IBPS SO Cut Off 2026: Rules, Past Data and Target

The IBPS SO cut off is the minimum score a candidate needs to move to the next stage. For CRP SPL-XVI, IBPS applies cut-offs at three points: in each Prelims test, in each Main test, and on the Main score for interview shortlisting. IBPS decides the numbers after the exam, based on difficulty, vacancies and the number of candidates, so no cut-off is known in advance.

This page explains how each cut-off works, what IBPS has and has not published for this cycle, and how to set a target. It does not show any expected or estimated cut-off as official, because none has been released on the IBPS website.

How cut-offs work in IBPS SO

Main scores are not shared with candidates before the interview process is complete. Scores from different sessions are normalised using the equi-percentile method before cut-offs are applied.

Cut-off status for this cycle

The Preliminary exam was scheduled for 29 August 2026, and IBPS posted the result status of the Preliminary exam on 15 October 2026. Results and scores are available to candidates after login on the IBPS portal. IBPS has not published a category-wise Prelims cut-off table on its public website, so treat any table that claims to be the official SPL-XVI Prelims cut-off with caution. The Main exam is tentatively scheduled for 1 November 2026.

Past reference: a Main test cut-off from an earlier cycle

IBPS publishes a short scores note after some cycles. The figures below come from the note for CRP SPL-XIII, when the Main exam was a single 60-mark Professional Knowledge test, and they show the minimum score needed in that test. The pattern has changed since, so use them only to see how low or high a test-level cut-off can sit against the maximum.

The same note shows a second, higher cut-off on the total score that was used to select candidates for interview, and it differed by category and post. The test-level cut-off is only the first hurdle. Cut-offs change every year with difficulty, vacancies and the number of applicants, so treat last year's figures as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above them rather than a bare pass.

What affects the cut-off

• Difficulty of the paper: A tougher set lowers the raw scores, and the cut-off falls with it.

• Number of vacancies: The updated vacancies are indicative at 1,035, and cut-offs for interview depend on how many candidates the banks need.

• Number and quality of applicants: More strong candidates for the same post push the cut-off up.

• Post and category: Each post is ranked separately, and each category has its own cut-off.

• Normalisation: If the exam runs in several sessions, scores are adjusted so that sessions are comparable.

How to set your target

1. Plan for every test, not only Professional Knowledge: A sectional cut-off in English, Reasoning or the third general section can stop you even with a high Professional Knowledge score.

2. Count negative marking in your mock scores: Use the corrected score, after deducting 0.25 per wrong answer and 0.5 per wrong Professional Knowledge answer.

3. Aim for consistency: Track your last five mock scores in each test and set your target above your lowest score, not your best one.

4. Keep a margin: A score that only just clears your own estimate leaves no room for a harder paper.

Check updates on ibps.in. The earlier scores note is available on the IBPS website.