{"id":222,"date":"2025-07-15T02:40:49","date_gmt":"2025-07-14T21:10:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/?p=222"},"modified":"2025-10-15T13:32:00","modified_gmt":"2025-10-15T08:02:00","slug":"upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026 \u2013 CSAT &#038; GS Cut Off (Category-Wise)"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_82_2 counter-flat ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<label class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Table of Contents<\/label>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #127abf;color:#127abf\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#What_is_the_UPSC_Prelims_Exam\" >What is the UPSC Prelims Exam?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#Cut_Off_Marks_2024_for_Prelims_and_Mains\" >Cut Off Marks 2024 for Prelims and Mains<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_2025_Expected\" >UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2025 Expected<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\" >UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#Category-Wise_UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\" >Category-Wise UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_2024_Expected\" >UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2024 (Expected)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#How_UPSC_Prelims_Results_Are_Declared\" >How UPSC Prelims Results Are Declared<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#What_affects_the_UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\" >What affects the UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#How_to_Prepare_to_Qualify_for_the_UPSC_Prelims_Examination\" >How to Prepare to Qualify for the UPSC Prelims Examination?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks\/#UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_FAQs\" >UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks FAQs<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p>The\u00a0<strong data-start=\"49\" data-end=\"70\">UPSC Prelims Exam<\/strong>\u00a0consists of two papers:\u00a0<strong data-start=\"95\" data-end=\"122\">General Studies Paper I<\/strong>\u00a0and\u00a0<strong data-start=\"127\" data-end=\"163\">General Studies Paper II (CSAT).<\/strong>\u00a0While\u00a0<strong data-start=\"170\" data-end=\"184\">GS Paper I<\/strong>\u00a0determines merit ranking,\u00a0<strong data-start=\"211\" data-end=\"243\">CSAT is qualifying in nature<\/strong>, requiring candidates to score at least\u00a0<strong data-start=\"284\" data-end=\"291\">33%<\/strong> (66 marks out of 200) to pass. Understanding the UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks\u00a0is essential for aspirants to plan their preparation effectively and ensure they clear the first stage of the\u00a0<strong data-start=\"472\" data-end=\"508\" data-is-last-node=\"\">UPSC Civil Services Examination.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Also Read: <a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/upsc-prelims-result-2025\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UPSC Prelims Result 2025 Out<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_the_UPSC_Prelims_Exam\"><\/span><b>What is the UPSC Prelims Exam?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Prelims is the first stage of the Civil Services Examination. It is like a filter that selects candidates who can move to the next stage, the main examination. The Prelims has two papers and both papers have different qualifying Marks for the UPSC Prelims examination.<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"4\">\n<h3><b>Detailed Overview of UPSC Prelims Exam Pattern<\/b><\/h3>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>UPSC Prelims Paper<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><b>General Studies Paper I- <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It Tests the candidate\u2019s knowledge of various subjects and their application to current events.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><b>General Studies Paper II (CSAT)- <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It tests<\/span><b> the <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">analytical ability, reasoning, and comprehension ability of candidates.<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Duration<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 2 hours<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Mode\u00a0<\/b><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"3\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Offline<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>Evaluation Mode<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper I\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Marks considered for prelims cut-off marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper II (CSAT) (Qualifying\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Qualifying in Nature (need 33% of total marks)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td rowspan=\"2\"><b>Marks Distribution<\/b><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper I\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">100 Questions<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General Studies Paper II (CSAT)<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">200 marks<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<td><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80 Questions<\/span><\/i><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h1><b>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026<\/b><\/h1>\n<p>UPSC prelims exam 2026 is scheduled for 24 May 2026, seeing the previous year&#8217;s trend exam is going to be moderate to difficult. Notification for the UPSC Prelims 2026 is going to be released on 14 January 2026.<\/p>\n<h1><b>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2025<\/b><\/h1>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has officially released the qualifying marks for the Civil Services Examination 2024. These marks help candidates understand the minimum scores required to move ahead in the selection process. The cut-off marks are released category-wise for each stage\u2014Prelims, Mains, and Final. Knowing these qualifying marks is essential for aspirants to assess their performance and set realistic goals for future attempts.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Cut_Off_Marks_2024_for_Prelims_and_Mains\"><\/span><b>Cut Off Marks 2024 for Prelims and Mains<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Examination<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">General<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">EWS<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">OBC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">SC<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ST<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwBD-1<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwBD-2<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwBD-3<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">PwBD-5<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CS (Prelim)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">87.98<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">85.92<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">87.28<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">79.03<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">74.23<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">69.42<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">65.30<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40.56<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">40.56<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CS (Main)\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">729<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">696<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">702<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">685<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">684<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">663<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">696<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">307<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">361<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CS (Final)<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">947<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">917<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">910<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">880<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">884<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">876<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">913<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">701<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">461<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2 data-start=\"0\" data-end=\"46\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_2025_Expected\"><\/span>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2025 Expected<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"48\" data-end=\"1019\" data-is-last-node=\"\" data-is-only-node=\"\">The expected qualifying marks for UPSC Prelims 2025 are estimated based on previous year trends, exam difficulty, and expert analysis. For the <strong data-start=\"191\" data-end=\"211\">General category<\/strong>, the cut-off is likely to fall between <strong data-start=\"251\" data-end=\"270\">85 and 90 marks<\/strong>, as the GS Paper I was moderately difficult and CSAT remained challenging for many candidates. For <strong data-start=\"370\" data-end=\"396\">EWS and OBC categories<\/strong>, the expected cut-off could range from <strong data-start=\"436\" data-end=\"454\">80 to 88 marks<\/strong>, while for <strong data-start=\"466\" data-end=\"472\">SC<\/strong> and <strong data-start=\"477\" data-end=\"483\">ST<\/strong> candidates, it may be around <strong data-start=\"513\" data-end=\"531\">70 to 80 marks<\/strong>. The <strong data-start=\"537\" data-end=\"545\">PwBD<\/strong> categories are expected to have lower cut-offs, varying between <strong data-start=\"610\" data-end=\"629\">40 and 70 marks<\/strong>, depending on the sub-category. These are just estimations and may vary slightly depending on the number of vacancies, candidates&#8217; performance, and normalization. Aspirants should wait for the official cut-off marks released by UPSC after the final result. Meanwhile, candidates qualifying prelims should begin focused preparation for the Mains exam to stay ahead in the selection process.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\"><\/span>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As mentioned above the UPSC has <\/span><b>Qualifying Marks for UPSC Prelims<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> paper 1 and paper 2 (CSAT). The Qualifying Marks for UPSC Prelims Paper I are decided by the UPSC prelims cut-off marks released by the UPSC.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>CSAT (General Studies Paper II)<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To pass this paper, the candidate needs to score <\/span><b>33% marks <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">which is also the minimum qualifying mark of the UPSC CSAT paper. This means out of 200 marks, you should score at least <\/span><b>66 marks<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. These are the UPSC Prelims CSAT qualifying marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>General Studies Paper I<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">:<\/span><\/h3>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The cut-off marks for this paper change every year. These marks depend on how many candidates appear, the number of vacancies, and how difficult the paper is. These are the UPSC Prelims cut-off marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Category-Wise_UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\"><\/span><b>Category-Wise UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks depend on the category of the candidate. General category cut-offs are higher, while OBC, SC, and ST candidates benefit from relaxed criteria. UPSC releases the cut-off for different categories.<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>General Category<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Higher cut-off marks, referred to as the UPSC Prelims general category cut-off.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\">\n<h3><b>OBC, SC, ST Categories<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Lower cut-offs because of relaxation given by the government. This is often called the UPSC Prelims cut-off for the OBC, SC, and ST categories.<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"metaslider-id-5575\" style=\"width: 100%;\" class=\"ml-slider-3-107-0 metaslider metaslider-flex metaslider-5575 ml-slider has-dots-nav ms-theme-default-base\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"New Slideshow\" data-height=\"300\" data-width=\"700\">\n    <div id=\"metaslider_container_5575\">\n        <div id=\"metaslider_5575\">\n            <ul aria-live='off' class='slides'>\n                <li style=\"display: block; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5579 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"400-X-180cdr-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/mains\/upsc-qep-2026-batch-5-english\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/400-X-180cdr-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5579 msDefaultImage\" title=\"400 X 180cdr\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5580 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/qep-pocket-notes-2.0\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/pocket-notes-website-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5580 msDefaultImage\" title=\"pocket-notes-website-400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n                <li style=\"display: none; width: 100%;\" class=\"slide-5581 ms-image \" aria-roledescription=\"slide\" data-date=\"2025-10-11 11:47:58\" data-filename=\"web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled-700x300.jpg\" data-slide-type=\"image\"><a href=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/courses\/upsc-cse-books\/toppers-handwritten-upsc-pyq-4-books\" target=\"_self\" aria-label=\"View Slide Details\" class=\"metaslider_image_link\"><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/web-site-banner-toppers-book.-400x180-1-scaled.jpg?resize=700%2C300&#038;ssl=1\" height=\"300\" width=\"700\" alt=\"\" class=\"slider-5575 slide-5581 msDefaultImage\" title=\"web site banner toppers book. 400x180\" \/><\/a><\/li>\n            <\/ul>\n        <\/div>\n        \n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Let us see the last few years&#8217; UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks.<\/span><\/h3>\n<table style=\"height: 371px;\" width=\"650\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td><b>Category<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>2020<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>2021<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>2022<\/b><\/td>\n<td><b>2023<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>General<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">92.51<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">87.54<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">88.22<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">75.41<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>EWS<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">77.55<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">80.14<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">82.83<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">68.02<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>OBC<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">89.12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">89.12<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">87.54<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">74.75<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>SC<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">74.84<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">75.41<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">74.08<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">59.25<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><b>ST<\/b><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">68.71<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">70.71<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">69.35<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">47.82<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><img data-recalc-dims=\"1\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-225\" src=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Picture1.png?resize=708%2C429&#038;ssl=1\" alt=\"UPSC Prelims Previous Four Year Cutoff\" width=\"708\" height=\"429\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Picture1.png?w=708&amp;ssl=1 708w, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Picture1.png?resize=300%2C182&amp;ssl=1 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 708px) 100vw, 708px\" \/><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_2024_Expected\"><\/span>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2024 (Expected)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p data-start=\"48\" data-end=\"453\">The\u00a0UPSC Prelims qualifying marks\u00a0play a crucial role in determining an aspirant\u2019s progress toward becoming a civil servant in India. The Preliminary Examination consists of two papers:\u00a0General Studies I\u00a0and\u00a0General Studies II (CSAT).\u00a0While\u00a0General Studies I\u00a0is considered for merit ranking,\u00a0General Studies II is only qualifying, requiring candidates to score at least\u00a033%\u00a0to pass.<\/p>\n<p data-start=\"455\" data-end=\"609\">The\u00a0expected UPSC Prelims Cut Off 2024\u00a0is estimated to be\u00a095 to 100 marks\u00a0for the General category. Below is the category-wise expected cut-off:<\/p>\n<table data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"958\" data-is-only-node=\"\" data-is-last-node=\"\">\n<thead data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"663\">\n<tr data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"663\">\n<th data-start=\"611\" data-end=\"632\"><strong data-start=\"613\" data-end=\"625\">Category<\/strong><\/th>\n<th data-start=\"632\" data-end=\"663\"><strong data-start=\"634\" data-end=\"661\">Expected Cut-Off (2024)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"958\" data-is-last-node=\"\">\n<tr data-start=\"714\" data-end=\"762\">\n<td>General<\/td>\n<td>95 \u00b1 3 Marks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"763\" data-end=\"811\">\n<td>OBC<\/td>\n<td>92 \u00b1 3 Marks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"812\" data-end=\"860\">\n<td>EWS<\/td>\n<td>85 \u00b1 3 Marks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"861\" data-end=\"909\">\n<td>SC<\/td>\n<td>83 \u00b1 3 Marks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr data-start=\"910\" data-end=\"958\" data-is-last-node=\"\">\n<td>ST<\/td>\n<td>77 \u00b1 3 Marks<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_UPSC_Prelims_Results_Are_Declared\"><\/span><b>How UPSC Prelims Results Are Declared<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The qualifying marks for UPSC Prelims play a key role in determining results. Candidates must pass CSAT and meet the General Studies Paper I cut-off to qualify for the Mains. After the exam, the UPSC announces a list of candidates who qualify for the Mains. To qualify:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You must pass the CSAT paper by scoring at least 33%. This is a crucial part of the UPSC Prelims qualifying criteria.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your marks in General Studies Paper I must be equal to or higher than the cut-off. This includes category-specific criteria like UPSC Prelims and category-wise qualifying marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_affects_the_UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks\"><\/span><b>What affects the UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Several factors determine the cut-off marks for General Studies Paper I:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Number of Vacancies<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If there are more jobs, the cut-off might be lower.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Performance of Candidates<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If most people do well, the cut-off goes up.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Paper Difficulty<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: If the paper is tough, the cut-off will be lower. This explains the UPSC Prelims cut-off trends.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_to_Prepare_to_Qualify_for_the_UPSC_Prelims_Examination\"><\/span><b>How to Prepare to Qualify for the UPSC Prelims Examination?<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are some tips to help you clear the Prelims:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Balance Preparation<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Focus on both papers. Don\u2019t ignore CSAT, as it requires meeting the UPSC Prelims minimum qualifying marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Practice Regularly<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Solve past question papers and take mock tests to understand the UPSC Prelims GS qualifying marks.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Manage Time<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Learn to answer questions within the time limit.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Stay Consistent<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">: Study a little every day instead of cramming at the last minute.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"UPSC_Prelims_Qualifying_Marks_FAQs\"><\/span><b>UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks FAQs<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<style>#sp-ea-226 .spcollapsing { height: 0; overflow: hidden; transition-property: height;transition-duration: 300ms;}#sp-ea-226{ position: relative; }#sp-ea-226 .ea-card{ opacity: 0;}#eap-preloader-226{ position: absolute; left: 0; top: 0; height: 100%;width: 100%; text-align: center;display: flex; align-items: center;justify-content: center;}#sp-ea-226.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {margin-bottom: 10px; border: 1px solid #e2e2e2; }#sp-ea-226.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a {color: #444;}#sp-ea-226.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.sp-collapse>.ea-body {background: #fff; color: #444;}#sp-ea-226.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single {background: #eee;}#sp-ea-226.sp-easy-accordion>.sp-ea-single>.ea-header a .ea-expand-icon { float: left; color: #444;font-size: 16px;}.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  padding: 7px;\r\n  background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n.sp-ea-one.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  font-size: 1rem;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single .ea-header a .ea-expand-icon {\r\n  margin-right: 0px;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion .sp-ea-single{\r\n background: #fff;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.ea-expand a{\r\n  background: #cfe2ff !important;\r\n}\r\n\r\n.sp-easy-accordion{\r\n  margin-bottom: 1rem;\r\n  margin-top: 1rem;\r\n}<\/style><div id=\"sp_easy_accordion-1734680360\"><div id=\"sp-ea-226\" class=\"sp-ea-one sp-easy-accordion\" data-ea-active=\"ea-click\" data-ea-mode=\"vertical\" data-preloader=\"1\" data-scroll-active-item=\"1\" data-offset-to-scroll=\"0\"><div id=\"eap-preloader-226\" class=\"accordion-preloader\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-content\/plugins\/easy-accordion-free\/public\/assets\/ea_loader.svg\" alt=\"Loader image\"\/><\/div><div class=\"ea-card ea-expand sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2260\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2260\" aria-controls=\"collapse2260\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"true\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-minus\"><\/i> What were the qualifying marks for the UPSC Prelims Paper 1?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse collapsed show\" id=\"collapse2260\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-226\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2260\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The qualifying marks for Paper 1 (General Studies) vary each year based on the cut-off set by UPSC. In recent years, it has ranged between 90 to 110 marks for the general category.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2261\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2261\" aria-controls=\"collapse2261\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What were the qualifying marks for the UPSC Prelims Paper 2?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2261\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-226\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2261\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Paper 2 (CSAT) is qualifying in nature, and candidates need to score at least 33% or 66 marks out of 200 to pass.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2262\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2262\" aria-controls=\"collapse2262\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What were the qualifying marks for UPSC prelims out of 400?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2262\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-226\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2262\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The total marks required vary as only Paper 1 is considered for merit; Paper 2 is qualifying. Cut-off marks for Paper 1 typically fall between 90 to 120 out of 200 for general category candidates.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2263\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2263\" aria-controls=\"collapse2263\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> What are the qualifying marks for UPSC prelims 2024?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2263\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-226\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2263\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">The qualifying marks for 2024 will be decided post-exam, depending on difficulty and competition. Paper 2 will still require 33% marks to qualify.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"ea-card sp-ea-single\"><h3 class=\"ea-header\"><a class=\"collapsed\" id=\"ea-header-2264\" role=\"button\" data-sptoggle=\"spcollapse\" data-sptarget=\"#collapse2264\" aria-controls=\"collapse2264\" href=\"#\" aria-expanded=\"false\" tabindex=\"0\"><i aria-hidden=\"true\" role=\"presentation\" class=\"ea-expand-icon eap-icon-ea-expand-plus\"><\/i> How many students qualify for UPSC prelims in 2024?<\/a><\/h3><div class=\"sp-collapse spcollapse \" id=\"collapse2264\" data-parent=\"#sp-ea-226\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"ea-header-2264\"> <div class=\"ea-body\"><p><span style=\"font-weight: 400\">Out of the vast pool of over 13.4 lakh aspirants, around 14,627 candidates qualified for the UPSC Prelims 2024.<\/span><\/p><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Know UPSC Prelims Qualifying Marks 2026 For GS Paper I And CSAT. Check Category-Wise Cut Off Trends And Expected Cut Off Marks For General, OBC, SC, ST, And EWS.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":4561,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[143,144,140,139,142,135,97,141,138,136,137,134],"class_list":["post-222","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog","tag-sc","tag-st","tag-upsc-prelims-category-wise-qualifying-marks","tag-upsc-prelims-csat-qualifying-marks","tag-upsc-prelims-cut-off-for-obc","tag-upsc-prelims-cut-off-marks","tag-upsc-prelims-cut-off-trends","tag-upsc-prelims-general-category-cut-off","tag-upsc-prelims-gs-qualifying-marks","tag-upsc-prelims-minimum-qualifying-marks","tag-upsc-prelims-qualifying-criteria","tag-upsc-prelims-qualifying-marks-2025"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/222","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=222"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/222\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":5936,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/222\/revisions\/5936"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/4561"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=222"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=222"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/theiashub.com\/upsc\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=222"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}