MPSC Cut Off Trends (Last 5 Years) & Expected Cut Off for 2026
- laxmi mane
- Jan 14
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 14
INTRODUCTION
Understanding the shifting landscape of competitive exams in Maharashtra is essential for any serious aspirant. As we move into 2026, the Maharashtra Public Service Commission (MPSC) has introduced landmark changes to its examination pattern, moving from an objective-based system to a descriptive one for the State Services (Rajyaseva) Mains. This shift directly influences MPSC Cut Off Trends and requires a fresh analytical perspective.
In this comprehensive guide, we analyze the historical data from 2021 to 2025 and provide an evidence-based prediction for the MPSC Cut Off Trends in 2026.
MPSC Cut Off Trends: A 5-Year Analytical Overview (2021–2025)
The cut-off for the MPSC Rajyaseva exam is never static. It is a product of three primary variables: the number of vacancies, the difficulty level of the question paper, and the total number of appearing candidates. Over the last five years, we have seen significant fluctuations.
1. The 2021-2022 Phase: High Competition and Objective Stability
In 2021, the Prelims cut-off for the Open (General) category was notably high at 228.375 (out of 400). This era was characterized by a stable objective pattern where candidates had mastered the "fact-heavy" nature of the paper. By 2022, despite the competitive intensity, the cut-off for Prelims adjusted to 106.5 (calculated out of 200 for Paper I, as CSAT became qualifying).
2. The 2023-2024 Transition: Increasing Complexity
In 2023, the Prelims cut-off stood at 108.00, showing a slight upward tick as students adapted to the "qualifying CSAT" model. However, 2024 saw a jump to 117.50. This was largely due to a moderate difficulty level in General Studies Paper I and a high turnout of aspirants aiming for the last few "Objective-style" Mains attempts.
3. The 2025 Turning Point
The 2025 cycle served as the precursor to the massive 2026 shift. With the announcement of the descriptive pattern being made "final," the 2025 Prelims saw a diverse range of scores. Early estimates for the 2025 Prelims suggest a cut-off range of 115–120, influenced by an increased vacancy count of 601 posts.
Deciphering the 2026 Shift: Descriptive Pattern & Course Details
The MPSC Cut Off Trends in 2026 will be the first to reflect the new Maharashtra Civil Services Gazette Combined Examination structure. Unlike previous years where the Mains was an MCQ-based test of 800 marks, the 2026 Mains is a descriptive, UPSC-style marathon of 1,750 marks.
MPSC 2026 Exam Structure & Marks Distribution
Stage | Nature | Total Marks | Impact on Merit |
Prelims (Paper I & II) | Objective | 400 (CSAT is Qualifying) | Screening Only |
Mains (9 Papers) | Descriptive | 1,750 | Rank Deciding |
Interview | Personality Test | 275 | Rank Deciding |
Total Merit Marks: 2,025
Because the 2026 Mains is descriptive, the "Final Cut-off" (Mains + Interview) will see a numerical drop compared to the old 800-mark system percentagewise. Historically, in descriptive exams, scoring above 45-50% is considered elite.
Expected MPSC Cut Off Trends for 2026
Predicting the MPSC Cut Off Trends for 2026 requires looking at the current 79 vacancies announced (which may increase) and the May 31, 2026, Prelims date.
2026 Expected Prelims Cut-Off (Out of 200 - Paper I)
Based on the current 2026 notification data:
Open (General): 118 – 124
OBC / EWS: 116 – 122
SC: 110 – 115
ST: 98 – 105
Factors Influencing the 2026 Prediction
Low Initial Vacancy: Currently, only 79 vacancies are notified. If this number does not increase significantly by the time of the Prelims result, the cut-off will naturally push toward the higher end (124+).
The "Descriptive Fear" Factor: Many old-pattern veterans might skip the 2026 attempt due to the descriptive shift, potentially lowering the competition at the top tier.
CSAT Qualifying Nature: Since Paper II requires only 33% (66.6 marks), the entire weight of the Prelims cut-off rests on the 100 questions of General Studies Paper I.
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Category-Wise Detailed Analysis (MPSC 2026)
The MPSC Cut Off Trends often show a narrowing gap between the Open, OBC, and EWS categories. In 2024, the cut-off for all three was identical at 117.50. We expect this "Category Convergence" to continue in 2026.
Horizontal Reservation Trends
Don't ignore the horizontal categories. The MPSC Cut Off Trends for Female candidates usually sit 5–8 marks below the General cut-off. For 2026, we expect:
Female (Open): 110 – 114
Sports: 30 – 45 (Highly variable based on applicant count)
Divyang (Type A/B/C): 80 – 95
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the expected MPSC Cut Off Trends for 2026?
The expected MPSC Cut Off Trends for 2026 suggest a Prelims cut-off of 118–124 for the Open General category, assuming a moderate difficulty level and the current vacancy count.
2. How have MPSC Cut Off Trends changed with the new descriptive pattern?
While the Prelims remain objective, the MPSC Cut Off Trends for the Mains will shift from a high-percentage MCQ score to a lower-percentage descriptive score out of 1,750 marks, similar to UPSC standards.
3. Does the number of vacancies affect MPSC Cut Off Trends?
Yes, vacancies are a primary driver. Fewer vacancies in the 2026 notification (currently 79) usually result in higher MPSC Cut Off Trends as the commission selects a smaller pool of candidates for the Mains.
4. Are MPSC Cut Off Trends for EWS and OBC different in 2026?
Recent data shows that MPSC Cut Off Trends for Open, EWS, and OBC categories have become almost identical, often landing on the exact same score in the Preliminary stage.
5. Where can I track the official MPSC Cut Off Trends?
Official MPSC Cut Off Trends and results are published on the commission's official website (mpsc.gov.in). It is advisable to compare these with previous years' data to understand the competitive trajectory.
Conclusion
The 2026 MPSC exam marks a "New Era" for Maharashtra's civil services. While the MPSC Cut Off Trends for Prelims remain high due to intense competition and current vacancy constraints, the real battle will be in the descriptive Mains. Success in 2026 will not just be about "clearing the cut-off" but about mastering the art of answer writing in the new format.
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