State PSC Cut Off: How It Works and How to Use It
Prelims, mains and final cut-offs in State PCS exams, qualifying marks vs cut off, and how to use previous year trends.
The State PSC cut off is the minimum score a candidate needs to move from one stage of a State PCS exam to the next, or to be selected at the end. Each commission releases its own cut-offs, usually category-wise, along with or after the result. Understanding how cut-offs work helps you set realistic targets for prelims, mains and the final list.
Types of State PSC Cut Off
Cut-off | When it applies | What it decides |
|---|---|---|
Prelims cut off | After prelims | Who qualifies for mains |
Mains cut off | After mains | Who is called for interview |
Final cut off | After interview | Who is selected, often post-wise and category-wise |
Most commissions publish prelims cut-offs category-wise (for example unreserved, OBC, SC, ST, EWS, women and PwBD). Final cut-offs are often shown post-wise as well.
Qualifying Marks vs Cut Off
These two are often confused:
Qualifying marks are a fixed minimum set in the notification. For example, UPPSC and MPSC require 33% in the CSAT paper, and MPPSC requires 40% (30% for reserved categories) in its aptitude paper.
Cut off is the actual score of the last candidate who qualifies. It depends on competition and is known only after the result.
Scoring the qualifying marks does not guarantee selection; you must also score above the cut off.
Factors That Decide the Cut Off
Number of vacancies: More posts usually mean a lower cut off.
Number of candidates: Higher competition pushes cut-offs up.
Difficulty of the paper: A tougher paper usually lowers the cut off.
Negative marking: It reduces raw scores and can lower cut-offs.
Reservation and category: Each category has its own cut off.
Normalisation or answer key changes: Revised answer keys can shift final scores.
How to Use Previous Year Cut Offs
Collect your state's last three to five years of cut-offs from the official website.
Note the trend for your category, not just the general category.
Set your mock test target a safe margin above the recent cut off.
Remember that a pattern change (such as new negative marking or a new marking scheme) can make old cut-offs less comparable.
Where to Check the Official Cut Off
Cut-offs are published on each commission's website, usually in the result notice or a separate marks notice. You can reach every commission through the UPSC's official list of State Public Service Commissions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to practice? Explore State PSC mock tests from top educators.
Browse State PSC Mock Tests