Can the cutoff be different for different categories within the Reserved category in the IBPS PO Exam?

Yes, the cutoff can be different for different categories within the Reserved category in the IBPS PO Exam. The cutoff for each category is determined based on various factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the performance of candidates in each category. Below are the reasons why the cutoff can vary:

1. Reservation Policy:
- The IBPS follows the government's reservation policy, which aims to provide equal opportunities to candidates from different categories.
- As per the reservation policy, a certain percentage of seats are reserved for candidates belonging to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), and Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

2. Number of Candidates:
- The number of candidates appearing for the exam in each category can vary significantly.
- If there are more candidates in a particular category, the competition for limited vacancies will be higher, resulting in a higher cutoff for that category.

3. Performance of Candidates:
- The performance of candidates in each category also plays a crucial role in determining the cutoff.
- If candidates from a particular category perform exceptionally well, the cutoff for that category may be higher compared to other categories.

4. Reservation Quota:
- Each category within the Reserved category has a designated percentage of reserved seats.
- The cutoff may vary to ensure that the number of candidates selected from each category aligns with the reservation quota.

5. Difficulty Level of the Exam:
- The overall difficulty level of the exam can impact the cutoff for all categories.
- If the exam is more challenging, the cutoff for all categories may be lower compared to an easier exam.

In conclusion, the cutoff can be different for different categories within the Reserved category in the IBPS PO Exam due to factors such as the reservation policy, number of candidates, performance of candidates, reservation quota, and the difficulty level of the exam. The IBPS ensures that the cutoff is set in a fair and transparent manner to provide equal opportunities to candidates from all categories.