SBI PO 2026 Expected Cut Off (Prelims & Mains) – Category-Wise Detailed Trend Analysis + Safe Score Strategy
SBI PO 2026 expected cut off for Prelims is likely to range between 58–65 for General category, while Mains cut off may range between 88–100 depending on difficulty level, vacancies, and normalization.
If you want realistic prediction — not copied tables — read this full analysis carefully.
How SBI PO Cut Off is Different from Other Bank Exams
SBI PO cut off differs from IBPS exams because:
- SBI sets its own paper difficulty
- No sectional cut off in Prelims (in recent cycles)
- High fluctuation in Mains cut off
- Vacancies directly impact final merit
SBI paper is generally tougher than IBPS PO, which keeps cut off slightly lower comparatively.
SBI PO 2026 Expected Cut Off – Prelims (Out of 100)
Prelims Pattern:
- English – 30
- Quant – 35
- Reasoning – 35
Expected Category-Wise Cut Off (Prelims 2026)
Category | Expected Cut Off Range |
|---|---|
General | 58–65 |
OBC | 55–62 |
EWS | 57–63 |
SC | 50–58 |
ST | 45–53 |
Safe Target for General Category:
👉 Aim for 70+
SBI PO Prelims Cut Off Trend Logic
Recent trends show:
- When Quant is calculation-heavy → Cut off drops
- When puzzles are moderate → Cut off stabilizes
- When English is easy → Cut off rises slightly
- Higher vacancies → Slight decrease in cut off
SBI maintains unpredictable difficulty balance, so always keep buffer.
SBI PO 2026 Expected Cut Off – Mains (Out of 250 Including Descriptive)
Mains Pattern:
- Reasoning & Computer
- Data Analysis & Interpretation
- General Awareness
- English
- Descriptive Test
Expected Category-Wise Mains Cut Off (2026)
Category | Expected Range |
|---|---|
General | 88–100 |
OBC | 85–95 |
EWS | 87–97 |
SC | 75–85 |
ST | 70–80 |
Safe Target for General:
👉 Aim for 105+
Why SBI PO Mains Cut Off Fluctuates
Major factors:
- Difficulty of DI section
- GA factual intensity
- Descriptive evaluation variation
- Vacancy numbers
- Interview weightage
Unlike IBPS, SBI final merit includes interview marks significantly.
Final Selection Formula
Final Merit = Mains Marks + Interview Marks
Even if you clear Mains cut off, interview performance can drastically change final ranking.
Safe Attempt Strategy for Prelims 2026
For Moderate Paper:
Section | Safe Attempts | Accuracy |
|---|---|---|
English | 22–25 | 85% |
Reasoning | 25–30 | 90% |
Quant | 22–27 | 85% |
Total Attempt Target: 70–75 with high accuracy
Remember: Net score matters, not attempts.
7–10 Marks Buffer Rule (Most Important)
If expected cut off is 62 → Target 72
If expected cut off is 58 → Target 68
Never prepare for bare minimum.
Prepare for dominance.
Prediction Confidence Level
Based on trend volatility and vacancy patterns:
Confidence Level: 8 / 10
Final variation depends on official notification and exam difficulty.
FAQs
What is the expected cut off for SBI PO 2026 Prelims?
Expected Prelims cut off for General category may range between 58–65 depending on difficulty and vacancies.
What is safe score for SBI PO 2026?
For General category, aim for 70+ in Prelims and 105+ in Mains.
Does SBI PO have sectional cut off?
In recent cycles, SBI did not apply sectional cut off in Prelims, but sectional performance still matters.
Is SBI PO cut off higher than IBPS PO?
Generally, SBI cut off may appear lower due to tougher paper pattern.
Can SBI PO cut off cross 70?
Yes, if paper is easy and vacancies are limited.
How is final SBI PO merit calculated?
Final merit is calculated based on Mains marks and Interview marks.
Does descriptive test affect cut off?
Descriptive marks are counted in Mains evaluation and impact final ranking.
Does normalization apply in SBI PO?
Yes, normalization may be applied across shifts.
How many marks are required to clear SBI PO Mains?
General category candidates should target at least 10–12 marks above expected cut off.
Is interview important in SBI PO selection?
Yes, interview plays a significant role in final merit calculation.
Final Target Summary
Stage | Minimum Target | Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
Prelims | 60 | 70+ |
Mains | 90 | 105+ |
If you stay consistently above safe target, your selection probability increases significantly.