Rajasthan High Court Flags 'Near-Zero' Cut-Off; Says State Must Ensure Minimum Standards Even For Reserved Categories

The Rajasthan High Court expressed shock and raised concern about standard in public employment while hearing a petition by a candidate for Class-IV teachers. He was aggrieved by the rejection of his candidature since he received negative marks in the qualifying exam, when no minimum qualifying marks were prescribed by the State.

The bench of Justice Anand Sharma observed that as the appointing authority, the State was expected to ensure minimum standards in recruitment even for reserved category so that selected candidates were capable of performing basic duties in a satisfactory manner.

While highlighting the fact that cut-off marks for some reserved categories in the recruitment process was as low as 0.0033, the Court opined that anyone securing near zero or negative marks could not reasonably be considered suitable for performing duties expected from Class-IV employee.

It was stated, “The situation indicates either that the examination was unnecessarily difficult for such entry level posts or that proper standards were not maintained; both of which are unacceptable.”

The Court observed that the no proper explanation was provided by the State for not prescribing minimum qualifying marks.

In this background, the AAG was directed to file an affidavit on behalf of the Principle Secretary of the concerned department with an explanation of this serious lapse, reasons behind not fixing cut-off marks, and proposed steps for improving the “objectionable situation”.

The matter has been listed for March 9, 2026.

Title: Vinod Kumar v State of Rajasthan

Citation: 2026 LiveLaw (Raj) 82

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