FAQ

UPSC Cut off

  1. What is UPSC?

   – UPSC stands for the Union Public Service Commission. It is the central agency responsible for conducting civil services examinations in India, including the prestigious Civil Services Examination (CSE), commonly known as the IAS exam.

  1. What is the UPSC Cut-off?

   – The UPSC cut-off refers to the minimum marks or ranks that candidates must achieve in the Civil Services Examination (CSE) to be eligible for the next stage of the selection process, such as the Main Examination, Interview, or final selection for various services like IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.

  1. 3. How is the UPSC Cut-off determined?

   – The UPSC cut-off is determined based on various factors, including the total number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the examination, and the performance of the candidates. It is set by UPSC each year for different categories (General, OBC, SC, ST, etc.).

  1. Are there different cut-offs for different stages of the UPSC CSE?

   – Yes, UPSC sets different cut-offs for the Preliminary Examination, Main Examination, and the Interview stage. Only candidates who clear the Preliminary Exam are eligible to appear for the Main Exam, and similarly, only those who clear the Main Exam are eligible for the Interview stage.

  1. Is there a sectional cut-off in the UPSC Preliminary Exam?

   – No, there is no sectional cut-off in the UPSC Preliminary Exam. The cut-off is calculated based on the cumulative score of the two papers (General Studies Paper I and General Studies Paper II, also known as the CSAT).

  1. What is the significance of the UPSC Preliminary Exam cut-off?

   – The Preliminary Exam cut-off determines which candidates will be eligible to appear for the Main Examination. It’s a filtering mechanism to shortlist candidates for the next stage.

  1. Is the UPSC Cut-off the same for all categories of candidates?

   – No, UPSC sets different cut-offs for different categories of candidates, such as General, OBC, SC, and ST. These cut-offs are typically lower for reserved categories to ensure representation and inclusivity.

  1. Where can I find the UPSC Cut-off for a specific year?

   – You can find the UPSC Cut-off for a specific year on the official UPSC website (www.upsc.gov.in). They usually release the cut-off marks along with the exam results.

  1. Can I predict the UPSC Cut-off for the upcoming year?

   – While you can analyze past trends, it’s challenging to predict the exact cut-off for the upcoming year. It depends on several factors, including the difficulty level of the exam and the performance of candidates.

  1. What should I do if I score above the cut-off in the UPSC Preliminary Exam?

    – If you score above the cut-off in the Preliminary Exam, you are eligible to appear for the Main Exam. Start preparing for the Main Exam, as it carries more weight in the final selection process.

  1. Is the UPSC Cut-off the same for all the services (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.)?

    – No, each service (IAS, IPS, IFS, etc.) may have its specific cut-off, which can vary from year to year. Candidates are allocated services based on their ranks and preferences.

  1. Can I get selected if I score below the UPSC Cut-off in any stage of the examination?

    – No, scoring below the cut-off in any stage of the examination disqualifies you from further stages. You must clear each stage to progress in the selection process.

  1. What is the role of the UPSC Cut-off in the final selection?

    – The UPSC Cut-off is crucial in determining the candidates who qualify for the Interview stage and, ultimately, the final selection. It helps UPSC select the most eligible candidates for various civil services.

  1. Is there any relaxation in the UPSC Cut-off for candidates with disabilities?

    – Yes, UPSC provides certain relaxations in the cut-off for candidates with disabilities as per government regulations. These relaxations may vary depending on the disability type and severity.

  1. Can I request re-evaluation of my UPSC exam if I miss the cut-off by a small margin?

    – No, UPSC does not allow re-evaluation of answer sheets. The published cut-off marks are final and not subject to change.