UPSC Mains Cut-Off Over the Years
Official cut-offs (2015–2025)
Mains cut-off is based on the written papers total of 1750 marks (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I–II). Language papers are qualifying (25% each). Only candidates above this category-wise threshold are invited to the Personality Test.
| Year | Gen | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwBD 1 | PwBD 2 | PwBD 3 | PwBD 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 739 | 706 | 717 | 700 | 694 | 703 | 708 | 536 | 451 |
| 2024 | 729 | 696 | 702 | 685 | 684 | 663 | 696 | 307 | 361 |
| 2023 | 741 | 706 | 712 | 694 | 692 | 673 | 718 | 396 | 445 |
| 2022 | 748 | 715 | 714 | 699 | 706 | 677 | 706 | 351 | 419 |
| 2021 | 745 | 713 | 707 | 700 | 700 | 668 | 712 | 388 | 560 |
| 2020 | 736 | 687 | 698 | 680 | 682 | 648 | 699 | 425 | 300 |
| 2019 | 751 | 696 | 718 | 706 | 699 | 663 | 698 | 374 | 561 |
| 2018 | 774 | — | 732 | 719 | 719 | 711 | 696 | 520 | 460 |
| 2017 | 809 | — | 770 | 756 | 749 | 734 | 745 | 578 | — |
| 2016 | 787 | — | 745 | 739 | 730 | 713 | 740 | 545 | — |
| 2015 | 676 | — | 630 | 622 | 617 | 580 | 627 | 504 | — |
Marks represent the written score out of 1750 of the last shortlisted candidate in each category. Candidates must secure at least 10% in each of the 7 merit papers.
Trend: General, OBC, SC, ST & EWS
Key findings
- Over the 10-year span (2015–2025), General category Mains cut-offs ranged from 676 (2015) to 809 (2017) out of 1750 marks — representing a 38.6% to 46.2% score spectrum.
- Between 2020 and 2025, the General Mains cut-off settled into a predictable 19-mark band (729 to 748 marks), averaging ~42.3% of the total written marks.
- OBC cut-offs closely shadow General within a 12 to 25 mark gap in recent cycles (717 vs 739 in 2025, 702 vs 729 in 2024).
- EWS cut-off has closely tracked OBC and SC standards since its 2019 rollout, stabilizing at 706 marks in 2025.
- Evaluation criteria require a mandatory baseline of 10% marks (25 out of 250) in each of the 7 merit papers (Essay, GS I–IV, Optional I & II).
Safe score benchmark targets
Provides a comfortable 40–60 mark cushion over the interview call threshold, reducing dependence on high interview marks for top ranks.
Ensures a reliable 45+ mark lead above recent qualifying scores (696–715), securing strong standing for service allocation.
Places candidates well clear of the 684–706 mark qualifying cut-off, maximizing chances of securing preferred cadre and service.
Frequently asked questions
How is the UPSC Mains cut-off calculated?+
The UPSC Mains cut-off is calculated on the aggregate written score of 7 papers out of 1750 marks: Essay (250), GS Paper I (250), GS Paper II (250), GS Paper III (250), GS Paper IV (250), Optional Paper I (250), and Optional Paper II (250). Candidates who cross this category-specific cutoff are summoned for the Personality Test (Interview).
Do compulsory Language papers count toward the Mains cut-off?+
No. Paper A (Indian Language) and Paper B (English) are each of 300 marks and are strictly qualifying in nature (requiring 25% or 75 marks each). Marks scored in these two papers are not included in the 1750-mark merit ranking calculation.
Is there a minimum sectional qualifying mark in each Mains paper?+
Yes. UPSC mandates that candidates secure at least 10% marks (25 out of 250) in each of the seven merit papers (Essay, GS I, GS II, GS III, GS IV, Optional I, Optional II). Failing to score at least 25 marks in even one paper results in disqualification regardless of total aggregate score.
What is considered a safe score in UPSC Mains for IAS/IPS selection?+
While the interview call cut-off ranges between 730–750 marks for General category, securing top service preferences like IAS and IPS typically requires an aggregate Mains written score of 790–820+ marks, combined with a 170+ score in the Personality Test (275 marks).
Why was the 2017 Mains cut-off so high (809 marks) compared to 2015 (676 marks)?+
The 2017 examination saw relatively direct questions and standard scoring in Optional and GS IV (Ethics) papers alongside fewer vacancies, driving cut-offs up to 809. Conversely, in 2015, stricter marking across GS and tough optional papers lowered the threshold to 676.
How many candidates are shortlisted for the interview based on the Mains cut-off?+
UPSC typically qualifies candidates roughly 2.0 to 2.2 times the total number of announced vacancies for the Personality Test. The score of the last shortlisted candidate in each category establishes the official Mains cut-off.
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