WBCS Cut Off: Previous Year Prelims Marks and Trends

The WBCS cut off is the minimum score the Public Service Commission, West Bengal (WBPSC) sets for each category to move candidates from one stage to the next. For the prelims, it is published with the result as category-wise marks out of 200. For the final selection, the commission also fixes minimum aggregate marks for each category.

Cut-offs change every cycle with the difficulty of the paper, the number of vacancies and the number of candidates. Treat the figures below as a benchmark only, and aim for a clear margin above them rather than a bare pass.

WBCS Prelims Cut Off: Previous Years

The December 2023 result, declared in July 2024, qualified 4,960 candidates for the mains and also listed separate cut-offs for PwBD sub-categories and Meritorious Sportspersons (77.75). The result of the prelims held on 14 June 2026 (WBCS 2024 cycle) was awaited at the time of writing, so check psc.wb.gov.in for the latest figures.

Trend in the Cut Off

In both cycles above, the general cut-off was between about 101 and 105 marks out of 200, roughly half the paper. OBC-A and OBC-B have moved almost level with the general category, while the SC cut-off sits a few marks lower and the ST cut-off much lower.

Minimum Qualifying Marks for Final Selection

Advertisement No. 03/2025 fixes these aggregate minimums, counting the written examination and Personality Test together:

These are minimums, not selection scores. Final selection depends on rank and the vacancies reported.

How the New Pattern Affects the Cut Off

From WBCS 2025, the prelims has two papers. GS Paper II is qualifying, so you need at least 66 out of 200 in it. The merit-based cut-off is therefore expected to apply to GS Paper I, though WBPSC will confirm this with the result. Since the old paper had different subjects and 2.5 hours, past cut-offs are only a rough guide for the new format.

How to Set Your Target

• Aim 15 to 20 marks above the last general cut-off: A score of 120 or more in GS Paper I mock tests gives you a safer margin.

• Keep accuracy high: With negative marking, fewer careful attempts often beat many guesses.

• Clear GS Paper II comfortably: Target 90 or more in practice so that a tough paper does not push you below 66.