State Bank of India (SBI) finished the Probationary Officer (PO) Prelims on August 2, 2026. Over twelve lakh candidates competed nationwide for 1,500 vacancies. Aspirants are now eagerly evaluating their exam performance. They want to plan their next critical preparation steps today.
Shift feedback shows tricky quantitative aptitude and lengthy reasoning sections. English remained moderate for most candidates across both exam days. Since difficulties varied, SBI will use natural normalisation to finalise results. This system ensures absolute fairness for every applicant.

Experts estimate the General category cutoff between 60 to 68 marks. Other categories will likely see slightly lower qualifying limits. A safe attempt band is around 68 to 72 with high accuracy.
| Category | Expected Cut-offs |
|---|---|
| General | 60 - 68 |
| OBC | 58 - 65 |
| EWS | 58 - 65 |
| SC | 52 - 58 |
| ST | 48 - 54 |
The SBI PO Prelims result window should open by late August. It will likely appear by the first week of September 2026. The Mains exam is tentatively scheduled for September 12, 2026. This tight timeline grants successful candidates very little breathing room.
You must begin your prep sprint immediately without waiting. Focus heavily on the General Awareness section first. Prioritise current banking trends and major financial updates here. Dedicate hours to data interpretation and high-level reasoning drills.
Descriptive writing remains crucial despite marks reducing to 30. Practice essay and letter formats daily using online keyboard platforms. Attempt regular full-length mock tests to build high section stamina. Identify weak areas and correct errors promptly after each test.
Keep your essential certificates, ID proofs, and degree papers ready. SBI mandates a clean credit history, so check your credit score. Defaulting on bank loans can strictly disqualify candidates from appointments. This rule ensures high professional integrity across all selected officers.
Success in this competitive exam requires prompt, disciplined actions. Start your comprehensive Mains revision cycle without waiting for the results. Secure your position in the upcoming final phases with confidence. This focused preparation path guarantees you stay ahead of the competition.