The UPSC cut off marks represent the minimum scores required to advance to the next stage of the examination process. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) Civil Services Examination (CSE) is one of the most prestigious and competitive exams in India. Securing a high rank in this exam is a gateway to joining the country’s administrative, police, and foreign services. Understanding the cut-off marks for each stage—Prelims, Mains, and Final—is crucial for aspirants aiming to succeed. This article provides an updated analysis of the UPSC cut-off trends for 2023, expected cut-offs for 2024, and offers strategic insights for candidates preparing for the 2025 examination.

What Are UPSC Cut Off Marks

The UPSC cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required to advance to the next stage of the examination process. These cut-offs are determined by factors such as the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, and the overall performance of candidates. The cut-offs are published category-wise, including for General, OBC, SC, ST, and EWS groups.

UPSC Cut Off 2023 A Detailed Analysis

The official UPSC cut off marks for 2023 have been released, providing valuable benchmarks for future aspirants. Here is a breakdown of the cut-offs for different stages:

Prelims Cut Off 2023 (Out of 200 marks):

Mains Cut Off 2023 (Out of 1750 marks):

Final Cut Off 2023 (Cumulative of Mains and Interview):

These figures highlight the competitive nature of the exam and the need for thorough preparation.

UPSC Previous Year Cutoffs

The UPSC releases official cutoff marks for each stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) every year. These marks indicate the minimum scores needed to move to the next stage or secure a final selection. Below is a summary of cutoff trends for recent years.

UPSC Cut off Marks 2022

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the minimum qualifying marks for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2022. These cutoffs were categorized for different stages of the exam and various categories of candidates. Here’s a summary:

• The Preliminary cutoff is based on GS Paper-I only, as GS Paper-II is of qualifying nature with a requirement of 33% marks.
• For the Mains stage, candidates needed to secure at least 10% marks in each of the seven competitive papers (Essay, GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV, Optional-I, and Optional-II).

UPSC Cut off Marks 2021

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) sets the cut-off marks for each stage of the Civil Services Examination (CSE). These marks represent the minimum scores required by candidates to advance to the next stage or to be selected in the final merit list. Below are the cut-off marks for the CSE 2021 across various categories:

UPSC Cut off Marks 2020

The UPSC releases cut-off marks at different stages of the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to determine the minimum scores required for progression and final selection. Below is the category-wise cut-off for CSE 2020:

UPSC Cut Off Marks 2019

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) released the category-wise cut-off marks for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2019. The cut-off marks represent the minimum scores required at each stage—Preliminary, Mains, and Final—to qualify for the next stage or recommendation. Below is a summary of the cut-off marks for various categories:

Expected UPSC Cut Off 2024

While the official cut-off marks for 2024 will only be announced after the examination process concludes, several coaching institutes and experts have projected expected cut-offs based on current trends and analysis of the 2023 exam.

Also Read: UPSC Syllabus

Expected Prelims Cut Off 2024:

Expected Mains Cut Off 2024:

These projections are estimates and should be used as a reference for setting preparation goals rather than definitive benchmarks.

Factors Influencing UPSC Cut Off Variations

Several factors contribute to the fluctuation of cut off marks each year:

1. Exam Difficulty: A tougher paper often results in lower average scores, thereby reducing the cut-off.
2. Number of Candidates: An increase in the number of examinees can heighten competition, potentially raising cut-off marks.
3. Vacancy Numbers: The total number of available positions directly impacts the cut-off; more vacancies may lead to lower cut-offs and vice versa.
4. Reservation Policies: Changes in category-wise reservations can also influence cut-offs.

Strategic Preparation for UPSC 2025

Aspirants targeting the 2025 examination can utilize these insights to enhance their preparation:

1. Analyze Previous Years’ Papers: Reviewing past papers helps in understanding question patterns and difficulty levels, aiding in effective preparation.
2. Set Target Scores Above Expected Cut-Offs: Aim to score at least 15-20 marks above the projected cut-off to ensure a safety margin.
3. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify and strengthen subjects or topics where your performance is lacking to improve overall scores.
4. Regular Mock Tests: Engage in consistent mock testing to build exam temperament and time management skills.
5. Stay Updated with Current Affairs: A significant portion of the UPSC syllabus revolves around current events; staying informed is crucial.
6. Time Management: Allocate dedicated time to optional subjects and essay writing, as these sections contribute significantly to the final score.

Accessing Official Cut Offs

For the most accurate and updated information, candidates should refer to the official UPSC website. The Commission publishes detailed cut-off marks for each stage post-examination. To download the official cut-offs for 2023:

1. Visit the official UPSC website: www.upsc.gov.in.
2. Navigate to the “Examination” section.
3. Click on the link titled “Download UPSC Cut-Off 2023.”
4. Save the document for future reference.

UPSC Cut off FAQs