NCERT LDC Cut Off 2026: Qualifying Marks and Target Score

The NCERT LDC cut off works at two levels. First, there is an official qualifying mark in each section of the Computer Based Test (CBT). Second, there is the score at which candidates are actually shortlisted for the computer typing test, which depends on vacancies and competition. For the current cycle under Advertisement No. 01/2025, the CBT was held on 15 May 2026 and NCERT has published a list of candidates shortlisted for the typing test and document verification.

NCERT has not published category-wise cut-off marks for LDC in the notices we checked. Any "expected cut-off" you see elsewhere is an estimate, not an official figure. Treat everything below as a benchmark for planning.

Official Qualifying Marks

The percentages are from NCERT's official marking scheme; the marks are worked out from them. Falling below the minimum in either section ends your attempt, whatever your total.

Previous Cycles

In the previous cycle, the final result notice listed merit lists of 36 UR, 6 EWS, 26 OBC, 11 SC and 5 ST candidates. Because cut-off marks were not published, there is no official trend line to follow. Cut-offs change every cycle with difficulty, vacancies and the number of applicants, so treat any figure as a benchmark only and aim for a clear margin above it.

What Affects the Cut Off

• Vacancies: Fewer posts in a category push the shortlisting score up.

• Number of candidates: Clerical posts at central bodies attract large applicant pools.

• Paper difficulty: A tougher Section B usually lowers the score needed to be shortlisted.

• Negative marking: The 1/4 mark penalty pulls down scores of candidates who guess heavily.

• Shift differences: If the CBT runs in more than one shift, NCERT may apply its own method to compare scores; check the notice for your cycle.

How to Set Your Target

1. Clear the sectional floor with room to spare: Aim for at least 30 in Section A and 40 in Section B in your mocks before worrying about the total.

2. Build the total from Section B: It carries 70 of the 120 marks, so most gains come from arithmetic and reasoning speed.

3. Keep accuracy above 85%: With 1/4 negative marking, accuracy protects your total more than extra attempts.

4. Track your trend: Look at your last five mock scores rather than a single result.

Official notices: NCERT Vacancies page and NCERT marking scheme PDF.