RRB NTPC cut-off is the lowest mark that a candidate should score in order to pass to the next level of the Railway Recruitment Board Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB NTPC) examination. It is also vital in the short listing of applicants to different positions such as Clerk, Goods Guard and Station Master. The cut-off is based on many aspects including the number of vacancies, difficulty of the exam, and reservation category-wise.
What has been the trend in RRB NTPC cut-offs in the last 10 years?
RRB NTPC cut-offs have been significantly fluctuating over the past 10 years. Competition has grown with every year and this has resulted in tighter cut-offs. The following is a table of comparison to help you see how the cut-off scores have changed:
📊 RRB NTPC Cut-Off Trends (2012–2022)
|
Year |
General Category Cut-Off (Average) |
OBC |
SC |
ST |
Remarks |
|
2012 |
75–80 |
70 |
65 |
60 |
Moderate paper level |
|
2014 |
78–82 |
73 |
68 |
62 |
More applicants this year |
|
2016 |
82–85 |
77 |
70 |
65 |
Online exam introduced |
|
2017 |
83–87 |
78 |
72 |
66 |
High competition |
|
2019 |
84–88 |
79 |
73 |
67 |
Easy paper; high cut-off |
|
2020 |
85–90 |
80 |
75 |
70 |
COVID-delayed exam; surge in applicants |
|
2021 |
86–91 |
81 |
76 |
71 |
Maximum online prep |
|
2022 |
87–92 |
83 |
77 |
72 |
Record number of applicants |
🔍 Note: Cut-offs may vary slightly across zones and posts.
Read More: How to Prepare General English for SSC, RRB More?
What factors influenced these changes in RRB NTPC cut-offs?
Several trends influenced the changes:
-
Increase in competition: With more graduates applying, the cut-offs have naturally risen.
-
Online learning and accessibility: Availability of free and paid resources like RRB NTPC mock tests and RRB NTPC previous year question paper books helped candidates prepare better.
-
Normalization process: Since exams are conducted in multiple shifts, the normalization method has sometimes raised or lowered the effective cut-off.
-
Exam difficulty level: In years with easier question papers, cut-offs have gone up noticeably.
Does zone-wise cut-off make a difference?
Yes, RRB NTPC cut-offs are different in various rail zones. As an example, the cut-offs in metro cities such as Mumbai and Kolkata are usually higher because of the high competition. On the contrary, the cut-offs in smaller zones might be slightly lower.
What is the way to be ready to face future RRB NTPC cut-offs?
To keep abreast with the rising trend, candidates must pay attention to:
• Studying the RRB NTPC previous year question paper books to know the pattern of the exam.
• Solving RRB NTPC mock test to increase speed and accuracy.
• Using revised and current RRB NTPC books to cover the entire syllabus and get a clear idea of concepts.
Final Thoughts:
The RRB NTPC cut-offs have been continuously rising with time as the competition has been growing and the preparation strategies have been improved. Aspirants of future exams are advised to study historical cut-offs and strategize wisely with the help of authentic materials such as RRB NTPC books, mock tests, and question banks.
