SBI Apprentice Cut Off: How Merit Works and What Score to Target
The SBI Apprentice cut off is the lowest online test score at which candidates of a given state and category make the merit list. State Bank of India draws up that list state-wise and category-wise, so there is no single national cut-off. For the 2026 engagement (advertisement CRPD/APPR/2026-27/07, 7,150 seats), SBI has published the list of provisionally selected candidates by roll number on its careers page.
We could not find official state-wise cut-off marks for the 2026 cycle on the SBI website, so this page does not reproduce figures that circulate elsewhere. Instead, it explains how the cut-off is formed, what moves it and how to set a target score that leaves you a safe margin.
Table of Contents
How the SBI Apprentice Cut Off Works
Two separate thresholds decide whether you are selected. The first is a minimum aggregate score that every candidate must reach. The second is the actual closing score in your state and category, which depends on how many seats there are and how other candidates performed.
Element | Rule in the 2026 advertisement |
|---|---|
Basis of merit | Online written test marks out of 100 |
Sectional cut-off | None; no minimum marks in individual sections |
Minimum aggregate | Fixed by the bank; relaxed by 5% for SC, ST, OBC and PwBD |
Merit list | State-wise and category-wise, in descending order of marks |
Tie at the cut-off | Older candidate ranked higher |
Wait list | One year from the result or until the next engagement, whichever is earlier |
Selection on the merit list is still provisional. You must also pass the local language test, unless exempt, and the medical examination.
Qualifying Marks and Category Relaxation
The advertisement does not print the minimum aggregate percentage. It only says the bank will decide it and that SC, ST, OBC and PwBD candidates get a 5% relaxation. Reaching this minimum makes you eligible for the merit list; it does not guarantee a seat.
What Affects the Cut Off
Seats in your state: In 2026, seats ranged from 709 in Andhra Pradesh to 6 in Manipur. Fewer seats usually mean a higher closing score.
Seats in your category: Some states had zero seats in a category, for example no ST seats in Punjab or Haryana.
Number of applicants: Popular states with many graduates see tougher competition.
Paper difficulty: A harder paper pulls scores and cut-offs down; an easier one pushes them up.
Negative marking: The quarter-mark penalty separates accurate candidates from those who guess.
How to Set Your Target Score
Cut-offs change every year with difficulty, seats and the number of applicants. Treat any figure you see as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above it rather than a bare pass.
Start from the full paper: The test has 100 questions in 60 minutes. Plan for high accuracy rather than maximum attempts.
Check your state's seat count: The SBI Apprentice exam overview lists 2026 seats by state and category.
Keep every section productive: There is no sectional cut-off, but a weak section drags your total down.
Track mock scores over time: Look for steady scores across several mocks, not one high score.
For a realistic picture, take SBI Apprentice mock tests on Testkart with sectional timers and compare your accuracy across tests. Revisit the SBI Apprentice exam pattern to see how negative marking changes your net score.
Where to Check Official Updates
Results, selection lists and any cut-off details are posted under the apprentice advertisement on the SBI careers page. Official SBI careers page: https://sbi.bank.in/web/careers/current-openings
Frequently Asked Questions
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