What Should Your Target Score Be to Succeed in the RRB NTPC Exam 2025-26?

The RRB NTPC examination is one of the most competitive recruitment processes in the country, attracting lakhs of aspirants for graduate and undergraduate posts. With limited vacancies and a massive applicant pool, securing a safe score in the Computer-Based Test (CBT-1 and CBT-2) becomes essential for progressing to the next stages, such as typing skill test, aptitude test, document verification, and medical assessment.

What Should Your Target Score Be to Succeed in the RRB NTPC Exam 2025-26?

Although the Railway Recruitment Board never pre-defines an “assured” score, previous recruitment cycles offer reliable insight into the level of competition. By analysing the cut-off data from both the 2019 (conducted through 2021) cycle and the earlier 2025 cycle, candidates can determine a realistic and strategic target score.

Recent Cut-off Behaviour (Earlier 2025 Cycle – Region wise Highlights)

The earlier 2025 recruitment stage clearly demonstrated strong regional competition with highest cutoffs across regions as below:

Station Master

• Jammu: 82.6
• Ahmedabad: 80.2

Goods Guard

• Chandigarh: 80.8
• Prayagraj: 77.1

Junior Accounts Assistant

• Chandigarh: 77.5
• Prayagraj: 77.1

Senior Clerk

• Chandigarh: 80.5

Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor

• Chandigarh: 84.1

These scores reflect a consistent trend in urban and high-choice regions tend to generate higher cut-offs, especially where vacancy distribution is limited.

Cut-off Trends from the 2019/2021 Cycle

The previous cycle also displayed intense competition:

Station Master:

• RRB Prayagraj: 88.6 (one of the highest in the country)

Goods Train Manager (Goods Guard):

• RRB Muzaffarpur: 82.5

Junior Accounts Assistant cum Typist:

• RRB Prayagraj: 76.9

Senior Clerk cum Typist:

• RRB Prayagraj: 74.5

Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor:

• RRB Mumbai: 91

These values clearly prove that:

• Competition has intensified
• High-profile posts reach the upper 80s to low 90s
• Even supporting clerical categories remain above 74 in major centers.

Safe Target Score for 2025-26

While cut-offs vary based on:

• Zone, Number of vacancies, Category, Normalization in shifts, Difficulty level, the data above allows us to derive a safe, strategic benchmark.
• On the safer side, aspirants should target at least 70+ marks in the initial stages to remain comfortably in contention.

However, considering the accelerating competition (and in metropolitan zones):

A target of 75+ marks provides stronger assurance for qualification.

Those aiming for highly sought-after posts such as Station Master or Chief Commercial cum Ticket Supervisor should aim even higher, ideally: 80-85+ for general categories in competitive regions.

Why You Should Aim Higher Than the Bare Minimum

• Normalization may reduce raw scores
• Vacancy shortages increase sectional pressure
• High participation inflates the merit threshold
• Popular zones uplift competition.
• Targeting a comfortable margin buffers against these variances.

What Happens If You Set a Low Target?

Candidates who only aim for the expected cut-off often:

• Struggle with normalization differences
• Lose marks due to negative marking
• Fall behind because every mark matters.

In an exam where lakhs compete, even 1-2 marks can change your post preference drastically. Based on available data from both cycles:

• A score of 75+ is advised for assured shortlisting
• 80+ for premium zones and higher-preference posts

Quick Checklist To Hit 75+

A disciplined approach, consistent mock practice, and strong accuracy will help aspirants stay ahead of the competition. Follow the Steps given below to score high the exam,

• Clear syllabus & daily schedule.
• 2 full mocks weekly (ramping to 4-6 in final 2 weeks).
• Maintain Error book and fix schedule.
• Target 85-90 attempts across mocks with accuracy ≥ 85%.
• GA: 30 mins daily with monthly revision.
• Math: timed practice, learn shortcuts.
• Reasoning: pattern recognition & speed.
• Exam order & attempt plan rehearsed.
• Physical readiness & document checklist.