UPSC Prelims 2024 Cut off – Trend Analysis for Expected Cutoff

Now, as the candidates are waiting for their Roll numbers to appear in the holy list of UPSC Prelims 2024 Results, we are providing a glimpse of the trends of last 8 years cutoff to qualify for prelims exam. With the help of this post, you can decide for yourself that how much can be the cut-off for the prelims. We are providing this post on UPSC Prelims 2024 Cut-off because knowing the cutoff helps candidates assess their performance accurately, plan their next steps effectively, and manage their time and resources efficiently. It provides a clear benchmark, allowing aspirants to gauge whether their preparation levels are adequate to move forward in the competition.

Overview of UPSC Prelims Exam 2024

About UPSC Prelims Cutoff

The cutoff marks for the UPSC Prelims examination are the minimum marks required for a candidate to qualify for the Mains stage of the examination. The cutoff is influenced by several factors, including the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the exam, the number of candidates appearing, and the overall performance of the candidates. The cutoff marks are calculated based on the marks obtained in General Studies-I (GS-I) paper.

Pattern of the Prelims Exam

General Studies-I (GS-I)

This paper is the primary determinant of the cutoff marks for the UPSC Prelims. It consists of 100 questions, each carrying 2 marks, making a total of 200 marks. The questions cover a wide range of subjects, including history, geography, polity, economics, environment, science and technology, and current affairs. The marks obtained in this paper are used to determine the cutoff for qualifying for the Mains examination.

Paper-II (CSAT)

The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature. It consists of 80 questions, each carrying 2.5 marks, making a total of 200 marks. This paper tests the candidate’s aptitude, including comprehension, logical reasoning, analytical ability, decision-making, problem-solving, basic numeracy, and English language comprehension. The marks obtained in this paper are not considered for calculating the cutoff for the Prelims.

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Trends (2016-2023) for UPSC Prelims 2024 Cut-off Estimation

As explained in the factors given below, UPSC Prelims cutoff is influenced by several factors. For examples, look at the cut-off marks of 2023. It was mainly due to pattern change of prelims exam and high difficulty level that the cut-off went down by a significance amount. Similarly, UPSC has been surprising candidates constantly for the past few years, therefore cut-off marks are falling year-on-year (Except few reverses like slight increase in 2022), even though more number of candidates are applying for the posts.

As per our estimate, by looking at the difficulty level of this year’s paper, it is certain that cut-off will be higher compared to the last year.

Category-wise chart of the UPSC Prelims Cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2024 Cut-off

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Marks for General Category (2016-2023)

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Marks for OBC Category (2016-2023)

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Marks for SC Category (2016-2023)

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Marks for ST Category (2016-2023)

UPSC Prelims Cutoff Marks for EWS Category (2019-2023)

How to calculate final score?

Paper I (General Studies-I)

1. Count the Number of Correct Answers:
   • Each correct answer awards you 2 marks.
   • Multiply the number of correct answers by 2.
2. Count the Number of Incorrect Answers:
   • For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted as a penalty. Since each question is worth 2 marks, the penalty for a wrong answer is 0.66 marks.
   • Multiply the number of incorrect answers by 0.66.
3. Calculate Total Marks:
   • Subtract the total negative marks (from incorrect answers) from the total positive marks (from correct answers).
   • Formula: Total Marks = (Number of Correct Answers * 2) – (Number of Incorrect Answers * 0.66)

Paper II (CSAT – General Studies-II)

1. Count the Number of Correct Answers:
   • Each correct answer awards you 2.5 marks.
   • Multiply the number of correct answers by 2.5.
2. Count the Number of Incorrect Answers:
   • For each incorrect answer, 1/3rd of the marks assigned to the question will be deducted as a penalty. Since each question is worth 2.5 marks, the penalty for a wrong answer is 0.83 marks.
   • Multiply the number of incorrect answers by 0.83.
3. Calculate Total Marks:
   • Subtract the total negative marks (from incorrect answers) from the total positive marks (from correct answers).
   • Formula: Total Marks = (Number of Correct Answers * 2.5) – (Number of Incorrect Answers * 0.83)

Note: The CSAT paper is qualifying in nature, and you need to secure at least 33% (66.67 marks out of 200) to qualify. The marks obtained in this paper are not considered for calculating the cutoff for the Prelims.

What are the factors that influence the UPSC CSE Prelims Cut-off?

Number of Vacancies: The total number of vacancies announced by the UPSC each year has a direct impact on the cutoff marks. When the number of vacancies is higher, the cutoff tends to be lower because more candidates can qualify for the next stage. Conversely, when the number of vacancies is lower, the cutoff tends to be higher due to increased competition.

Difficulty Level of the Exam: This is the most crucial factor. The complexity of the questions in the Prelims exam significantly affects the cutoff marks. If the exam is relatively easy, a larger number of candidates score higher marks, leading to a higher cutoff. On the other hand, if the exam is difficult, fewer candidates score high marks, resulting in a lower cutoff.

Number of Candidates Appearing: The total number of candidates who appear for the Prelims exam also influences the cutoff. When more candidates take the exam, the competition increases. It results in potentially raising the cutoff marks. In years with fewer candidates, the competition decreases, which can lead to a lower cutoff.

Other factors: There can also be other factors like removal of questions, which can lead to reduced number of questions, ultimately leading to reduced cutoff. For example, in 2023 UPSC removed one question from the final cut-off and marks calculation.

What is the significance of early estimation of UPSC Prelims 2024 Cutoff for the candidates?

Estimated performance: An early estimation allows candidates to quickly assess their performance in the Prelims exam. They can compare their scores with the estimated cutoff to understand where they stand in the competition.

Focused Preparation: Candidates who find themselves above the estimated cutoff can immediately start preparing for the Mains exam, without waiting for the official results. This early start is crucial given the vast syllabus and the depth of preparation required for the Mains.

Time Management: With an early estimation, candidates can better manage their time, dedicating sufficient hours to cover Mains topics, optional subjects, and practice answer writing.

Stress Reduction: The period between the Prelims exam and the announcement of results can be stressful. An early cutoff estimation can reduce anxiety by providing a clearer picture of a candidate’s prospects.