 |
|
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) recently released the marks of candidates who participated in the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024, revealing the scores of the top performers and the minimum qualifying marks for various categories. This data provides valuable insights into the scoring patterns and the level of competition in one of India's most prestigious and challenging examinations. Shakti Dubey, the All India Rank (AIR) 1 holder for 2024, achieved a total score of 1043 marks, comprising 843 marks in the written Mains examination and 200 marks in the interview (Personality Test) round. Comparing this to the 2023 topper, Aditya Srivastava, who scored 1099 marks (899 in the written examination and 200 in the Personality Test), indicates a slight decrease in the overall scoring trend this year. The released data not only highlights the scores of the toppers but also allows for a comparative analysis between the performance of candidates in 2024 and 2023. A closer examination of the top 10 scorers from both years reveals that the written scores of top performers have generally dipped slightly in 2024. This could be attributed to various factors, including changes in the examination pattern, the difficulty level of the question papers, or the overall preparedness of the candidates. The UPSC CSE is known for its dynamic nature, and the commission often introduces changes to the syllabus and examination format to keep the assessment process relevant and aligned with the evolving needs of the civil services. Therefore, a slight variation in scoring trends from year to year is not uncommon. In addition to the toppers’ marks, the UPSC has also announced the minimum qualifying marks (cutoffs) for different stages of the examination. For the Civil Services (Preliminary) Examination 2024, the cutoff was based solely on GS Paper-I, as GS Paper-II (CSAT) was qualifying in nature, requiring only 33% marks. The cutoff scores for the Prelims were 87.98 for the General category, 85.92 for EWS, 87.28 for OBC, 79.03 for SC, and 74.23 for ST. Comparing these figures with the 2023 cutoffs reveals a significant increase across all categories. In 2023, the Prelims cutoffs were 75.41 for General, 68.02 for EWS, 74.75 for OBC, 59.25 for SC, and 47.82 for ST. This sharp increase in the Prelims cutoffs suggests a higher level of competition and potentially a more challenging question paper in 2024. For the Mains examination, candidates needed to secure minimum marks across all seven competitive papers (Essay + GS I-IV + Optional I and II) to qualify. The cutoff scores for the Mains examination in 2024 were 729 for General, 696 for EWS, 702 for OBC, 685 for SC, and 684 for ST. Compared to 2023, where the Mains cutoffs were 741 for General, 706 for EWS, 712 for OBC, 694 for SC, and 692 for ST, there is a slight decrease in the qualifying marks across all categories. This indicates that while the Prelims examination may have been more competitive, the Mains examination might have been relatively less challenging or that the overall performance of candidates in the Mains examination was slightly lower in 2024. The final cutoff, which is the aggregate score required to be recommended for appointment to the civil services, also saw a marginal decrease in 2024. The final cutoff scores were 947 for General, 917 for EWS, 910 for OBC, 880 for SC, and 884 for ST. In 2023, these figures were 953 for General, 923 for EWS, 919 for OBC, 890 for SC, and 891 for ST. This slight dip in the final cutoff reinforces the observation that the overall scoring trends were slightly lower in 2024 compared to 2023. It is important to note that the UPSC also has a tie-breaking rule to resolve ranking inconsistencies when two or more candidates secure the same aggregate marks in the CSE. For the 2024 examination, ties were clarified using the following criteria: candidates who scored more in the compulsory papers (Essay, GS-I, GS-II, GS-III, GS-IV) and the Interview combined were ranked higher. Further, if the marks in compulsory papers and the interview were also the same, then the candidate senior in age was given the higher rank. The publication of the marks of the toppers and the cutoff scores serves several purposes. First, it provides transparency and accountability in the examination process, allowing candidates to understand the basis for their selection or non-selection. Second, it offers valuable insights for future aspirants, enabling them to assess the level of competition and strategize their preparation accordingly. Third, it helps in identifying trends and patterns in the examination, which can be useful for coaching institutes and educational institutions in designing effective training programs. The UPSC CSE is not just an examination; it is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a candidate's knowledge, skills, and aptitude. It tests not only their academic understanding but also their analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and ethical values. The examination process is designed to identify individuals who possess the qualities necessary to serve as effective and responsible civil servants. The civil services play a crucial role in the governance and administration of India. Civil servants are responsible for implementing government policies, managing public resources, and ensuring the welfare of the citizens. They work in various capacities across different departments and levels of government, contributing to the development and progress of the nation. The UPSC CSE is therefore a critical mechanism for recruiting talented and dedicated individuals into the civil services, ensuring that the country has a competent and ethical bureaucracy. The examination is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). The Preliminary Examination is a screening test that aims to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). The Main Examination is a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate's knowledge and analytical abilities. It consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers (Indian Language and English), an Essay paper, four General Studies papers (GS-I to GS-IV), and two optional subject papers. The Personality Test (Interview) is the final stage of the examination and aims to assess a candidate's personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview panel consists of experienced civil servants and subject matter experts who evaluate the candidate's overall demeanor, confidence, and understanding of current affairs. The UPSC CSE is a highly competitive examination, and only a small percentage of candidates who appear for the examination are ultimately selected for appointment to the civil services. The success rate is typically less than 1%, which underscores the difficulty and rigor of the examination. To succeed in the UPSC CSE, candidates need to have a strong foundation in various subjects, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and a positive attitude. They also need to be well-informed about current affairs and have a good understanding of the Indian Constitution and political system. The preparation for the UPSC CSE requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. Candidates typically spend several months, or even years, preparing for the examination. They need to study a wide range of subjects, practice writing answers, and stay updated on current affairs. Many candidates also join coaching institutes to get guidance and support in their preparation. The UPSC CSE is not just an examination; it is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It challenges candidates to push their limits, overcome obstacles, and develop their potential. The candidates who ultimately succeed in the examination are not only intelligent and knowledgeable but also resilient, hardworking, and committed to serving the nation. The UPSC CSE is a vital institution in India's democratic system. It ensures that the country has a competent and ethical civil service that can effectively administer the government and serve the citizens. The examination is a testament to the values of meritocracy, transparency, and accountability. It provides an opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to compete for a career in the civil services and contribute to the development and progress of the nation.
A detailed examination of the UPSC Civil Services Examination (CSE) 2024 results reveals several key trends and insights. The marks secured by the topper, Shakti Dubey, along with the cutoff scores for various categories, offer a comprehensive understanding of the examination's difficulty level and the overall performance of candidates. Comparing the 2024 results with those of 2023 provides valuable context and helps in identifying shifts in scoring patterns. Shakti Dubey's total score of 1043 marks, comprising 843 in the written Mains examination and 200 in the Personality Test, is noteworthy. However, it is lower than the 1099 marks secured by the 2023 topper, Aditya Srivastava. This difference raises questions about the factors that might have contributed to the lower scoring trend in 2024. One possible explanation is the change in the difficulty level of the question papers. The UPSC is known to introduce variations in the complexity of the questions from year to year, and it is possible that the 2024 papers were designed to be more challenging than those of 2023. Another factor could be the overall preparedness of the candidates. It is possible that the candidates who appeared for the 2024 examination were less prepared than those who appeared in 2023, although this is difficult to ascertain without more detailed data. The cutoff scores for the Preliminary Examination provide further insights into the competition level. The significant increase in the Prelims cutoffs across all categories in 2024 suggests a higher level of competition and potentially a more challenging question paper. This could be attributed to the increasing number of candidates appearing for the examination and the growing awareness of the importance of the Prelims stage. The lower cutoff scores for the Mains examination, on the other hand, suggest that the overall performance of candidates in the Mains examination was slightly lower in 2024. This could be due to various factors, including the difficulty level of the papers, the quality of the answers written by the candidates, and the evaluation criteria used by the examiners. The final cutoff scores, which determine the selection of candidates for appointment to the civil services, also saw a marginal decrease in 2024. This reinforces the observation that the overall scoring trends were slightly lower in 2024 compared to 2023. The UPSC's tie-breaking rule is an important mechanism for resolving ranking inconsistencies when two or more candidates secure the same aggregate marks. The rule prioritizes candidates who score more in the compulsory papers and the interview combined. If the marks in these components are also the same, then the candidate senior in age is given the higher rank. This rule ensures that the ranking process is fair and transparent, even in cases where candidates have identical scores. The publication of the toppers' marks and the cutoff scores is a crucial aspect of the UPSC's commitment to transparency and accountability. It allows candidates to understand the basis for their selection or non-selection and provides valuable feedback for future aspirants. It also helps in identifying trends and patterns in the examination, which can be useful for coaching institutes and educational institutions in designing effective training programs. The UPSC CSE is not just an examination; it is a rigorous and comprehensive assessment of a candidate's knowledge, skills, and aptitude. It tests not only their academic understanding but also their analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and ethical values. The examination process is designed to identify individuals who possess the qualities necessary to serve as effective and responsible civil servants. The civil services play a crucial role in the governance and administration of India. Civil servants are responsible for implementing government policies, managing public resources, and ensuring the welfare of the citizens. They work in various capacities across different departments and levels of government, contributing to the development and progress of the nation. The UPSC CSE is therefore a critical mechanism for recruiting talented and dedicated individuals into the civil services, ensuring that the country has a competent and ethical bureaucracy. The examination is conducted in three stages: the Preliminary Examination, the Main Examination, and the Personality Test (Interview). The Preliminary Examination is a screening test that aims to shortlist candidates for the Main Examination. It consists of two objective-type papers: General Studies Paper-I and General Studies Paper-II (CSAT). The Main Examination is a more comprehensive assessment of a candidate's knowledge and analytical abilities. It consists of nine papers, including two qualifying papers (Indian Language and English), an Essay paper, four General Studies papers (GS-I to GS-IV), and two optional subject papers. The Personality Test (Interview) is the final stage of the examination and aims to assess a candidate's personality, communication skills, and suitability for a career in the civil services. The interview panel consists of experienced civil servants and subject matter experts who evaluate the candidate's overall demeanor, confidence, and understanding of current affairs. The UPSC CSE is a highly competitive examination, and only a small percentage of candidates who appear for the examination are ultimately selected for appointment to the civil services. The success rate is typically less than 1%, which underscores the difficulty and rigor of the examination. To succeed in the UPSC CSE, candidates need to have a strong foundation in various subjects, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication skills, and a positive attitude. They also need to be well-informed about current affairs and have a good understanding of the Indian Constitution and political system. The preparation for the UPSC CSE requires a significant amount of time, effort, and dedication. Candidates typically spend several months, or even years, preparing for the examination. They need to study a wide range of subjects, practice writing answers, and stay updated on current affairs. Many candidates also join coaching institutes to get guidance and support in their preparation. The UPSC CSE is not just an examination; it is a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It challenges candidates to push their limits, overcome obstacles, and develop their potential. The candidates who ultimately succeed in the examination are not only intelligent and knowledgeable but also resilient, hardworking, and committed to serving the nation. The UPSC CSE is a vital institution in India's democratic system. It ensures that the country has a competent and ethical civil service that can effectively administer the government and serve the citizens. The examination is a testament to the values of meritocracy, transparency, and accountability. It provides an opportunity for talented individuals from all backgrounds to compete for a career in the civil services and contribute to the development and progress of the nation.
Source: UPSC Civil Services 2024: How much topper Shakti Dubey scored? Comparison with last year’s rankers