UPSC Confirms Cut-Off Marks and Result Timeline for Civil Services Examination

Indian Forest Service (Prelims) Results Released Alongside UPSC CSE 2025

The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) announced the results for the Civil Services Examination (CSE) preliminary exam 2025 on 11 June. Candidates who appeared for the UPSC CSE prelims can now check their result status on the official websites upsc.gov.in and upsconline.gov.in.

Alongside the CSE prelims results, UPSC also published the Indian Forest Service (prelims) results, enabling qualified candidates to update their details on the Commission’s website between 16 and 25 June 2025. As part of this process, candidates are required to pay an exam fee of Rs 200, except for those belonging to the female, PwBD, SC, and ST categories. They may also provide information concerning scribe assistance, assistive devices, and large-font question paper requests, along with submitting gazette notifications for name changes or discrepancies.

The UPSC has followed a consistent timeline for declaring the CSE prelims results over the years. In 2024, the exam was conducted on 16 June, with results announced on 1 July, whereas in 2023, it took place on 28 May, with results declared on 12 June. Maintaining this pattern, the UPSC CSE Prelims 2025 was held on 25 May, consisting of two papers: the General Studies paper (Paper 1) commenced at 9:30 am, followed by the Civil Services Aptitude Test (CSAT) paper (Paper 2) at 2:30 pm.

According to students and mentors, the UPSC Prelims 2025 was considered an overall lengthy examination, requiring extensive time management and problem-solving skills. As part of the recruitment process, a total of 979 positions will be filled through the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025, reflecting the Commission’s ongoing efforts to select highly qualified candidates for administrative roles. The UPSC has confirmed that the marks, cut-off scores, and answer keys for the CSE prelims 2025 will be uploaded on its official website (upsc.gov.in) only after the entire examination process concludes, following the declaration of the final results in 2026 for both the Civil Services Examination and Indian Forest Service Examination.

The cut-off marks for various categories have fluctuated annually, reflecting variations in competition levels and exam difficulty. In 2024, the general category required a score of 87.98, while the cut-off scores for OBC, SC, ST, and EWS candidates were 87.28, 79.03, 74.23, and 85.92, respectively. The PwBD 1 category had a cut-off of 69.42.

Candidates who score above the cut-off marks in the prelims will be eligible to register for the UPSC main examination, which is descriptive and scheduled to be conducted over five days, commencing on 22 August. The UPSC CSE selection process consists of three stages—prelims, mains, and interview. A final merit list is prepared for candidates who qualify both the mains and interview stages, with selections determined based on the highest marks achieved. Through this structured and rigorous selection process, the UPSC ensures a fair and merit-based system, aimed at identifying and appointing the most capable candidates for civil services roles in India.

Editor’s Note

The UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) prelims 2025 marks an important stage in the selection process for India's administrative services, with thousands of candidates competing for a limited number of positions. The release of the preliminary results is a crucial moment, allowing qualified candidates to progress to the next phase of the examination. The consistent timeline followed by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) ensures transparency and fairness, enabling candidates to plan their preparations effectively. The publication of cut-off marks and answer keys after the conclusion of the entire examination cycle further reinforces accountability and merit-based selection. With 979 positions available, the competition remains intense, requiring aspirants to demonstrate exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills. As candidates move forward, the descriptive mains examination will test their depth of knowledge and ability to articulate complex ideas, ultimately shaping the future leaders of the nation’s civil services.

Skoobuzz extends its best wishes to all aspiring candidates, believing that through consistent hard work, dedication, and strategic preparation, they will be well-equipped to overcome challenges and achieve success in this highly competitive process.