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Question

Answer

1

When will UPSC release the official Prelims 2025 cut-off?

The Commission publishes category-wise cut-offs only after the final CSE result—typically 10–11 months post-Prelims (around March–April 2026).

2

Why do coaching‐institute predictions differ by 5–10 marks?

Each institute uses its own answer key, sample size, CSAT-pass filter, and statistical model (percentile or 3×-vacancy rule). Small shifts in any of these inputs change the final estimate.

3

Does the CSAT score affect my GS cut-off?

Yes—indirectly. If you fail to score 66.67 marks in CSAT, your GS marks aren’t considered at all. A tougher CSAT reduces the pool of candidates, which typically lowers the GS Paper I cut-off.

4

How many GS questions can UPSC delete after challenges?

In recent cycles, UPSC has dropped 1–3 questions per paper. Each deletion adds ~0.67 marks to every candidate’s raw GS score.

5

What is a “safe score” for General category this year?

Based on nine institute forecasts and crowd data, 90 + in GS Paper I (with CSAT cleared) is considered very safe. Scores 85–89 fall into a grey zone; < 85 is risky.

6

Why is the 2025 cut-off expected to be lower than 2024 but higher than 2023?

2025 saw: (1) a moderately tough GS, (2) a very tough CSAT (which drags cut-offs down), but also (3) fewer vacancies (979 vs 1,056) which push cut-offs up. The net balance lands between the 2023 dip and the 2024 rebound.

7

Do reserved-category cut-offs follow a fixed ratio relative to General?

No. They fluctuate independently based on category-wise performance distributions and reservation rules—but historically, OBC/EWS trail General by ~1–3 marks, SC by ~8–10 marks, and ST by ~12–15 marks.

8

I scored 87 in GS and cleared CSAT—should I start Mains prep?

Absolutely. Grey-zone candidates (85–89) should begin a “Mains-Lite” schedule—essay outlines, Ethics theory, optional revision—while keeping an eye on consolidated answer-keys. Waiting can cost you 3–4 critical weeks.

9

Will fewer vacancies always raise cut-offs?

Not necessarily. Vacancies tighten competition, but cut-offs still depend more on paper difficulty and CSAT pass rates. A brutal paper can offset the vacancy effect, as seen in 2023.

10

Is aiming 100 + in GS still relevant after seeing recent cut-offs?

Yes. A 100 + buffer safeguards you against tougher-than-expected papers, question deletions, or scaling anomalies, virtually guaranteeing qualification in most years.

11

How accurate are crowd-sourced score calculators?

They’re useful indicators but can be skewed by self-selection (mostly serious aspirants upload scores). Treat them as directional, not definitive.

12

What’s the single biggest lesson from Prelims 2025?

Treat CSAT as a core paper, not a formality. Consistent RC and reasoning practice throughout the year is now essential to avoid elimination—even for high scorers in GS.