UPSC does not have one fixed cut-off. The Prelims cut-off is based on GS Paper-I, Mains has a separate written cut-off subject to minimum marks in each competitive paper, and the Final cut-off is based on the marks of the last recommended candidate.
The UPSC cut-off marks are the qualifying marks decided to move forward the candidates in the various stages of the Civil Services Examination. The cut-off changes for the prelims, mains and even final stage, and different categories have different cut-offs.
UPSC Prelims Category-Wise Cut Off Marks
The UPSC Prelims cut-off is one of the most searched cut-off figures among civil services aspirants. The important point to remember is that the prelims cut-off is calculated using GS Paper-I only. CSAT, or GS Paper-II, is qualifying in nature and requires 33% marks.
Previous 5 Years of UPSC Prelims Cut Off
|
Category |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
General |
92.66 |
87.98 |
75.41 |
88.22 |
87.54 |
|
EWS |
89.34 |
85.92 |
68.02 |
82.83 |
80.14 |
|
OBC |
92.00 |
87.28 |
74.75 |
87.54 |
84.85 |
|
SC |
84.00 |
79.03 |
59.25 |
74.08 |
75.41 |
|
ST |
82.66 |
74.23 |
47.82 |
69.35 |
70.71 |
Source: UPSC official cut-off records for the respective Civil Services Examination cycles. The latest figures are from the official CSE cut-off document; earlier figures are supported by UPSC cut-off records and archived documents.
UPSC Mains Category-Wise Cut-Off Marks
The UPSC Mains cut-off is the minimum written-exam score required to qualify for the Personality Test. It varies by category and can change each year based on factors such as vacancies, paper difficulty and candidate performance. UPSC also requires candidates to meet the prescribed minimum marks in each competitive paper.
Previous 5 Years of UPSC Main Cut Off
|
Category |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
General |
739 |
729 |
741 |
748 |
745 |
|
EWS |
706 |
696 |
706 |
715 |
713 |
|
OBC |
717 |
702 |
712 |
714 |
707 |
|
SC |
700 |
685 |
694 |
699 |
700 |
|
ST |
694 |
684 |
692 |
706 |
700 |
Source: UPSC CSE cut-off documents and archived records.
UPSC Final Category-Wise Cut-Off Marks
The UPSC final cut-off is different from both the prelims and mains cut-offs.
It is based on the combined marks considered for the final merit list, which includes the mains written examination and personality test. The final cut-off represents the marks secured by the last recommended candidate in a particular category.
Previous 5 Years of UPSC Final Cut Off
|
Category |
2025 |
2024 |
2023 |
2022 |
2021 |
|
General |
963 |
947 |
953 |
960 |
953 |
|
EWS |
926 |
917 |
923 |
926 |
916 |
|
OBC |
931 |
910 |
919 |
923 |
910 |
|
SC |
905 |
880 |
890 |
893 |
886 |
|
ST |
902 |
884 |
891 |
900 |
883 |
Source: UPSC CSE official cut-off records. The latest official document reports 963, 926, 931, 905 and 902 for General, EWS, OBC, SC and ST, respectively.
How to Use Previous Year UPSC Cut Off Marks
Previous-year UPSC cut-off marks can be useful when used correctly. They can help you understand the examination trend, but they cannot predict the exact cut-off for the next cycle.
Here are some practical ways to use them.
1. Understand the Historical Range
Instead of looking at one year's cut-off, compare several examination cycles. This gives you a better understanding of how much the qualifying benchmark can fluctuate.
2. Set a Practical Target
Use historical cut-offs as a reference while setting mock-test targets.
For example, if your mock scores are consistently close to the previous cut-off, you may need to improve your accuracy and question selection before the actual examination.
3. Analyse Your Mock Test Scores
After every mock test, compare your score with the historical cut-off range.
Do not only ask, "Did I cross the cut-off?"
Also analyse:
- How many questions did you attempt?
- How many were incorrect?
- Which subjects caused the most mistakes?
- How many questions did you leave despite knowing the topic?
- Is your score improving consistently?
4. Maintain a Safety Margin
The actual UPSC cut-off is known only after the relevant examination process and official cut-off release.
Therefore, preparing to score exactly around a previous cut-off can be risky. A reasonable safety margin gives you more room for fluctuations in the actual cut-off.
5. Compare Category-Wise Trends
Candidates should check the cut-off applicable to their category. UPSC publishes separate qualifying standards for different categories, including General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST and applicable PwBD categories.
6. Do Not Treat Cut-Off as a Prediction
Previous-year data can show a trend, but it cannot tell you the exact cut-off for the next UPSC examination.
The difficulty level, vacancies and candidate performance can change from one cycle to another.
Best approach: Use previous UPSC cut-off marks to understand the competition, but use mock-test performance, previous-year questions and your overall preparation level to set your actual target.