The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) has announced the category-wise cut-off marks for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2025. The cut-offs cover all stages of the exam process, including the Preliminary exam, the Main written exam, and the final selection after the personality test. These marks indicate the minimum scores required by candidates in each category to qualify for the next stage of the recruitment process and ultimately secure a place in the final merit list.
UPSC CSE 2025 Prelims Cut-Off Marks
The preliminary examination serves as the first screening stage for the Civil Services Examination. Only the marks obtained in General Studies Paper I are considered for determining the cut-off. The category-wise prelims cut-off marks are listed below:
- General: 92.66 marks
- EWS: 89.34 marks
- OBC: 92.00 marks
- SC: 84.00 marks
- ST: 82.66 marks
Candidates scoring equal to or above these marks in the prelims examination were shortlisted for the Civil Services Main examination.
UPSC CSE 2025 Mains Cut-Off to Qualify for Interview
The mains examination determines which candidates advance to the final stage — the personality test or interview. The mains cut-off marks (out of 1750) required to qualify for the interview stage are:
- General: 739 marks
- EWS: 706 marks
- OBC: 717 marks
- SC: 700 marks
- ST: 694 marks
Candidates scoring above these marks in the written mains exam were called for the interview round conducted by UPSC.
UPSC CSE 2025 Final Cut-Off Marks
The final cut-off represents the minimum aggregate marks required for selection after combining mains written marks and interview scores. The final cut-off marks (out of 2025) are:
- General: 963 marks
- EWS: 926 marks
- OBC: 931 marks
- SC: 905 marks
- ST: 902 marks
Candidates scoring equal to or above these marks were included in the final merit list and recommended for appointment to services such as IAS, IPS, and IFS, depending on rank and preference.
How UPSC Determines the Final Cut-Off?
The Civil Services Examination follows a three-stage selection process designed to shortlist candidates for top administrative services in India. The selection stages include:
- Preliminary Examination (objective screening test)
- Main Examination (written descriptive papers)
- Personality Test or Interview
The final merit list is prepared using the combined score of the mains exam and the interview, which together carry 2025 marks.