CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026, Check Expected Cut Off, Safe Score, Negative Marking

CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026: The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has scheduled the Combined Recruitment Test for the posts of Assistant Public Prosecutor (APP) and Public Prosecutor (PP) in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The examination is set for January 11, 2026. As the date approaches, candidates are focused on understanding the CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026 to set their preparation targets. Provided here is a detailed analysis of previous trends and expected scores for the upcoming cycle.

CBI APP & PP Exam 2026

The CBI APP & PP recruitment process is highly competitive. For the 2025-26 cycle, there are a total of 44 vacancies, with 19 posts for Assistant Public Prosecutor and 25 for Public Prosecutor. The selection involves a two-stage process: a Recruitment Test followed by an Interview. The CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026 will decide candidates who will be moving forward to the next round. 

Exam Format and Marking Scheme

The exam is an offline, pen-and-paper-based test conducted in English. It consists of objective multiple-choice questions totaling 300 marks. A critical aspect of this paper is the CBI APP & PP 2026 negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one-third (1/3rd) of the marks assigned to that question will be deducted. Understanding this penalty is vital for maintaining a high score.

Expected CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026

The expected CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026 is estimated on the basis of the previous years’ data, the current exam’s difficulty, and overall trends. These predictions help candidates set target scores. Official cut-off figures are released by UPSC after the exam. While specific figures for 2026 are not yet available, candidates can expect category-wise differentiation.

These figures are estimates. If the paper is significantly easier, the expected CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026 may increase by an additional 10 to 15 marks. Conversely, an exceptionally tough paper could lower these ranges.

CBI APP & PP Cut Off Previous Year Analysis

To estimate the CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026, one must look at the 2023 data. In the previous recruitment for 7 APP posts, the minimum suitability marks out of 300 were as follows:

CBI APP Cut Off Previous Year Analysis

This CBI APP Cut Off previous year data shows that candidates needed nearly 50% marks just to qualify for the interview. For the final selection, which combines the test and interview (400 marks total), the General category required a score of 240.26.

CBI APP Cut Off Previous Year - Download PDF

CBI PP Cut Off Previous Year Analysis

The CBI PP Cut Off Previous Year is tabulated below.

CBI PP Cut Off Previous Year - Download PDF

CBI APP 2026 Safe Score and Attempt

Achieving a CBI APP 2026 Safe Score & Attempt requires a balance between speed and accuracy. Since there are 120 questions in a 120-minute window, time management is essential.

Recommended Attempt Strategy

To reach the CBI APP 2026 Safe Score & Attempt, candidates should target an accuracy level of at least 85%. Attempting too many questions without certainty will trigger the CBI APP & PP 2026 negative marking and pull down the final score.

• Ideal Attempt Range: 90 to 102 questions.

• Accuracy Goal: 85% or higher.

• General Category Safe Target: 165 - 175 marks.

Attempting roughly 75% to 85% of the total questions with high precision is the most effective way to secure a spot in the interview. Blind guessing is discouraged because it nullifies the marks earned from correct answers.

How to Avoid CBI APP & PP 2026 Negative Marking?

To manage the CBI APP & PP 2026 negative marking, use a disciplined approach during the exam:

1. Surety: Answer the question only if you are 100% certain of the legal provision or fact.

2. Elimination: If you are unsure, try to eliminate two incorrect options. If you can narrow the choices down to two, the statistical probability favors an attempt.

3. Skip: If you cannot eliminate at least two options, skip the question. This prevents unnecessary deductions and keeps your CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026 prospects healthy.

Factors Affecting CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026

Several factors influence the CBI APP & PP Cut Off every year. These elements combine to determine the final qualifying marks.

• Number of Applicants: A higher number of applicants typically increases the competition. This can lead to a higher cut-off.

• Exam Difficulty Level: If the exam is harder, the average scores may drop. This can result in a lower cut-off.

• Total Vacancies: More vacancies often mean a lower cut-off. Fewer vacancies tend to raise the cut-off.

• Category of Candidates: Reserved categories like OBC, SC, ST, and EWS have separate, generally lower, cut-offs.

• Normalisation Process: If the exam occurs in multiple shifts, normalisation adjusts scores to ensure fairness. This can affect individual marks and the overall cut-off.

• Previous Year Trends: Past cut-off trends offer a baseline. However, they are not a definitive predictor for the CBI APP & PP Cut Off 2026.

Explore the Judiciary Coaching to access essential resources for Judiciary exam preparation, including detailed insights and strategies. Dive into the Judiciary for structured courses and focused study plans designed to help aspirants in their exams.