BSF RO Cut Off 2026: Previous Year Marks and Target Score

The BSF RO cut off is the CBT score a candidate needs to be shortlisted for the next phase of the Head Constable (Radio Operator) recruitment. It is not the same as the qualifying mark. The qualifying mark is a fixed floor, while the cut-off is set after the paper, based on how many candidates score above each level and how many vacancies exist in each category. Radio Operator (RO) and Radio Mechanic (RM) have separate lists.

No cut-off has been released for the 2025-26 cycle, because a CBT date for RO and RM could not be verified as of 7 October 2026. This page gives the last published figures, from the 2023 cycle, and shows how to turn them into a target.

Table of Contents

• Qualifying marks and cut-off

• BSF RO cut off for the 2023 cycle

• What affects the cut-off

• How to set your target score

Qualifying marks and cut-off

For the 2025-26 CBT of 200 marks, the minimum qualifying marks are 38% (76 marks) for General, OBC and EWS, 33% (66 marks) for SC and ST, and 20% (40 marks) for compassionate appointment candidates. Clearing these only keeps you in the race. Shortlisting for the third phase is limited to a multiple of the vacancies, so your rank within your category decides the outcome.

BSF RO cut off for the 2023 cycle

The 2023 CBT was held on 29 August 2023 for 386 vacancies, and the result with cut-offs came out on 8 October 2023. The figures below are as reproduced by two independent exam portals, so confirm them against the official result PDF where you can.

NV means no vacancy in that category, and NA means no candidates were available. Older pages may still show the 2019 paper, which was three hours long with 0.50 marks deducted per wrong answer. The current CBT is two hours with 0.25 marks deducted, so compare scores across years with care.

What affects the cut-off

• Paper difficulty: A harder Physics section lowers scores across the board, and the cut-off falls with it.

• Vacancies per category: Fewer seats in a category push its cut-off up. The 2025-26 cycle has 1,121 vacancies, so figures will not match 2023.

• Candidate pool: The physical tests now come before the CBT, so only candidates who cleared them sit the paper. This is our reading of the change, not an official statement.

• Post-wise lists: RM cut-offs were higher than RO in most direct-entry categories in 2023. Each post has its own list, so always compare with your own post.

How to set your target score

Cut-offs change every year with difficulty, vacancies and the number of applicants. Treat last year's figures as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above them rather than a bare pass. As a planning figure, not an official one, scoring around 110 or more in full-length mocks gives a cushion over the 2023 unreserved cut-offs.

Check the latest status on rectt.bsf.gov.in.