NEW DELHI – The banking sector is abuzz with anticipation as millions of aspiring Probationary Officers eagerly await the SBI PO Prelims Result 2026. Following the preliminary examination conducted on August 1–2, 2026, the results are expected to be declared in late August 2026. This announcement will pave the way for successful candidates to proceed to the crucial Mains examination, scheduled for September 12, 2026.

The State Bank of India (SBI) has announced a total of 1,500 vacancies for the 2026 recruitment cycle. This includes 1,446 regular posts and an additional 54 backlog posts, offering significant career opportunities for thousands. All official updates, notices, and recruitment information will be accessible on the SBI Careers portal, sbi.co.in/web/careers.

Navigating the Result: Process and Cut-off Expectations

Candidates can easily check their results by visiting the official SBI Careers website. Upon navigating to the “Current Openings” section and selecting “Recruitment of Probationary Officers,” they will be prompted to enter specific details to access their merit status or individual marks. This streamlined process ensures quick and efficient access to results.

A key aspect of the preliminary examination is the absence of sectional cut-offs. Selection at this initial stage is determined solely by the overall cut-off score. For the General category, the expected cut-off for the 2026 Prelims is projected to range between 58.00 and 65.00 marks out of a total of 100. While historical SBI PO Prelims cut-offs have generally hovered between 67 and 73 marks, the 2026 cycle has witnessed an unprecedented surge in applications, which may influence the final cut-off figures.

Detailed Recruitment Schedule and Mains Examination Format

The recruitment process for SBI PO is meticulously planned. Following the Prelims result in late August or early September 2026, candidates can expect the Mains admit cards to be released by late August 2026. The Mains result is anticipated in September or October 2026. Subsequent stages include the Psychometric Test and interviews, scheduled for October or November 2026, culminating in the final merit list release in November or December 2026.

The Mains examination on September 12 will be conducted in two distinct shifts to accommodate the large number of aspirants:

• Morning Shift: 08:30 AM to 12:00 PM (Objective and Descriptive Tests)
• Afternoon Shift: 01:30 PM to 05:00 PM (Objective and Descriptive Tests)

Record Applications, Vacancy Breakdown, and Final Selection Criteria

The 2026 recruitment cycle has seen an astounding level of interest. A staggering 1,214,076 candidates registered by the July 8, 2026 deadline, marking a 177% increase compared to the 657,850 applicants in 2025. Out of these, approximately 1.1 million candidates appeared for the Prelims. It is projected that around 15,000 candidates, roughly 10 times the total vacancies, will successfully qualify for the Mains examination, intensifying the competition.

The 1,500 vacancies are distributed across various categories to ensure equitable representation:

The final merit list will be determined by a weighted system, with the Mains examination carrying a significant 75% weightage. The Interview and Group Exercise combined account for the remaining 25%. Specifically, the Group Exercise is allotted 20 marks, while the Personal Interview holds 30 marks, emphasizing comprehensive assessment of candidates.

Selected Probationary Officers will be rewarded with a revised starting Cost to Company (CTC) of Rs 21.97 lakh per annum in metro cities. This attractive package includes lease rental allowances, medical benefits, and smart incentives, underscoring SBI’s commitment to attracting top talent.

As the countdown to the Prelims result begins, aspirants are advised to stay vigilant on the official SBI Careers portal for the latest updates. The journey to becoming an SBI PO is rigorous, but the rewards are substantial, promising a dynamic career in India’s leading public sector bank.