SSC Selection Post Cut Off: Qualifying Marks Guide

The SSC Selection Post cut off is not a single number. SSC sets minimum qualifying marks for the Computer Based Test, and then prepares merit separately for each post, region and category. A score that is safe for one post can fall short for another, so you need to read the cut off in that context.

This page explains how it works for Phase XIV (2026), where the result stands as of 19 October 2026, and how to set a realistic target.

Table of Contents

• Phase XIV Cut-Off Status

• How the Cut Off Works

• Minimum Qualifying Marks

• What Affects the Cut Off

• How to Set Your Target Score

Phase XIV Cut-Off Status

The CBT was held from 16 to 26 September 2026, and SSC released the tentative answer key and response sheets on 9 October 2026, with the objection window closing on 12 October 2026. The result and the cut-off marks were not available at the time of writing. They are tentative until SSC publishes them on its official website, and no expected figure on any page should be treated as official.

How the Cut Off Works

Selection Post merit is built in layers.

• Qualifying marks: You must first cross the minimum percentage set for your category in the CBT.

• Post-wise merit: Candidates are ranked separately for each post you applied for, in order of your preference.

• Region-wise lists: Vacancies are region-wise, so the last selected score can differ between regions.

• Category-wise lists: Each category (UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST) has its own last selected score.

After the CBT, SSC publishes the result along with cut-off marks, and a later stage such as a skill test or document verification follows for shortlisted candidates.

Minimum Qualifying Marks

SSC has used percentage-based minimum qualifying marks in past Selection Post notices. They are listed below as an indicative guide, so confirm the figures in the notification of your phase.

On a 200-mark paper, 30 percent is 60 marks. Qualifying is only the first step, because the final cut off for a popular post is usually well above the minimum.

What Affects the Cut Off

• Difficulty of the paper: A tougher paper lowers the scores, and the cut off follows.

• Number of vacancies: Fewer posts in a region or category push the last selected score up.

• Number of applicants: More candidates for the same post raise competition.

• Popularity of the post: Desk jobs in large cities usually close higher than field posts.

• Answer key changes: Revisions after objections can move marks slightly.

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.

How to Set Your Target Score

1. Pick your posts: Decide which posts and regions you want, because the target depends on them.

2. Check the previous phase result: Open the official result documents and note the last selected marks for your category.

3. Add a margin: Aim to score 15 to 20 marks above that number in your mocks.

4. Balance the sections: Do not rely on one section, as each carries 50 marks.

5. Watch accuracy: A wrong answer costs 0.50 marks, so reducing wrong attempts raises your score without extra effort.

Official results are published on the Staff Selection Commission official website.