UPSSSC PET Cut-off: Normalised Scores Used for Group C Shortlisting

The UPSSSC PET cut-off is not a single pass mark. PET is a screening test, and every candidate who appears receives a normalised score. A cut-off appears only later, when a Group C recruitment shortlists candidates for its main exam: the normalised PET score of the last candidate shortlisted in each category becomes that post's PET cut-off.

This means the cut-off differs from post to post and depends on how many vacancies a recruitment has and how many PET holders apply for it. Cut-offs change every cycle with difficulty, vacancies and the number of applicants. Treat the figures below as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above them rather than a bare pass.

Reported PET Cut-off: Rajasva Lekhpal (PET 2025 Scores)

The Rajasva Lekhpal recruitment for 7,994 posts was the first major shortlist drawn from PET 2025 scores. The figures below were reported from the Commission's shortlist released in late February 2026.

These are reported figures, not taken directly from the official PDF in this page. Some reports give different numbers for the same recruitment, and horizontal categories such as persons with disabilities and dependants of freedom fighters have their own, usually lower, cut-offs. Check the official shortlist PDF on the UPSSSC website before relying on any figure.

Why Cut-offs Differ Between Posts

Each recruitment sets its own PET cut-off. The pattern seen across recent recruitments is broadly this:

• Large-vacancy posts: Recruitments with thousands of vacancies, such as Lekhpal, shortlist many candidates, so the cut-off sits in the middle range of scores.

• Small-vacancy posts: A recruitment for a few dozen posts that is open to most PET holders can have a much higher cut-off.

• Technical posts: Posts that need a specific diploma or certificate have fewer eligible applicants, and cut-offs can be very low.

No official cross-post cut-off table exists. Look up the shortlist notice of the specific post you want.

What Affects the PET Cut-off

• Vacancies: More posts mean more candidates are shortlisted and a lower cut-off.

• Shortlisting ratio: Recruitment notices state how many candidates per post are called for the main exam. A larger multiple lowers the cut-off.

• Number of PET holders: About 19.43 lakh candidates appeared in PET 2025, and about 35.42 lakh registered for PET 2026, as reported. More test-takers usually means more competition for each shortlist.

• Paper difficulty and normalisation: Normalisation adjusts for differences between shifts, so compare your normalised score, not your raw score, with any cut-off.

• Post eligibility: Only candidates who meet a post's own qualification can apply, which changes the competition for each recruitment.

How to Set Your PET Target

Since a valid PET score is used for three years, a higher score keeps more recruitments open to you. Use these points to set a target:

• Aim above the last major cut-off: A normalised score comfortably above the Lekhpal figure gives you room for most large recruitments.

• Secure the 50-mark block: Current affairs, general awareness, Hindi passages, graphs and tables are where a strong score is usually built.

• Keep wrong answers low: With one-fourth negative marking, accuracy matters as much as attempts.

• Track mock scores: If your full-length mock scores are steadily above your target with a margin, you are on track.