The State Bank of India (SBI) has released the SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 on 12 October 2026. Candidates who appeared for the Probationary Officer Preliminary Examination can now download the provisional answer key and response sheet from the official website sbi.bank.in (or sbi.co.in).
The SBI PO Prelims Exam 2026 was conducted on 1st and 2nd August 2026 across multiple exam centres. The answer key contains verified solutions for every set and paper code, allowing candidates to compare their marked responses, estimate their expected scores, and evaluate their performance before the official results are announced.
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Candidates also have the option to raise online objections against any answer they believe is incorrect, within the prescribed time window. After reviewing all legitimate challenges, SBI will release the final answer key, which will form the basis for calculating the final result.
SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Authority | State Bank of India (SBI) |
| Examination Name | SBI PO Written Exam 2026 |
| Post Name | Probationary Officer (PO) |
| Advertisement No. | CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 |
| Total Vacancies | 1500 Posts |
| Prelims Exam Date | 1st & 2nd August 2026 |
| Answer Key Release Date | 12 October 2026 |
| Answer Key Status | Released |
| Objection Facility | Available |
| Result Status | To Be Announced |
| Official Website | sbi.bank.in / sbi.co.in |
SBI PO Recruitment 2026: Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 18 June 2026 |
| Online Application Starts | 18 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 08 July 2026 (11:59 PM) |
| Phase-I Prelims Admit Card | 22 July 2026 |
| Phase-I Prelims Exam Date | 02 August 2026 |
| Phase-I Prelims Answer Key | 12 October 2026 |
| Phase-II Mains Admit Card | 02 September 2026 |
| Phase-II Mains Exam Date | 12 September 2026 |
| Phase-II Mains Result | September / October 2026 |
| Psychometric Test, GE & Interview | October / November 2026 |
| Final Result Date | November / December 2026 |
SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026: Download Link
The SBI PO Answer Key PDF download link is active now at sbi.bank.in.
Steps to Download:
- Visit the official website of State Bank of India at sbi.bank.in or sbi.co.in.
- Navigate to the Current Openings section.
- Search for Advertisement No. CRPD/PO/2026-27/09 (Recruitment of Probationary Officers).
- Click on the Prelims Answer Key link.
- Enter your Roll Number / Registration Number and Date of Birth.
- Fill in the CAPTCHA verification code.
- Submit and download the answer key PDF.
- Save the PDF for future reference and calculate your tentative score.
SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026: How to Calculate Expected Score
The SBI PO Prelims Exam follows this marking scheme:
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 40 | 20 Min |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 30 | 20 Min |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 30 | 20 Min |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 1 Hour |
Marking Scheme:
- Correct Answer: +1 mark
- Wrong Answer: −1/4th mark (0.25 marks deducted)
- Unattempted: 0 marks
Formula:
Expected Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 1) − (Number of Wrong Answers × 0.25)
Example: If you have 70 correct answers and 12 wrong answers:
- Correct: 70 × 1 = 70
- Wrong: 12 × 0.25 = 3
- Expected Score = 70 − 3 = 67 marks
SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026: Objection Process
If candidates find any discrepancy in the provisional answer key, they can raise objections online.
Steps to Raise Objection:
- Visit the official SBI website and open the answer key link.
- Login using your Roll Number / Registration Number and Date of Birth.
- Select the question you want to challenge.
- Upload supporting proof from a standard textbook or authentic source.
- Pay the objection fee (if applicable) before the deadline.
- Submit the objection and keep a copy of the confirmation.
Note: Objections without valid proof, or submitted after the deadline, will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the total number of vacancies in SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
A total of 1500 Probationary Officer vacancies are announced, comprising 1446 regular posts and 54 backlog posts across UR, OBC, EWS, SC, and ST categories.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online for SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
The online application window was open from 18 June 2026 to 08 July 2026.
Q3. What is the educational qualification required for SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must hold a Graduation Degree in any discipline from a recognized University. Final year students can also apply provisionally, provided they pass on or before 30 September 2026.
Q4. What is the age limit for candidates applying for SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
The candidate must be between 21 and 30 years of age as on 01 April 2026 (born between 02/04/1996 and 01/04/2005). Upper age relaxation is admissible to reserved categories as per Government norms.
Q5. What is the application fee for SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is Rs. 750/- for General, EWS, and OBC candidates. SC, ST, and PwBD candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q6. What is the selection process in SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
The selection process consists of:
- Phase-I: Preliminary Exam (100 Marks)
- Phase-II: Main Exam (230 Marks — Objective + Descriptive)
- Phase-III: Psychometric Test, Group Exercises (20 Marks) & Personal Interview (30 Marks)
Q7. What is the starting salary and pay scale in SBI PO Recruitment 2026?
The starting basic pay is Rs. 48,480/- (with 4 advance increments) in the JMGS-I pay scale of Rs. 48,480 – 85,920/-, with an approximate annual CTC of Rs. 21.97 Lacs at Mumbai.
Q8. When was the SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026 released?
The answer key was released on 12 October 2026 on the official website sbi.bank.in.
Q9. Can I raise objections against the SBI PO Prelims Answer Key 2026?
Yes. Candidates can raise online objections against any answer they believe is incorrect, within the prescribed time window. Objections must be supported with valid proof.
Q10. When will the SBI PO Mains Result 2026 be declared?
The SBI PO Mains Result is expected in September / October 2026.
