Check UPSC Prelims 2025 expected cut off for General, OBC, SC, ST. Easy explanation, category-wise marks
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UPSC Prelims 2025 Expected Cut Off – Full Details
The UPSC Prelims exam is the first and most important step in the Civil Services Examination. Every year, lakhs of students prepare with the dream of becoming IAS, IPS, or IFS officers. The big question after the exam is:
Latest Update: UPSC Prelims 2025 Overview
- Exam Date: 25 May 2025
- Papers: Paper 1 (General Studies), Paper 2 (CSAT)
- Status: Exam conducted successfully across India
- Official Website: www.upsc.gov.in
Many students felt that the GS paper was a bit tough this year, especially in Polity, Environment, and Current Affairs. CSAT was also tricky for some students.
Expected Cut Off for UPSC Prelims 2025 (Category Wise)
Based on expert reviews and student feedback, here is the expected cut off range for each category:
| Category | Expected Cut Off (Paper 1) |
| General | 85 – 90 marks |
| OBC | 82 – 87 marks |
| SC | 70 – 75 marks |
| ST | 65 – 70 marks |
| EWS | 80 – 85 marks |
| PwBD | 50 – 60 marks |
Note: CSAT Paper 2 is qualifying in nature. You must score at least 33% (66 marks) to qualify.
Previous Year UPSC Prelims Cut Offs (2019 – 2024)
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST | EWS |
| 2024 | 88.22 | 85.34 | 74.08 | 69.35 | 82.26 |
| 2023 | 87.54 | 84.85 | 73.61 | 69.72 | 82.17 |
| 2022 | 88.18 | 85.24 | 74.08 | 69.35 | 82.86 |
| 2021 | 87.54 | 84.85 | 73.54 | 70.00 | 80.14 |
Looking at this data, the cut-off is usually around 85 to 90 marks for the General category. It changes slightly every year based on paper difficulty.
Factors That Decide UPSC Cut Off
Here are the main reasons why cut off marks may go up or down:
- Paper Difficulty: Tough paper = lower cut off.
- Number of Candidates: More students = more competition.
- Total Vacancies: Fewer vacancies = higher cut off.
- CSAT Pass Rate: Many students fail CSAT, which affects final numbers.
- Answer Accuracy: Negative marking can reduce total scores.
What to Do if Your Score is Near the Cut Off?
If your score is close to the expected cut off:
- Start preparing lightly for the Mains exam.
- Wait for the official answer key and results.
- Don’t panic – many toppers once missed by just 1 or 2 marks.
- Use this time to revise important Mains topics.
How to Check Official UPSC Cut Off?
The official cut off is released only after the full exam cycle ends. You can follow these steps:
- Visit www.upsc.gov.in
- Go to “Examinations > Cut-off Marks”
- Click on “Civil Services Examination 2025”
- Download the PDF and check your category
Direct link to UPSC Cut Off page:
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in/examinations/cutoff-marks
FAQs – UPSC Prelims 2025 Cut Off & Paper Level
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What is the cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2025?
The expected cut-off for UPSC Prelims 2025 for the General category is between 85 to 90 marks. Final cut-off will be released after the Main exam.
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Was UPSC Prelims 2025 tough?
Yes, many candidates and experts said the GS Paper was moderately tough, especially in Polity, Current Affairs, and Environment topics.
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What was the level of UPSC Prelims 2025?
The paper level was between moderate to difficult. Some questions were tricky and required deep understanding.
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यूपीएससी प्रीलिम्स 2025 के लिए कट-ऑफ क्या है?
जनरल कैटेगरी के लिए अनुमानित कट-ऑफ 85 से 90 अंक हो सकती है। बाकी कैटेगरी की कट-ऑफ ऊपर दी गई टेबल में है।
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क्या यूपीएससी प्रीलिम्स 2025 कठिन था?
हां, इस बार का पेपर कुछ कठिन था, खासकर पॉलिटी और करेंट अफेयर्स सेक्शन में।
Conclusion
The expected cut off for UPSC Prelims 2025 is similar to past years, but the final list will depend on actual performance, CSAT qualification rate, and the number of vacancies.
If your score is near the cut off, stay calm and prepare for Mains with a smart strategy. Remember, UPSC is a journey that rewards consistency, not just talent.
For the latest updates, keep checking the official UPSC website:
👉 https://www.upsc.gov.in
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