IBPS AFO Prelims Expected Cut-off 2026: The IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 examination was conducted on August 29, 2026. After the exam, candidates are eager to know the expected cutoff based on the difficulty level, number of attempts and candidate feedback. As per the initial exam analysis, the paper was largely easy to moderate, with Quantitative Aptitude being comparatively tricky and Reasoning being lengthy.
The IBPS AFO Prelims Expected Cut-off 2026 discussed below is only an estimate based on candidate responses and the overall difficulty level of the examination. The official cutoff will be released by the Institute of Banking Personnel Selection (IBPS) along with the result.
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 exam pattern was different from previous years, with Professional Knowledge included as a major component. Since this was a significant change in the exam structure, the difficulty level and candidate attempts are important factors while estimating the cutoff.
Based on candidate feedback, an overall score of around 60+ marks may keep candidates in contention, while candidates scoring around 65–70+ marks can consider themselves comparatively safer. However, candidates should not treat any particular score as the final cutoff.
| Expected Score | Probable Position |
| 70+ marks | Relatively safe zone |
| 65–70 marks | Good chance; continue Mains preparation |
| 60–65 marks | Competitive; wait for official cutoff |
| 55–60 marks | Borderline; do not stop preparation |
| Below 55 marks | Depends heavily on actual cutoff and competition |
Note: These are indicative ranges based on candidate feedback and exam analysis. They are not official IBPS cutoff marks.
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 paper was reported to be easy to moderate overall. However, the difficulty varied across sections.
According to candidate feedback, Quantitative Aptitude was somewhat tricky, while Reasoning was relatively easy but lengthy. English was considered comparatively easier, and the newly included Professional Knowledge section was reported to be on the easier side by many candidates.
| Section | Questions | Candidate Feedback | Approx. Attempts |
| Quantitative Aptitude | 25 | Moderate/Tricky | 15–16 |
| Reasoning | 25 | Easy to Moderate, Lengthy | 15–16 |
| English Language | 25 | Easy to Moderate | 18–19 |
| Professional Knowledge | 25 | Relatively Easy | 18–20+ |
The actual number of correct answers will be more important than the number of attempts. Therefore, candidates should calculate their expected score carefully before comparing it with the expected cutoff.
Since the exam pattern has changed, it is difficult to accurately predict the individual sectional cutoff. The following ranges can be used only as a broad indication based on the reported difficulty level.
| Section | Expected Difficulty | Expected Cutoff Range* |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Moderate/Tricky | 5–8 |
| Reasoning Ability | Easy to Moderate, Lengthy | 5–8 |
| English Language | Easy to Moderate | 7–10 |
| Professional Knowledge | Easy | 12–16 |
*Expected ranges are unofficial and may vary depending on category, normalization, vacancies and candidate performance.
The expected cutoff has been estimated by considering multiple factors, including:
Difficulty level of the IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 paper
Number of questions attempted by candidates
Accuracy reported by candidates
Number of vacancies
Overall competition
Previous-year cutoff trends
Section-wise performance
Normalization across shifts, if applicable
Change in the examination pattern
Because the 2026 paper pattern is different from the previous pattern, directly comparing the 2026 cutoff with previous years may not provide an accurate picture.
The previous IBPS AFO Prelims examination had a different structure. Therefore, historical cutoff data should be used only to understand the broad trend rather than predicting the exact 2026 cutoff.
The previous-year analysis indicated that the overall cutoff had reached around 50.13 marks out of 125 in 2025. The sectional cutoff also had to be cleared.
Since the 2026 examination pattern and section structure have changed, the 2025 cutoff should not be considered the benchmark for the 2026 examination.
Based on the initial candidate feedback, 70+ marks out of 125 may be considered a relatively safe score. Candidates scoring between 65 and 70 marks should also remain optimistic and immediately start preparing for the Mains examination.
Candidates scoring around 60–65 marks should not give up or stop studying. The final cutoff depends on the actual performance of all candidates, vacancies, category-wise competition and the official normalization process.
Therefore, candidates with even borderline scores should continue their preparation until the official result and cutoff are announced.
Candidates should not wait for the IBPS AFO Prelims result before starting Mains preparation. The transcript-based analysis strongly emphasizes that the Prelims marks are used for qualifying purposes, while the Mains and Interview stages play a crucial role in the final selection process.
Candidates who believe they have scored 60+ marks should especially begin their Mains preparation without wasting time.
The IBPS AFO Mains examination is expected to be held in November 2026, giving candidates limited time to strengthen their preparation.
Candidates should focus on:
Completing the AFO Mains syllabus systematically.
Revising Agriculture-related concepts regularly.
Practising Professional Knowledge questions.
Solving previous-year questions and mock tests.
Improving accuracy and time management.
Taking full-length Mains mock tests.
Revising important agriculture current affairs.
Avoiding excessive focus on the Prelims cutoff.
The IBPS AFO Prelims 2026 exam was conducted on August 29, 2026.
The overall paper was reported to be easy to moderate.
Quantitative Aptitude was comparatively tricky.
Reasoning was easy to moderate but lengthy.
English was considered relatively easier.
Professional Knowledge was reported to be comparatively easy.
60+ marks can keep candidates competitive.
65–70+ marks may provide a comparatively safer position.
The expected cutoff is not official.
Candidates should continue Mains preparation regardless of their estimated Prelims score.