What is a cut-off mark, and how is it decided?
Cut-off is the minimum mark a candidate must score to be considered for the next stage (interview, skill test, final selection).
It depends on:
β’ Number of applicants
β’ Difficulty of the paper
β’ Total vacancies
β’ Reservation norms (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/PwD)
What is a merit list and how is it different from the selection list?
A merit list includes candidates ranked according to their marks, irrespective of the number of available vacancies.
A selection list includes only those candidates who have been offered or recommended for a position based on the number of vacancies.
Example: If a merit list has 500 names and there are only 200 vacancies, only the top 200 appear in the selection list.
How does merit-based selection and tie-breaking work in government exams?
β
Why this matters
Knowing how tie-breaking and merit are applied helps if youβre close to the cut-off.
π Explanation
β’ Merit list ranks candidates by score.
β’ Tie-breaking criteria may include:
- Date of birth (older gets preference)
- More correct answers
- Higher subject-specific scores
- Interview marks (if applicable)
β’ Wait-lists may exist for dropouts or backups.
How are marks normalized across multiple shifts in government exams?
β
Why this matters
Normalization ensures fairness across shifts of varying difficulty.
π Explanation
β’ Methods include average adjustment, percentiles, or z-scores.
β’ Tougher shift scores are adjusted upward; easier ones may be scaled down.
β’ Always check shift-wise highest marks and normalization formula in official notices.
What is the significance of provisional vs. final results in government exams?
β
Why this matters
It affects your eligibility, documentation process, and appointment.
π Explanation
β’ Provisional results: Subject to document checks and verification.
β’ Final results: Binding. No further corrections allowed.
β’ Always monitor follow-up notices, especially for document verification.
What is document verification (DV) in government jobs and what should you prepare?
DV checks your eligibility proof post-result.
β
Required documents:
β’ Admit card & scorecard
β’ Educational certificates
β’ Category certificate (if applicable)
β’ ID proof (Aadhar/PAN)
β’ Passport-sized photos
Always carry originals + photocopies.
What is the re-evaluation (answer key challenge) process after results?
β
Why this matters
You may be able to correct mistakes even after results.
π Explanation
β’ Raise challenges if there are calculation errors, uncounted answers, or tech glitches.
β’ Submit within 1β2 weeks post-result.
β’ Include exam details, question references, answer sheet, and supporting documents.
β’ A fee may be required (often refunded if your claim is valid).
How can you use RTI if your result shows violations or discrepancies?
β
Why this matters
RTI lets you request transparency from the exam board.
π What to request via RTI:
β’ OMR sheet or answer copy
β’ Normalization formula
β’ Merit list logic, cut-off justifications
π How to file:
β’ Submit to the authority with your details
β’ Pay βΉ10 fee
β’ Expect reply in 30 days (or appeal if denied)
Use this info to seek re-evaluation, legal support, or public complaint.