Jaipur: The Rajasthan High Court zero cut-off controversy has raised serious questions about recruitment standards in government jobs. The court recently asked the Rajasthan government to explain why cut-off marks as low as zero were fixed for reserved category candidates in a Class-IV recruitment exam.
Justice Anand Sharma described the situation as “shocking” and warned that allowing candidates with extremely low or negative marks to qualify could damage the credibility of public employment. The court has ordered the state government to submit a detailed explanation about the recruitment process and the absence of minimum qualifying marks.
Background of Rajasthan Zero Cut-Off Controversy
The issue came before the court in the case “Vinod Kumar S/o Pyarelal v. State of Rajasthan.”
The petitioner challenged a recruitment process for Class-IV government employees in Rajasthan. During the selection process, the cut-off marks for some reserved categories were found to be extremely low—around 0.0033 marks.
At the same time, the petitioner’s candidature was rejected because he scored negative marks, even though there was no minimum qualifying score prescribed for the exam.
This unusual situation led the petitioner to question the fairness and logic of the recruitment process.
Rajasthan Zero Cut-Off Controversy: Why the Court Called It “Shocking”
Justice Anand Sharma strongly criticised the recruitment system and said the issue requires serious attention.
The court observed that the state government, as the appointing authority, must maintain basic standards in public employment.
The court noted:
“A person who secures near zero or negative marks cannot reasonably be considered suitable.”
The bench warned that selecting candidates with extremely low scores may compromise the ability of employees to perform even basic duties in government offices.
Concerns Raised by the Court
The High Court pointed out several possible problems in the recruitment process:
1. Lack of Minimum Qualifying Marks
The recruitment notification did not specify minimum passing marks, which created confusion in the selection process.
2. Extremely Low Cut-Off Marks
Some reserved category cut-offs were close to zero, raising questions about quality standards in government hiring.
3. Difficulty Level of the Exam
The court also suggested two possible explanations:
- Either the exam was excessively difficult, or
- The recruitment system failed to maintain proper standards.
Both scenarios indicate flaws in the recruitment process.
Court Orders State Government to Explain
The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state counsel to submit an affidavit from the Principal Secretary of the concerned department.
The affidavit must explain:
- Why such low cut-off marks were fixed
- Why minimum qualifying marks were not prescribed
- What steps the government will take to avoid similar issues in the future
The court warned that if the explanation is unsatisfactory, it may pass strict orders and draw adverse conclusions against the authorities.
Next Hearing Date
The court has scheduled the next hearing for March 9, when the state government is expected to provide its detailed explanation regarding the recruitment process and the controversial cut-off marks.
Read also: Rajasthan High Court Forms Five-Judge Panel to Examine Saturday Working Days Amid Bar Opposition
