Identify the exam type (board or entrance) and the year’s official marking scheme
Note the maximum marks and the subject-wise marks (or total aggregate)
Convert marks to the required scale if needed (e.g., percentage, CGPA, or normalized marks)
Determine the cutoff basis required by the authority (category-wise, stream-wise, district-wise, or overall)
Use the official formula if the board/authority provides one for cutoff calculation
If cutoff is determined by performance percentiles, compute percentile based on the score distribution of all candidates
If cutoff is determined by “minimum passing,” use the passing criteria (minimum percentage/marks) for each subject or overall
For admission cutoffs, use seat availability and reservation rules to set category-wise minimum ranks/marks
Calculate eligibility cutoff as the minimum marks/rank required to be considered for admission
For previous-year cutoffs, use the latest official cutoff list as a reference point (not a replacement for current official cutoff)
Verify whether the cutoff is for qualifying exam only or for admission (these are often different)
Check official announcements for the final cutoff marks/ranks, as authorities may use internal normalization and moderation rules