HPRCA JOA IT Cut-Off 2026 (Post Code 26001): Expected & Previous Year Cut-Off Marks
The HPRCA JOA (IT) exam for Post Code 26001 was conducted in Digital OMR Tablet mode across multiple shifts from 28 September to 1 October 2026. Based on feedback from students across shifts, the paper's overall difficulty remained moderate, with the first shift on 28 September reported as slightly tougher than the shifts that followed. The Computer section and General Knowledge were on the easier side this year, which is expected to push scores up a little compared to previous attempts. However, in almost every shift, a large number of candidates struggled to complete the Mathematics and Reasoning section within the given time, and several students were unable to attempt the full question paper - a pattern that will have a direct bearing on how the final cut-off settles.
Factors That Will Decide This Year's Cut Off
- Normalization: Since the exam was held across multiple shifts with slightly varying difficulty, HPRCA typically applies a normalization formula to bring scores from different shifts onto a comparable scale before deciding the final cut-off.
- Category-wise cut-off: As with every HPRCA exam, the cut-off will be declared separately for each category (UR, EWS, BPL, WFF) rather than a single cut-off for all candidates.
- 1:4 selection ratio for the skill test: For Post Code 26001, candidates are expected to be shortlisted for the typing/skill test at a ratio of 1:4 per post, compared to the 1:1.5 ratio used earlier for CBSE-pattern teaching posts. A wider shortlisting ratio generally means the written cut-off can settle slightly lower than it otherwise would, since more candidates per vacancy need to be called forward.
- Overall attempt rate: With many candidates unable to finish the paper due to time pressure in the Mathematics and Reasoning section, the average score distribution is likely to be lower than in a paper where most candidates complete all questions.
Previous Cut Off Marks (Post Code 939 Reference)
| Category | Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| General UR | 70.77 |
| General EWS | 68.85 |
| General WFF | 53.83 |
| OBC UR | 67.22 |
| OBC BPL | 65.39 |
| OBC WFF | 44.21 |
| SC UR | 66.79 |
| SC BPL | 64.46 |
| SC WFF | 36.12 |
| ST UR | 65.33 |
| ST BPL | 62.51 |
Expected Cut Off 2026 (Post Code 26001)
Based on feedback collected from students who appeared across the different shifts, here is our expected cut-off range for this year, along with a safe score to aim for in each category:
| Category | Expected Cut-off Range | Safe Score |
|---|---|---|
| General | 76 - 82 | 82+ |
| EWS | 75 - 81 | 81+ |
| OBC | 75+ | 78+ |
| SC | 73 - 78 | 78+ |
| SC BPL | 72+ | 75+ |
| ST | 72+ | 75+ |
| ST BPL | 70+ | 73+ |
What To Do Next
These numbers are estimates based on candidate feedback and should be treated as a guide, not a guarantee - the final cutoff depends entirely on HPRCA's official normalization process and the actual number of applicants in each category. Once HPRCA releases the provisional answer key, candidates can calculate their exact score using the official key. If you find a discrepancy in any answer, HPRCA also opens a short window during which candidates can formally challenge the answer key before the final result is prepared. Keep checking the official HPRCA website for the answer key release date, and use that window carefully if you plan to object.
