What I feel is most of the people who have nearly completed the paper with decent answers, the difference would not be more than 5 marks in each of GS 1, GS 2 and GS 3 (true GS papers). That translates to 15-20 no at max. However the variation in GS 4 and Essay which can go as wide as 20 marks each shall determine the overall interview call. The funny thing with optional is although 270+ is regarded a good score still 30 marks short of elite 300 group. Considering the lower margins we can afford to lose 60 marks in GS + essay and 50 marks in optional from say the topper (if you are not
) still get a call and with a good interview a rank. So there is quite a wide room for getting selection and requires not to be perfect.
Got 786 in 2017...20 odd marks short of cuttoff...I feel if there is liberal marking like 2017 in GS, completing paper would play a big role in getting that boost. Hence a person leaving 2-3 Questions per paper would be at a loss of 8-10 marks. Across 4 GS it translates to 30-40 marks, which was a game changer. Didn't appear in 2018, but I feel the marking was not as liberal like 2017 and GS marks got squeezed, hence completing paper do not give you that additional edge of 30-40 marks.
Having said that 800+ definitely would be required irrespective of the checking pattern to get a rank. Last year hardly 1-2 guys made it to rank in UR category with below 800 marks.
Hopefully many of us should make it through.
@sat_009Unlike 2017 where I left questions in GS, completed the paper this time around. Satisfied with my overall GS attempt albeit not many good answers in GS 2. Optional being Anthro -Paper 1 went much better than 2017 but Paper 2, was tending to GS answers in many. Hoping for a liberal marking in paper 2 as in most humanities subject. 2017 score - 130 + 376 + 281.
@sat_009I feel the 2018 pattern was much better than 2017 as there is consistency across all GS paper. 2017 there were exceptional cases such as GS 3 being rewarded like anything and GS 4 being battered for no reason. Such differentiation is not a good trend. Expecting 2018 pattern at least in GS. Although Essay will see an increase than last time. Optional I feel have been marked liberally since 2016 and expect the same...
@sat_009That's some good score. hopefully you will enter the elite 300+ club. Wishing you all the best. Your GS answers are really good (read them yesterday). You will definitely be among the high scorers.
On a positive note, it has been really interesting and quite a learning being on Forum after Mains. I have seen some quality answers, some great discussion and not so great ego clashes (still fun :P).
I have sincere hope that lot many here are going to make it through to the next stage and eventually in the list. And I also hope to meet many of the anonymous some day.
Till then, all the best guys. Let the lot many sacrifices and pain which we endured be passed with a smile. Let succuss be bestowed upon us. Godspeed to all the aspirants
