RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off 2026: Zone-Wise & Category-Wise Marks
- Feb 3
- 4 min read
INTRODUCTION
Understanding the competitive landscape of the Railway Recruitment Board’s Non-Technical Popular Categories (RRB NTPC) is the first step toward securing a seat in the Indian Railways. As we move into the 2026 recruitment cycle, analyzing the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off is not just helpful—it is essential for defining your preparation strategy.
Whether you are targeting the undergraduate stream or the graduate-level posts, the cut-off marks serve as a historical benchmark. They tell you exactly how much effort is required to clear the Computer Based Tests (CBT) across various zones like Mumbai, Chennai, and Kolkata.
1. Decoding the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off (2025-2026)
The cut-off marks for RRB NTPC are the minimum scores a candidate must secure to qualify for the subsequent stage of the selection process. For 2026, these marks are influenced by the difficulty level of the papers, the total number of vacancies (currently around 8,868 across various notifications), and the normalization process.
Why Analyze Previous Year Marks?
Post-Wise Selection: Cut-offs vary significantly between levels (Level 2 to Level 6).
Zone Competition: Metro zones like Mumbai and Secunderabad often have higher benchmarks.
Normalization Impact: Since exams are held in multiple shifts, the normalized score is what determines your rank.
Targeting 2026?
Check out our Complete Roadmap for RRB NTPC Preparation to streamline your study plan.
2. Category-Wise Cut Off Trends for 2026
The RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off marks are released separately for each category. For the 2025-2026 cycle, the general trend indicates a slight increase in competition for the OBC and EWS categories, narrowing the gap with the Unreserved (UR) section.
Category | Expected CBT 1 Cut Off Range (Out of 100) | Expected CBT 2 Cut Off Range (Out of 120) |
UR (General) | 78 – 86 | 82 – 90 |
OBC (NCL) | 72 – 80 | 76 – 84 |
EWS | 70 – 78 | 75 – 82 |
SC | 64 – 72 | 68 – 75 |
ST | 58 – 66 | 62 – 70 |
3. Zone-Wise Analysis: High vs. Low Competition Zones
The Indian Railways is divided into several RRB zones. Selecting the right zone during the application process is a strategic decision based on the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off.
High-Cut Off Zones (Metros)
Zones like Mumbai, Chennai, and Chandigarh consistently witness higher cut-offs due to a massive influx of applicants. For these regions, candidates should aim for at least 85+ marks in CBT 2 to stay in the safe zone.
Moderate and Low-Cut Off Zones
Zones like Malda, Siliguri, and Muzaffarpur often show a slightly lower threshold. However, this does not mean the exam is "easy"; rather, the ratio of applicants to vacancies is more balanced.
RRB Zone | UR Cut Off (CBT 2 - Level 6) | OBC Cut Off (CBT 2 - Level 6) |
Mumbai | 72.88 | 63.93 |
Bangalore | 71.33 | 63.33 |
Kolkata | 77.58 | 76.69 |
Ranchi | 78.66 | 72.66 |
Ahmedabad | 61.01 | 54.57 |
4. Course and Stream Details for RRB NTPC 2026
The 2026 recruitment drive is divided into two major academic streams: Undergraduate and Graduate.
Undergraduate Stream (12th Pass)
Designed for students who have completed their higher secondary education.
Total Vacancies: ~3,058
Core Subjects: Mathematics, General Intelligence & Reasoning, and General Awareness.
Posts: Junior Clerk cum Typist, Accounts Clerk cum Typist, Trains Clerk, and Commercial cum Ticket Clerk.
Graduate Stream (Degree Holders)
Designed for candidates with a bachelor’s degree in any discipline.
Total Vacancies: ~5,810
Complexity: Higher difficulty level compared to the UG stream.
Posts: Station Master, Goods Train Manager, Senior Clerk cum Typist, and Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist.
Pro Tip: If you are a graduate, you can apply for both streams, but you must clear the respective RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off for each level separately.
5. Factors Influencing the 2026 Cut Off
Normalization Formula: With the 2026 exams being conducted in multiple shifts, RRB uses an Equi-percentile normalization method.
Number of Aspirants: In 2026, over 3.2 million applications are expected, making every mark crucial.
Paper Difficulty: If the General Awareness section is tilted toward deep static GK or complex current affairs, the cut-off typically drops by 2-3 marks.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off for the Mumbai zone?
The RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off for the Mumbai zone typically ranges between 72 and 86 marks for the UR category, depending on the post level (Level 2 to Level 6). It is considered a high-competition zone.
How is the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off calculated?
The RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off is calculated based on the number of vacancies, the total number of candidates appearing, the difficulty level of the shift, and the normalization of marks to ensure fairness across multiple sessions.
Is the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off different for CBT 1 and CBT 2?
Yes, the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off for CBT 1 is qualifying in nature and calculated out of 100 marks. In contrast, the CBT 2 cut-off is calculated out of 120 marks and is critical for the final merit list.
Where can I download the official RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off PDF?
You can download the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off marks from the official regional RRB websites (e.g., rrbmumbai.gov.in) or check consolidated lists on educational portals like collegesimplified.in.
Does category reservation affect the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off?
Absolutely. The RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off varies significantly by category, with UR and EWS usually having higher marks, followed by OBC, SC, and ST categories.
Conclusion
Analyzing the RRB NTPC Previous Year Cut Off is the bridge between being an aspirant and becoming a selected candidate. As the 2026 exams approach in April and May, use these trends to set your mock test targets. Aiming for 5-10 marks above the previous year's cut-off is the only way to guarantee your place in the final merit list.
For more detailed guides on the 2026 syllabus, exam dates, and zone-wise vacancy breakdowns, stay tuned to collegesimplified.in.
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