How it's calculated
Unattempted questions score zero. Fractions are kept exact and the total is rounded once, to two decimals.
Estimate only. Official results, marks and eligibility are decided by the State Bank of India. Verify on the official website.
Worked example: SBI PO Preliminary Examination
English Language: 32 right, 4 wrong; Quantitative Aptitude: 24 right, 3 wrong; Reasoning Ability: 24 right, 3 wrong. Total: 77.5 out of 100.
SBI PO 2026 exam pattern and marking
SBI PO Preliminary Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| English Language | 40 | 1 | −1/4 | 40 |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 30 | 1 | −1/4 | 30 |
| Reasoning Ability | 30 | 1 | −1/4 | 30 |
100 questions for 100 marks (marks per section are not printed; 1 mark each is assumed). No sectional cut-off; about 10 times the vacancies are shortlisted category-wise for the Main exam.
SBI PO Main Examination (Objective)
| Section | Questions | Marks each | Wrong answer | Max marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning & Computer Aptitude | 40 | 1.5 | −3/8 | 60 |
| Data Analysis & Interpretation | 30 | 2 | −1/2 | 60 |
| General Awareness / Economy / Banking Knowledge | 60 | 1 | −1/4 | 60 |
| English Language | 40 | 0.5 | −1/8 | 20 |
Marks per question = the test's maximum marks divided by its questions (assuming equal marks within a test). Penalty is 1/4 of the marks for that question. The 30-mark Descriptive test is separate. Sectional and aggregate cut-offs are decided by the Bank.
Using your score
- Count right and wrong answers from the official answer key for a reliable score.
- The Main exam also has a 30-mark descriptive test (emails, situation analysis, report or précis), not included here.
- Marks per question are the test maximum divided by its number of questions, as printed in the advertisement.
Frequently asked questions
What is the negative marking in SBI PO 2026?
SBI PO Preliminary Examination: +1 for a right answer, −1/4 for a wrong one. SBI PO Main Examination (Objective): +1.5 for a right answer, −3/8 for a wrong one; +2 for a right answer, −1/2 for a wrong one; +1 for a right answer, −1/4 for a wrong one; +0.5 for a right answer, −1/8 for a wrong one.
What are the total marks in SBI PO Preliminary Examination?
100 marks: English Language (40 questions), Quantitative Aptitude (30 questions), Reasoning Ability (30 questions).
Is an unattempted question marked negatively?
No. Only wrong answers carry a penalty. A question left blank scores zero.
How do I count my right and wrong answers?
Compare your responses with the official answer key published by the exam body. Count only the questions you marked: those matching the key are right, the rest are wrong.
Is there a sectional cut-off in SBI PO prelims?
No. The advertisement says there is no sectional cut-off in the Preliminary exam; about 10 times the vacancies are shortlisted category-wise on aggregate marks. The Main exam has sectional cut-offs.
Do prelims marks count in the final selection?
No. Final merit uses the Main exam (objective + descriptive, scaled to 75) and the group exercise and interview (scaled to 25).