SBI vs HDFC vs ICICI Home Loan: Rates & Fees August 2026

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Updated on 28/08/2026

“Sir, SBI ne mujhe 7.25% ka rate diya hai, HDFC wale 7.75% bol rahe hain, aur ICICI ne 8.50% offer kiya. Lekin processing fee alag-alag hai. Kaunsa bank actually sasta padta hai?”

A software engineer from Pune asked me a question like this two weeks ago. He had sanction letters from all three banks in his hand. On paper, the difference looked small just 25 to 50 basis points. But when I ran the numbers for him, the projected difference in total interest cost over 20 years was more than ₹5 lakh.

That is the problem with comparing home loans only by the advertised interest rate.

On August 5, 2026, the Reserve Bank of India concluded its August Monetary Policy Committee meeting and kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, unanimously, while retaining a neutral policy stance. The next MPC meeting is scheduled for October 5–7, 2026. Because most banks now link floating home loans to external benchmarks, the rate environment has remained stable — but competitive.

In this guide, I will break down the real cost of borrowing from SBI, HDFC, ICICI, and other major banks in August 2026. Not just the headline rate — but the EMI, processing fees, hidden charges, and the one question that matters: which bank should you actually choose?

If you want to understand how your EMI is calculated and what factors decide your final rate, read my detailed guide on repo rate impact on home loan EMI.

August 2026 Home Loan Rate Snapshot: Advertised Starting Rates

“Here is the advertised starting rate landscape for home loans in India as of August 2026:”

The RBI kept the repo rate unchanged at 5.25% at its August 2026 MPC meeting, which concluded on August 5, 2026. The Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously to maintain the status quo while retaining a neutral stance. Because most banks now link floating home loans to external benchmarks (repo rate, T-bill, or EBLR), the rate environment has remained stable — but competitive.

Here is what the data from financial aggregators and bank disclosures tells us:

Rank by Lowest Advertised Starting RateBankAdvertised Starting Floating RateBenchmarkProcessing FeeBest For
1Central Bank of India — Cent Grih Lakshmi Home7.00% – 8.25%RLLR0.50% (₹2,500 – ₹20,000)Eligible Grih Lakshmi borrowers
2Bank of Maharashtra7.10% – 9.90%RLLRNIL (standard housing loan)Low processing cost
3Bank of India7.10% – 10.00%RLLRUp to 1%Government employees
4Canara Bank7.15% – 10.00%RLLR0.50% (₹1,500 – ₹10,000)Women borrowers (0.05% concession)
4Union Bank of India7.15% – 9.35%RLLR0.50% (max ₹15,000)Low rates + wide network
4Indian Bank7.15% – 9.55%RLLR₹1,500 – ₹5,000 + GSTSouth India presence
4UCO Bank7.15% – 9.25%RLLR0.50% (max ₹25,000)Eastern India borrowers
8Bank of Baroda7.20% – 9.00%RLLR0.35% – 0.50% (₹5,000 – ₹25,000)Balance transfer
8Central Bank of India — Cent Home7.20% – 8.75%RLLR0.50% (₹2,500 – ₹20,000)General home loan borrowers
8Punjab National Bank7.20% – 9.10%RLLRUp to 1% (min ₹10,000) + GSTGovernment/Defence employees
10SBI7.25% – 8.45%EBLR (8.15%)Up to 0.35% (₹3,000 – ₹12,000) + GSTTrust + lowest fees
10South Indian Bank7.25% onwardsEBLRAs per bank policyKerala/Tamil Nadu borrowers
12Federal Bank7.35% – 9.25%EBLRUp to 3%Self-employed professionals
13ICICI Bank8.50% onwards (standard); 7.55%* (pre-approved digital)EBLR0.5% – up to 2% + GSTDigital convenience + overdraft
14Kotak Mahindra Bank7.60% onwardsEBLRUp to 2%High-income salaried
15HDFC Bank7.75% – 13.20%EBRUp to 0.50% (salaried) / 1.50% (self-employed non-professional), min ₹3,000 – ₹5,000NRI + flexible products
16Axis Bank8.00% – 9.10% (floating)Repo-linkedUp to 1% or ₹10,000 + GSTFixed-rate option available

*The 7.55% ICICI rate is applicable only for pre-approved home loans through the digital platform, subject to bureau score and terms. Standard ICICI home loan rates start at 8.50% p.a.

Data compiled from The Hindu BusinessLine (August 21, 2026), Paisabazaar (August 19, 2026), LiveMint (August 20, 2026), ICICI Bank official interest rates page (valid till August 31, 2026), HDFC Bank official, SBI official, Bank of Baroda official, and Central Bank of India official pages.

Important: The rates above are advertised starting rates, not guaranteed rates for every borrower. The final home-loan rate may vary based on CIBIL score, income, employment type, loan amount, property profile, LTV, customer relationship, applicable scheme, and lender-specific risk pricing. Always compare the rate mentioned in your sanction letter or Key Facts Statement with the lender’s latest published rate.

SBI vs HDFC vs ICICI: Head-to-Head Interest Rate Comparison

Let me be direct. If you only look at the advertised starting rate, here is how the three giants compare in August 2026:

ParameterSBIHDFC BankICICI Bank
Advertised Starting Floating Rate7.25% p.a.7.75% p.a.8.50% p.a. (standard); 7.55%* (pre-approved digital only)
Rate for CIBIL 800+7.50% onwards7.75% – 8.00%8.50%
Rate for CIBIL 750–7997.55% – 7.70%8.00% – 8.50%8.50% – 8.60%
Rate for CIBIL 700–7497.70% – 7.95%8.50% – 9.50%8.50% – 9.40%
BenchmarkEBLR (8.15%)External Benchmark RateEBLR
Women Borrower Concession0.05%NilNil
Fixed Rate OptionLimitedAvailableAvailable
Maximum Tenure30 years30 years30 years

*7.55% is ICICI’s pre-approved digital rate, not the standard published rate.

Sources: UrbanMoney (August 24, 2026), CreditMantri (August 26, 2026), NoBroker (July 2026), ICICI Bank official interest rates page (valid till August 31, 2026).

At first glance, SBI wins on rate among the three private-sector giants. ICICI’s standard published rate starts at 8.50%, though select pre-approved customers may see lower digital offers. HDFC Bank’s currently published home-loan range starts at 7.75%, which is higher than SBI’s advertised starting rate.

But the rate is only one part of the equation.

EMI Comparison: Illustrative Cost at Advertised Starting Rates

Here is where the math gets real. For comparison purposes, I have calculated the EMI and total interest on a 20-year loan using the advertised starting rates shown below. Actual EMIs will depend on the rate offered to the individual borrower.

₹30 Lakh Loan for 20 Years:

BankRateEMITotal InterestDifference vs Lowest
Bank of Maharashtra7.10%₹23,439₹26.25 lakhBaseline
SBI7.25%₹23,711₹26.91 lakh+₹0.66 lakh
HDFC7.75%₹24,628₹29.11 lakh+₹2.86 lakh
ICICI (standard)8.50%₹26,035₹32.48 lakh+₹6.23 lakh

₹50 Lakh Loan for 20 Years:

BankRateEMITotal InterestDifference vs Lowest
Bank of Maharashtra7.10%₹39,066₹43.76 lakhBaseline
SBI7.25%₹39,519₹44.85 lakh+₹1.09 lakh
HDFC7.75%₹41,047₹48.51 lakh+₹4.75 lakh
ICICI (standard)8.50%₹43,391₹54.14 lakh+₹10.38 lakh

₹1 Crore Loan for 20 Years:

BankRateEMITotal InterestDifference vs Lowest
Bank of Maharashtra7.10%₹78,131₹87.51 lakhBaseline
SBI7.25%₹79,038₹89.69 lakh+₹2.18 lakh
HDFC7.75%₹82,095₹97.03 lakh+₹9.52 lakh
ICICI (standard)8.50%₹86,782₹1.08 crore+₹20.77 lakh

Look at the ₹1 crore column. Between Bank of Maharashtra at 7.10% and ICICI’s standard rate at 8.50%, the projected total interest difference is over ₹20 lakh.

That is not a small number. That is a compact car. Or a child’s entire school education.

Before you apply, check your CIBIL score — it directly affects your credit risk premium and which rate slab you fall into.

This is where I have seen borrowers lose money even after getting a “low rate.”

Let me break down the complete fee structure for SBI, HDFC, and ICICI — plus what other banks charge so you have a full picture.

SBI Home Loan Fees (August 2026):

ChargeAmount
Processing FeeUp to 0.35% of loan amount (₹3,000 – ₹12,000) + GST
Processing Fee (Approved Projects)Zero
Prepayment (Floating)Nil
Prepayment (Fixed)Nil for individual borrowers
Late Payment PenaltyAs per bank policy
MODT ChargesAs per state laws
Legal/TechnicalAt actuals

Source: CreditMantri (August 27, 2026), MoneyView (April 2026), SBI official.

SBI Home Loan Interest Rates:

HDFC Bank Home Loan Fees (August 2026):

ChargeAmount
Processing Fee (Salaried / Self-Employed Professionals)Up to 0.50% or ₹3,000, whichever is higher + taxes
Processing Fee (Self-Employed Non-Professionals)Up to 1.50% or ₹5,000 + taxes
Processing Fee (NRI / Value Plus)Up to 1.50% (₹3,000 – ₹5,000 minimum) + taxes
Processing Fee (HDFC Reach Scheme)Up to 2.00% + taxes
Prepayment (Floating)Nil
Prepayment (Fixed)Up to 2%
Rate Switch / Conversion to Lower Variable RateUp to 0.50% of principal outstanding and undisbursed amount, if any, or ₹3,000, whichever is lower for the first conversion. Subsequent conversions: up to 0.50% or ₹2,000, whichever is lower
Cheque Bounce₹450 per instance
Late PaymentUp to 18% p.a. on overdue
Legal/TechnicalUp to ₹1,000
MODT Charges0.1% – 6% (state dependent)

Source: CreditMantri (August 26, 2026), NoBroker (July 2026), HDFC Bank official fees and charges page.

ICICI Bank Home Loan Fees (August 2026):

ChargeAmount
Processing Fee (Standard Home Loan)0.5% of loan amount + GST
Processing Fee (certain products/channels)Up to 2% of loan amount
Administrative Charges0.25% of facility amount or ₹5,000, whichever is lower
Prepayment (Floating)Nil
Prepayment (Fixed)2% on amount prepaid
Rate Switch / ConversionCharges vary by type: floating-rate linked term-loan conversion currently listed at ₹3,000; certain fixed/semi-fixed to adjustable conversions can carry a percentage-based charge
Cheque/ECS Bounce₹500 per instance
Late PaymentUp to 2% per month on unpaid EMI
Statement/Document Copy₹200 – ₹500 per instance
Amortisation Schedule₹200 (physical)
Penalty for Non-Submission of Post-Disbursement Docs₹5,000/month

Source: ICICI Bank official interest rates and service charges pages (valid till August 31, 2026), Paisabazaar.

Axis Bank Home Loan Fees (August 2026):

ChargeAmount
Processing FeeUp to 1% or ₹10,000 (whichever is higher) + GST
Upfront Fee (at application)₹5,000 + GST
ASHA Home Loan Processing1% – 2% + GST
Prepayment (Floating)Nil
Rate Switch (Floating to Fixed)1% of outstanding (min ₹10,000)
Rate Switch (Fixed to Floating)2% of outstanding
Cheque/ECS Return₹500 per instance
CERSAI₹50 (up to ₹5 lakh), ₹100 (above ₹5 lakh)

Source: Axis Bank official interest rates and charges page.

Government Banks Fee Comparison:

BankProcessing FeeSpecial Note
Bank of Baroda0.35% – 0.50% (₹5,000 – ₹25,000)Lowest among PSU banks
Canara Bank0.50% (₹1,500 – ₹10,000)Women get 0.05% rate concession
PNBUp to 1% (min ₹10,000)Pride Housing for Govt employees at 7.75%
Union Bank0.50% (max ₹15,000)Competitive for above-₹75 lakh loans
Bank of MaharashtraNIL (standard housing loan)Zero processing fee on standard housing loan

Sources: Economic Times (April 2026), LiveMint (August 20, 2026), respective bank official pages.

Government Banks vs Private Banks: Who Wins in August 2026?

Let me tell you what I have seen at the credit desk.

Government Banks (PSU) — The Rate Competitors:

Banks like Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank of India, Bank of India, Canara Bank, and Union Bank are advertising starting rates between 7.10% and 7.25% competitive even against SBI.

The trade-offs:

  • Slower processing and more documentation scrutiny
  • Stricter property legal verification
  • Less digital convenience
  • Branch-dependent service quality

Private Banks . The Convenience and Flexibility Providers:

HDFC, ICICI, Axis, and Kotak charge 25–100 basis points more on average for their standard published rates. But they offer:

  • Faster approval timelines
  • Better digital tracking and mobile apps
  • Overdraft and surplus-fund facilities
  • NRI-specific products
  • More flexible income assessment for self-employed

My Take: If you are salaried, have a CIBIL score above 750, and your property documents are clean, a PSU bank will likely save you lakhs in total interest. If you are self-employed, need fast disbursement, or have complex income documentation, private banks may justify their premium through product flexibility and speed.

If you are a first-time buyer, start with my complete home loan guide for India to understand the full process before comparing banks.

SBI Home Loan: Rates, Charges & My Honest Review

SBI remains one of the most trusted names in India’s home-loan market. In August 2026, SBI’s EBLR is 8.15%, and home loan rates range from 7.25% to 8.45% p.a.

What SBI Does Well:

  • Lowest processing fee among the big three (up to 0.35%)
  • Zero prepayment charges on floating-rate loans
  • 0.05% concession for women borrowers
  • No hidden charges — what you see is largely what you get
  • MaxGain overdraft facility for interest savings

Where SBI Falls Short:

  • Rate revision takes time (not same-day like some private banks)
  • Branch-dependent service quality
  • Documentation can be exhaustive

Best For: First-time buyers, women borrowers, government employees, and anyone who values transparency over speed.

HDFC Bank Home Loan: Rates, Charges & My Honest Review

HDFC Bank’s currently published home-loan range starts at 7.75%, which is higher than the starting rates shown here for SBI. But HDFC has built its reputation on flexibility.

What HDFC Does Well:

  • Excellent NRI home loan products
  • HDFC Reach scheme for informal income profiles
  • Wide range of fixed and floating options
  • Strong property dossier and legal team

Where HDFC Falls Short:

  • Processing fee can go up to 2% depending on the scheme
  • Self-employed non-professionals pay significantly more
  • Rate switch charges apply (up to 0.50% or ₹3,000 for first conversion)
  • The 7.75% starting rate is only for the most pristine profiles

Best For: NRIs, borrowers with non-standard income, and those who want a one-stop property + loan solution.

ICICI Bank Home Loan: Rates, Charges & My Honest Review

ICICI’s standard published home loan rate starts at 8.50% p.a. for borrowers with strong credit profiles, which is higher than both SBI and HDFC. However, ICICI offers a pre-approved digital rate of 7.55%* p.a. for select customers, subject to bureau score and terms.

What ICICI Does Well:

  • Pre-approved digital home loan at 7.55%* for eligible customers
  • Home Overdraft facility for surplus fund parking
  • Strong digital application and online tracking capabilities
  • Top-up loans up to 100% of original sanction

Where ICICI Falls Short:

  • Standard published rate of 8.50% is not competitive against PSU banks
  • Processing fee ranges from 0.5% to up to 2% depending on product
  • Administrative charges (0.25% or ₹5,000) on top of processing fee
  • Rate conversion charges vary by product type
  • Document copy charges (₹200–₹500) for statements and NOCs

*The 7.55% rate is applicable only for pre-approved home loans through the digital platform.

Best For: Existing ICICI account holders eligible for pre-approved digital rates, salaried professionals in metro cities, and borrowers who want digital convenience.

More Banks You Should Compare in August 2026

Do not stop at SBI-HDFC-ICICI. Here are more banks offering competitive rates this month:

Table

BankAdvertised Starting RateWhy Consider
Bank of Maharashtra7.10%Zero processing fee on standard housing loan
Central Bank of India — Cent Grih Lakshmi Home7.00%Low advertised rate for eligible borrowers
Central Bank of India — Cent Home7.20%General home loan with competitive rate
Bank of India7.10%Strong government employee schemes
Canara Bank7.15%Women concession + low processing fee
Union Bank7.15%Good balance of rate and network
Indian Bank7.15%Strong in South India
UCO Bank7.15%Good for Eastern region borrowers
Bank of Baroda7.20%Low processing fee + takeover specialist
PNB7.20%Pride Housing at 7.75% for Govt staff
South Indian Bank7.25%Best for Kerala/Tamil Nadu
Federal Bank7.35%Good for self-employed professionals
Kotak Mahindra7.60%High-income salaried preferred

Source: The Hindu BusinessLine (August 21, 2026), Paisabazaar (August 19, 2026), respective bank official pages.

5 Practical Steps to Choose the Right Bank for Your Home Loan

Here is what I tell every borrower who walks into my office:

Step 1: Get Your CIBIL Score Before You Compare

A higher CIBIL score can improve your chances of qualifying for a lender’s more competitive rate, but the final rate depends on your overall borrower profile and the lender’s pricing policy. At 700–749, you may pay 50–100 basis points more than the advertised starting rate. Check your score on CIBIL, Experian, or CRIF High Mark before applying. Read my detailed guide on CIBIL score for home loan to understand what lenders look for.

Step 2: Calculate the Total Cost of Borrowing, Not Just the Rate

Add up:

  • Processing fee
  • Administrative charges
  • Legal/technical charges
  • MODT/registration charges
  • Estimated prepayment charges (if you plan to switch later)

A bank offering a 7.55% rate with a higher processing fee may still cost more than a bank offering 7.25% with a much lower fee.

Step 3: Match the Bank to Your Profile

Table

Your ProfileBest Bank Type
Government employeeSBI, PNB, Bank of India
Private sector salaried, CIBIL 800+Bank of Maharashtra, Central Bank, Canara
Private sector salaried, need speedICICI (pre-approved), HDFC, Kotak
Self-employed professionalFederal Bank, HDFC
Self-employed non-professionalHDFC Reach, Axis
NRIHDFC, ICICI, SBI
Women borrowerSBI, Canara, PNB (0.05% concession)

If you are self-employed, read my guide on home loan eligibility for self-employed borrowers. If you are salaried, check home loan eligibility for salaried employees.

Step 4: Negotiate on Processing Fee

Most banks will reduce or waive processing fees if:

  • You are an existing customer
  • You have a salary account with them
  • You are buying in a pre-approved project
  • You are transferring a large loan balance (₹50 lakh+)

Always ask. The worst they can say is no.

Step 5: Read the Fine Print on Rate Reset and Switch Charges

Ask these three questions before signing:

  1. What is my reset frequency, and how quickly are benchmark changes passed through?
  2. Can I switch from floating to fixed later? At what cost?
  3. What happens if I want to prepay or foreclose after 5 years?

If the bank hesitates to answer clearly, walk away.

If your current interest rate is still significantly higher than market rates even after these protections, read my home loan prepayment and foreclosure guide to see if closing your loan early makes financial sense.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Which bank has the lowest home loan interest rate in August 2026? Among the schemes compared here, Central Bank of India’s Cent Grih Lakshmi Home advertises a starting rate of 7.00% for eligible borrowers. Its regular Cent Home scheme starts at 7.20%. Bank of Maharashtra advertises 7.10% with zero processing fee. SBI starts at 7.25%, HDFC at 7.75%, and ICICI’s standard rate starts at 8.50% (with a 7.55% pre-approved digital rate for select customers).

Q2: Is SBI better than HDFC for home loans? For rate and transparency, SBI is better. For speed, NRI products, and flexible income assessment, HDFC is better. It depends on your profile.

Q3: What is the processing fee for SBI, HDFC, and ICICI home loans?

  • SBI: Up to 0.35% (₹3,000 – ₹12,000) + GST
  • HDFC: Up to 0.50% (salaried) / 1.50% (self-employed non-professional), min ₹3,000 – ₹5,000
  • ICICI: 0.5% for standard home loans; up to 2% for certain products or channels

Q4: How much EMI will I pay on a ₹50 lakh home loan for 20 years? At 7.25% (SBI): ₹39,519/month. At 7.75% (HDFC): ₹41,047/month. At 8.50% (ICICI standard): ₹43,391/month. At 7.10% (Bank of Maharashtra): ₹39,066/month. These are illustrative calculations using advertised starting rates.

Q5: Can I negotiate home loan interest rates with banks? Yes. If you have a CIBIL score above 750, stable income, and a clean property, banks will often match or beat competitor rates. Use sanction letters from other banks as leverage.

Q6: Should I choose a fixed or floating rate in August 2026? With the RBI repo rate at 5.25% and inflation moderating, floating rates are generally preferable. A fixed-rate option can carry a significantly higher initial rate than a floating-rate loan, so borrowers should compare the effective rate, lock-in conditions, and conversion/prepayment terms before choosing. Read my detailed comparison of fixed vs floating home loan interest rates.

Q7: Do government banks charge lower processing fees than private banks? Generally yes. PSU banks like SBI (0.35%), Bank of Baroda (0.35–0.50%), and Canara Bank (0.50%) charge less than HDFC (up to 2%) and ICICI (0.5%–2%). Bank of Maharashtra charges zero processing fee on standard housing loans.

Q8: What hidden charges should I watch out for?

  • Administrative charges (ICICI charges this separately)
  • Rate switch fees (HDFC: up to 0.50% or ₹3,000 first conversion; ICICI: varies by product; Axis: 1–2%)
  • Document copy charges (₹200–₹500 per request)
  • Penal charges for delayed EMI (up to 18% p.a. at HDFC)
  • Non-utilisation fees for overdraft facilities

Q9: Is it worth transferring my home loan to a lower-rate bank in August 2026? If the new rate is at least 0.50% lower, your remaining tenure is more than 8 years, and you can recover switching costs within 18 months — yes. Use my home loan balance transfer guide to calculate your exact savings.

Q10: Which bank is best for a ₹1 crore home loan? For lowest projected total cost based on advertised rates: Bank of Maharashtra at 7.10% or Central Bank’s Cent Grih Lakshmi Home at 7.00% for eligible borrowers. For trust and service: SBI at 7.25%. For NRI products and flexibility: HDFC at 7.75%.

Final Thoughts

For years, Indian home loan borrowers have been trained to ask only one question: “Rate kitna hai?”

But after 8+ years at the credit desk, I can tell you the rate is just the beginning.

The real questions are:

  • What is the total cost over 20 years?
  • How much will I pay in fees, charges, and penalties?
  • Will this bank pass on RBI rate cuts quickly?
  • Can I prepay without penalty if my bonus comes in?
  • Will this bank treat me fairly if I face a financial emergency?

In August 2026, PSU banks are competing aggressively on advertised rates. SBI is winning on trust and transparency. ICICI is winning on digital convenience for pre-approved customers. HDFC is winning on flexibility.

Choose the bank that matches your profile, not the one with the flashiest advertisement.

“Ghar loan sirf rate se nahi, bharose se banta hai.”

A home loan is not just built on rate it is built on trust.

Official References

  • Reserve Bank of India = MPC Meeting August 3–5, 2026: Repo rate unchanged at 5.25%, neutral stance retained unanimously. Next MPC meeting: October 5–7, 2026.
  • The Hindu BusinessLine = “The Latest Home Loan Interest Rates: Aug 21, 2026” (August 21, 2026).
  • LiveMint = “How to find the best mortgage: Compare home loan rates of leading Indian banks” (August 20, 2026).
  • Paisabazaar = Home Loan Interest Rates (August 19, 2026).
  • SBI Official = EBLR at 8.15%, Home Loan rates 7.25% – 8.45% p.a. (August 2026).
  • ICICI Bank Official = Home Loan Interest Rates valid till August 31, 2026. Standard rates start at 8.50% p.a.; pre-approved digital rate at 7.55%* p.a.
  • HDFC Bank Official = Home Loan Interest Rates and Charges (August 2026).
  • Axis Bank Official = Home Loan Interest Rates and Charges (August 2026).
  • Bank of Baroda Official = Home Loan starting at 7.20% p.a.
  • Central Bank of India Official = Cent Grih Lakshmi Home 7.00% – 8.25%; Cent Home 7.20% – 8.75%. Retail Credit Processing Fee 0.50% (₹2,500 – ₹20,000).
  • UrbanMoney = SBI Home Loan Interest Rate August 2026 (August 24, 2026).
  • CreditMantri = SBI Home Loan Interest Rate (August 27, 2026); HDFC Bank Home Loan Interest Rate (August 26, 2026).

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