Key Takeaways
- Aspirants should target a score of 80+ in the RRB NTPC Exam to ensure qualification and a good ranking.
- Historical cut-off trends reveal varying target scores by category and region, indicating competitive landscapes.
- Candidates must achieve at least 70% accuracy in mock tests and aim for 10-15 marks above expected cutoffs.
- Setting a higher target score helps offset normalisation effects and adapts to zone-specific competition.
- Use a structured study plan focusing on General Awareness, Maths, and Reasoning for effective preparation.
Preparing for the RRB NTPC Exam is a marathon, not a sprint. One of the most common questions aspirants ask is: “What should be my target score for the RRB NTPC exam actually to succeed?” In this in-depth guide, we’ll walk you through realistic score targets, how they relate to historical trends, category and zone variations, and how to strategically plan your preparation around score goals that increase the likelihood of success.
Why does the target score for the RRB NTPC Exam matter?
Knowing the target score for RRB NTPC exam matters as it helps candidates stand out in the competition, get a good rank, and more. Given below are some of the reasons:
- Standing out in competition (with over 1 crore applicants)
- Securing the CBT-2 qualification comfortably
- Getting a good rank for your preferred post/zone
- Mitigating the effects of normalisation
RRB NTPC Cut Off Behaviour Analysis
Candidates will get an idea about the target score to achieve in the 2026 exam from the previous year’s RRB NTPC cut off analysis. Some of them are given below as per the zone and post:
| Post | RRB Region | Cut Off |
| 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 |
What was the previous year cut off for RRB NTPC exam?
The previous year cut off for RRB NTPC exam varied from 50 – 80 as per the region and category of the applicant. Check out the details below:
| Region | UR | SC | ST | OBC | EWS |
| Chennai | 65.33 | 53.68 | 49.00 | 62.00 | 56.33 |
| Ahmedabad | 75.33 | 63.67 | 59.00 | 70.00 | 67.23 |
| Bengaluru | 83.36 | 73.28 | 69.24 | 80.34 | 76.97 |
| Bhopal | 73.00 | 58.33 | 49.00 | 68.00 | 57.66 |
| Jammu | 76.30 | 62.52 | 56.47 | 71.59 | 66.89 |
| Kolkata | 77.98 | 66.44 | 59.16 | 73.95 | 70.59 |
| Bhubaneswar | 76.97 | 62.86 | 51.09 | 73.28 | 69.24 |
| Mumbai | 74.66 | 65.21 | 60.50 | 71.26 | 65.21 |
| Muzaffarpur | 80.67 | 62.18 | 59.16 | 75.29 | 71.93 |
| Secunderabad | 86.00 | 74.33 | 70.59 | 84.03 | 80.00 |
| Malda | 80.00 | 67.33 | 57.33 | 76.67 | 74.67 |
| Ajmer | 78.33 | 64.00 | 64.33 | 74.33 | 70.00 |
| Siliguri | 72.54 | 62.18 | 49.75 | 67.90 | 62.18 |
| Patna | 80.33 | 62.33 | 64.00 | 77.00 | 72.67 |
| Bilaspur | 81.34 | 67.90 | 60.17 | 78.32 | 77.98 |
| Allahabad | 81.00 | 70.00 | 64.33 | 77.33 | 76.00 |
| Thiruvananthapuram | 78.00 | 58.33 | 64.00 | 75.00 | 67.33 |
| Chandigarh | 79.67 | 67.00 | 65.88 | 74.29 | 70.67 |
What should be my target score for RRB NTPC Exam 2026?
Every candidate must attempt a target score of 80+ in order to qualify for the examination. Given below are some of the details that aspirants must check out:
| Goal Type | General (UR) | OBC | SC | ST |
| Minimum to Qualify (Likely) | 75 | 70 | 65 | 60 |
| Safe Target (Recommended) | 80–85+ | 75–80+ | 70–75+ | 65–70+ |
| Ambitious (Top Rank) | 85–90+ | 80–85+ | 75–80+ | 70–75+ |
How to use score targets in your study plan?
To use score targets perfectly, candidates must achieve at least 70%+ accuracy in mock tests. They must aim for 10 – 15 marks above expected cutoffs consistently. Given below are some of the details on how to practice each section:
| Section | Weight | Strategy |
| General Awareness | High | Daily current affairs + static GK revision |
| Maths / Numerical Ability | Medium-High | Practice basics & shortcuts |
| Reasoning & Intelligence | Medium | Learn patterns and practice puzzles |
Why does setting a higher target matter?
Setting a higher target for the RRB NTPC exam matters, as the zone-wise differences affect competition. Some of the important reasons are given below:
- Normalization can shift things: RRB uses normalization across shifts. This can increase or decrease final marks slightly, so aiming higher than expected cutoffs helps ensure your normalized score stays above the cutoff.
- Zone differences affect competition: Some zones (like Secunderabad, Allahabad, Mumbai) historically have higher cutoffs due to more applicants. Choose zone-specific targets if possible.
- Gap between passing and competitive score: Clearing the cutoff barely isn’t always enough to move to your preferred post or zone. Higher scores often correlate with better ranks and options.
Quick checklist to achieve 80+ marks in the RRB NTPC exam 2026
We have provided a checklist that candidates must follow to score 80+ marks in the RRB NTPC exam 2026. Check them out below:
- Fix your target score at 85 – 90 in mocks to stay safe after normalisation
- Attempt 80 – 85 questions with high accuracy, not all 100
- Maintain 90%+ accuracy to avoid negative marking loss
- Take 2 – 3 full mocks weekly
- Analyse wrong & skipped questions
- Improve score gradually from 70 → 75 → 80+
- Avoid spending too much time in one section
FAQs
Yes. Scoring 80+ marks generally places candidates above the expected cutoff for most zones and categories, especially for General and OBC candidates. It also provides a safety buffer against normalisation.
You should attempt around 80 – 85 questions with high accuracy (90% or more). Over-attempting with low accuracy can reduce your score due to negative marking.
General Awareness plays a crucial role because it is time-saving and scoring. A strong GA section can help you secure 22–25 marks, which often becomes the difference between 75 and 80+ marks.
Ideally, you should take 20–30 full-length mock tests before the exam. Regular analysis of mistakes and skipped questions is more important than the number of mocks attempted.
Yes. With concept clarity, focused practice, proper revision, and a smart attempt strategy, even average students can achieve 80+ marks. Consistency and accuracy matter more than speed alone.
Hello! This is Arijit Dutta. I am a skilled Content Writer at Oliveboard with nearly 3+ years of experience in crafting engaging, informative, and exam-focused content for the Railways Domain. With a strong command of language and a keen understanding of learner needs, I contribute significantly to Oliveboard’s mission of delivering high-quality educational resources. Passionate about clear communication and continuous learning, I consistently create content that helps government job aspirants achieve their goals. Outside of work, I enjoy playing cricket and listening to music, which helps me stay balanced and creative in my professional journey.