Official historical benchmarks
UPSC Cut-off Marks
Understand Prelims, Mains and final cut-offs and verify every figure in the official UPSC archive.
UPSC cut-offs are historical reference points, not target scores. They vary with paper difficulty, vacancies, category and commission rules. Use only official result and cut-off notices for final figures.
How to interpret cut-offs
- Compare the correct stage, year and category.
- Check whether the figure is for Prelims, Mains or final selection.
- Read the note on CSAT and other qualifying conditions.
- Prepare with a safety margin instead of chasing the previous minimum.
Official source: Consult the UPSC cut-off marks archive for published examination-wise PDFs.
Related preparation pages
Exam PatternUnderstand how each stage is evaluatedPrevious PapersMeasure your score under exam conditionsUPSC SyllabusClose coverage gaps
Frequently asked questions
Does UPSC release official cut-offs?
Yes. UPSC publishes examination-wise cut-off PDFs after the relevant process is complete.
Is the Prelims cut-off the same for every category?
No. Always read the official PDF for category-wise figures and applicable rules.
Should I use the previous cut-off as my target?
No. Aim for a sensible safety margin because difficulty and vacancies change each year.