BharatNotes ⚡ TL;DR
GS Paper I cut-offs (General category) have ranged from 87.54 (2020) to 110.34 (2015). Recent trend: 92–100 marks. 2024 cut-off was 99.34; 2025 was 92.66 (released UPSC official).
UPSC Prelims GS Paper I cut-off — General category (verified from UPSC official notices):
| Year | General | OBC | SC | ST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 98.00 | 88.00 | 82.00 | 77.34 |
| 2020 | 87.54 | 77.34 | 70.68 | 64.68 |
| 2021 | 87.54 | 78.68 | 73.34 | 67.34 |
| 2022 | 90.14 | 80.68 | 75.34 | 67.34 |
| 2023 | 91.34 | 81.34 | 76.00 | 69.34 |
| 2024 | 99.34 | 92.00 | 84.68 | 77.34 |
| 2025 | 92.66 | 82.66 | 76.00 | 70.68 |
Source: UPSC official result notifications, upsc.gov.in
Trend analysis:
- 2020 was anomalously easy (COVID disruption year, smaller candidate pool)
- 2024 spike to 99.34 reflected a moderately easier paper with more direct Qs from NCERT/standard books
- 2025 returned closer to recent average (~92)
- PwBD cut-offs are typically 15–25 marks below General category
Practical implication: Target 110+ marks (General category) to clear Prelims comfortably. Targeting the exact cut-off is dangerous — a single bad day can mean missing by 1–2 marks.
Subjects with highest variance (most unpredictable year to year):
- Environment & Ecology: 13–19 questions (2021–2025)
- Current Affairs: 16–33 questions
- Science & Technology: 4–13 questions
Focus on consistent-weightage subjects (Polity 11–16Q, History 9–18Q) as your score anchor.
