
Has the SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 been officially released?
SBI does not release a traditional question-wise answer key PDF. Instead, the bank released individual scorecards on 1 September 2026, which show each candidate’s section-wise and total marks secured in the Preliminary Examination held on 1–2 August 2026. Candidates can access their personal response sheet at sbi.bank.in/web/careers/popre-results-2026 using their credentials.
What is the SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2026 for General category?
The official SBI PO Prelims Cut Off 2026 for the General/UR category is 66.25 marks out of 100. This is 0.5 marks lower than the 2025 cut off of 66.75. There is no sectional cut off — candidates must only meet the overall aggregate threshold for their respective category.
How many candidates cleared SBI PO Prelims 2026?
A total of 15,802 candidates have been shortlisted for the SBI PO Mains 2026 examination. These candidates were selected from approximately 11 lakh applicants who appeared for the Preliminary Examination held on 1 and 2 August 2026 under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09.
When was SBI PO Mains 2026 held?
The SBI PO Mains 2026 examination was held on 12 September 2026. The Mains consists of an objective test (200 marks in 3 hours) and a descriptive test (30 marks, revised from the earlier 50 marks). Only the Mains marks carry forward to the final merit list — Prelims marks are discarded after shortlisting.
What is the SBI PO in-hand salary in 2026?
The SBI PO in-hand salary for a newly appointed Probationary Officer is approximately Rs.80,000 to Rs.82,000 per month, with a gross monthly salary of Rs.93,000–Rs.95,000 at a metro posting. The annual CTC is approximately Rs.21.97 lakh. After promotion to MMGS-II in 5–7 years, the in-hand salary exceeds Rs.1 lakh per month.
Does SBI PO Prelims have sectional cut off?
No. Unlike IBPS PO, the SBI PO Preliminary Examination has no sectional cut off. Only the overall aggregate marks are considered for shortlisting. This means a candidate who scores very high in Reasoning and Quantitative Aptitude can compensate for a relatively lower score in English Language, and vice versa.
How many vacancies are there in SBI PO 2026?
The State Bank of India has announced 1,500 Probationary Officer vacancies in the 2026-27 recruitment cycle under Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 dated 18 June 2026. The Prelims shortlisted approximately 10 times the vacancies (15,802 candidates) for the Mains examination, which is standard SBI practice.
What should I do after qualifying SBI PO Prelims 2026?
Candidates who have qualified for SBI PO Mains should immediately begin preparation for the four Mains sections: Reasoning & Computer Aptitude, Data Analysis & Interpretation, General Awareness/Economy/Banking Knowledge, and English Language, plus the 30-mark Descriptive Test. Focus on General Awareness and Banking Knowledge since this section carries 60 marks and is often the difference-maker. Also prepare for the Group Exercise and Interview (50 marks), which carry 25% of the final merit.
Is a safe score of 70+ enough to clear SBI PO Prelims 2026?
Based on the official 2026 cut off (66.25 for General), a score of 70+ marks provides a comfortable margin of approximately 3.75 marks above the cut off for General category candidates. For OBC candidates (cut off 66.00), 70+ is also safe. However, note that normalisation can affect scores across shifts, so candidates who scored exactly 66–68 should check their official scorecard carefully.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. All salary figures, vacancy counts, cut off marks, and dates are sourced from the official SBI Careers portal (sbi.bank.in) and verified public sources. Candidates are advised to refer to the official SBI notification for authoritative information before making any career decisions.
