- By Sarju Saran Tiwari
- Wed, 09 Sep 2026 12:48 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
- UPSSSC Lower PCS Mains 2026 exam was moderate to difficult.
- Experts predict category-wise cutoffs, potentially lower this year.
- Negative marking significantly impacts final scores for candidates.
UPSSSC Lower PCS CUTOFF 2026: The UPSSSC Lower PCS Mains examination was conducted on August 23, 2026, in a single shift from 10 AM to 12 PM. Thousands of candidates who appeared for the exam are now anxious about the expected cutoff, even as the commission has released the official answer key, allowing aspirants to calculate their scores.
The exam was rated moderate to difficult in level, with questions on Computer and Current Affairs reportedly troubling many candidates. This has led aspirants to speculate that the cut-off could be lower than usual this year.
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Expected Cut-Off: Category-Wise
According to Vaibhav Kaushik, HOD at Sanskriti IAS, some analyses suggest the General category cut-off could go up to 72-76 marks, while others estimate it around 65-72 marks.
| Category | Expected Cut Off |
|---|---|
| General (Unreserved) | 70-75 marks |
| OBC | 67-72 marks |
| EWS | 68-73 marks |
| SC | 60-66 marks |
| ST | 55-62 marks |
The expert noted that final cut-off figures may vary slightly based on the final result, candidates' scores, and standards set by the commission.
Where Candidates Stand?
Candidates scoring 75 marks or above are considered to be in a strong position. Those with 72-74 marks have a good chance, while candidates scoring between 68-71 marks will depend heavily on their category and the final cut-off.
The competition is expected to be closest among candidates in the 65-67 mark range, while those scoring below 65 have relatively lower chances, as per Kaushik.
Role Of Negative Marking:
The Mains exam paper carried 100 marks, covering subjects like General Hindi, Computer, and Indian and World Geography. A negative marking of 0.25 marks is applied for each wrong answer- a factor that plays a significant role in the final score.
Candidates are advised to calculate their negative marking based on incorrect answers before estimating their final score using the answer key. Those with lower scores are urged to focus on a better strategy going forward rather than pausing preparation.