SSC Selection Post Cut-off 2026
Category-wise cut-off marks and what drives them.
Updated 22 October 2026
SSC Selection Post cut-off explained
The SSC Selection Post cut-off is the minimum normalised score needed to move to the next stage. Unlike other SSC exams, it is released post-wise (by category number) and category-wise, not for the exam as a whole. For Phase XIV/2026, cut-offs will be published with the result on ssc.gov.in.
How Selection Post cut-offs work
- Each category number has its own cut-off for UR, OBC, EWS, SC, ST and other applicable categories.
- For posts with a skill test, there is a CBT cut-off to shortlist for the skill test, followed by a final cut-off.
- For posts without a skill test, candidates above the cut-off go straight to document verification.
- Candidates must also reach the minimum qualifying marks for their category set in the phase notification.
Factors that decide the cut-off
| Factor | Effect |
|---|---|
| Vacancies per category number | Many posts have only a few seats, so cut-offs can be very high or very low |
| Number of eligible applicants | Specialised posts with narrow eligibility often have lower cut-offs |
| Paper difficulty and normalisation | Raw scores are adjusted across shifts |
| Category-wise reservation | Separate cut-offs for each category |
| Level of the post | Matriculation, Higher Secondary and Graduation papers differ in difficulty |
How normalisation works
The CBT runs in many shifts with different question papers. SSC converts raw scores into normalised scores using its published formula, comparing your performance with others in your shift. This keeps candidates from tougher shifts from being disadvantaged, and cut-offs and merit lists are prepared on normalised marks.
Competition in Phase XIV
| Indicator | Phase XIV/2026 |
|---|---|
| Total vacancies | 3,003 |
| Largest region | Northern Region, 824 posts |
| Category split | UR 1,534, OBC 667, SC 346, ST 185, EWS 271 |
| Previous phase | Phase XIII (2025), 2,429 vacancies |
More posts generally ease competition, but because cut-offs are post-wise, what matters is the vacancy count for your own category number.
How to check the Selection Post cut-off
- Visit ssc.gov.in and open the Result section.
- Select the Selection Post Phase XIV result for your level.
- Download the cut-off PDF and find your category number and category.
- Compare it with your normalised score from the scorecard.
Estimate your score with the SSC Selection Post answer key and check vacancies by region in SSC Selection Post vacancies.
Frequently asked questions
Is the SSC Selection Post cut-off released post-wise?
Yes. Cut-offs are released for each category number and category, because every post is recruited separately.
Why do Selection Post cut-offs vary so much?
Many category numbers have only a few vacancies and a different pool of eligible candidates. That can push a cut-off very high or keep it low.
Is there a cut-off for the skill test?
For posts with a skill test, a CBT cut-off shortlists candidates for the test. The skill test itself is qualifying.
When will the Phase XIV cut-off be released?
It will be published with the Phase XIV result on ssc.gov.in.
Always check the latest official notification on ssc.gov.in before applying.