A result PDF often has two numbers that look alike but mean different things: the cut-off and the marks of the last selected candidate. Knowing the difference helps you judge how close you were.
Cut-off marks
The minimum score to qualify for the next stage or for selection in a category. It is set by the board after the exam, based on vacancies, difficulty and the number of candidates.
Last selected candidate's marks
Some boards publish the score of the last person selected in each category. This can be higher than the qualifying cut-off, because more people cleared the line than there were seats.
Why it matters
- If you crossed the cut-off but not the last selected score, you qualified but were not selected
- The gap tells you how much to improve for the next cycle
- Year-on-year trends show whether competition is rising
Cut-off tables are linked with each notice on the Sarkari results page at govtpvt.com.