UPPSC PCS · Cutoff
UPPSC PCS Cutoff 2026 — expected score & rank bands
What does your score in UPPSC Combined State Service (PCS) Prelims actually get you? These bands map a mock/exam percentage to the rank window and outcomes that score range has typically achieved.
AI-curated from historic cutoff patterns — indicative, not official. Always verify with the latest official notification.
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Category-wise expected cutoff (indicative)
| Category | Expected cutoff (indicative) |
|---|---|
| General | 175–190 marks / 400 (43.75–47.5%) |
| EWS | 165–180 marks / 400 (41.25–45%) |
| OBC | 160–175 marks / 400 (40–43.75%) |
| SC | 145–160 marks / 400 (36.25–40%) |
| ST | 140–155 marks / 400 (35–38.75%) |
| PwD (Gen) | 135–150 marks / 400 (33.75–37.5%) |
| PwD (OBC) | 125–140 marks / 400 (31.25–35%) |
| PwD (SC/ST) | 120–135 marks / 400 (30–33.75%) |
- General-OBC gap typically ranges 15–20 marks; OBC-SC differential is 10–18 marks. The spread widens in moderately difficult years and compresses when papers are easier or candidate pool expands.
- Year-to-year cutoff shifts are driven by paper difficulty (especially General Studies-II legalistic questions), number of vacancies announced, and candidate turnout. A 10–15 mark swing across categories is common between consecutive cycles.
- These figures place successful candidates in the "Borderline qualifying range" to "Safe Mains qualification" bands; scoring 60%+ (240/400) dramatically improves Mains rank prospects and service allocation outcomes.
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Top 500 Prelims — Rank 1-100 possible
92–100%
- Elite Prelims performance, likely in top 500 statewide
- Deputy Collector (choice posting) — Group A, high probability of preferred district
- Assistant Commissioner (Lucknow/Prayagraj HQ) — Group A, policy-level positions
- DSP (IB/Special Branch) — Group A, intelligence and confidential cadres
- District Magistrate Office (OM cadre) — Group A, secretariat-level administration
- On track for final merit list Rank 1-100 with strong Mains + Interview
Top 1000 Prelims — Merit list probable
82–92%
- Among top 1000-2000 Prelims scorers statewide
- Deputy Collector (preferred districts) — Group A, Lucknow/Noida/Ghaziabad postings possible
- Assistant Commissioner (senior postings) — Group A, headquarters-level positions
- DSP (Law & Order) — Group A, district police administration
- District Employment Officer — Group A, Employment Department
- Economic and Statistical Officer — Group A, Planning Department
Top tier Prelims — Group A likely
72–82%
- Excellent Prelims score, among top 2000-4000 qualifiers
- Deputy Collector (Revenue Administration) — Group A, district-level magistrate powers
- DSP (Confidential) — Group A, Intelligence and Special Branch
- Assistant Commissioner (Grade-I) — Group A, Commercial Tax Department
- District Probation Officer — Group A, Social Welfare cadre
- District Panchayati Raj Officer — Group A, rural governance
Strong Prelims — Mains contender
62–72%
- Well above Prelims cut-off, focus shifts to Mains strategy
- Deputy Collector / SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) — Group A, Revenue Administration
- Assistant Commissioner (State Tax) — Group A, Commercial Tax cadre
- District Minority Welfare Officer — Group B cadre
- Regional Transport Officer (RTO) — Group B, senior transport administration
- With strong Mains performance, Group A administrative posts achievable
Safe Prelims qualification
50–62%
- Comfortable Prelims clearance for most categories
- Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) — Group A, Police cadre
- Block Development Officer (BDO) — Group B, Rural Development
- Assistant Regional Transport Officer — Group B, Transport Department
- District Food Marketing Officer — Group B cadre
- Must score 45-50% in Mains to reach final merit list
Borderline — may clear cut-off
35–50%
- May qualify for Prelims depending on difficulty and category
- OBC/SC/ST candidates have better chances in this range
- Recent years' General cut-off: approximately 42-47%
- Deputy Collector (Group A) — if Prelims cleared, focus on Mains prep
- Assistant Commissioner (Commercial Tax) — Group B posts
- Need strong Mains preparation to compete for final merit list
Below cut-off range
0–35%
- Unlikely to clear Prelims cut-off
- UPPSC PCS Prelims typically requires 40-45% for General category
- Focus on NCERT fundamentals and UP-specific GK
- Strengthen CSAT (Paper II) — qualifying paper with 33% minimum
- Consider attempting UPPSC RO/ARO or Lower Subordinate Services
Where would YOUR score land?
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